Blessed Joanna of Portugal OP (1452-1490) Religious of the Second Order of St Dominic, Virgin, Princess of Portugal of the House of Aviz, daughter of King Afonso V of Portugal and his first wife Isabella of Coimbra, Penitent. Blessed Joanna whom the Portuguese called “Saint Princess Joanna”: https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/12/saint-of-the-day-12-may-blessed-joanna-of-portugal-1452-1490/
Saint of the Day – 11 May – St Francesco de Girolamo (1642-1716) SJ Priest, Apostolic Missionary of the Society of Jesus, who spent more than 40 years teaching, preaching Naples and its surrounds leading to his being titled “The Apostle of Naples.” His life was one of total service to all in humility and the most zealous care, espeically of the needy, of prisoners, sailors, the youth and women of ill-repute. He was an intellectual giant, scholar and a Miracle-worker. Born on 17 December 1642 at Grottaglie, Apulia, near Taranto, Italy and died on 11 May 1716 at Naples. Also known as – “The Apostle of Naples” Francis di Girolamo, Francis de Geronimo, Francesco de Hieronymo, Franciscus di Hieronymo, Francis Jerome.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Grottaglia, in the Diocese of Taranto, St Francesco de Giroliamo, Confessor, of the Society of Jesus, renowned for his zeal for the salvation of souls and for his patience. He was Canonised by Pope Gregory XVI. The day of his death is celebrated with great solemnity in the Church of the Professed House at Naples where his body rests.”
St Francesco was born in Grottaglie (Taranto) on 17 December 1642, the 1st of 11 children, 3 of whom became Priests, to a wealthy family of profound Christian faith.
He was fortunate to find in his native town, a school of letters and piety which benefited him greatly until the age of 17. In fact, at about the age of 10 years, he was entrusted to a Congregation of Priests dedicated to teaching and preaching missions to the faithful.
Young St Francesco, rather than being admitted merely to school, had the privilege of living with these pious Priests, who soon entrusted him with the care of the Church as the Sacristan and the teaching of Catechism to the children. He also sometimes accompanied the Priests on missions, helping them with the instruction of Catechism to the young.
At the age of 16 om 1658, St Francesco was given the first tonsure at the proposal of the same Congregation and at 17 he was received into the Diocesan Seminary in Taranto, to continue his studies, now definitively destined for the Priesthood. He attended courses in rhetoric, science and philosophy at the schools of the Jesuit College, being Ordained Sub-Deacon in 1664 and sometime later Deacon.
In 1665 St Francesco went to Naples, on the advice of his own teachers, to attend courses in civil and canon law, obtaining a Degree in these subjects, apparently in 1668 and in theology.
In order not to be a burden on the family budget, St Francesco requested and obtained, a position as Assistant to the young students at the highest College of the Neapolitan Jesuits. Meanwhile, in 1666, while studying theology, he was Ordained a Priest and in 1670 he became a Jesuit before completing his theological studies. He completed them a few years later in order to take the examination in universa philosophia et theologia, required by the Order’s Constitutions for the solemn Profession of the four vows.
From 1671 to 1674, he served in apostolic ministry in Puglia, particularly in the Diocese of Lecce. Just as his excellent intellectual gifts and virtues had already been demonstrated in his life as a student and Assistant to young people, to the point of being called the ‘holY’ Priest by the young, so too in his apostolic activity his qualities as a zealous apostle and effective preacher, were revealed.
Once he returned to Naples to complete his theological studies, he remained there for his entire life, Assigned to the popular missions which made him an Apostle of Naples and replaced the missions to India and the East which he had insistently requested. He made his solemn Religious Profession (8 December 1682) at the height of his Neapolitan apostolate, having been assigned since 1676 to the Casa Professa del Gesù Nuovo with all the duties inherent to the Office entrusted to him. It was essentially a threefold Office: the missions to the faithful which consisted of sermons held in the squares and along the streets, where large crowds gathered on Feast Days, which were quite numerous; general Communion every 3rd Sunday of the month, also prepared with open-air sermons and with his assistants, led the multitudes to the Church of the Gesù, where numerous Priests were already on standby to hear Confessions and the conversion of women from wicked lives.
This was one aspect of his public missions but what was special about it was that he entered the neighbourhoods where the homes which sheltered the unfortunate, were most numerous and began preaching under their windows.
His biographers recall many cases, sometimes miraculous, of conversions or repentance among these women.
But this threefold role did not exhaust the missionary’s activity, as he extended his apostolate to all those in need, such as ship workers, prisoners, the sick and the men of his congregation of artisans, a kind of Catholic circle or Confraternity which was of invaluable assistance to him in his missions and in organising, as mentioned, the general Communions on the 3rd Sunday of the month.
Although the City of Naples was his missionary field for about forty years, his apostolic zeal did not end there, as he is known to have taken part in missions many times in other regions of the Kingdom of Naples, such as Abruzzo, Puglia, and Sannio . Above all, however, Naples and its surroundings benefited from his work and were strongly influenced by his miracle-working holiness, as demonstrated by the events of 1707, when the Austrian Army occupied Naples, driving out the Spanish under Philip V. As was often the case in similar circumstances, the people gave way to revolts and looting. That time, however, St Francesco’s moral authority succeeded in averting the danger or significantly limiting it. Indeed, it seems that he helped prevent the Spanish barricaded in the fortresses from bombarding the City, acting as a mediator, as the Canonisation processes attests.
Another apostolic activity of St Francesco deserves mention i.e. his spiritual exercises for various classes of the people: Monasteries of nuns, Youth Centres, prisoners and ‘galley slaves.’ Everywhere he carried warm words of faith and love, inflamed as he was with a burning charity, especially toward Jesus Christ in the Eucharist and his most Holy Mother.
Among the devotions St Francesco favoured and spread ,a particular one was to St. Cyrus, Physician and Martyr, whose body rests in the Chapel of the same name in the Church of the Gesù Nuovo in Naples. He carried a Relic of the Saint with him on his missions and attributed to it all the miracles he performed during his sermons, although many contemporary witnesses believe that God worked miracles through our Saints own virtues and that he, in his humility, hid behind the healing power of St Cyrus. This testimony serves to demonstrate the esteem in which his virtues were held by his contemporaries, who, moreover, unanimously affirmed the sanctity of his life in all the Canonisation processes which began just a few years after his death, which occurred in Naples on 11 May 1716.
St Francesco was Beatified by Pope Pius VII on 2 May 1806, when the Jesuits, at the request of King Ferdinand IV of Bourbon, were recognised for the Kingdom of Naples (the Order was restored in 1814).
He was then Canonised by Pope Gregory XVI on 26 May 1839, and his Feast Day was set on the day of his death. His body, transferred to the Chapel named after him in the Church of Gesù Nuovo in Naples which was enriched by the sculptor Jerace with an artistic Statue of the Saint preaching, remained there until after the Second World War, when it was moved to the Jesuit Church in Grottaglie, the Saint’s birthplace.
ROGATION DAY AND today is the Feast Day of the Founder of these Days when we pray the Litanies: St Mamertus (Died c477) Archbishop of Vienne, France, Theologian, Writer, Founder of the introduction of the praying of Litanies prior to Ascension Day, called “Rogation Days.” Rogation days are days of prayer and fasting in the Church. They are observed with processions and the praying of the Litany of the Saints. The major Rogation is held on 25 April, the minor Rogations are held on Monday to Wednesday, preceding Ascension Thursday. The word Rogation comes from the Latin verb rogare, meaning “to ask,” which reflects the beseeching of God, for the appeasement of His anger and for protection from calamities. Rogation St Mammertus: https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/11/saint-of-the-day-11-may-st-mamertus-died-c-475/
St Anastasius of Lérida St Anthimus of Rome St Bassus of Sabina St Bertilla St Criotan of MacReddin Bl Diego of Saldaña St Evellius of Pisa St Fabius of Sabina St Francesco de Girolamo (1642-1716) SJ Priest St Fremund of Dunstable St Gengulphus of Burgundy
St Mozio of Constantinople St Possessor of Verdun St Principia of Rome St Tudy St Vincent L’Hénoret Bl Vivaldus St Walbert of Hainault
Martyrs of Camerino: An imperial Roman official, his wife, their children and servants, all of whom were converts and martyrs: Anastasius, Aradius, Callisto, Eufemia, Evodius, Felice, Primitiva, Theopista.
Martyrs of Carcassona – 14 Beati:
Martyrs of Osimo: Diocletius Florentius Sisinius
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Saint of the Day – 10 May – Saint Isidore the Labourer of Madrid (c1070-c1130) Confessor, renowned for his great piety and miracles. Born as Isidro and died near Madrid. Patronages – of Madrid, Leon, Zaragossa and Seville, of farmers, farm labourers, peasants Additional Feats on 15 May (believed possibly, to have been the date of birth into life). Also known as – Isidore the Farmer, Isidro,
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Madrid, St Isidore, a labourer. Being renowned for miracles, Pope Gregory XV, placed him in the number of the Saints, at the same time as St Ignatius, St Francis, St Teresa and St Philip Neri.”
St Isidore’s Life, was first written in 1265 by John, a Deacon of the Church of St Andrew, at Madrid and he edited and supplemented it in 1275,
St Isidore was born to devout, humble and poor parents in the Spanish countryside near Madrid. As a very young man he entered the service of a certain Juan de Vargas, on a farm in the vicinity of Madrid.
Every morning before begining his labours, he was accustomed to participate at Holy Mass at one of the Churches nearby. One day his fellow-labourers complained to their master that Isidore was always late for work due to his attendance at Mass. Upon investigation, the master found Isidore at prayer, while an Angel was doing the ploughing. On another occasion, his master saw an Angel ploughing on either side of him, so that Isidore’s work was equal to that of three of his fellow-labourers.
St Isidore holiness and prayers inspired great awe. By his intereceesion he resurrected his master’s lifeless daughter. He also caused a fountain of fresh water to burst from the dry earth in order to quench his master’s thirst.
He was married to Maria Torribia, also a Canonised Saint, who is venerated in Spain as Maria della Cabeza, from the fact that her head (Spanish, cabez) is often carried in procession especially in time of drought. The couple were blessed with one son, who sadly died in his youth. On one occasion this son fell into a deep well and at the prayers of his parents, the water of the well miraculously rose to the level of the ground, bringing the child with it aalive and well. Hereupon the parents made a vow of continence and lived in separate houses.
St Isidore and his Wife St Maria
Forty years after St Isidore’s death, his body was translated from the cemetery to the Church of St Andrew. In 1212, St Isidore appeared to Alfonso of Castile and to have shown him the hidden path by which he surprised the Moors and gained the victory of Las Nevas de Tolosa.
When King Philip III of Spain was cured of a deadly disease by touching St Isidore’s Relics, the King substitued the old Reliquary with a costly Splid Silver replacement.
St Isidore was Canonised by Gregory XV, along with Sts. Ignatius, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Jesus and Philip Neri, on 12 March, 1622.
St Isidore is widely venerated as the Patron of peasants and day-labourers. The Cities of Madrid, Leon, Zaragossa and Seville, also, honour him as their Patron. His feast is celebrated on 10 May.
St Alphius of Lentini Bl Amalarius of Metz Bl Antonio of Norcia St Aurelian of Limoges Bl Beatrix d’Este the Elder St Blanda of Rome St Calepodius of Rome
St Comgall of Bangor St Cyrinus of Lentini St Dioscorides of Smyrna St Felix of Rome Bl Giusto Santgelp
+St Gordianus (Died c392) Martyr and +St Epimachus (Died 250) Martyr The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, on the Latin Way, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Gordianus and Epimachus. In the time of Julian the Apostate, the former was scourged for a long time and finally decapitated for confessing the Name of Christ. He was buried at night by the Christians, in a Crypt to which shortly before his burial, the remains of the blessed Martyr, Epimachus, had been translated from Alexandria, where he had been Martyred for the faith of Christ.” Their Holy Lives and Deaths: https://anastpaul.com/2025/05/10/saint-s-of-the-day-10-may-st-gordianus-died-c392-and-st-epimachus-died-250-martyrs/
Blessed Nicholas Albergati (1373-1443) Bishop, Cardinal Priest St Palmatius of Rome St Philadelphus of Lentini St Quartus of Capua St Quintus of Capua St Simplicius of Rome St Solange of Bourges St Thecla Bl William of Pontnoise
Saint of the Day – 9 May – St Beatus (3rd Century) Confessor, Hermit, Missionary (probably a Priest), Miracle-worker. Born in Vendôme and died near Laon, France. Also known asBienheuré, Beat.. Beatus is identified with a Missionary who travelled and preached in, besides Vendôme, Garonne, Laon and Nantes. His place of death is considered to have been Chevresson, near Laon.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In the castle of Windisch, the decease of St Beatus, Confessor.”
A great deal of confusion reigns in regard to St Beatus of the region of Vendôme. There is another Saint also venerated today of the same name but who lived and evangelised in Switzerland .
Our St Beatus is renowned for his battle and triumph over a dragon (this dragon is symbolic of either the paganism rife in that time or heresy). He had fasted and prayed before fighting this dragon who had been the terror of the region. According to the tradition, the dragon was so large that when it went to drink from a river at some distance away, its tail still lay in its cave. It was also so large that it completely drained the Loire river when it drank.
There are three versions of this combat: the first states that the dragon fled at the sight of our Saint making the Sign of the Cross; the second version states that St Beatus defeated the dragon with one blow from his staff; the third states that the dragon strangled itself with its chain.
A Chapel dating from the 5th Century was built on the hillside where he is said to have lived.
Bust of Saint Beatus, église Saint-Béat Saint-Privat, Saint-Béat, Haute-Garonne, France
St Gregory Nazianzen (330-390) Archbishop of Constantinople, Father, Doctor, Confessor, Theologian, Philosopher, Orator, Poet, Writer, he is remembered as the “Trinitarian Theologian.” He is widely considered one of the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. Along with his great friends and colleagues, the brothers St Basil the Great and St Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers. The Cappadocia region, in modern-day Turkey, was an early site of Christian activity, with several missions by St Paul in this region. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Naziazus, the birthday of St Gregory, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, surnamed “The Theologian” because of his remarkable knowledge of divinity. At Constantinople, he restored the Catholic Faith, which was fast waning and repressed the rising heresies.” Wonderful St Gregory: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/09/saint-of-the-day-9-may-st-gregory-nazianzen-330-390-great-father-and-doctor-of-the-church/ AND: (In 1969, St Gregory’s Feast was combined with that of St Basil the Great – “Two Bodies one Spirit” and was then celebrated on 2 January). Their lives here: https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/02/saint-s-of-the-day-2-january-st-basil-the-great-329-379-and-st-gregory-of-nazianzen-330-390-two-bodies-one-spirit/
St Banban the Wise St Beatus (3rd Century) Confessor St Beatus of Lungern St Brynoth of Scara St Dionysius of Vienne Bl Fortis Gabrielli St Gerontius of Cervia
St Gregory of Ostia St Hermas of Rome Isaiah the Prophet St John of Châlon
Blessed Thomas Pickering (c1621-1679) Martyr, Benedictine Lay Brother. He was one of the 107 Martyrs of England and Wakes. They were Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929 and is, therefore, remembered with them all on 4 May. In character, he was described, as the most charitable and sweet-tempered of men. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/09/saint-of-the-day-9-may-blessed-thomas-pickering-osb-c-1621-1679-martyr/
Martyrs of Persia: 310 Christians murdered together for their faith in Persia. No details about them have survived.
20 Mercedarian Martyrs of Riscala: 20 Mercedarian friars who were murdered by Huguenot heretics for refusing to denounce their faith. 16th century at the Santa Maria convent at Riscala, France.
Saint of the Day – 8 May – St Helladius (Died c388) Bishop of Auxerre, France. St Helladius was the Bishop of Auxerre for around over 23+ years from 365 until his death. St Amator (344-418) was converted to Christianity, Ordained and became his disciple and finally his successor. St Helladius was a powerful Defender of the Faith against heresy especially against the Arians. Additional Feast on 13 May in the See of Sens in France where our Saints cult spread.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Auxerre, St Helladius, Bishop.”
The name of St Helladius echoes in the Episcopal list of Auxerre, placed between the Bishops Valerian and Amator.
The scarcity of historical information does not prevent us from sketching a biographical profile, albeit fragmentary, of this holy Bishop, drawing on available sources and contextualising St Helladius in his time.
The dating of Saint Helladius’ Episcopate is uncertain, but it is presumed to have lasted approximately twenty-three years, from 365 to 388. This period occurred during an era of religious fervour and immense struggles with Arian heretics still threatening the Catholic Church. In this context, St Helladius distinguished himself as a zealous leader and attentive shepherd of his See.
Specific information on his works is unfortunately sketchy. However, hagiographic tradition remembers him as the one who conferred the Priesthood on St Amator, his successor as Bishop of Auxerre. It is also said that he guided Martha, St Amator’s wife, towards religious life.
After his death around 388, Saint Helladius was buried in the cemetery of Mons, along with his predecessors. His Liturgical Feast is celebrated today, a date that does not coincide with his dies natalis, but derives from an ancient arrangement of the Feasts of the Saints of Auxerre, already present in the Martyrology of St Jerome. The name Saint Helladius was also used in the 7th Century by the author of the ‘Revelatio Corcodomi.’ His cult spread throughout the region of Auxerre and, to a lesser extent, in the region of Sens, where his Feast is celebrated on 13 May.
St Acacius of Byzantium Bl Aloysius Luis Rabata St Amatus Ronconi Bl Angelo of Massaccio St Arsenio of Mount Scete St Benedict II, Pope
St Boniface IV, Pope (c550-615) Supreme Pontiff from 608 until his death, Deacon, assistant and disciple of St Pope Gregory the Great, Papal Treasurer under Pope Gregory. In other words, he was the first official in connection with the administration of Papal property. he converted the Pantheon into a Church. This was the first pagan temple in Rome to be transformed. On 13 May 609, the Pantheon was consecrated to the Blessed Virgin and all the Christian Martyrs. Boniface ordered 28 cartloads of bones from the Catacombs to be reburied under the high Altar of the new Church. A Zealous Shepherd: https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-saint-pope-boniface-iv-c-550-615/
St Desideratus of Bourges Bl Domenico di San Pietro St Gibrian St Helladius (Died c388) Bishop of Auxerre
St Ida of Nivelles St Martin of Saujon St Metrone of Verona St Odrian of Waterford St Otger of Utrecht St Peter of Besançon Bl Pietro de Alos Blessed Raymond of Toulouse
St Victor Maurus the Moor (Died c303) Martyr, Layman, ex-Soldier. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Milan, the birthday of the holy Martyr Victor, a Moor. He became a Christian in his youth and served as a soldier in the imperial army. When Maximian wished to force him to offer sacrifice to idols, he persevered with the greatest fortitude in the confession of the Lord. Being first beaten with rods but without experiencing any pain, through the protection of God and then, having melted lead, poured over him, which did him no injury whatever. He at length terminated the career of his glorious Martyrdom by being beheaded.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-st-victor-maurus-the-moor-died-c-303-martyr/
Saint of the Day – 7 May – St Benedict II (Died 685) Pope and Confessor. A very short Reign: his Papacy began on 26 June 684, Papacy ended on 8 May 685 but this short Reign was filled with good and holy works. A learned scholar of Sacred Scripture, a Musician and a most avid employer of the beautiful Catholic Chants. He was a nab if great piety and devotion to the Church of Christ and its faithful.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Benedict II, Pope and Confessor.”
He was a native of Rome and having been brought up from his infancy in the service of the Church, was well skilled in the holy scriptures and in the Ecclesiastical chanting, of which he was a devout admirer. To sing assiduously the divine praises on earth is a kind of novitiate to the state of the blessed in heaven and an employment the most sweet and comfortable to a soul who truly loves God.
Benedict was always humble, meek, patient, mortified, a lover of poverty, and most generous to the poor. Being Ordained Priest, he had a share in the government of the Roman Church under the Pontificates of Agatho and Leo II.
Benedict was elected Oope upon the death of the latter, in 683 but to obtain the Emperor’s consent, it was necessary to wait almost a year, until the return of messengers sent to Constantinople. On which account the Holy See remained vacant and Benedict was only Consecrated on 26 June 684.
St Benedict II had concurred with Pope Agatho in assembling the 6th General Council at Constantinople, in 680. Pope Leo II, had sent the Decrees of the Council to Spain. After his death, St Benedict II pursued the same course and the Spanish Bishops in a Council at Toledo, approved and received the Definition of Faith published by the said Council.
They despatched a copy of their Decree and Confession of Faith with their subscriptions annexed, wherein they acknowledge the Divine and Human Nature of Christ. Pope Benedict, however, observed in their Confession certain obscure expressions, of which he desired a clearer explanation. For this purpose the 15th Council of Toledo was held, in which they were expounded in a sense entirely orthodox to St Benedict II satisfaction.
The Bishops of Rome were anciently chosen by the Clergy and people of Rome, according to the discipline of those times. The Christian Emperors were the head of the people, on which account their consent was required. But whilst they resided in the East, this condition often produced long delays and considerable inconveniences.
Pope Benedict II represented this problem to Constantine and that pious Prince readily passed a law addressed to the Clergy, the faithful and the army at Rome, allowing that the person elected by them should be forthwith Consecrated.
St Pope Benedict II laboured much for the conversion of heretics and in repairing and adorning Churches. He did not complete eleven months in the Pontificate but filled this short term with good works. He died on 5 May 685 and was buried in St Peter’s Basilica.
The Apparition of the Holy Cross over Jerusalem: The Commemoration of the appearance on 7 May 351, Pentecost that year, of a luminous image of the Holy Cross in Jerusalem. It stretched from Mount Golgotha to the Mount of Olives (about two miles / three kilometers), was brighter than the sun, lasted several hours and was seen by the entire City. It led to many conversions and was reported in a letter attributed to Saint Cyril of Jerusalem.
Bl Antonio de Agramunt St Augustine of Nicomedia St Augustus of Nicomedia
St Benedict II (Died 685) Pope and Confessor
St Cerenico of Spoleto St Domitian of Huy St Duje
St Flavia Domitilla (1st Century) Virgin Martyr. The Roman Martyrology states of her today: “At Terracina, in Campania, the birthday of blessed Flavia Domitilla, Virgin and Martyr, niece of the Consul Flavius Clemens. She received the religious veil at the hands of St Clement and in the persecution of Domitian, was exiled with many others to the island of Pontia, where she endured a long Martyrdom for Christ. Taken afterwards to Terracina, she converted many to the faith of Christ by her teaching and miracles. The judge ordered the chamber in which she was, with the virgins Euphrosina and Theodora, to be set on fire and she thus consummated her glorious Martyrdom. She is also mentioned with the holy Martyrs Nereus and Achilleus, on the 12th of this month.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-saint-flavia-domitilla-of-terracina-1st-century-virgin-and-martyr/
St Flavius of Nicomedia Bl Francesco Paleari Bl Gisela of Ungarn
St John of Beverley (Died 721) Bishopof Hexham and then the Bishop of York, Scholar and Teacher, Apostle of the poor, and the sick Ascetic, Miracle-worker., a great friend of St Bede the Venerable. He founded a Monastery at Beverley, Yorkshire from which the Town developed. Today, it is a vibrant market Town of some 31,000 people. It owes its foundation and growth to Saint John of Beverley. The Beverley Cathedral now stands on the site of St John’s Monastery. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At York, in England, St John, Bishop, renowned for his saintly life and miracles.” A Wonderful Saint from Yorkshire: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/07/saint-of-the-day-7-may-st-john-of-beverley-died-721-of-the-miraculous-banner/
St Juvenal of Benevento St Maurelius of Voghenza-Ferrara St Peter (Died c735) Bishop of Pavia St Placid (Died c675) Abbot of Autun St Quadratus of Herbipolis St Quadratus of Nicomedia
St Serenicus of Hyesmes St Serenus of Hyesmes Bl Villanus (Died 1237) Bishop of Gubbio
Saint of the Day – 6 May – Saint Benedicta (Died c550) Virgin of Rome. Also known as Benedetta. St Benedicta was a disciple of St Galla, a wealthy widow of Rome who founded a Convent on Vatican Hill where our Saint spent her holy life of prayer, fasting and assisting the poor and ill. The image below is St Galla on St Peter’s Colonnade/
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Benedicta, Virgin.”
Information about St Benedicta is scant and comes primarily from the writings of Pope Gregory the Great, who describes her as a companion of Saint Galla in the Monastery St Gallo had founded in Rome, near St Peter’s.
Her life, although short, is rich in teachings and examples of faith and devotion.
We know that she was a young Roman virgin who, drawn to religious life, Consecrated herself to God as a virgin. She entered the Monastery founded by Saint Galla.
St Gregory the Great, in his Dialogues, describes her as a woman of great sanctity, devoted to prayer, fasting, and obedience. She was particularly dear to St Galla, who considered her a daughter. St Galla is one of the 140 saints whose images adorn St. Peter’s Square’s Colonnade.
According to tradition, Saint Benedicta died 30 days after the death of her mentor St Galla, as the Apostle Peter had foretold her in a vision. Her death was peaceful and holy, like her life.
St Benedicta is venerated by the Church and her name is inscribed in the Roman Martyrology on this day.
The Feast of St John the Apostle and Evangelist before the Latin Gate: The Roman Martyrology states of this Feast today: At Rome, the feast of St John before the Latin Gate. Being bound and brought to Rome from Ephesus by the order of Domitian, he was condemned by the Senate to be cast, near the said gate, into a vessel of boiling oil, from which he came out more healthy nd vigorous than before! About this wondrous Miracle: https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/06/saint-of-the-day-6-may-st-john-the-evangelist-before-the-latin-gate/
LeBrun, Martyrdom of St John Evangelist at Porta Latina 1641f.jpg
Blessed Bartolomeo Pucci-Franceschi OFM (Died 1330) Priest of the Friars Minor after having been a husband and father of 4. Confessor, Mystic and Miracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Montepulciano in Tuscany, blessed Bartolomeo Pucci-Franceschi, Priest of the Order of Minors, who, having left his wife, children and all his possessions for the love of God, became Christ’s poor man.” His Life of Devotion to God: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/06/saint-of-the-day-6-may-blessed-bartolomeo-pucci-franceschi-ofm-died-1330/
St Benedicta (Died c550) Virgin of Rome St Colman Mac Ui Cluasigh of Cork St Colman of Loch Eichin St Dominic Savio
St Edbert (Died 698) Bishop of LindisfarneIsland, Monk at the Monastery there, succeeding St Cuthbert in 688, a renowned Scriptural Scholar, he administered the See of Lindisfarne Island for 10 years and became too, a man remembered for his great virtue and especially for his wonderful charity to the poor, needy and ill. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In England, St Eadbert, Bishop of Lindisfarne, eminent for doctrine and piety.” His Zealous Service: https://anastpaul.com/2025/05/06/saint-of-the-day-6-may-st-edbert-died-698-bishop-of-lindisfarne-island/
Bl Edward Jones St Evodius of Antioch
St Heliodorus Bl Henryk Kaczorowski St James of Numidia St Justus of Vienne Bl Kazimierz Gostynski St Lucius of Cyrene
St Marianus of Lambesa Bl Peter de Tornamira St Petronax of Monte Cassino St Protogenes of Syria Bl Prudence Castori St Theodotus of Kyrenia St Venerius of Milan St Venustus of Africa St Venustus of Milan Bl William Tandi
Saint of the Day – 5 May – Saint Eulogius (Died c387) Bishop and Confessor of Edessa, Syria. By his zeal and love for the true Faith, St Eulogius firstly as a Priest defended the faithful from the Arians. For his troubles he and a fellow Priest working with him, were both exiled but finally after the death of the persecuting Emperor Valens, returned to Edessa where he became its worthy amd zealous shephdeerd.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Edessa in Syria, St Eulogius, Bishop and Confessor.”
During the persecution of the Semi-Arians led by Emperor Valens (364-378) against Catholics, Barses, the Bishop of Edessa, was sent into exile. To protect, lead and succour the faithful, 2 Priests of the See, Eulogius and Protogenes, assumed the role of their Bishop.
But soon they too, after resisting the Prefect Modestus, were exiled to Antinoe, the Capital City of the Thebaid. Upon the death of Valens, the persecution having ended, St Eulogius returned to Edessa and was appointed and Consecrated as the Bishop in succession to Barses, who had died in March 378 according to the Chronicle of Edessa.
This information has come to us through St Theodoret’s ‘Ecclesiastical History.’
St Eulogius was Consecrat by St Eusebius of Samosata. St Eulogius participated in the Second Ecumenical Council in Constantinople in 381. It is also known that Eulogius Consecrated his fellow Priest, Protogenes, as the Bishop of Harran.
According to the Chronicle of Edessa, St Eulogius died on Good Friday 387 and was succeeded by Cyrus. In the Roman Martyrology,St Eulogius is commemorated today, 5 May. Among the various ancient Syriac Martyrologies, only the 9th Century calendar of the Monastery of Qennesrin, mentions St Eulogius as the Bishop of Edessa on 21 June.
St Pius V OP (1504-1573) changed in 1969 this Feast which had been celebrated on this day of his birth into Heaven since 1713. Bishop of Rome, Ruler of the Papal States, Pope of the Council of Trent, the Counter-Reformation, the Battle of Lepanto, the Holy Rosary and the Pope who declared St Thomas Aquinas as a Doctor of the Church (Optional Memorial) The Roman Martyrology states of St Pius V today: “At Rome, Pope St Pius V, of the Order of Preachers, who laboured zealously and successfully for the re-establishment of Ecclesiastical discipline, the extirpation of heresies, the destruction of the enemies of the Christian name and, governed the Catholic Church by holy laws and the example of a saintly lfe.” His Most Arfdent Life of Grace: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/30/saint-of-the-day-saint-pope-pius-v-1504-1572/ Lepanto by G K Chesterton: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/30/lepanto-30-april/
St Avertinus of Tours Bl Benvenuto Mareni St Britto of Trier
St Crescentiana St Echa of Crayke St Eulogius (Died c387) Bishop and Confessor of Edessa St Euthymius of Alexandria St Geruntius of Milan St Godehard of Hildesheim Bl Grzegorz Boleslaw Frackowiak
St Hilary (c400-449) Bishopof Arles, Monk, learned Scholar and Writer, Reformer and although extremely gentle and kind, Hilary was also a strict leader of his flock, Miracle-worker. Born in c 400 at Lorraine, France and died in 449 of natural causes. The Roman Martyrology states: “At Arles in France, the blessed Bishop Hilary, noted for his great learning and holiness.” His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/05/05/saint-of-the-day-5-may-saint-hilary-of-arles-c-400-449-hilary-of-holy-memory/
St Hydroc St Irenaeus of Thessalonica St Irenes of Thessalonica Bl John Haile St Jovinian of Auxerre St Jutta Kulmsee St Leo of Africo St Maurontius of Douai
St Maximus (Died c350) Bishop of Jerusalem and Confessor, Defender of the Faith. He was the third Maximus to become the Bishop of the See of Jerusalem. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Jerusalem, the Bishop and confessor, whom the Caesar, Maximian Galerius, condemned to work in the mines, after having plucked out one of his eyes and branded him on the foot with a redhot iron.” His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2025/05/05/saint-of-the-day-5-may-st-maximus-died-c350-bishop-of-jerusalem-and-confessor/
St Nectarius of Vienne St Nicetas (Died c449) Bishop of Vienne
St Peregrinus of Thessalonica St Sacerdos of Limoges St Sacerdos of Saguntum St Silvanus of Rome St Theodore of Bologna St Waldrada of Metz
Quote/s of the Day – 4 May – The Feast of St Monica (322-387) Mother of St Augustine – 1 Timothy 5:3-10, Luke 7:11-16
“Son, nothing in this world now affords me delight. I do not know what there is now for me to do or why I am still here, all my hopes in this world being now fulfilled.”
Saint Monica, on the conversion of St Augustine
“Our Lord and Saviour lifted up His Voice and said with incomparable majesty: “Let all men know that Grace comes after tribulation. Let them know that without the burden of afflictions, it is impossible to reach the height of Gace. Let them know, that the gifts of Grace increase, as the struggles increase. Let men take care not to stray and be deceived. This is the only true stairway to Paradise and without the cross, they can find no road to climb to Heaven.”
St Rose of Lima (1586-1617)
Late Have I Loved Thee! By St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace
Late have I loved Thee, Beauty ever ancient and ever new, late have I loved Thee! Lo, Thou were within but I outside, seeking there for Thee and upon the shapely things Thou hast made I rushed headlong – I, misshapen. Thou wast with me but I was tnot with Thee. They held me back far from Thee, those things which would have no being, were they not in Thee. Thou called, shouted, broke through my deafness. Thou flared, blazed, banished my blindness. Thou lavished Thy fragrance, I gasped and now I pant for Thee. I tasted Thee and now I hunger and thirst. Thou touched me and I burned for Thy peace. Amen
St Albian of Albée Bl Angela Bartolomea dei Ranzi Bl Angela Isabella dei Ranzi St Antonia of Constantinople St Antonina of Nicaea St Antonia of Nicomedia St Antonius of Rocher St Arbeo of Freising St Augustine Webster St Cunegund of Regensburg St Curcodomus of Auxerre St Cyriacus of Ancona St Enéour St Ethelred of Bardney St Florian of Lorch Bl Hilsindis
Blessed Jean-Martin Moyë (1730-1793) French Priest, Missionary to China, Founder of the Sisters of the Congregation of Divine Providence – the first expression of consecrated life among the women of China. Writer, Teacher, Innovator, Evangelist. Beatified on 21 November 1954 by Pope Pius XII. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/04/saint-of-the-day-4-may-blessed-jean-martin-moye-1730-1793/
St Judas Cyriacus
Blessed LadislasOFM Cap (c1440-1505) “The Apostle of Lithuania,” Priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin, zealous and tireless Evangelist, renowned Preacher, Poet and Hymnist, disciple of St Bernardine of Siena and his Apostolate of the Most Holy Name of Jesus and a devotee of the Passio of Christ. Ladislas served his Order in various capacities which included both a Doorkeeper and as its Provincial! He travelled across Poland to evangelise and was a noted preacher. His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/05/04/saint-of-the-day-4-may-blessed-ladislas-of-gielniow-ofm-cap-c-1440-1505/
St Luca da Toro
Bl Marco Ongaro of Conegliano OFM Bl Margareta Kratz Bl Michal Giedroyc St Nepotian of Altino Bl Paolino Bigazzini St Paulinus of Cologne St Paulinus of Senigallia St Pelagia of Tarsus St Porphyrius of Camerino Rino
Carthusian Martyrs of England: A group of Carthusian Monks who were hanged, drawn and quartered between 19 June 1535 and 20 September 1537 for refusing to acknowledge the English royalty as head of the Church: • Blessed Humphrey Middlemore • Blessed James Walworth • Blessed John Davy • Blessed John Rochester • Blessed Richard Bere • Blessed Robert Salt • Blessed Sebastian Newdigate • Blessed Thomas Green • Blessed Thomas Johnson • Blessed Thomas Redyng • Blessed Thomas Scryven • Blessed Walter Pierson • Blessed William Exmew • Blessed William Greenwood • Blessed William Horne • Saint Augustine Webster • Saint John Houghton • Saint Robert Lawrence
Martyrs of Cirta: Also known as • Martyrs of Cirtha • Martyrs of Tzirta A group of clergy and laity Martyred together in Cirta, Numidia (in modern Tunisia) in the persecutions of Valerian. They were – Agapius, Antonia, Emilian, Secundinus and Tertula, along with a woman and her twin children whose names have not come down to us.
Martyrs of Novellara: A Bishop and several his flock who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian and whose relics were kept and enshrined together. We know nothing else about them but the names – Apollo, Bono, Cassiano, Castoro, Damiano, Dionisio, Leonida, Lucilla, Poliano, Tecla, Teodora and Vespasiano. They were Martyred on 26 March 303. Their relics were enshrined in the parish of Saint Stephen in Novellara, Italy in 1603.
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Saint of the Day – 3 May – Blessed Zachariah (Died c1249) OFM Friar of the Friars Minor of St Francis. Zachary was highly revered for his virtues and miracles, Also known as Zachary.
Zachariah had been welcomed into the Order by Saint Francis himself and had been sent to Spain to preach among the Moors.
His fame for sanctity grew rapidly, so much so that Queen Sancha and the Portuguese people venerated him and drew inspiration from his example to live a more modest life.
His remains, initially buried in the main Chapel of the Convent of Santa Caterina in Alemquer, were later placed under the Altar of the same Chapel and, in 1562, enshrined to the right of the Altar, visible through a gilded grate.
His memory is commemorated in the Franciscan Martyrology on 3 May with the approximate date of death being 1249.
Virgen de la Carrasca / Our Lady of Carrasca, Bordón, Teruel, Aragón, Spain (1212) – 3 May, Commemorated on First Monday of May:
In 1212, a herder found an image of the Virgin in a holm oak (carrasca) in the rocky countryside of Aragón in Spaon. There are several stories about what happened then, all of them ending with a Shrine in Bordón. Templars carried the Statue to Castellote, 12 miles north but the next day the image was back in the oak, the Virgin made those carrying her to Castellote keep turning toward Bordón and springs arose at each turn.
The original Statue
In the place where it was found, a hermitage was built to house it, which would later be replaced by the building that today is the Parish Church of Bordón, built in 1306 by the Templar Order (The Order was dissolved by Pope Clement V in 1312 ).
Although its exterior hardly stands out, its interior is magical and fascinating, a place full of mystery. In one of the Chapels inside, the Templar novices who previously made a pilgrimage on foot from Castellote, capital of the Templar Commandery, performed initiation rites to become Knights of the Order.
In the 18th century, the interior of the Church was covered with marvellous frescoes, which have been recently restored. Unfortunately, the venerated carving of the Black Virgin of the Carrasca was lost during the Civil War, along with another very famous Romanesque carving with a reputation for miraculously calming storms, the Virgin of the Spider, only a series of photographs being preserved, which allowed the making a replica.
Replica Statue
On the first Monday in May, the faithful from the three towns to the south—Tronchón, Olocau del Rey and Mirambel—conduct a processional pilgrimage to the Virgin de la Carrasca. They have done this “from time immemorial,” according to a document of 1390 in the Parish archives of Tronchón.
St Adalsindis of Bèze Bl Adam of Cantalupo in Sabina St Ahmed the Calligrapher St Aldwine of Peartney St Pope Alexander I St Alexander of Constantinople Bl Alexander of Foigny St Alexander of Rome St Alexander Vincioli
Saint of the Day – 2 May – St Secundus the 1st Bishop of Avila, Spain of which City he is the Patron. Some sources regard him as a Martyr although the Roman Martyrology does not. Also known as – Secundius, or Secundius of Abula,Secundinus.
Isidro Villoldo: St Secundinus is called by Christ, 1547, painting in the Chapel dedicated to St Secundus in the Cathedral of Ávila
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Avila, in Spain, St Secundus, Bishop, who is also mentioned with others on the 15th of this month.” The Martyrology on the 15th states “ … Consecrated Bishops by the holy Apostles in Rome and sent to S[ain to preach the word of God. When they had evangelised various Cities and brought innumerable multitudes under the yoke of Christ, they rested in peace in varioys parts of that Countyr … Secundus in Avila …”
Isidro Villoldo: St Secundinus preaching to the people, 1547, Artwork in the Chapel dedicated to St Secundus in the Cathedral of Ávila
According to tradition, St Secundus was the 1st Bishop of Abula, now Avila and was cCnsecrated Bishop by Peter and Paul in Rome and sent as a missionary to Spain, where he died after his successful ministry.
It is believed that Abula is the present-day Abla, not Ávila even though Avila has him as its Patron Saint.
St Athanasius (c295-373) – Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church, “Father of Orthodoxy,” Bishop of Alexandria, Defender of the true faith, throughout his life he opposed the Arian heresy. By denying the Godhead of the Word, the Arians turned Christ into a mere man, only higher in grace than others in the eyes of God. St Athanasius took part in the Council of Nicea in 325 and until the end remained a champion of the faith, as it was defined by the Council. In him, the Church venerates one of her Great Fathers and Doctors. He was subjected to persecutions for upholding the true teaching concerning the person of Christ and was sent into exile from his See no less than five times. He died at Alexandria in 373 after an Episcopate of forty-six years. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/05/02/saint-of-the-day-2-may-st-athanasius-c295-373-father-and-doctor-of-the-church-father-of-orthodoxy/
Bl Bernard of Seville St Bertinus the Younger Bl Boleslas Strzelecki Bl Conrad of Seldenbüren St Cyriacus of Pamphylia St Eugenius of Africa St Exsuperius of Pamphylia St Felix of Seville
Martyrs of Alexandria – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Marytred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little more than their names – Celestine, Germanus, Neopolus and Saturninus. 304 in Alexandria, Egyp
Saint of the Day – 1 May – Saint Amator (344-418) Bishop and Confessor of Auxerre, France, the Bishop of Auxerre from 388 until his death on 1 May 418. A married man who lived in complete chastity with his wife Martha, he was granted the grace of Miracles and expelling demons. A tireless shepherd, he worked to totally eradicate paganism from his region. Patronages of Auxerre, agaubst Epilepsy, of the mentally ill. Also known as – Amatore, Amatre, Amatus, Amadour.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Auxerre, St Amator, Bishop and Confessor.”
According to his Life, contained in a 9th Century manuscript but believed to have been written in the 7th Century by a Monk, Stephen Africanus, Amator was born in Auxerre in 344 of a wealthy merchant family and was educated by St Valerian, the City’s Bishop.
Although married by his parents’ will to the noble and wealthy Martha of the City of Langres, he lived with her in perfect chastity and became a Deacon.
St Amator performed many miracles and expelled the demons which inhabited the ruins surrounding the City. Upon the death of Helladius, St Valerian’s successor, he was elected as the Bishop and carried out his ministry with determination, eradicating the last traces of paganism from his See and miraculously overcoming the resistance of a certain Rutilius to cede his lands for the construction of the new Cathedral, dedicated to St Stephen the First Martyr.
A journey to Antioch to acquire the Relics of Saints Cyrus and Julitta and the selection of St Germanus, his successor, as Deacon and then Bishop, complete the picture of a zealous and far-sighted shepherd.
St Amator’s death on 1 May 418, after 30 years of Episcopate, gave rise to a cult which rapidly pread to Catalonia where Charlemagne sent a Relic of St Amator. The ancient Church, built over his Tomb in Rhe was destroyed during the Revolution and some of his Relics were dispersed.
Reliquary of St Amator
St Amator is invoked above all as a healer of the mentally ill and of epileptics, who would lie on his Tomb seeking his intercession in prayer.
St Aceolus of Amiens St Acius of Amiens St Aldebrandus of Fossombrone St Amator (344-418) Bishop and Confessor of Auxerre St Ambrose of Ferentino St Andeolus of Smyrna Bl Arigius of Gap St Arnold of Hiltensweiler St Asaph of Llanelwy St Augustine Schöffler
St Benedict of Szkalka OSB (Died 1012) Monk and Hermit
St Ceallach of Killala St Cominus of Catania Evermarus of Rousson Bl Felim O’Hara St Grata of Bergamo St Isidora of Egypt St Jeremiah the Prophet St John-Louis Bonnard Bl Klymentii Sheptytskyi St Marculf St Orentius of Auch St Orentius of Loret St Patientia of Loret
St Peregrine Laziosi OSM (1260-1345) The “Angel of Good Counsel,” Priest of the Servite Order (The Order of Servants of Mary), Apostle of the poor and the sick, Miracle-worker, Spiritual Advisor. Patronages – against cancer, against breast cancer, against open sores, against skin diseases, AIDS patients, sick people, Diocese of Forli-Bertinoro, Italy, City of Forli, Italy. St Peregrine’s body is Incorrupt. Beautiful St Peregrine: https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-saint-peregrine-laziosi-osm-1260-1345-today-is-the-675th-anniversary-of-his-death/
Bl Petronilla of Moncel
St Richard Pampuri OH (1897-1930) aged 33 – Italian Religious of the Hospitallers of St John of God, Medical Doctor, Founder of the Band of Pius X (a Youth movement) which he dedicated to the medical care of poor people, Third Order Franciscan. He was an outstanding lover of the Holy Eucharist in Adoration and an avid Marian devotee, as well as living out his short but faith-filled life in total charity to all the needy and poor. His Zealous Service: https://anastpaul.com/2019/05/01/saint-of-the-day-1-may-saint-richard-pampuri-oh-1897-1930/
Saint of the Day – 30 April – St Donatus (4th Century) Bishop of Evraea in modern Albania, Miracle-worker. Renowned for his great sancity and many miracles.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Eurea in Epirus, St Donatus, a Bishop, who was eminent for sanctity in the time of the Emperor Theodosius.”
St Donatus is venerated as a Saint for his outstanding sanctity and miracles.
Although the details of his life are confused with those of Saint Donatus of Arezzo in Italy. His fame as a Miracle-worker is attested by Sozomen, who recounts his victory over a dragon which terrorized the region and his miraculous creation of a spring.
St Donaturs is celebrated on 30 April in the Roman Martyrology and his cult spread widely across in many regions and over many Centuries, with Emperor Justinian dedicating two fortresses to him.
Donatus died around 387 and became the Patron Saint of ancient Epirus. It is said that his Relics were brought to the Convent of Our Lady on the Island of Murano, near Venice.
Bl Hildegard the Empress St Lawrence of Novara St Louis of Córdoba St Mariano of Acerenza St Maximus of Ephesus St Mercurialis of Forlì St Peter of Córdoba St Pomponius of Naples St Quirinus of Rome St Rodopiano of Aphrodisias St Sophia of Fermo St Swithbert the Younger Bl Ventura of Spello
Martyrs of Montpellier: A group of 70 Mercedarian Friars, led by Blessed Luigi Puell, who were Martyred by Huguenots for trying to bring people back to the Catholic Church. They were Martyred in 1567 in Montpellier, France.
Saint of the Day – 29 April – Saint Paulinus (Died c545) Bishop and Confessor of Brescia in Italy. St Paulinus served his flock and the Church at Brescia for 21 years.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Brescia, St Paulinus, Bishop and Confessor.”
St Paulinus was Consecrated as the Bishop of Brescia in 524, thus making his service as the shepherd of his See for 21 years until his death in around 545.
Little is known of his life, although he is presumed to have been a zealous defender of both his flock and the Church, both its doctrine against heresies and its physical presence in the region.
St Paulinus’ Relics are enshrined and venerated in the Church of San Pietro in Oliveto which is the old Cathedral of the See.
St Peter Martyr/ of Verona OP (1205–1252) Martyr, Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, , a celebrated Preacher, Miracle-worker, Marian devotee. He served as Inquisitor in Lombardy, was murdered by an assassin and was Canonised 11 months after his death, making his the fastest Canonisation in history. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-st-peter-of-verona-op-1205-1252/
Abbots of Cluny: A feast that recognises the great and saintly early Abbots of Cluny Abbey:
Saint Aymardus of Cluny
Saint Berno of Cluny
Saint Hugh of Cluny
Saint Mayeul
Saint Odilo of Cluny
Saint Odo of Cluny
Saint Peter the Venerable
St Ava of Denain St Daniel of Gerona St Dichu St Endellion of Tregony St Fiachan of Lismore
St Hugh of Cluny (1024-1109) St Hugh the Great, Priest and Royal Prince, Abbot of Cluny from 1049 until his death., Founder-builder of numerous Monasteries, Convents , Hospitals and the biggest Church in Europe (the Abbey Church at C luny) prior to the building of St Peter’s, apostle of the poor, the sick, the marginalised by the feudal system, ecclesiastical Reformer, holy father to his Monks and servant to all who needed him,. He was one of the most influential leaders of the monastic orders from the Middle Ages. St Hugh the Great: https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-st-hugh-of-cluny-1024-1109-st-hugh-the-great/
St Gundebert of Gumber St Juan Vargas St Paulinus (Died c545) Bishop and Confessor of Brescia Bl Robert Gruthuysen St Senan of Wales
St Severus of Naples (Died 409) Bishop of Naples for 46 years, Confessor, friend of St Ambrose, constructor of four Basilicas and the first Baptistry in the West. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Naples, St Severus, Bishop, loved by St Ambrose, as a brother and, by his Church ,as a father.” Fascinating fact: The City of Naples has more than 50 official Patron Saints, although its principal Patron is the Martyr Bishop, Saint Januarius.(Died c 304). His life here: https://anastpaul.com/2017/09/19/saint-of-the-day-19-september-st-januarius/ St Severus is one of those 50 and the full list is contained in his biography, below. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/29/saint-of-the-day-29-april-saint-severus-of-naples-died-409/
St Theoger St Torpes of Pisa St Tychicus St Wilfrid the Younger
Martyrs of Cirta: A group of Clergy and Laity Martyred together in Cirta, Numidia (in modern Tunisia) in the persecutions of Valerian. They were – Agapius, Antonia, Emilian, Secundinus and Tertula, along with a woman and her twin children whose names have not come down to us.
Martyrs of Corfu: A gang of thieves who converted while in prison, brought to the Faith by Saint Jason and Saint Sosipater who had been imprisoned for evangelising. When the gang announced their new Faith, they were Martyred together. They were – Euphrasius, Faustianus, Insischolus, Januarius, Mammius, Marsalius and Saturninus. They were boiled in oil and pitch in the 2nd century on the Island of Corcyra (modern Corfu, Greece. Also known as: Martyrs of Corcyra, Seven Holy Thieves, Seven Holy Robbers, Seven Robber Saints.
Quote/s of the Day – 28 April – The Feast of St Paul of the Cross (1604-1775) Confessor, Found and St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort (1673-1716)
“Happy the soul which detaches itself from its own pleasure, from its own will, from its own understanding. A sublime lesson is this and God will teach it, to all those who place their happiness in the Cross of Jesus Christ.”
“Whatever may happen to us, we ought not to be disturbed. Let us calmly and quietly say: ‘the Will of God be done’– let us leave all to God – the Lord be blessed forever – what He Wills, I will, in time and in eternity.”
St Paul of the Cross CP (1604-1775)
“[Jesus] is our only Master, Who must teach us; our only Lord, on Whom we must depend; our only Head, to Whom alone we should belong; our only Model, Whom we should imitate; our only Physician, Who must heal us; our only Shepherd, Who must feed us; our only Way, Who must lead us; our only Truth, Whom we must believe; our only Life, Who must be our life and our sole sufficiency in all things that, in Him, we may have all in All. Except the Name of Jesus, there is no other name given under Heaven, whereby we must be saved and apart from Jesus Christ, God has given us no other foundation of our salvation, our perfection and our glory! ”
“Never will anyone who says his Rosary everyday, be led astray. This is a statement that I would gladly sign with my blood.”
Hail Mary, Queen of Our Hearts, Our Mother Prayer in Honour of Mary By St Louis Marie de Montfort (1673-1716)
Hail Mary, Daughter of God the Father! Hail Mary, Mother of God the Son! Hail Mary, Spouse of the Holy Spirit! Hail Mary, Temple of the Most Holy Trinity! Hail Mary, our mistress, our wealth, our mystic rose. Queen of our hearts, our Mother, our life, our sweetness and our dearest hope! We are all Thine and all we have is thine. O Virgin, blessed above all things, may thy soul be in us, to magnify the Lord, may thy spirit be in us, to rejoice in God. Place thyself, O faithful Virgin, as a seal upon our hearts, that in thee and through thee, we may be found faithful to God. Grant, most gracious Virgin, that we may be numbered among those, whom thou art pleased to love, to teach and to guide, to favour and to protect, as thy children. Grant that with the help of thy love, we may despise all earthly consolations and cling to heavenly things, until through the Holy Spirit, thy faithful spouse and through thee, His faithful spouse, Jesus Christ, Thy Son, be formed within us for the glory of the Father. Amen
Saint of the Day – 28 April – Saint Pamphilus (Died c700) Bishop of Sulmona-Valva, Italy, a man of great chairty, especially to the poor and needy, a zealous shepherd to his sheep and a faithful missionary of the Gospel of Christ, also a prodiguous Miracle-worker. Patronage – the Cities of Scerni, Spoltore and Sulmona , Italy, the Diocese of Sulmona-Valva, Italy,.Also known as – Panfilo, … of Solmona-Valva, … of Sulmona.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Pelino, in Abruzzo, St Pamphilus, Bishop of Valva, illustrious for his charity towards the poor and the gift of miracles. His body was buried at Solmona.”
Born in the 7th Century in Abruzzo near the village of Pacile, located 988 metres above sea level on the Mitra hill. Pamphilus was the son of a pagan who rejected and despised him when he converted to Christ.
In 682Pamphilus was elected as the Bishop of Sulmona-Valva. He is described as a very generous and kind soul and committed to the spread of the Gospel particularly among the Lombards
He died in Corfinio a City within his See near the Basilica of San Pelino da Brindisi Co-Cathedral of the of See of Sulmona-Valva.
He was immediately venerated by the faithful and buried outside the walls in a field on which the Cathedral of San Panfilo was later built. His Relics rest in a Sarcophagus in the Crypt of the new 18th Century Cathedral.
He is the Patron Saint of the City of Ocre, Scerni , Spoltore and Sulmona , where there are Churches dedicated to him.
One of Pamphilus many miracles is recorded as follows: his father ordered him to climb onto a cart and descend from Pacile down the steep descent to the valley below. At that point the mountain descent was impossible to navigage in a car. Instead, the wheels of the cart were sunk into the rock, so that Pamphilus could slowly descend into the valley. The tracks of the oxen and the grooves produced by the wheels can be seen on the mountaside still today!
AnaStpaul 
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