Well, I don't know about you guys out there, but tomorrow we're getting ready to celebrate Solstice with a big party - the longest day of the year.
But if I were back in the 13th century in Italy - what would I be celebrating? Or the 16th century in Italy or England?
Imagine my surprise - there's a PLETHORA of June Saints! And here's a few. St. Romauld, whose saint's day is June 19, was born in Ravenna, Italy. His claim to fame? You know, besides being a saint. He founded the Camaldolese order and died in 1027.
Next up - St. Aloysius Gonzaga. Gonzaga. Great basketball. Great Renaissance name. Unbeatable combination. Wealthy family, riches and culture, but he wanted to be a Jesuit and indeed, that's what he became. Died in 1591.
Now let's go to England - and anyone who's read Tudor history knows about Henry the VIII. You know, the king who created the Church of England and cut off wives' heads, willy-nilly. St. John Fischer, born in Yorkshire in 1469, beheaded by Henry in 1535 because he refused to render the Oath of Supremacy and upheld the validity of the Henry's marriage to Katherine of Aragon. He got his reward in heaven.
But most surprising of all - St. Thomas More. More Henry VIII. Faithful counselor, heaped with honors, until, of course, he too refused to take the Oath of Supremacy and was beheaded in the same year as John Fischer - 1535.
Last but definitely not least - all good Catholics know that the birth of John the Baptist is celebrated on June 22. Do you think there's a link between the longest day of the year and John the Baptist? If there is, let us know!
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