Today, Sunday, November 1, 2020 is the Solemnity of All Saints, a Christian Solemnity celebrated in honour of all the Saints of the Church, both known and unknown. It is celebrated by not only the Catholic Church but also the Anglican Communion, Methodist and other protestant Churches. In the Roman Catholicism, the feast is usually a Holy day of obligation. LADY BETTY AMUKPO engaged some children on their Patron Saints.
‘My Patron Saint is Saint Joan of Arc’
Joan of Arc was born on the 6th January 1412 to Jacques d’Arc and Isabella Romee at Domiemy la Purcelle in France. At age of 13, Joan began to hear voices which had been sent by God to give her a mission to serve France by expelling its enemies and to instill Charles as its rightful king. She took a vow of chastity at age of 16. Joan cropped her hair and dressed in men’s clothes to make an 11- day journey across enemy territory to chinon site of crown prince palace, Joan promised Charles she would see him crowned king at Riems and asked him to give her an army to lead to Orleans. Joan set off to fend off the Siege of Orleans in March 1429 dressed in white armour and riding a white horse. In 1430, Joan confronted a Burgundian assault and was taken captive by the English. Joan was charged for witchcraft, heresy and dressing like a man. After one year in captivity, on the morning of May 30, 1431 at the age of 19, Joan was taken to the old market place of Rouen and burned at the stake. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XV on May 16, 1920. In 1909, she was beatified in the famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris by Pope Pius X. A. The statue inside the Cathedral pays tribute to her legacy. She is the Patroness of France. Joan showed attributes of a great leader and solider. She has influence in my life to be courageous and steadfast and also to be a good Leader.
• Joan Omoye Akhuetie
‘My Patron Saint is Saint David’
St. David, the Patron Saint of Wales was born around C. 500. As a boy he was taught by a clever man called Paulinus. He was a noble and upright priest. David gathered a number of Monks and they built Churches in many parts of England. He died on March 1, 589 and was buried at St. David’s Cathedral Pembrokeshire. Hence March 1 is his Feast Day. He was canonized in Rome in 1123 by Pope Callistus 11. He was popularly known as Bishop with a dove, because a dove settled on his shoulder during his preaching at the synod of Brefi.
• David Odidika
‘My Patron Saint is Saint Olivia of Palermo’
Saint Olivia of Palermo is the Patron Saint of Music. The name Olivia means peace, fruitfulness, dignity and beauty. She was a beautiful daughter of a noble Silicillian family. She is a Christian virgin martyr born in 448 AD in Palermo of Italy. From her early years she devoted herself to God while declining honour and riches. At the age of thirteen (13), Saint Olivia was kidnapped by some Muslims and was sent to Tunis and she was imprisoned. In the prison she converted many pagans to Christianity and encouraged Christians to be steadfast in the Lord In an attempt to get rid of her, the Government ordered that she should be left in a cave hoping that she will die of hunger or will be devoured by a wild animal but she was saved. Later on, she was arrested and imprisoned. She was scourged, stripped and submerged into a cauldron of boiling oil but she was miraculously saved and later she was sentenced to be burnt alive but she was unharmed. At the age of fifteen (15) on June 10 463 AD, she was beheaded and her soul flew to the sky in the form of a dove. Her feast day is celebrated on June 10.
• Olivia Ifediniru
My Patron Saint is Blessed Virgin Mary
gin Mary, She is the world’s most reliable intercessor, born into the family of St. Joachim and Ann. She’s the Mother of God the Son, Daughter of God the Father, and spouse of God the Holy Spirit. Since she became my Patron Saint, She made me believe in Her by faith, and always say my rosary. And I pray to live a holy life, like Her .
• Mary precious Okike
‘My Patron Saint is Saint Michael the Archangel’
The name of my Patron Saint is Michael. He was born on the 29th September,1591. He is a brave and courageous Saint. He is the Prince of heaven and next to God. St. Michael is the Commander of the army of God, Chief Prince and leader of heaven’s forces. He always assists people at the hour of death. In Roman Catholicism, St. Michael has four roles. 1. He is the enemy of satan and the fallen angels. He defeated satan and ejected him from paradise. 2. He is the Christian Angel of death, at the hour of death, Saint Michael descends and gives each person the chance to redeem oneself before passing. 3. He weighs people’s merits on judgement Day. 4. Finally, he is the Guardian of the Church and the Angel of the Blessed Sacrament. Michael means…who is like God. Every 29th of September is his feast. I like my Patron Saint because he always defends us in battle and our protector against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him we humbly pray ……..Amen.
• Michael Nwachukwu Chibuzo
‘My Patron Saint is Saint Richard’
Saint Richard (of Chichester) is a Saint who was a Bishop of the Diocese of Chichester. He was born in 1197 in Droitwich Spa in United Kingdom, he died on 3rd of April, 1253 in Dover in United Kingdom. His title as Saint was being a Bishop and Confessor, he was canonized by Pope Urban IV on 28th of January, 1262. His Feast Day is April 3rd. He is the Patron Saint of coachmen and of Chichester. He was the father of Willibald, Wannebald and Walburga. The name “Richard” means a leader, King, ruler and a brave person.
• Ikonne Richard Chukwudiebube
