August 1:  Saint Alphonsus Mary de Liguori, Bishop and Doctor
Founder of the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer
Solemnity

Alphonsus Mary de Liguori was born at Marianella, a sector of Naples, on September 27, 1696.  Firstborn of an aristocratic neapolitan family he completed his literary and scientific studies at home.  He studied law and achieved his doctorate in civil and ecclesiastical law at the age of 16.  At the age of 20 he was already known as a brilliant lawyer in the Neapolitan courts.

August 25: Blessed Methodius Dominic Trcka, Martyr

Memorial

Blessed Methodius was born in Frydlant (Czech Republic) in 1886. After ordination in 1910, he spent the early years of his ministry as a parish missioner. He was nominated first Vice-Provincial of the Greek Catholic vice-province of Michalovce in 1946. On the night of 13-14 April, 1950,  all religious communities were suppressed by the Czech government. Fr. Methodius was arrested, tortured and condemned to twelve years imprisonment. He was put in solitary confinement for singing a Christmas carol, and in those harsh conditions, he contracted tuberculosis. He  died 23 March, 1959 and was beatified in 2001.

August  Virtue: Humlity

Patron: St. Bartholomew, Apostle

Text: "Learn of Me, because I am meek and humble of heart."  (St. Matt. ii. 29)

RULE VIII

MEEKNESS AND HUMILITY OF HEART

THE Immaculate Lamb that St. John saw upon a throne is Jesus. It is He who came into the world to teach the sublime virtues of meekness and humility which were unknown to the world. That meek Lamb allowed Himself to be mangled without uttering a complaint. His reputation was cruelly assailed, and He did not defend Himself; His flesh was torn, and He did not complain. At length He was immolated on the cross and shed all His blood, and yet He did not rebel.