St Bride's Anglo-Catholic Parish, Hampton Roads, VA

08/18/2026

Another installment from Fr Mario and Fr Stuart

08/15/2026

07/29/2026

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus of Bethany were beloved friends of Jesus, who shared a close bond with them. Martha is remembered for her generous hospitality, faithful service, and strong faith, especially when she proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God before he raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus revealed himself as the resurrection and the life through this miracle. Lazarus' resurrection became a powerful sign of Christ's authority over death. The New Testament says nothing further about Lazarus, though later traditions place him in France, Cyprus, or Syria. While these legends are uncertain, devotion to Lazarus flourished in the early Church.

07/26/2026

Saints Joachim and Anne are traditionally honored as the parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Although they are not mentioned in the Bible, their story comes from the second-century Gospel of James, an apocryphal text viewed with caution by early Church writers. According to tradition, an angel promised them a daughter, Mary, who was dedicated to God and remained a lifelong virgin. While historical evidence for Joachim and Anne is limited, Christians recognize that Mary had faithful parents who nurtured her deep love of God. They are honored as models of devoted parenthood, inspiring families through their faith, love, and commitment to God’s plan.

07/25/2026

Saint James the Greater, son of Zebedee and brother of Saint John, was among Jesus’ first disciples. A fisherman, he followed Christ after the miraculous catch of fish and witnessed the Transfiguration. After Jesus’ Ascension, he preached the Gospel throughout Israel and Spain for many years. Tradition says the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him, asking him to build a church in her honour. Returning to Jerusalem, James was martyred by beheading under King Herod, becoming the first apostle to die. His remains were later taken to Santiago de Compostela, now one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations.

07/23/2026

Saint Birgitta of Sweden (1303–1373) was born into a devout noble family and experienced profound religious visions from childhood. Married at 13, she and her husband, Ulf, had eight children. After his death, she dedicated herself to prayer and received a calling to found the Order of the Most Holy Saviour, led by an abbess. She moved to Rome in 1349, urging Church reform, the pope’s return to Rome, and peace in Europe through her visions and messages. Though many goals remained unfulfilled, her influence endured. Canonized in 1391, she became Sweden’s patron saint, and her order spread across Europe.

07/22/2026

St. Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus and is remembered as a powerful witness to God's mercy and grace. The Gospels describe her as a woman from whom Jesus cast out seven demons, transforming her life. She faithfully accompanied Christ during His ministry, remained near His crucifixion, and became the first witness of His Resurrection, announcing the good news to the disciples. Although later tradition identified her as a pr******te, Scripture does not support this claim. According to tradition, she later lived in prayer and solitude in southern France. Her feast day is July 22, and she is patroness of converts and repentant sinners.

07/16/2026

Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a title of the Blessed Virgin Mary associated with the Carmelite Order, whose origins trace back to hermits living on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land. The feast, celebrated on 16 July, honors Mary's loving care and protection of all who follow Christ. According to Carmelite tradition, Mary appeared to St. Simon Stock in 1251 and gave him the Brown Scapular as a sign of her maternal guidance and a call to faithful Christian living. Our Lady of Mount Carmel inspires believers to deepen their prayer, trust in God, practise charity, and remain steadfast in hope and discipleship.

07/13/2026

St. Henry (972–1024), son of the Duke of Bavaria, received a Christian education under Saint Wolfgang. He became Duke of Bavaria in 995 and was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1002. A devout ruler, he governed with justice, humility, and deep concern for the Church, supporting ecclesiastical reform and defending Christendom. Crowned emperor by Pope Benedict VIII in 1014, he founded churches, including Bamberg Cathedral, and generously aided the poor. With his wife, Saint Cunigunde of Luxembourg, he lived in perpetual chastity. Renowned for holiness, humility, and charity, he died in 1024 and is the patron of the childless, the disabled, dukes, and those rejected by religious orders.