Venerable Mary Potter

The 19 century was a life changing century in that it gave birth to the industrial revolution, which rather than liberating the poor, it simply reinforced their abject poverty. For many who had lived in rural villages within England, now sought life in the industrial towns in the hope of making new lives for themselves and providing more opportunities for their families.

This was not the case and for many years, people lived in impoverished conditions with overcrowding and unsanitary conditions which brought on epidemics such as cholera, dysentery and many other diseases. And though the owners of mills, coal mines and other industrial plants grew in prosperity the ordinary man and woman in the streets did not.

Things would improve overtime with the founding of Unions in order to give the workers some say as to the conditions in which they worked under. But this came at a cost as the owners of the workplaces fought such an organisation which threatened their profits; this was to cause much bitterness between employee and employer!

Into this century was born one, Mary Potter in the year 1847. Mary was born into a loving family and was the only daughter of William and Mary Anne Potter, unfortunately Mary's father left the family and immigrated to Australia leaving his wife and children behind.

Being the only daughter Mary was to become a little spoiled by both her mother and brothers, but Mary Anne made sure that she provided her daughter with a strong Faith and a care for those less fortunate than themselves. Her Mother made the difficult decision to send Mary to a Catholic boarding school, this grieved Mary Anne considerably as she was devoted to her children but most especially her daughter, Mary.

Mary did well at the school though the education of girls basically consisted of cooking, sewing and running a household. Upon leaving school Mary returned home to her Mother and brothers in Portsmouth, where she was to live an ordinary life, socialising and helping her Mother take care of the home duties.

Though Mary was an extrovert by nature and much admired by both family and friends with her winning personality and charm still there was much spiritual depth ness and a restlessness within her spirit as to her calling in life. But Mary put this restlessness aside and became engaged to Godfrey King, but Godfrey personality was not compatible with Mary's more vivacious spirit and it soon became evident to them both that their union would not work. And much to her Mother chagrin Mary broke off her engagement to Godfrey.

But through Godfrey’s deep understanding of the Faith this was to move Mary even more into developing a longing to become closer to her Lord, by serving Him by helping the poor. Mary took to prayer as her heart was confused with which path she should take.

She tried to enter the Sisters of Mercy Order but find this was not to her benefit and feeling low and ill, she prayed even harder as to what to do. Till one day upon being given a book written by St. Louis de Montfort, this book was to change Mary's life forever, and she consecrated her life to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

And through this Consecration Mary began to see a clear path for her life, she began against her Mothers wishes to visit the poor and to try to alleviate their suffering and with the help of her Mother Mary also tried to start a school for the children of the poor. Though Mary did all this it was not a disciplined life and it was this longing for some sort of Rule that Mary once again sought Jesus in prayer.

God answered her prayer and in 1874, Mary knew within her own heart of hearts that our Lord was calling her into a Religious life, where she could work amongst the poor. Mary was deeply drawn to the suffering Christ and longed to comfort Him in by providing assistance to the poorest of the poor within her community.

She could observe first hand how the industrial revolution was having an adverse affect on the poor families, who though they worked long and arduous hours, still they remained impoverished and unable to provide for their families. These conditions took a heavy toll on the family unit and many were unable to look after their own children let alone their elderly parents.

Mary founded the Sisters of the Little Company of Mary in 1877, to try and help the sufferings of the poor and most especially the more vulnerable in society. So despite Mary's own ill health she persevered in defining her Order to assist the impoverished and alleviate their sufferings. Mary was to concentrate on all avenues to assist those in need which also included the spiritual, by listening to those who were suffering and affording them the dignity which they deserved.

Though she did not know it then, Mary was to found the hospice movement where if possible the sick could be given the assistance they needed within their own homes. But she also provided a place for the sick and dying within her own Mission. Mary's connection with the suffering Christ, helped all to share the vision which she encapsulated to serve the poor as if one were serving Christ Himself.

The Order which Mary founded 'The Little Company of Mary' still exists and thrives to this very day.

Mary Potter died in 1913.

Mary Potter was proclaimed Venerable Mary Potter by Pope John Paul ll in 1988.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Saint Solange- Virgin and Martyr

Saint Solange- Virgin and Martyr

Patronage: Patroness of Berry France, drought relief, rape victims, shepherdesses

Born in Villemont, near Bourges, France to poor but very devout parents. She was very religious and at the age of seven she took a vow of chastity. She was also blessed with the power to heal the sick and cured many.

Solange had the task of looking after the family sheep and she had an affinity for and power over animals. One day while tending her flock, Bernard a son of the Count of Poitiers, approached her and made advances at her. She resisted and this infuriated Bernard. Solange struggled when he tried to set her on his horse and was seriously injured when she fell off the horse. Possessed by a demonic fury, Bernard thrust his sword into her killing her on the spot.

Saint Solange is an inspiration to both young and old, standing firm to her beliefs, even to death.

Lord you showered heavenly gifts on St Solange. Help us to imitate her virtues during our earthly life. Amen

Saint Martin de Porres

Saint Martin de Porres

Feast Day: November 3

Patron Saint of: barbers, hairdressers, racial harmony

Saint Martin de Porres was born in Lima, Peru in 1579. He was the child of a Spaniard, Don Juan de Porres, a Spanish nobleman and adventurer, and Ana Velasquez, a freed African slave. Abandoned by Don Juan, Ana supported her two children. She though impoverished, had a kind and sensitive soul; she did not instill bitterness or selfishness in her children. Martin remained throughout his life sensitive to the plight of the poor, and especially the orphans to whom he would devote much of his time and resources.

As a child, Martin gave scarce family resources to the beggars whom he saw as less fortunate than himself. He often heard of himself referred to as a “half-breed” yet in his profound humility, he saw himself only in the magnanimity of God amid the inadequacy of his origins. Don Juan, his father, returned to Ana and claimed his two mulatto children in spite of shame and gossip. He provided a good education for his children.

As a young boy, Martin began an apprenticeship with Marcel de Rivero, a barber/surgeon and proved extremely skilful at this trade. Martin could exercise his charity to his neighbor while earning a living. At this tender age, he was already spending hours in prayer at night, a practice that increased as he grew older.

Martin joined the Dominican Order of Preachers as a donado (lay helper or tertiary). The donados were the lowest-ranking Dominicans, performing the heaviest chores in the Order. He was eventually elevated to brother but never did become a full priest. He was assigned to the infirmary where he remained till his death. He lived a life of deep prayer, austerity and charity. He took care of the sick brothers with great affection and efficiency, all while remaining very humble. Martin often challenged his brother Dominicans on their racial attitudes. He is a great example of humility and a sign of hope for all those who are discriminated because of ethnic or racial intolerance.

He was endowed with many graces and wondrous gifts including bilocation. This lay Brother had always wanted to be a missionary, but never left his native city; but during his lifetime he was seen elsewhere, in regions as far distant as Africa, China, Algeria, and Japan. An African slave who had been in chains said he had known Martin when he came to relieve and console many like himself, telling them of heaven. When later the same slave saw him in Peru, he was very happy to meet him again and asked him if he had had a good voyage; only later did he learn that Saint Martin had never left Lima. A merchant from Lima was in Mexico and fell ill; he said aloud: “Oh, Brother Martin, if only you were here to care for me!” and immediately saw him enter his room. And again, this man did not know until later that he had never been in Mexico.

He extended his healing gifts to everyone, visiting people in their quarters and treating their ailments. Martin's spiritual practices were rather harsh: he fasted for extensive periods on bread and water. There were all-night vigils in which he prayed in the position of the crucified, and sometimes kneeling a foot or more off the floor. He scourged himself with chains--three times a day: for the souls in Purgatory, for unrepentant sinners, and for his own soul.

Martin’s love was all-embracing for all of creation. Martin fed, sheltered and doctored hundreds of families. In addition he established the Orphanage and School of the Holy Cross that took in boys and girls of all classes and taught them trades or homemaking skills. He insisted that the workers of the orphanage be well paid and respected for their service. St. Martin predicted his own death, falling sick with a fever. With his Dominican Brothers around his bed chanting the Salve Regina and the Creed. Martin died on November 3, 1639.

Saint Rose of Lima was a friend and confidant of Saint Martin de Porres. Pope John XXIII canonized Saint Martin on May 6th, 1962.

He is an inspiration for all those who commit themselves to protect creation and promote life in all its forms.

God, You led St. Martin by the way of humility to heavenly glory. Help us to follow his example of holiness. Amen