Through the ages, the saints of the Church have continued to inspire and fascinate the faithful. And we are always learning new things about them, as discoveries are made over time!
Here are some newer revelations about five beloved Catholic saints:
King Saint Erik of Sweden
The patron of Sweden and beloved by the Swedes, King Erik IX was a tour-de-force in his native country, aiding the spread of Christianity, codifying laws and conquering the marauding Finns. His image is featured on the coat-of-arms of Stockholm. Our son, Erik, is named after this great 12th century king. Nicknamed “Erik the Lawgiver,” legend had it that he was swarmed in battle by his enemies, mocked and then stabbed repeatedly and beheaded. But was it really just the stuff of folklore?
Interestingly, a thorough forensic exam of his remains in 2014 showed the “legends” were based in reality:
- His neck vertebra had indeed been severed
- Multiple stab wounds marred his legs
- There were older skull wounds suffered during his crusade against Finland
- Isotope analysis uncovered a diet rich in freshwater fish, which King Erik likely ate during the medieval Church’s many fast days.
On April 23, 2014, Erik IX’s reliquary was opened at a ceremony in Uppsala Cathedral.
Saint Erik, pray for us!
Saint Martin de Porres
The Third Order Dominican who served our Lord in 16th century Peru was well known for his humility, love of the poor and sick, and rapport with animals (have you read the mouse story?).
We know that Martin was biracial (Spanish and African) and because of his lower social status he always sought to put himself last. It is said that when his convent was mired in debt and struggling financially, he implored his superiors, “I am only a poor mulatto, sell me!”
In recent years, a facial reconstruction was done, seeking to get a better idea of the “true face” of this saint with a heart of gold. The image at right is the reconstruction based on his physical skull (relic) at the age of 61. At left, you can see a painting that was done of him while he was still living, which now appears to be very accurate!
Saint Juan Macias
Another saint dear to the heart of the Dominicans also hailed from Peru, Saint Juan Macias. He was assistant doorkeeper until his death in 1646; sometimes, more than 200 souls crossed the threshold each day seeking material and spiritual assistance. Miraculously, Juan never lacked for food to give the poor, no matter how hard the times were. Somehow, the supply never ran out and no one went away hungry.
Not surprisingly, he was a very close friend of Martin de Porres!
A facial reconstruction was also undertaken for Saint Juan Macias, and the old print at left isn’t too far from the mark.
Saint Jerome
We all probably have preconceived notions about what the education of children was like prior to our modern age of “progress” and “enlightenment.” We also have images in our minds of stern, austere Church fathers from centuries past, buried among dusty books and scrolls.
That’s why this advice from St. Jerome, given 1,500 years ago, to a mother of a little girl, may comes as a surprise. It is refreshingly balanced and wise. Homeschoolers, take note!
“Let her have an alphabet of little letters made of ivory, so that she may play with them and in this way learn, while amusing herself. When she is a little older, let her try to form each letter in wax with her finger, guided by another’s hand. Then, let her be invited, by prizes and presents suited to her age, to join syllables together. Let her have companions to learn with her, so that she may be spurred on by emulation and by hearing their praises. She is not to be scolded or browbeaten if she is slow….the greatest care must be taken that she does not acquire a hatred of study because such an aversion is very difficult to shake off.” – Letter to Laeta, Saint Jerome, 4th Century A.D.
Saint Rose of Lima
We can’t mention Peruvian saints without talking about Saint Rose of Lima!
In her stories, we learn about the many extremes of her life – she was very austere, very devoted to Our Lord, and also very beautiful. In fact, it is said that to dissuade would-be suitors, Rose cut her hair and smeared her face with pepper to irritate the skin. Taking a vow of virginity, she lived at home, working tirelessly to help her family while also submitting herself to the most extreme penances and mortifications imaginable. At one point, Rose wore a spiked silver crown, with thorns facing inward to pierce her skin.
In 2015, a realistic reconstruction was undertaken by scientists from the University of Saint Martin de Porres in Peru and the Brazilian Anthropological and Dental Legal Forensics Team. Rose died at age 31 when the official portrait by Angelino (at left) was done.
The reconstruction at right shows a lovely young woman with regular features and eyes larger than most traditional renderings. Rose’s lineage was Puerto Rican/Spanish.
If you love to learn about the saints, here are some of my favorite titles from TAN books:Saintly Women of Modern Times – on sale for $5 right now!
Lives of the Saints, For Every Day in the Year
Saints and Sinners of Calvary – a great companion for this year’s Lenten journey!
A Dictionary of Quotes from the Saints – excellent for meditation, or as source material for writers and bloggers!
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