Alexander of Alexandria was born sometime in the 3rd century in northern Egypt. Not much is known about his life before he was appointed the bishop of Alexandria in 313, but we do know he was charitable, full of zeal for the faith, and a rigid follower of apostolic doctrine. At the same time he became bishop, a priest in Alexandria named Arius was preaching that Jesus was a prophet, but he was not divine. Bishop Alexander tried unsuccessfully to correct Arius many times. As the heresy spread, Bishop Alexander excommunicated Arius and alerted the pope. This resulted in the First Council of Nicea which gathered the bishops of the church who denounced the Arian heresy and wrote the Nicene Creed we still recite today.
CHALLENGE
We recite the Nicene Creed at Mass, but it’s easy to say it and not pay attention to the words we are saying. When we profess what we believe, it is important to understand what we are professing! Today, read what the Catechism teaches about the creed in Section 2, chapters 1 through 3, and the next time you say the creed… mean it.
In France in 1572, Jane Frances Frémyot was born to the president of the local parliament. Her mother died when Jane was only 18 months old, and her devout father ensured Jane was well-raised and educated. When she was 21 he arranged for her to be married to the Baron de Chantal, a son of one of his friends. Jane had four children before the Baron was killed in a hunting accident, and widowed at 28, she moved in with her father-in-law to secure her children’s inheritance. Under the spiritual direction of St. Francis de Sales she founded the Congregation of the Visitation, an order for women whose health or age prevented them from joining other orders. Jane was deeply devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and grew her order to 86 houses before her death at age 69.
CHALLENGE
St. Jane de Chantal faced many adversities in her life, but she found ways to turn adversity into fruits for God. Adversity comes in many forms. What matters isn’t the adversity you face, but how you face it. What adversity is a part of your life? Bring it to your spiritual director, and figure out how you can turn your adversity into fruits for God.
Forwarded this email? Don’t miss tomorrow! Sign up today and get The Saint Challenge delivered to your inbox!
Show the world your love for the Sacred Heart of Jesus! Our selection of Sacred Heart merchandise has t-shirts, hats, mugs, stickers, flags, and more!
