Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

The Miraculous bread of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

The tradition began when Nicholas was quite ill and beginning to show the ravages of old age; he was so sick and so debilitated, he was about to die. 

His superiors asked him to eat a little meat and some nourishing foods.  After all, they pleaded, they needed him, they and the community and his Souls in Purgatory! 

He wanted to obey his superiors, but he also knew the power of fasting toward moving God’s Heart. 

So he prayed to Our Lady.  Now, we know how much she loves her priests, her favorite sons, especially ones like Nicholas of Tolentino. 

Mother Mary appeared with the Baby Jesus in her arms. 

She handed Nicholas a small bit of bread; the Infant Jesus was holding a chalice filled with water; Mother Mary enjoined Nicholas to dip the bread into the chalice and then to eat it.  Upon obeying the Mother of God, his Mother, he immediately recovered from his illness, and had more strength than he had ever known before. 

From that time on, Saint Nicholas would bless little pieces of bread, which he would distribute among the people.  Healings abounded.  Author's note: When we visited Tolentino for the first time in 1977, the nun at the Shrine gave us some “Saint Nicholas’ bread.” 

There were approximately six little crackers enclosed in cellophane packages.  Just having returned to the Church two years before, and not having had much real education in the Faith at the time, Penny asked how much we were to give someone who was suffering, to bring about a cure.  The nun made a very wise statement, a teaching which has stayed with us these many years.  She said:

“It takes a little bread and a lot of faith.” 

Three hundred and seventy-three miracles were attributed to his intercession.  They were investigated, and over 300 miracles were accepted by Mother Church.  Pope Eugene IV canonized Saint Nicholas on the Feast of Pentecost, June 5, 1446.  The Pope had a special devotion to Saint Nicholas.  He had prayed to him, for the success of the Council of Florence; it had been called to make smooth the path to unification of all Christians, the Greek Church with the Latin.  Because many of the Eastern churches returned to the Chair of Peter through that Council, Pope Eugene IV attributed it to the intercession of Saint Nicholas.

Forty years after his death, a tomb was erected where the faithful could come to venerate the Saint.  One day, a disturbed fanatic, desiring to have part of the Saint to bring back to his country, decided to cut off his arms.  When he performed this sacrilegious operation on the Saint’s body, the Saint’s arms began to bleed profusely, forty years after his death.  The rest of the body has decomposed, but from that time on, the miraculous arms have been incorrupt and were venerated in their own special chapel.  They are still solemnly processed on the Saint’s Feast Day.  In 1926, the body was investigated and the Church verified that it was the body of the Saint.  At that time, the arms were reunited with the rest of the body, a silver mask was placed over the Saint’s face and the remains of the Saint are exposed for veneration, at the base of the Altar of Sacrifice, fitting for a priest who had prayed for so many Souls as he celebrated Mass. 

Because of the many Souls that were released from Purgatory through his prayers, and the Masses he celebrated for the Poor Souls, he became and is known as the Saint of Purgatory.

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Saint Nicholas of Tolentino DVD

Champion of the Poor Souls in Purgatory
Taped on location in Italy
 

Go to Tolentino where Saint Nicholas had his ministry.
Visit his church and monastery.

  His whole life was dedicated to pray for the Souls in Purgatory.  The Basilica has continued on with that tradition. 

 Every day Mass is celebrated for the Souls in Purgatory.  He had a vision of a friend who was suffering terribly in Purgatory. 

He asked for Masses to be celebrated to help him get out of Purgatory.  He showed Saint Nicholas Purgatory and how the souls were suffering. 

Saint Nicholas celebrated Mass and saw the friend rising up into Heaven.

Pray at his tomb, at the Shrine to his incorrupt arm, a reliquary attesting to the thousands of cures and healings attributed to him.  

See a Votive Room with testamonies of  thousands of miracles, attributed to the intercession of Saint Nicholas. 

Hear the story of the Miraculous Bread of Saint Nicholas. 
 

See the tribute to the miracles on behalf of the Poor Souls in Purgatory.
ISBN 1-58002-018-6 $19.95 Our prices explained

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Reader's Comments:
Dear Bob and Penny:
I am almost finished reading Visions of Heaven, Hell and Purgatory. I want to tell you that I have not been able to put it down. What a great book. I see on your website that you have books about Marian shrines.  Love and may God’s Peace be With You.
C. M. email

Visions of Heaven, Hell and Purgatory Book
 

Heaven if real beyond your wildest dreams.  It is eternity with Our Lord Jesus  in the Beatific Vision, our Mother Mary, the Heavenly family of Angels and Saints.
Bob and Penny Lord have gone to Europe and researched the lives of many Saints and Blesseds, the teachings of the Catholic Catechism and the Catholic Encyclopedia.
They have amassed volumes of first-hand information from the visions of Saints like:
Saint John Bosco Had a vision of the world in ruins  Click here to see DVD
Saint Catherine of Genoa Vision of Purgatory         Click here to see DVD
Saint Mary Magdalene de Pazzi Mystically married to Jesus Click here to see DVD
Saint Catherine of Siena Had a vision of Heaven     Click here to see DVD
Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque Suffered for sinners on Earth  Click here to see DVD
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino Poor Souls in Purgatory  Click here to see DVD
Saint Catherine de' Ricci Bi-located to Rome           Click here to see DVD
Saint Margaret of Cortona Offered her suffering for Poor Souls Click here to see DVD
Saint Gertrude Jesus told her whom to pray for in Purgatory
Saint Bernadette Heard the sounds of Hell                  Click here to see DVD
Children of Fatima Vision of the demons in Hell
Saint John Vianney Devil set his bed afire                   Click here to see DVD
Saint Frances of Rome Carried into Purgatory by her Angel
Saint Clare of Montefalco Sees the Judgment of Souls  Click here to see DVD
Saint Philip Neri Poor Souls ushered him into Heaven  Click here to see DVD
Saint Sister Faustina Led by an Angel to Chasms of Hell  Click here to see DVD
Saint Padre Pio Spoke to Souls in Purgatory               Click here to see DVD

Code BHHP      Many Photos     336 pages       Paperback
ISBN 0-926143-84-0         $14.95

Visions of Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

Champion of the Souls in Purgatory

Nicholas was born in the year 1245, not too far from Tolentino where he spent most of his life as a religious.  His elderly parents had not been able to bear a child.  Late in life, they made a pilgrimage to Bari, petitioning Saint Nicholas of Bari to intercede with the Lord that they might bring a child into the world, never suspecting the impact that child would have on the history of the Church.  Saint Nicholas was born and his parents named him after Saint Nicholas of Bari in thanksgiving.  He was the gift of their golden years.  They offered him back to the Lord, as his mother committed him to God at his Baptism.  Parents, having a problem conceiving, often turn to Saint Nicholas of Tolentino, Patron Saint of difficult births because of his miraculous birth. 

From an early age, Nicholas longed for the religious life.  The lives of the Saints, his mother had read to him filled him with the desire to be holy.  The stories about Our Lord Jesus and Mother Mary brought him each day closer and closer to being her son and sharing in her Son’s Way of the Cross. 

There were those in the clergy who wanted to take him under their wing so that he could be a professional priest in the secular clergy, but that was not what Nicholas felt burning deep in his heart.  Instead, he searched for wherever the Lord wanted him to serve.  Not only had the life of Saint Augustine been one that his mother had read to him, but he was to hear about the Saint in school.  When the Lord wants you to do something, He makes it perfectly clear.  Just in case the young Nicholas had not understood the call to be an Augustinian, the Lord brought him to an Augustinian church, to hear an Augustinian preach; and in case he had not heard his commandment to follow Him in the religious life, what should the priest preach on in his homily but the following Gospel passage, “Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world....the world is passing away.”  But it is believed that it was the preacher who filled Nicholas with the great desire which would catapult him into serving the Lord and only the Lord for the rest of his life.

He entered the Augustinian community while still a child, and before he was eighteen, he joined the community as a brother.  His first task was as doorkeeper at the monastery.  He loved this job.  He was able to meet the poor, and instruct them gently in the ways of the Lord.  He would also give them food, sometimes too much food for the liking of his superior, but that was who Nicholas was.  He willingly gave up all that he had, but the problem was that he also gave up all the community had. 

It was during this time, his early days in the Augustinian community, while being doorkeeper, that we hear of Nicholas’ first miracle.  A child came to the door with his parents.  It was obvious he suffered a serious physical malady.  Nicholas put his hand on the child’s head and said, “The good God will heal you.”  The afflicted child was immediately healed.

He traveled up and down the provinces of Italy near to his home town.  He spent time in Cingoli, where he was ordained a priest at age 25.  He healed a blind woman in that village, and became well-loved by the people there.  But he had to move on.  The Lord had a plan for Nicholas, and that was to eventually bring his ministry to Tolentino.  There, he would spend the rest of his days, evangelizing to everyone and anyone he could.

On all the paintings and statues of Saint Nicholas, you see a star on his chest.  There is a tradition that when meditating on where he should go, he saw an unusually bright star in the sky and followed that star to Tolentino.  This reminds us of the Magi who followed the star to Bethlehem that led them to the Baby Jesus, born to redeem the world.  Why had the star led Nicholas to Tolentino?  The situation was not good in Tolentino when he arrived.  People were not attending Mass.  The churches were empty.  His superiors held the belief the only way was to go door-to-door evangelizing.  If the people would not come to God, His disciples would go to them; and so they sent Brother Nicholas (among others) to the people.  Now, he had not done this before, but he obeyed and set out among the villagers.  What he found was that the faithful were actually starving for the Word of God; he was immediately accepted by the people.  During his teachings on the Gospel, he simply glorified God.  He could hear people crying as they listened to him.  He spoke with, as Saint Augustine taught, “the heart and mind” of the Church and conversions took place en masse.  Even those who hated him could not resist the love with which he preached; they too, soon came around. 

There is an instance which is attributed to the Saint, where there was one angry man, a heretic, who not only did not believe, but became violent when Nicholas preached in the town squares.  He did everything in his power to disrupt Nicholas, or distract the people so that they could not pay attention to Nicholas.  But our little saint just kept plugging, exchanging anger and violence with love.  This infuriated the man all the more.

One day, when Nicholas was preaching to the people, in the town square, sharing how much God loved them, the angry man decided to disrupt the proceedings by fencing with his friends.  The sound of steel blades slicing against steel blades, the swords threatened to drown out Nicholas, but that didn’t stop him.  He kept sharing about the God Who unconditionally loves us, even as we are rejecting Him.  The angry man, who could not help hearing everything Nicholas was saying, finally stopped fencing, leaned on his sword and listened to the rest of Nicholas’ talk.  Needless to say, he was converted and became one of Nicholas’ greatest supporters. Continued

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Defenders of the Faith

Saint Philip Neri
Sts Francis de Sales & Jane Frances de Chantal
Saint Vincent de Paul
Saint Nicholas of Tolentino
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Saint Charles Borromeo
Saint Dominic
Saint Teresa of Avila
Saint John of the Cross
Saint Catherine de' Ricci
Videos & DVDs
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Defenders of the Faith - Saints of the Counter-Reformation

 V120 - Saint Philip Neri

Apostle of Rome and the Laity

Walk the streets of Rome where Saint Philip Neri began his ministry.

Follow him as he teaches the brothers, who are now the Oratorians.

Visit Chiesa Nuova, the Church where he lived, died, experienced Ecstasy, Our Lady appeared to him and where Pope John Paul II went to honor him.

Discover the many Miracles that took place during his life.

Viewer's Comments
Dear Bob and Penny:
I just saw your Super Saints presentation on Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane de Chantal. Thank you for closing your show by saying that Jesus is calling us to be great Saints. In a world that treats people anonymously, it is important to remember that we are specially, infinitely, deeply loved by Jesus, and that He made each one of us for a special saintly purpose. And thank you for saying, “We love you” at the end of each show. These words aren’t said often enough today.
We love you! God bless,
E. R. email

V121 - Saints Francis de Sales
&
Jane Frances de Chantal

Visit the shrines of Saint Francis de Sales and Saint Jane Frances de Chantal, in Annecy, France, nestled deep in the French Alps.

Visit his chateau which is still inhabited by members of his family.  

Go to the majestic church of the Visitation, protecting the town, where both Saints are buried.

V136 - Saint Vincent de Paul

One of the most powerful Saints of France.  He was sold into slavery.

Go to Paris and the Chapel of the Miraculous Medal, where his incorrupt heart is venerated.  

Go to the Church of Saint Vincent de Paul where his life story is recounted in stained glass windows and where his incorrupt body is visible.

A Defender of the Faith

D36 - Sts. John of the Cross &
Teresa of Avila

Avila - Visit the house where Saint Teresa was born and the cell where she received Transverberation of the heart.

Alba de Tormes - Where she died. Venerate her incorrupt body.

Medina del Campo - Visit chapel where Saint John celebrated his first Mass and the Cathledral in

Salamanca where he was ordained.

One Hour Special
ISBN 0-926143-83-2 $19.95

 V125 - Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

Champion of the Poor Souls in Purgatory

Go to Tolentino where Saint Nicholas had his ministry.

Visit his church and monastery.
Pray at his tomb, at the Shrine to his incorrupt arm, a reliquary attesting to the thousands of cures and healings attributed to him.
See the tribute to the miracles on behalf of the Poor Souls in Purgatory.

V162 Saint Ignatius of Loyola
Founder of the Jesuits

This video has been two years in the making

Go to Loyola, Spain at the foot of the Pyrenees, where he was born.  Originally, a soldier, he threw down his sword to serve the Lord and his Lady. 

Go to Montmartre in Paris, where he took his first vows, and to Rome where he was ordained and took his final vows in Saint Paul Outside the Walls. 

Visit the Gesu in Rome where he died in 1556 and is buried.

ISBN 1-58002-082-8    $19.95

For VHS click below

For DVD click below

For English Audio Saint Ignatius of Loyola CD $8.00 click below

V153 - Saint Charles Borromeo

Hero of the Counter-Reformation

Created CCD in its original form

Scenes from his life begining in Arona, birthplace of Saint Charles.

On to Pavia, where he attended the University,

then to Trent, where he worked on the Council of Trent,

to Rome and

to Milan where he was Archbishop. 

Visit the Cathedral in Milan where he is buried. 

See Stained-glass windows depicting the story of his life.

ISBN 1-58002-073-9  $19.95

V143 - Saint Teresa of Avila
Carmelite Reformer

Come to Avila, to the Convent of the Incarnation where she had mystical experiences, including Transverberation of the Heart.

Scenes from  San José in Avila,
Valladolid, and
Alba de Tormes where she died.

See her incorrupt arm and heart.

For VHS click below

For English DVD click below

For English Audio Saint Teresa of Avila CD $8.00 click below

V144 - Saint John of the Cross
Saint - Mystic - Poet - Reformer

ISBN 1-58002-036-4     $19.95

For VHS click below

For English DVD click below

V183 - Saint Dominic

Based on Bob and Penny Lord’s book,
"Journey to Sainthood."
Founder of the Order of Preachers,

V138 - SaintCatherine de' Ricci

This video is based on the Chapter on Saint Catherine de ’Ricci in 
Bob and Penny Lord ’s book,
"Visions of Heaven, Hell and Purgatory."

This very special Saint was mystically married to Jesus, and possessed a special ring from Him. She had the gift of the Stigmata , and to Rome to have meetings with SaintPhilip Neri. Come to Prato, Italy to the Convent of SaintVincent where the Saint lived and is buried. Her body is incorrupt.  See the Miraculous statue of Our Lady which saved the Nuns from barbarians.

ISBN 1-58002-064-X   $19.95

For VHS click below

For DVD click below

Click below for DVDs on the above  Journey to Sainthood Saints.

Bl. Junipero Serra His last ounce of blood shed for the Church, he loved and brought to the Native Americans, he died as he lived, praying for those he was leaving behind.

Saint Frances (Mother) Cabrini Pope Leo XIII told her. "Your mission will be in America to help the Italians and make your country loved." Mother Cabrini said, "Yes!"

Saint Paschal Baylon Proclaimed by Pope Leo XIII Patron of Eucharistic Congresses, he was never ordained a Priest.

Saint Leopold Mandic Although he would be considered imperfect today (barely 4' 6") this Saint of Reconciliation brought about consolation and hope to thousands.

Saint Dominic Watchdog of God - He fought the Albigensianist heresy - Our Lady gave him the Rosary with the mandate to spread it to all her children.

Saint Angela Merici I want to become a Saint, because I love Jesus. She had visions of Heaven, of Jesus, as well as the devil. She battled the Protestant Revolt with education.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton A faithful daughter - a loving wife and mother - an obedient Nun - a lover of the Eucharist and Mother Mary - a role model for today

Bl. Frederic Thanks to him, Our Lady of the Cap Shrine became the meeting ground for every kind of physical and moral distress. The sick found healing; sinners were filled with remorse.

Code BJS               224 pages           Many Photos
ISBN 1-58002-132-8            $11.95

Click below to see DVDs on the above  Holy Innocence

             Super Saints Trilogy Book II
         Holy Innocence
               The Young and the Saintly

Saint Maria Goretti Saint of Purity and of Youth, and of the 20th century - Role model for chastity in our world today.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga Went into ecstasy. Trained to be a Knight, he chose the most physically and demeaning work.

Saint Margaret of Castello Patron of the Unwanted. Unloved and abandoned by her family, till today, miracles upon miracles come about through her intercession.

Saint Dominic Savio Patron of Youth and Chastity - Student of Saint John Bosco - His motto, "Death but not sin."

Saint Gabriel Possenti Co-Patron of Italian Catholic Youth Like our youth today, struggling with temptations, he chose Jesus and Mary rather than the world.

Saint Rose of Viterbo Incorrupt body - She went among the villagers of Viterbo, feeding their bodies and souls.

Saint Stanislaus Kostka Traded in fame on Earth for everlasting peace and joy in Heaven - a role model for what mankind can be - for all ages and all times.

Saint Philomena Saint of Chastity - Read the heroic story of a young Christian Martyr of the early Church.

Code BHI           224 pages              Many Photos
ISBN 1-58002-133-6               $11.95

Click below for DVDs on the above Defenders of the Faith Saints.

Super Saints Trilogy Book III
Defenders of the Faith
Saints of the Counter-Reformation

Saint Ignatius of Loyola Soldier - Poet - Mystic - Author Defender of the Faith - Founder of the Society of Jesus

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Along with Saint Francis de Sales she came up with a strict rule of life for herself - caring for her children - visiting the poor and the dying.

Saint Charles Borromeo Hero of the Counter-Reformation Saint of the People - Renounced his possessions - Founder of Seminaries - Archbishop of Milan - Instituted reforms.

Saint Teresa of Avila Doctor of the Church - Reformer of the Carmelites - Mystic - Transverberation of the heart - She turned the dire times of the 16th Century into a time of true reform.

Popes of the Counter-Reformation Saint Pius V - Leo X Hadrian VI - Clement VII - Paul III - Julius III - Marcellus II - Paul IV - Pius IV - Faced the dangers of the time and fought.

Saint Francis de Sales "The measure of love is to love without measure." - Founder of the Visitation Order Doctor of the Church - Patron of Journalists

Saint Vincent de Paul Apostle of Charity-sold into slavery suffered persecution-founded the Daughters of Charity.

Saint Philip Neri Apostle of the Laity - Levitated while saying Mass - Our Lady saved his life - Gift of Prophecy - Bi-located - Liberated those possessed by devil.

Saint Robert Bellarmine Cardinal - Doctor of the Church - Father of the Counter-Refomation

Code BDF           224 pages       Many Photos
ISBN 1-58002-134-4                $11.95