Elizabeth Prout, a Shrewsbury born nun, is on course to become Britain’s first female non-martyr saint in 800 years after the Vatican ruled she had lived a life of ‘heroic virtue’. Her sainthood cause was submitted to the Vatican in 2008. Elizabeth Prout, also known as Mother Mary Joseph of Jesus (1820-1864) was the founder of the Roman Catholic religious institute originally called the Institute of the Holy Family, but known later as the Passionist Sisters or Sisters of the Cross and Passion. She was received into the Catholic faith in her early twenties-parents opposed it. The so called ‘Mother Teresa of Manchester’, i n 1848. aged 28, became a nun and was given a teaching post in some of th poorest areas of Manchester, working largely among Irish migrants and factory workers who were fleeing the Great Famine. Parts of Manchester in 1844 were described as ‘this hell on earth’. An observer 4 years later described the place where Elizabeth worked - the Angel Meadow district as*the lowest, most filthy, most unhealthy and most wicked locality - the home of prostitutes, their bullies, thieves, codgers, vagrants, tramps and in the very worst sties of filth and darkness- the low Irish. The life of Elizabeth and her female companions was strict They laboured for much of the day in prayer and working for the local poor. Her original companions found it too strict and left. Father Gaudentius Rossi, who greatly influenced her, drew up ’ a rule of life’ for the Institute of the Holy Family. and new recruits joined. On 21st November 1852 the new sisters received a religious habit . At her clothing she became Mother Mary Joseph of Jesus - her religious name. The new institute was criticised for its revolutionary ideas -the nuns had to earn their own wages to support themselves The nuns worked so they became ill. Unable to afford a doctor she nursed them back to health. Conflict within the community took its toll on her work, particularly the finances of the Institution. She went to Ireland to beg for alms for her Institute. On her return things were even worse- the sisters were accused of irregularity. The resulting investigation proved extremely positive because it revealed the deep poverty of the sisters and the sacrifices they had made in their hard work. She opened 9 schools for poor children and homes for the destitute women across the industrial region ( Read ‘Work in Manchester’) The Vatican approved the new order in 1863. The institute was originally called the Institute of the Holy Family, but later known as the Passionist Sisters or the Sisters of the Cross and Passion. The deeply practical Elizabeth was the first Superior General. Elizabeth, aged 43, died the following year,on 11th January, 1864. Her body , with Dominic Barberi and Ignatius Spencer lies in the shrine of St. Anne’s Church, Sutton. The latest up date on her possible saint hood. Elizabeth declared Venerable by the Vatican in January 2021.

Bapa Timmy (1897-1988) lived in a mountain village on Buru, one of 1000s of islands that make up the republic of Indonesia. Bapa as a young boy practiced animism. He worshiped his ancestors and did his best to please the evil spirits he believed were in the trees, rocks and other objects. Tragedy struck when 10 of his sisters and brothers died. In his sorrow he began to search for the unknown God he believed must exist. God began to reveal himself to him and he gave up his former religion. He asked God to forgive him his sins. Several years later he met an Assemblies of God believer. He then went to Bible school in Indonesia. On his return tn his village they were unhappy because he had rejected the local customs. One day 30 men came out of the mountains and attacked him. He was nearly beaten to death but within a week he had recovered but 24 of his attackers had died. The other 6 were afflicted with various sicknesses - they went to Bapa and joined him in following Jesus . One year, for 9 months, no rain fell on his village. Crops failed A recent forest fire had the left the land charred. The witch doctors efforts failed… Bapa saw this was an opportunity to show his village that the Lord Jesus was the one true God. He prayed to God for rain - he gave the witch doctors the day and the time. Like in the time of Elijah (1 Kings 18 verses 41-6) the rain poured down. Everywhere was wet except where Bapa and the witch doctors stood! He went to Danu Rana, a village nearby. 100 were waiting. They had already decided to accept God- the Holy Spirit fell and all began to speak in tongues. This happened in 1953. Bapa died in 1988 aged 91. His influence lives on in the 13 churches started through his influence. Enjoy reading out the story and showing the pictures. Source Boys and Girls Missionary Challenge from Assemblies of God World Missions

Demos Shakarian Jr. (1913-1993) was an American businessman of Armenian origin from Los Angeles. He founded the Full Gospel Business men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI). The Happiest People on Earth (1975) is his story and the story of FGBMFI. A large group of Pryguny (Christian Sect in Russia), including the Shakarian family, began to arrive in Los Angeles in 1905. They settled within a mile of the Azusa Street Revival and were delighted to meet spiritual faiths in America similar to theirs. Demos was born 8 years later. When he grew up he entered the family business of dairy farming. Their milk herd grew to become the largest in the world at that time. He used organizational abilities to facilitate Evangelistic campaigns with Charles S. Price and others. He spent most of his adult life building the FGNFI (started 1952) for free. Honorariums and monies from speaking engagements he deposited back into the ministry. Every year he would resign his position as president, step into the hall, and allow the 200 board to vote for the next president! He noted from his tent campaigns that they mainly attracted women. He wanted FGNFI to establish and encourage more participation by men by providing a platform for businessmen to give religious testimonies. The fellowship grew to 190 countries. He also played a key role in working with Paul Crouch to help launch Trinity broadcasting network (TBN), working to fund Joel Olsteen’s father John Olsteen’s ministry and played a key role in helping grow the Voice of Healing Revival. (Read ‘Healing Revival’) For the full story of Demos Shakarian and FGNFI the book need to be read. (See Amazon advert) The FGB today, has 6,000 chapters in around 160 countries worldwide. The FGB allows for men and women an opportunity to come together, from any church or non-church background to hear something of the reality of the presence of God and His power at work within our lives. (Read ‘About FGB’) Source used Wikipedia

John Frith (1503-1533 was an English protestant priest, writer and martyr. As his ministry progressed he took greater risks with his stance against the Roman Catholic teachings of Purgatory ( a temporary place or condition of suffering or torment) and Transubstantiation ( that bread and wine at Communion change to Christ’s body and blood). John was born in 1503 in Westerham, Kent. The font where he was baptised is still in use today. He went to Sevenoaks Grammar School. He then went to Eton (1520-20and Queen’s College, Cambridge. He received his degree from King’s in 1525. He became proficient in Latin, Greek and mathematics After graduating he was called out of Cambridge to attend Oxford University by Thomas Wolsey who personally gathered young men who excelled in learning and knowledge (1525-8). Met influential William Tyndale. Married in 1528 Oxford was the first place in which John was apprehended and committed to prison under the suspicion of being in favour of Martin Luther’s doctrine and had books in his possession considered ’ heretical’. He was released roughly 6 months later and fled to Antwerp. From Antwerp he travelled to Marburg where he translatedPlaces by Patrick Hamilton. In 1529 he translated other pieces. He also had *A Dispotacion of Purgatoryr, *published. (See ‘Residence in continental Europe’) The second place he was imprisoned was on a visit to Reading. in Berkshire. He went to see the Prior at Reading because he had run out of money. He was imprisoned as a vagabond and rogue, arrested and put in the stocks He was released with the help of Leonard Coxe, a local schoolmaster. On His return to England, Thomas More, the Lord Chancellor, issued warrants for his arrest. He was imprisoned in the Tower of London for about 8 months.While there he wrote his final book The Bulwark - his thoughts on the Communion. John was tried before many examiners and bishops. He produced his own writing as evidence for his views but they were deemed as heresy. He was asked whether he believed in purgatory or transubstantiation he answered that neither could be proved by Holy Scripture. 23rd June sentenced to death as a heretic and moved to Newgate Prison. 4th July, 1533 publicly burned at the stake in Smithfield, London Master Frith was a young man noted for his godliness, intelligence and knowledge. In the secular world he could have risen to any height he wished, but he chose, instead, to serve the church and work for the benefit of others and not himself. Harold Chadwick John’s works were posthumously published in 1573 by John Foxe John Frith played an influential role in the Protestant Reformation

Charles Fox Parham (1873-1929) was an independent holiness evangelist who believed strongly in divine healing. Charles was the first to associate glossolalia (speaking in tongues) with the baptism in the Holy Spirit. He was the first to articulate Pentecostalism’s distinctive doctrine of evidential tongues. In 1900 he founded the Bethel Bible School, Charles was born in Muscatine, Iowa on 4th June 1873. In 1878 his family moved by covered wagon to Cheney, Kansas. As a child he had very severe rheumatic fever. The next year his father married Harriet Miller, the daughter of a Methodist circuit rider. The Parham’s opened their home for religious activities. Aged 15 he began conducting hie first religious services. In 1890 he enrolled at Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, a Methodist affiliated school. He left in 1893 when he came to believe education would prevent him from ministering effectively. He worked in a Methodist Episcopal church as a supply pastor ( he was never ordained). He left in 1895 because he disagreed with its hierarchy. He established his own itinerant evangelistic ministry which preached the ideas of the holiness movement and was well received by the people of Kansas. On 31st December 1896 Charles married Sarah Thistlewaite, a daughter of a Quaker, in a Friends’ ceremony. In 1897 Charles and his baby son Claude fell ill. Recovery was attributed to divine intervention so he committed to preaching divine healing and prayer for the sick. 1898 moved to Topeka. Kansas where he established the Bethel Healing Home and published the Apostolic Faith magazine. 1900 he took a sabbatical. Most of his time was spent with Frank Sandford in Maine. He picked up Frank’s Bible school model and other ideas. In his absence others had taken charge of the healing home. He decided to start Bethel Bible College at Topeka in October 1900. There he taught that speaking in tongues was the scriptural evidence for the reception of the baptism with the Holy Spirit. It happened! On 1st January 1901, after a New Year’s Eve watch night. His students had prayed for and received the baptism with the the Holy Spirit and began to speak in tongues. Charles, away at the time, later received the same experience. He then began to preach it at all his services. With his controversial beliefs and aggressive style he found funding difficult. In 1903 his fortunes changed. Mary Arthur, a prominent citizen of Galena, Kansas, claimed she had been healed. He was invited that winter to preach in a warehouse seating 100s. News Heraldreported 1,000 healed, 800 converted. He developed a strong following which would form the backbone of his movement for the rest of his life. He preached for a further 26 years but his heart, weaken by rheumatic fever as a child, took his life on 29th January 1929. Charles originated the doctrine of initial evidence. It was this doctrine which made Pentecostalism distinct from other holiness Christian groups.

James Clerk Maxwell (1831-1879) was undoubtedly one of the greatest physicists - Einstein had Jame’s portrait on the wall to inspire him. James insights into the principles of electromagnetism laid the foundation for our modern world; radio, television, smart phones and the internet. James was born on the 13th June 1831 in Edinburgh, Scotland. He was an extraordinarily curious child, he would investigate everything he could find. He grew up in a deeply Christian home and by the age of 8 could recite all 176 verses of Psalm 119. He went to Cambridge University and subjected his Christian beliefs to a thorough analysis.* After a conversion experience he took hold of a mature and confident faith that would endure throughout his life* J. John. He applied his intellect and his mathematical skills to many subjects. His greatest achievement was that he able to unite what had been considered 3 separate phenomena- electricity, magnetism and light. Albert Einstein said one scientific epoch ended and another began with James Clerk Maxwell. At his Cavendish Laboratory he had inscribed on the doors Great are the works of the Lord; they ponder by all who delight in them. Psalm 111 v 2 His faith satisfied, stimulated and supported him. He was committed to his Christian faith. He believed because God had created the universe we should try to understand it. He may have lost his mother when he was only 8, his father when he was in his twenties, and his wife in her forties but he confidently quoted the Bible and was grateful that he knew God in Christ. He belonged to an evangelical Presbyterian church and in his later years became a church elder. He died, aged 48, on 5th November 1879. The minister who visited him in his last few weeks that he spent his last days with a faith that was confident ‘in the gospel of the Saviour.’ He was one of the greatest physicists who ever lived but he also openly declared his Christian beliefs. James* sat at the feet of Christ and so should we J.John

James Fraser McLuskey (1914-2005) is known as Parachute Padre because he was awarded the Military Cross, during WWII, while with Special Air Services (SAS). He was a British Church of England minister who served as a military chaplain with the SAS during WWII. He later went on to become the minister of St. Columba’s, (1960-86) the larger of the Church of Scotland’s two congregations in London. He also served for one year as Moderator of the General Assembly (1983-4). He was born in Edinburgh on 19th September 1914. His family moved to Aberdeen where his father ran a laundry business. He attended Aberdeen Grammar School (1920-31), He returned to Edinburgh to take degrees in divinity and art. Fraser McLuskey, as he was known, spent several months on a travel scholarship where he became interested in the Confessional Church in Germany - church opposed to Hitler and the Nazis. Here he met his first wife, Irene Calaminus, the pastor’s daughter. Ordained in 1938 to be the Scottish secretary of the Student Christian Movement. In 1939 he became chaplain to the University of Glasgow (1939-47). In 1942/3 he took leave of absence to become an Army Chaplain. After parachute training he was posted to the SAS. He served in France, Germany and Norway and was awarded the Military Cross. ( See Independent for ‘citation’) His war time experiences can be read in Parachute Padre; Behind German Lines with the SAS: France 1944 ( See AbeBooks) Back in Britain he travelled throughout the country visiting families of men lost in action with the SAS, explaining the circumstances of their death. 1947-50 he was sub-warden at the Royal Army Chaplains’ Training Centre. He then returned to Scotland. He went first to Broughty Ferry East. In 1955 to New Kilpatrick on the outskirts of Glasgow where he had a congregation of 2,0000, While there his first wife, Irene, died of breast cancer. leaving him had 2 teenage boys to look after. In 1960 he moved to St. Columbia’s, Pont Street, London where he was involved in many Scots church and ecumenical activities. His first priorities were in preaching the pastoral work. . He believed in having Church of Scotland outposts in London so he united with the kirk in Dulwich. He also had a link with St. Andrew’s, Newcastle upon Tyne. In 1966 he married a divorced widow. Ruth Briant As moderator of the General Assembly 1983/4 he received the Queen at the centenary service of his church. He represented the Kirk at the reunion assembly in Atlanta of the Northern and Southern American Presbyterian churches. After 25 years at St. Columbia’s he retired to Edinburgh in 1986. After his retirement he remained influential in the Kirk. a moderating force in political matters and a supporter of a more evangelical approach. He spent his free time traveling the countryside where he had been with the SAS in WWII. Fraser McLuskey, the Parachute Padre, took his last jump: he died on the 24th July, 2005, aged 90.

Anne Askew, (married name Anne Kyme (1521-1546) was an English writer, poet and Protestant martyr. She was condemned as a heretic in England during the reign of Henry VIII. She is the only woman on record known to have been tortured in the Tower of London and burnt at the stake. She is also one of the earliest female poets to compose in the English language. She is the first woman to demand divorce using scriptural grounds. Anne was born in 1521 in Lincolnshire, England. Her father was Sir William Akew a gentleman in the court of Henry VIII. Her father arranged for her eldest sister Martha to marry Thomas Kyme. Martha died before the marriage so to save money her father had Anne married to him instead. Anne was a devout Protestant, studying the Bible and memorizing Biblical verses and remained true to her beliefs for the whole of her life. Her pronouncements against transubstantiation ( the belief that the bread and wine at Holy Communion actually changed into the body and blood of Christ) created controversy in Lincoln. Her husband was Catholic. They had 2 children before he threw her out for being a Protestant - alleged that she was seeking divorce so this did not upset her. In London she was a ‘gospeler’ or a preacher to all. March 1545 husband had her arrested. He demanded she returned to Lincolnshire but sh escaped. Early 1546 arrested then released. May 1546 arrested and tortured in the Tower of London. 18th June 1546 convicted of heresy and condemned to be burned at the stake. 16th July 1546 martyred in Smithfield, London (Read ‘Background on 1546’, ‘Plain speaking’, ‘Arrest and interrogation’ plus ‘Execution’) Those who watched her execution were impressed by her bravery. Anne listened to BIshop Shaxton when he preached from the pulpit. She audibly expressed agreement when he spoke anything considered truth. Anything contrary she exclaimed There he misseth, and speaketh without the book She did not scream until the flames reached her chest. After her death Anne Askew’s autobiographical and publishished Examinations - in its original form - chronicle her persecutions and offer a unique look into 16th century femininity, religion and faith. (Read ‘Legacy’ and ‘Examinations’) Anne Askew was an intelligent, articulate Christian woman who used written Scripture as her defence. *God hath geven me the gyfte of knowledge, but not of utterance, And Salomon sayth, that i Wolde not throw pearles amonge swyne, for acornes were good ynoubh * Matthew ch7 v 6

Not a great deal is known about Daniel Nash (1775-1831) but he was the key to Charles Finney’s ministry- he served as Charles’s personnel intercessor. A great deal has been written about Charles but Daniel, his associate, is *the most famous guy the world has never known. Daniel was Charles Grandison Finney’s prayer warrior. He was a pastor himself but he had been hurt by some church leaders who fired him for being too old. He was 46 at the time. Daniel would precede Charles’s arrive in a city. He would check into a boarding house and pray for the meetings. He would slip quietly into a town and seek to get 2 or 3 people to enter into a covenant of prayer with him. Sometimes people would hearing weeping and groaning from his room as they prayed for the Holy Spirit’s power to be released for a mighty harvest from Charles’s preaching. He prayed for days, sometimes even weeks, until he felt the atmosphere had been prepared. Once he felt it was released he would call Charles to come. Daniel, quiet by nature, did not attend many of the revival meetings, instead he continued to pray. I did the preaching and brother Nash gave himself up almost continually to prayer. Charles Finney While Charles preached Daniel would be in some adjoining house, face in agony of prayer. God answered them in the marvels of his grace. While Charles preached those praying ’ held the ropes’. In the notes I have included it is pointed out that only 4 months after Daniel died, in 1831, that Charles left his itinerate revival ministry to pastor a church. For Charles Grandson Finney’s conversion see separate TES entry.

Saint Agatha of Sicily (c.231-251 AD) is a Christine saint. She was born in Catania or Palermo in Sicily. According tot the 13th century Golden Legend by Jacbus de Voragine, Agatha, aged 15, from a rich and noble family made a vow of virginity. She rejected the amorous advances and persistent proposals of marriage to the Roman prefect Quintianus. This was during the persecutions of emperor Decius so he reported her to the authorities for being a Christian. In the first place, to force her to change her mind, He imprisoned her in a brothel but Agatha never lost her confidence in God. He tried again. On being rejected he had her imprisoned and tortured - this included cutting off her breasts with pincers. He then sentenced her to be burnt at the stake but an earthquake saved her from that fate. Although her martyrdom is authenticated there is no reliable information concerning her death. She may have died in prison aged just 20. She is buried at the Badia di Sant’Agata, Catania. Her patronage is wide -these are examples. She is the patron saint of breast cancer patients and earthquakes She is the patron saint of Catania, Malta, Molise, San Marino, Gallipoli and Zamarramala. The tradition of making shaped pastry on the feast of St Agatha-5th February, such as Agatha breads or buns Breasts of St. Agatha is found in many countries. Saint Agatha of Sicily is one of the most highly venerated virgin martyrs of Christian history. She is one of several martyrs who are commemorated in the Canon of the Mass.

14 Holy Helpers is a group of venerated saints in Roman Catholicism. In my research for well known saints this group has been regularly mentioned so rather than add them as an appendage I have given them separate recognition. Saints Blaise, Cyriacus, Eramus, George, Giles, Panteleon and Vitus the rest may only be legends. See separate information on the 6 given. Apparently this group of * helpers in need* originated in the 14th century as a result of epidemic which became known as the Black death.

I have put together some information about St. Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus. On the liturgical calendar he has two feast days - March 19th - Joseph the husband of Mary - established in the tenth century, and May 1st Joseph the worker in 1955 . March 19th normally falls in Lent. In some churches they have a meal of crumbs - representing wood shavings remembering that St. Joseph was a carpenter by trade. I have included two pieces of work from Britannica. They contain the same information but one is in a bolder font and the other in smaller print with certain words high lighted - between the two a piece of gap work could be created -see example included. In some catholic countries, notably Italy, Portugal and Spain, Father’s day is celebrated on St. Joseph’s Day, March 19th.

Alfred the Great was the king of th e West Saxons from 871-886 and king of the Anglo-Saxons c.886-899. He is venerated as a saint by some Christian traditions. The Anglican community venerate him as a Christian hero with a feast day or commemoration on 26th October. He is often depicted in stained glass windows in C of E parish churches. Alfred was the youngest son of King AEthelwulf. Three of his brothers AEthelbald. AEtheberht and AEthelred, reigned in turn before him. After ascending the throne he spent several years fighting Viking invasions. In 878/9 he had a decisive victory at the Battle of Edington. (He did not win all the battles) With the Vikings he created Danelaw in the North of England. He saw the Viking leader. Guthrum converted to Christianity. He became the dominant ruler in England Alfred had a great love of the church. As a child he had made the difficult journey to Rome to be blessed by the Pope. As king he now turned to rebuilding of civilisation and religion among his people. The Danes had destroyed nearly all th churches and schools in the land. He restored communications with Rome and invited scholars and monks from the Europe and Ireland to come and help in the revival of learning in England. He encouraged the building of churches, monasteries and schools. Alfred studied and translated into Anglo-Saxon the Psalms. He also translated from Latin into Old English certain works that were regarded at the time as providing models of ideal Christian kingship and ‘most necessary for all men to know.’ From his followers he won the title ‘Protector of the Poor’. Bishop Asser of Wales was set the task of writing the king’s biography - he emphasised Alfred’s positive aspects. He presented Alfred as the embodiment of the ideal, but practical, Christian ruler. By the time of the Reformation Alfred was seen as a pious Christian who promoted the use of English rather then the Latin He was given the epithet as ‘the Great’ by writers in the 16th century not by his contemporaries. He reigned for 30 years. He died aged just 50.King Alfred was never canonised (although HenryV1 asked Pope EugeneIV in 1441 to canonise him). History Today published an article The Most Perfect Man in History- I have enclosed most of the article. I desire to live worthily as long as I lived, and to leave after my life, to the men who should come after me, the memory of me in good works Alfred’s translation of passage from* Consolation of Philosophy* by Boethius Source used Wikipedia

I was thinking of creating some junior material about Mary Seacole when I found National Geographic For Kids had already created this resource. See also notes on Kofoworota Abeni Pratt - first black Nigerian nurse in NHS

Saint Blaise was a physician and bishop of Sebaste in Asia Minor. it is believed he was martyred in 316 AD. People came ‘flocking’ to him because he was able to cure them of bodily and spiritual ills. Apparently he could also heal animals. l The Roman Emperor Licinius believed that arresting and punishing important leaders like Saint Blaise would prevent other people from becoming Christians. One of the stories told about him was that on his way to prison he cured a boy who had a bone stuck in his throat. The legend reads- As he was being led to jail, a mother set her son, choking to death of a fish-bone, at his feet, and the child was cured straight away. Regardless, the governor, unable to make Blaise renounce his faith, beat him with a stick, ripped his flesh with iron combs and beheaded him Up until 1825 a Bishop Blaize festival and procession were held at Bradford. A child would recite these words- Hail to the day when kind auspicious rays Deigned first to smile on famous Bishop Blaize. He is the patron saint of people with diseases of the throat. On February 3rd many parishes bless the throats of their parishioners in a special ceremony. Two unlit candles are held next to each person’s throat as the priest or deacon says - Through the intercession of Saint Blaise, bishop and martyr, may God deliver you from every disease of the throat and from every other illness: in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. His name is found on inn signs in towns which became centres of the wool trade such as Cirencester and Exeter. It is believed he was tortured by having his body torn apart with the iron combs then used by woolcombers, then beheaded. Saint Blaise is one of the 14 Holy helpers and became one of the most popular saints of the Middle Ages.

Saint Oswald ( c.604-642)was king of Northumbria (634-642) until his death and is venerated as a saint. As a youth he was exiled to Iona, Columbia’s island, in the Scottish kingdom of Dal Riata in Northern Britain, where he was converted to Christianity. His brother Eanfrith became king of Bernicia but was killed by Cadwallon in 633/4 after attempting to negotiate peace. Oswald fought Cadwallon in the battle at Heavenfiels, near Hexham. He had a vision of Columba before the battle which he described to his council. They all agreed to be baptized and accept Christianity after the battle. Before the battle he erected a wooden cross. He knelt down, holding the cross in position until enough earth had been thrown to make it stand firm. He then prayed and asked his small army to join him. In the battle which followed Oswald was victorious. Cadwallon was killed. The tall, fair, blued eyed King Oswald reunited Norhthumbria and re-established the Berniccian supremacy. He established himself as the most powerful king in Britain. Adomnan describes Oswald as ‘ordained by God as Emperor of all Britain’. He was able to speak the 4 languages of Britain- Britons, Scots, Picts and English. He was on good terms with the West Saxons. He stood sponsor tot the baptism of king Cynegils and married his daughter Kyneburga. Oswald asked for a bishop from the Irish of Dal Riata. The first, an ‘austere’ bishop, was not successful. The second, Aidan proved to be very successful. He was given the island of Lindisfarne as his episcopal see. The Venerable Bede mentions that Oswald initially interpreted Aidan’s preaching because he did not know English well. Bede recounts Oswald’s generosity to the poor and strangers. One Easter, while dining with Aidan. he hears from a servant that there is a crowd in the streets begging for alms from the king. Oswald gives his * silver dish full of dainties* to them and the dish is broken up. Aidan is so impressed he takes Oswald’s right hand and says May this hand never perish. Saint Oswald died fighting the pagan Mercians under Penda in 642 in the battle of Maserfoeld. Bede says he ended his life in prayer when he realised he was about to die. His head and limbs were placed on stakes. His bones were dispersed as relics, but his head was buried at Lindisfarne - later taken to Durham when the monks fled before the Danish invasion. . After his death, according to Bede, the site where he died * Oswestry or Oswald’s Tree became associated with miracles and legend. Sources used The Churches Year by Charles Alexander Wikipedia

Sylvester 1 was the 33rd Pope of the Catholic church. he was bishop of Rome from 314 until his death on 31st December 335. What little we know about him is a mixture of truth and legend written in the Liber Pontificalis in the 7th or 8th century. He filled the see of Rome at an important era in the history of the Western Church. Emperor Constantine was the first Roman emperor to become a Christian and it is said Sylvester baptised him (legend). In reality Eusebuis, of Nicomedia, an Arian bishop of Constantinople, baptised Constantine in May 337 shortly before he died Accounts of his pontificate preserved in the 7th or 8th century ‘records’ tell us very little about him except for a record of gifts conferred on the church by Constantine known as the Donations of Constantine (legend/forgery). Also that he was the son of a Roman called Rufinus. Large churches were founded and built during his pontificate - basilica of St. John Lateran, Basilica of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, Old St. Peter’s Basilica and several churches built over the graves of martyrs. In 325 the First Council of Nicaea was held where the Nicene Creed was formulated. Sylvester was invited to attend but sent two legates. In the fictional/legendary accounts of Sylvester’s relationship with the emperor, which made him famous, he is said to have cured Constantine of leprosy by baptismal waters. In another legend the emperor walked before Sylvester’s horse holding the Pope’s bridle. as the papal groom. The suggestion being the Pope is supreme over all rulers even the Roman emperor. Pope Saint Sylvester 1 was Pope in Rome at the beginning of the Christian Roman Empire under emperor Constantine. Extra information include - Bishops of Rome under Constantine the Great Did Constantine currupt the Bible? Sources wikipedia Britannica Online Encyclopedia The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander

According to Apocryphal tradition Saints Anna and Joachim were the parents of Mary, and therefore the grandparents of Jesus. Anna is the a version of the Hebrew name Hanna. Anna means grace. According to tradition Joachin went to the temple to pray but was not allowed in because he did not have a child. Anna heard, prayed and sacrificed. She promise God she would bring up a child in in God’s name. An angel came to them and were told they would be granted a baby. When the baby was born they named the child Mary Anna became the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Source Saint Anne Facts for Kids

Saint Vincent of Saragossa, also known as Vincent martyr, Vincent of Hauesca or Vincent the Deacon was deacon of the church of Saragossa, Spain in the 3rd century (died c.302AD). Vincent spent most of his life in the city of Saragossa. He was educated and ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Valerius of Saragossa. Valerius had a speech impediment so Vincent acted his spokesman. When Roman Emperor Diocletian began persecuting Christians the two of them were brought before Dacian , the Roman Governor in Valencia. Both were confined to prison. He was offered release if he would burn the holy Scriptures -he refused. His outspoken manner so offended Dacian that he was tortured in various ways- stretched on the rack and his flesh torn with iron hooks- wounds rubbed with salt - burned alive on a red hot gridiron - cast into prison and laid on a floor of broken pottery - where he died. He preserved such peace and tranquility during these tortures that his jailer repented of his sins and was converted. His broken body was thrown into a sack and thrown in the sea but later recovered by Christians. His body was buried outside of the town. His veneration immediately spread throughout the church. (Read Legacy and Veneration) The aged Bishop Valerius was sent into exile. Sources The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander Wikipedia

Rogation days are days of prayer and fasting in Western Christianity. The word rogation comes from the latin verb ‘rogare’ which means to ask. This reflects the beseeching of God for the appeasement of his anger and for the protection from calamities - for example a poor harvest. The Christian major rogation replaced a pagan Roman procession known as Robigalia where a dog was sacrificed to Robigus, the deity of Agricultural disease, to stop their crops getting wheat rust. So -called major rogation is held on 25th April.The minor rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday before Ascension Thursday. Rogation days date back to Mamertus, Bishop of Vienne in 470. who ordered processions at the time of many volcanic eruptions. Rogation Day ceremonies are thought to have arrived in the British Isles in the 7th century. In the old Sarum texts (1173-1200) processions were initially led by a dragon representing Pontius Pilate who was followed by a lion, representing Jesus, followed by images of saints. In later processions the lion went first. Many heavy torches were present - bought jointly by the church and parishioners, Beating the bounds happened in the Middle Ages. The procession used to move around the parish boundaries so the young people might know where they lay - this was before detailed maps. Sometimes important spots were impressed on the boys by bumping them on the ground or beating them! The practice of beating the bounds has continued in a few places to the present day, simply as an old custom. Rogation Days are observed in the Roman Catholic church with processions and the Litany of the Saints, Sources used The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander Wikipedia