<p>Formerly known as the 'Seven Sorrows of Mary,' this feast was instituted in 1668 by the Servite Friars out of their devotion to Mary. In 1814, Pius VII extended the feast to the whole Western Church in commemoration of the sufferings he had endured during his captivity in France. The seven sorrows are: Simeon's prophecy at the presentation of Jesus in the temple, the flight into Egypt, the disappearance of the boy Jesus in Jerusalem, the road to Calvary, the crucifixion, the removal from the cross, and the entombment.<br /></p>

<p>This liturgical feast has been celebrated since early times. In the 4th century, two churches in Jerusalem were dedicated to the cross on this day and the occasion was commemorated annually. Adopted by the Church in Rome during the 7th century, the feast commemorates both the dedication of the original Church of the Holy Sepulchre in 335 and Christ's victory over death.<br /></p>

<p>Cyril was born in Jerusalem about 315. Nothing is known about his early life beyond the fact that he was well educated and that his family probably had connections to Caesar.</p>

<p>John Chrysostom lived from about 347 to 407. Born in Antioch, he was trained as an orator. In 374 he joined a community of hermits, but the austere lifestyle damaged his health and he returned to Antioch. In 386 he was ordained and appointed preacher for the bishop. He soon became famous for his eloquent sermons. Named Archbishop of Constantinople in 398, John began a program of reform. Uncompromising in political and ecclesiastical affairs, he made enemies who eventually contrived to have him exiled, despite the efforts of the Holy See.

<p>This feast honouring the name of Mary was instituted by Pope Innocent XI in the 17th century. God the Father is glorified by the exalted role in salvation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Thus, her name is one of honour, a holy name, a maternal name and a name responsive to the needs of the Church.<br /></p>
<p>©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.</p>

<p>Joseph, according to gospel accounts, was a village carpenter and a descendant of King David. Art and popular imagination have usually portrayed Joseph as an old man. This is probably a false notion. The rabbis at the time of Christ commonly taught that men should marry between the ages of 13 and 19, and Joseph, as a 'just' (that is, law-abiding) man, would likely have conformed to this practice.</p>

<p>Born near Barcelona, Spain, in 1580, Peter Claver joined the Jesuits in 1600. Inspired by Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez, Peter resolved to work in the missions in the New World and was sent to Cartegena (now Columbia) in South America. Cartegena was then the centre of the slave trade and Peter tended to newly arrived Africans with food, water and medicine. For nearly 40 years, he ministered tirelessly to the slaves and pleaded with their owners to treat them humanely. In 1654, ill and neglected by his religious brothers, Peter Claver died. He was canonized in 1888.

<p>This feast originated in the Eastern Church and was commemorated in the West as early as the 5th century. No one is certain where Mary was born, but two traditions have survived from ancient times, one naming Nazareth and the other, Jerusalem. An occasion for praise and thanksgiving, the feast celebrates Mary's personal sanctity and vocation as the mother of Jesus.<br /></p>

<p>Born April 30 1897, Dina was the only daughter of a well-to-do couple in Quebec City. A gifted student, Dina had remarkable musical talent and, after studying at the New York Conservatory, could have pursued a career as a concert pianist.</p>

<p>Turibius was born in Spain about 1538. He was a professor of law when King Philip II appointed him chief judge in the Inquisition of Granada, an unusual appointment for a layperson. More unusual was his selection as Archbishop of Lima, Peru! Turibius pleaded the irregularity of such a choice, but was ordained and consecrated bishop.</p>