Holy Names Society

WHO WE ARE

The Holy Name Society is one of the longest-established societies in the Roman Catholic Church and the only one directly commissioned by a pope. The Holy Name Society is a spiritual group and a tremendous asset to parish religious life.

Our dedicated members participate in various parish ministries, organize and attend retreats, attend nights of reflection led by a local priest, hold annual conventions, create and perform spiritual presentations, organize pilgrimages, hold Holy Name Society communion breakfasts, promote recitation of the rosary, adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, sponsor scholarships at St. Paul High School, support Development and Peace, and also support the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the youth ministry. Some members also hold various positions within the St. Catharines Diocese. The Holy Name Society maintains close relationships with the Bishop, local priests, and other clergy, as well as with local Holy Name Societies (including our American members across the border) and provides assistance or support whenever needed.

Our local Holy Name Society organizes two very successful annual events: the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (February) and the Summer Parish Barbecue (July).

“Our Lord cautioned us not to hide the light of our faith under a bushel basket, but rather set it up high so that others might be attracted to the light. That’s what Holy Name Society men attempt to do.”

Regular meetings are held on the third Sunday of each month (except July and August) following the 8 o'clock Mass. New members are always encouraged and welcome.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

GARRETT SMITS

A MESSAGE FROM THE ST. CATHARINES, ONT. - DIOCESAN HOLY NAME SOCIETY PRESIDENT

I suppose that for me, the Holy Name Society was the natural next step after we completed the “That Man is You” program at St. Kevin’s Church in Welland, Ontario several years ago. That program helped the men who participated discover ways to become the spiritual leaders of their families with the support of other like-minded men. I could see that the Holy Name Society had the potential to continue the spiritual growth journey that I had begun.

The following points are taken from the National Association of the Holy Name Society website:

Our Purpose

The Confraternity of the Most Holy Names of God and Jesus (Holy Name Society) promotes reverence for the Sacred Names of God and Jesus Christ, obedience and loyalty to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, and the personal sanctification and holiness of its members. Members are called to contribute to the evangelization mission of the Church and to perform acts of reverence and love for our Lord and Savior.

The apostolate of the Society is to assist in parish ministries by performing the Corporal Works of Mercy: feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, giving drink to the thirsty, providing shelter to the homeless, tending to the sick, visiting those in prison, and burying the dead; as well as the Spiritual Works of Mercy: converting sinners, instructing the ignorant, counselling the wayward, comforting the sorrowing, bearing adversity patiently, forgiving offences, and praying for the living and the dead.

Growing in Faith, Living Through Action In The Name of Jesus

The Holy Name Society is committed to helping its members grow in holiness through devotion to the most Holy Name of Jesus. Members of this fraternity are called to be leaders, to access the healing power of the Sacrament of Penance, strengthen themselves with the Holy Eucharist, nourish their souls on Sacred Scripture, increase their desire for divine love through prayer, and lead their families, friends, and coworkers to Christ Jesus by their acts of charity and piety.

The phrase “iron sharpens iron” is from Proverbs 27:17 in the Bible. The verse states that as iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another. This means that men can help each other grow and improve by challenging each other and sharing knowledge and experience. The phrase is often used to describe the benefits of having a mentor or a friend who can provide support and help you become a better person.

This is what I believe the Holy Name Society has the potential to do for each of its members. It is only possible through the guidance and direction of the Holy Spirit.

Our mission here is to get ourselves, our spouses, our families, friends, and the whole world to Heaven. I am not perfect. None of us are. Jesus did not call perfect men to follow Him. He didn’t tell them it would be easy. He only asked them to trust in Him and follow His commandments.

We are called to live by the principles outlined in the mission statement of the Holy Name Society, to put on our manly armour, and to persevere in the journey to bring souls to Jesus. In living our lives this way, with the grace of the Holy Spirit, we hope to be examples to men who are looking to deepen their prayer life, faith life, spiritual life, and life of service to God and His Church, and invite them to join us.

We pray: Jesus, I trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You.

A MESSAGE FROM MOST REVEREND GERARD BERGIE, D.D. - BISHOP OF ST. CATHARINES, ONT., CANADA

“Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

My Dear Friends:

St. Paul reminds us that every knee should bend at the name of Jesus. The Holy Name Society is a Catholic fraternity that has served the universal Church for over three hundred years by promoting personal holiness and devotion to Jesus and His Holy Name. This is an organization that knows the power of the name of Jesus.

Pope Francis has established a Holy Year of Mercy for the universal Church. He has asked all Catholics to be open to God’s mercy and to perform both the corporal and spiritual works of mercy. Members of the Holy Name Society have always been doing this because it is part of their charism. The National Association states: “The apostolate of the society is to assist in parish ministries by performing the Corporal Works of Mercy: to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, give drink to the thirsty, shelter to the homeless, tend the sick, visit those in prison, and bury the dead; as well as the Spiritual Works of Mercy: to convert sinners, instruct the ignorant, counsel the wayward, comfort the sorrowing, bear adversity patiently, forgive offences, and pray for the living and the dead.”

I invite the men of the Diocese of St. Catharines to consider joining this fraternity that needs men of faith. My gratitude is extended to the current members who do so much to promote Christ in our families, parishes, and diocese. Continue to proclaim the Holy Name of Jesus and submit yourself to the protection of His Blessed Mother Mary.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Gerard Bergie, D.D.

Bishop of St. Catharines

BLESSED JOHN OF VERCELLI (JOHN GARBELLA)

Holy Name Society Humble Beginnings & History:

2024 WILL BE THE 750TH ANNIVERSARY

On Nov 02, 1274, the Holy Name Society was founded by Blessed John of Vercelli, who is considered the worldwide patron and founder of the Holy Name Society. Born in 1205, John Garbella was born in Vercelli, in a small town in northern Italy called Mosso Santa Maria, approximately 350 miles north of Rome.

Officially ordained as a priest at the age of twenty-five, throughout his 78-year life, Blessed John of Vercelli worked faithfully under nine popes and held many high positions, such as General of the Dominican Order, Prior of Vercelli, Vicar General of Hungary, Prior of San Nocolo, and even Archbishop. John had a remarkable gift for peacemaking, succeeding so well that for the rest of his life, various popes made use of his sanctity, prudence, and diplomacy to establish peace between warring rulers and various states.

On September 7, 1903, John Garbella was beatified, and several attempts have been made to have Blessed John of Vercelli canonized, starting in the 1950s. In 1564, Diego of Victoria, a Dominican friar, wrote the first constitution of the Holy Name Society, and Pope Pius IV raised the society to the canonical status of a confraternity, endowing it with privileges and indulgences. Note: The Holy Name Society is probably the most indulgence body in the Church.

SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION IN THE LIFE OF BLESSED JOHN OF VERCELLI (FOUNDER OF THE HOLY NAME SOCIETY)

Some people consider Blessed John of Vercelli one of the world’s greatest historical peacemakers.

He was the son of a dairy farming family who had extensive farmland and sheep, and the wool from the sheep was turned into "wealth" in one form or another. John was 5'8" tall, had a noticeable pointed chin, and northern Italian features such as blue eyes. In all his works, John turned to God through prayer and the sacraments as his source of remarkable success in the vineyard of the Lord.

Blessed John took a vow not to ride any type of animal, so he usually walked barefoot, even though he had a limp on his right side. He used a walking stick everywhere he went – this walking stick became his symbol. Note: If we laid every mile he walked end to end during the last nine years of his life, he walked around Europe approximately three times.

Throughout his life, John was obedient to nine popes and presided at 20 General Chapter Meetings.

John is credited with saving the important writings of St. Thomas Aquinas.

John’s remarkable gift of peacemaking became evident, and he was sent to reconcile various conflicts. He succeeded so well that for the rest of his life, popes used his sanctity, prudence, and diplomacy to establish peace between warring rulers and various states.

1205 – John Garbella was born in Vercelli, in a small town in northern Italy called Mosso Santa Maria, approximately 350 miles north of Rome. He was a very bright, studious boy, and because of his great promise, he was sent to the University of Paris in France, where he eventually gained his Doctorate in Law. He then transferred to Bologna, Italy, to study the history and theology of the Order and for the priesthood.
1229 – John was officially ordained as a priest and became a noted preacher in Bologna.
1230 – He was received into the Dominican Order by Blessed Jordan of Saxony, the successor to St. Dominic, who founded the Order.
1232 – John returned to Vercelli to establish a Dominican priory and serve as its superior. He acted as a peacemaker between Venice and other Papal States.
1245 – Became Prior of Vercelli.
1255 – Vicar General of Hungary.
1256 – Prior of San Nocolo in Bologna (St. Dominic is buried in Bologna).
1257 – Provincial of Lombardy.
1257-1264 – 6th Master General of the Dominican Order. As Master General, he personally visited all the houses of the Order, except those in Spain, and did so on foot.
1264-1283 – Master General of the Dominicans. He ensured uniform liturgical celebration throughout the Order and served at the papal court of Pope Clement IV. After Pope Clement’s death, John was considered for the papacy; upon learning this, he fled the city. Pope Gregory X was elected instead.
Nov 2, 1274 – The Holy Name Society was founded following the Council of Lyons. Blessed John of Vercelli is considered the worldwide patron and founder of the Holy Name Society.

1278 – Appointed as the Archbishop of Jerusalem but later requested to be released from the responsibility, citing advanced age, ill health, and the need for strong leadership in the war-ravaged region.
1280 – Appointed by the Pope as Nuncio to the courts of France and England, John visited Normandy, England, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, and Switzerland during that time.
November 30, 1283 – John died at age 78 of natural causes and was buried in Montpellier, France.
1562 – His body was destroyed or disappeared during a religious war when his tomb was desecrated by Calvinists. However, four relics of his walking stick remain today. The National Association of the Holy Name Society has a relic, two inches from the back of the walking stick. Another portion of the walking stick is in a shrine in New Orleans, Louisiana, a small "splinter" is in a church in Pittsburgh, PA, and the balance is located in a monastery in Vercelli, Italy.
December 1st – Feast Day of Blessed John of Vercelli.
1564 – Diego of Victoria wrote the first constitution of the Holy Name Society, and Pope Pius IV raised the society to the canonical status of a confraternity, granting it privileges and indulgences. The Holy Name Society is probably the most indulgence body in the Church.
September 7, 1903 – John Garbella was beatified at the request of the Bishop of Vercelli by Pope Pius X.
1950s – The first attempt to have Blessed John canonized took place.
1961 – A second attempt occurred.
1972 – A third attempt occurred.
1979 – A fourth attempt occurred and is still ongoing.

Interesting Fact: Tradition says that during the translation of the relics of Saint Dominic de Guzman in 1267, when the body was exposed to view, the head was seen to turn toward Blessed John. Embarrassed, John moved to another part of the church, giving his place to a cardinal. The head of Saint Dominic was seen by all to turn again toward John.

Prayer:

God of power and mercy, you made Blessed John an outstanding promoter of the Order of Preachers. By his remarkable zeal, wonderful prudence, and courage, and with the help of his prayers, may your family always and everywhere be governed by beneficial rule. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.

HOLY NAME SOCIETY PLEDGE

Blessed be God.

Blessed be his Holy Name.

Blessed be Jesus Christ, true God and true Man.

Blessed be the Name of Jesus.

I believe, O Jesus,

that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.

I proclaim my love

for the Vicar of Christ on earth.

I believe all the sacred truths

which the holy Catholic Church believes and teaches.

I promise to give good example

by the regular practice of my faith.

In honour of his Divine Name,

I pledge myself against perjury, blasphemy,

profanity, and obscene speech.

I pledge my loyalty to the flag of my country,

and to the God-given principles

of freedom, justice, and happiness for which it stands.

I pledge my support to all lawful authority,

both civil and religious.

I dedicate my life

to the honour of the Sacred Name of Jesus Christ,

and beg that he will keep me faithful

to these pledges until death. Amen.

"BLESSED JOHN OF VERCELLI - PRAY FOR US"

Please provide financial support for the "Canonization of Blessed John Committee" by writing to:

The National Association of the Holy Name Society

The Blessed John of Vercelli Committee

P.O. Box 16955 Baltimore, MD 21206 USA

Visit: http://www.nahns.com/Website/Committees/BlessedJohn/Blessed_John_Home.htm

Mail Petition to:

Cause for Canonization of Blessed John of Vercelli

Our Lady Help of Christians Rectory

Attn: Fr. Anthony W. Janton

1500 Marian Road, Abington, PA 19001-1918

Report favours received from prayers to Blessed John to David Reichert at: david.e.reichert@comcast.net

Visit: www.pahnu-BJV.weebly.com

Officially ordained as a priest at the age of twenty-five, throughout his 78 years, Blessed John of Vercelli worked faithfully under nine popes and held many high positions, such as General of the Dominican Order, Prior of Vercelli, Vicar General of Hungary, Prior of San Nocolo, and even Archbishop. John had a remarkable gift for peacemaking, and because he succeeded so well, for the rest of his life, various Popes made use of his sanctity, prudence, and diplomacy to establish peace between warring rulers and states.

On September 7, 1903, John Garbella was beatified, and several attempts have been made to have Blessed John of Vercelli canonized, starting in the 1950s. In 1564, Digeo of Victoria, a Dominican Friar, wrote the first constitution of the Holy Name Society, and Pope Pius IV raised the society to the canonical status of a confraternity, endowing it with privileges and indulgences. The Holy Name Society is probably the most indulgence body in the Church.

“Blessed John of Vercelli... Pray for us.”

See our local "Mission Statement" and "Functions Listing" below!

HOLY NAME SOCIETY MISSION STATEMENT

To promote the honour and glory of our divine God and the personal sanctification of its members through acts of love and devotion to the most holy name of Jesus. The spiritual life of its members is a perpetual act of reverence and love, with a strong emphasis on the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

The Holy Name Society is one of the longest-established societies in the Roman Catholic Church and the only one directly commissioned by a pope. It is a spiritual group and a tremendous asset to parish religious life.

Our dedicated members participate in various parish ministries, organize and attend retreats, attend nights of reflection led by local priests, hold annual conventions, create and perform spiritual presentations, organize pilgrimages, hold Holy Name Society communion breakfasts, promote the recitation of the rosary, adore the Blessed Sacrament, sponsor scholarships at St. Paul High School, support development and peace initiatives, and support the St. Vincent de Paul Society and youth ministry. Some members also hold various positions within the St. Catharine’s Diocese. The Holy Name The society maintains close relationships with the Bishop, local priests, and other clergy, as well as with other local Holy Name Societies (including our American members across the border), providing assistance and support whenever needed.

Our local Holy Name Society organizes two very successful annual events: the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper (February) and the Summer Parish Barbecue (July).

HOLY NAME SOCIETY - FUNCTIONS, MINISTRIES, MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, RETREATS, ETC.

The following is a list of functions, ministries, meetings, and other events that our members are involved with:

Annual Parish Barbecue - July (hamburgers and hotdogs) - approximately 300-350 served
Shrove Tuesday–February (pancakes and sausages) - approximately 500 served
Holy Name Society Meetings - 3rd Sunday of every month (except July and August) following the 8:00 am Mass
HNS members create and/or provide spiritual presentations for the HNS members.
HNS members help support other local HNS ministries, either with start-up or ongoing assistance.
HNS members attend other local HNS ministry meetings.
HNS members provide financial support to St. Vincent de Paul, Development & Peace, Youth Ministry, and other charitable causes.
HNS members communicate through various meetings, email, in-person, and church bulletins.
Church Assistance/Other Ministries - all year round - Various HNS members help serve, perform readings, belong to the choir, and assist in other church ministries.
HNS members attend funeral services for members who have gone to be with the Lord, and with special permission from the family, the group performs a special HNS prayer for the lost member.
Some HNS members also serve in executive positions within the St. Catharine's Diocese.
St. Paul High School Annual Award - June - Provide a financial scholarship award with a letter from HNS for a student selected by the parish priest.
Annual St. Catharine's Diocese Convention - HNS ministries either host the convention at their parish or assist the hosting parish.

Annual Buffalo Diocese Convention - Local HNS ministries attend the convention and support each other's groups (Buffalo/St. Catharine's).
Local Niagara HNS ministries maintain close relationships with Buffalo HNS ministries.
Annual Retreat - September (3 days) - Men from both Niagara Area and Buffalo HNS ministries attend, with approximately 50 participants, attendance split between the two countries.
Annual HNS International Communion Breakfast - Alternates between St. Catharine's and Buffalo Dioceses. HNS members organize the breakfast at a designated restaurant or church location, with families invited to attend.
Some HNS members are involved in charitable organizations such as Development & Peace, St. Vincent de Paul, and Youth Ministry.
HNS members attend "Nights of Reflection" at the Mount Carmel Centre (4 times/year), with spiritual presentations by priests. Sponsored by the Holy Name Society, but open to all men of the diocese. No cost.
HNS members lead the recitation of the Holy Rosary half an hour before the Sunday 8:00 am Mass in May and October. Some also participate in daily recitation.
HNS members promote membership within various parishes; all interested individuals are welcome.
HNS members provide annual Christmas gifts to the Our Lady of the Scapular Priests and Administrative Staff as a thank you for their efforts and support of the HNS.
HNS members work closely with other ministries such as the CWL to organize joint functions, such as priest retirement events or welcoming priests to new assignments.
HNS members maintain close relationships with local priests, other clergy, and Bishop Bergie.

Our Mission

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

WHO WE ARE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A MESSAGE FROM MOST REVEREND GERARD BERGIE, D.D. - BISHOP OF ST. CATHARINES, ONT., CANADA

BLESSED JOHN OF VERCELLI (JOHN GARBELLA)

OPENING PRAYER

HOLY NAME SOCIETY PLEDGE

"BLESSED JOHN OF VERCELLI - PRAY FOR US"

HOLY NAME SOCIETY HUMBLE BEGINNINGS & HISTORY

HOLY NAME SOCIETY MISSION STATEMENT

HOLY NAME SOCIETY - FUNCTIONS, MINISTRIES, MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, RETREATS, ETC.

Our Mission

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

WHO WE ARE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

A MESSAGE FROM MOST REVEREND GERARD BERGIE, D.D. - BISHOP OF ST. CATHARINES, ONT., CANADA

BLESSED JOHN OF VERCELLI (JOHN GARBELLA)

OPENING PRAYER

HOLY NAME SOCIETY PLEDGE

"BLESSED JOHN OF VERCELLI - PRAY FOR US"

HOLY NAME SOCIETY HUMBLE BEGINNINGS & HISTORY

HOLY NAME SOCIETY MISSION STATEMENT

HOLY NAME SOCIETY - FUNCTIONS, MINISTRIES, MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS, RETREATS, ETC.

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