MILLENNIUM MILESTONES & MEMORIES: TIME CAPSULES

304 A.D.
Death of Saint Eulalia, who suffered martydom in Merida, Spain at the tender age of twelve because she refused to sacrifice to the pagan gods and because she denounced authorities in their attempt to lure Christians to renounce their faith. She was singled out by the great Saint Augustine for her bravery and faith.
1968 A.D.
Death of Thomas Merton, controversial Trappist who wrote the famous "Seven Story Mountain" - the story of his struggles and vocation to become a Trappist monk. He died at the age of fifty-three in Kentucky.
1979 A.D.
Death of Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, the orthodox religious broadcaster, author and evangelist who came into American homes every Sunday evening on network TV with "Life is Worth Living" series, using only a chalkboard and an assertiveness that spoke volumes as a successor of the Apostles. In short, this 84-year-old prelate who died in New York City on this date, was the best thing that ever happened to the Catholic Church in the United States. He and his straightforward, loving style has been sorely missed ever since.

384 A.D.
Death of Pope Saint Damasus I, 37th successor of Peter who reigned as Sovereign Pontiff for eighteen years. For more on St. Damasus, click on THIS WEEKEND'S LITURGY.
1475 A.D.
Birth of Giovanni de' Medici in Florence. The second son of Lorenzo of the famous de' Medici family, young Giovanni would become a cardinal deacon at the ridiculous age of only thirteen and be elected the 217th successor of Peter on March 19, 1513 taking the name Pope Leo X who, because he was so young really could not comprehend how to deal with the Protestant revolt. His papacy lasted eight years, ending on December 1, 1521.

1098 A.D.
Troops from the First Crusade defeat the Saracens, capturing the city of Mara in Syria.
1524 A.D.
Pope Clement VII approves the Organization of the Jewish Community of Rome in an ecumenical gesture and hope that they will be protected against discrimination.
1531 A.D.
The Blessed Virgin Mary appears to a young Aztec indian in Guadalupe, Mexico which triggered the greatest apparition and fruits in the western hemisphere as millions were brought to the true faith and human sacrifice ended by the Aztec nation. For more, click on THIS WEEKEND'S LITURGY.
1917 A.D.
Father Edward Flanagan, a 31 year-old priest, frustrated by the dearth of young boys homeless and without purpose, opens up Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska with very few funds. Today it is a sprawling city unto itself which is more of a cooperation housing and educating both young men and women. From the small sprout nurtured by Fr. Flanagan, sprang a Catholic metropolis devoted to caring.