Saint of the Day – 29 August – Saint Adelphus (5th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Metz, France. Patronages – of the Cities and Diocese of Metz and Strasbourg in France. Also known as – Adelfo, Adelfus, Adelphe, Adelphus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Metz, St Adephus, Bishop and Confessor.”
According to a Vita, of the 9th Century Adelphus was born to a noble Burgundian family. Some time before his birth, an Angel appeared to his mother, Beatrice, in a dream and informed her that her child would become a great Bishop.
He indeed became the 10th Bishop of Metz which office he served faithfully for 17 years as a most zealous shepherd and preacher, bring many pagans to Christ and His Church.
In 836, during the Episcopate of Drogo, Adelphus’ remains were translated to the Abbey of Neuvillers (Alsace) and became a destination for numerous pilgrimages.
In the 11th Century, they were placed in a Church dedicated to him but during the Revolution, they were returned to the Abbey Church for protection. Adelphus’s Feast Day falls on 29 August but in Neuvillers, it is celebrated on 1 September due to the celebration of the Feast of the Beheading of St John the Baptist on the same day.
St Adelphus was Canonised on 3 December 1049 by Pope Leo IX. SBelow is a scene from the life of Adelphus as depicted in the Adelphus Tapestries from the 1470s and is in the Abbey of at his Shrine in Neuvillers.
St Adelphus (5th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Metz, France St Adausia of Rome St Alberic of Bagno de Romagna St Basilia of Sirmium Bl Bronislava St Candida of Rome St Edwold the Hermit St Euthymius of Perugia St Maximian of Vercelli St Medericus St Nicaeus of Antioch St Paul of Antioch St Repositus of Velleianum Bl Richard Herst St Sabina of Troyes St Sator of Velleianum St Sebbe of Essex (c626-695) King, Monk St Velleicus St Victor of La Chambon St Vitalis of Velleianum
Saint of the Day – 28 August – St Eustochium (c368-c419) Virgin, daughter of St Paula a noble matron of Rome. Guided by the teachings of St Jerome, Eustochium practiced asceticism and committed her life to perpetual virginity. Also known as – Julia Eustochium
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “The holy virgin, Eustochium the daughter of blessed Paula, who was brought up at the manger of our Lord, with other virgins and being celebrated for merits, went to our Lord.”
Eustochium was the third of four daughters and one son of the Roman Senator Toxotius. The three sisters were named, Blaesilla, Paulina and Rufina, and a brother, named Toxotius. After the death of her husband in around 380, Paula and her daughter Eustochium, lived in Rome as austere a life as the fathers of the desert.
When Jerome came to Rome from Palestine in 382, they put themselves under his spiritual and educational guidance. Hymettius, an uncle and his wife, Praetextata, tried to persuade the youthful Eustochium to give up her austere life and enjoy the pleasures of the world but all their attempts were futile. About the year 384, she made a vow of perpetual virginity, on which occasion Jerome addressed his celebrated letter on virginity, to her “De Custodia Virginitatis.”
Eustochium and Paulahad known St Jerome ever since his arrival in Rome in 382.[3] In 386 they accompanied him on his journey to Egypt, where they visited the hermits of the Nitrian Desert in order to study and afterward imitate their mode of life. In the autumn of the same year, they returned to Palestine and settled permanently at Bethlehem. Paula and Eustochium at once began to erect four Monasteries and a Hospice near the spot where Jesus Christ was born. While the erection of the Monasteries was in process (386–389) they lived in a small builing in the neighbourhood.
St Eustochium by Juan de Valdés Leal
When completed, one of the Monasteries was occupied by Monks and put under the direction of St Jerome. The three others were taken by Paula and Eustochium and the numerous virgins who flocked around them. The three convents, which were under the supervision of Paula, had only one oratory, where all the virgins met several times daily for prayer and the liturgy of the hours. St Jerome testifies (Ep. 308) that Eustochium and Paula performed the most menial services. Much of their time they spent in the study of Sacred Scripture under the direction of St Jerome.
Eustochium spoke Latin and Classical Greek with equal ease and was able to read the Scriptures in the Hebrew text, thus afording great assistance to St Jerome in his works of translation and commentaries.
The letters which St Jerome wrote for her instruction and spiritual advancement are, according to his own testimony, very numerous.
St Jerome with Sts Paula and Eustochium
In 417, a crowd of ruffians attacked and pillaged the Monasteries of Bethlehem, destroyed one of them by fire, besides killing and maltreating some of the residents.Both St Jerome and Eustochium informed Pope Innocent I by letter of the occurrence, who severely reproved the patriarch for having permitted the outrage.
Eustochium died shortly after and was succeeded in the supervision of the Convents by her niece, the younger Paula. St Eustochius of Tour might have been her nephew and further lateral descendants may include Sts Perpetuus and Volusianus.
St Augustine (354-430) – Bishop of Hippo, Confessor, Doctor of Grace and one of the original Four Fathers & Doctors of the Latin Church, Theologian, Preacher, Writer a None of these titles, though accurate, would please him, however, as much as the simple one he used to describe himself: ‘Servant of God.’ For, whatever we achieve in life, whatever gifts and talents we have been given, are of little value unless they lead us, as they did Augustine, to know, love and serve God ever more deeply.
St Facundinus of Taino St Felix of Venosa St Fortunatus of Salerno St Gaius of Salerno St Gorman of Schleswig
Bl Hugh More Bl James Claxton St Januarius of Venosa
St Julian (Died c304) Martyrof Auvergne . The Roman Martyrology reads today : “At Brioude, in Auvergne, St Julian, Martyr, during the persecution of Diocletian. Being the companion of the blessed tribune, Ferreol and secretly serving Christ under a military garb, he was arrested by the soldiers and killed in a barbarous manner by having his throat cut.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/28/saint-of-the-day-28-august-st-julian-of-auvergne-died-c304-martyr/
Saint of the Day – 27 August – St Osio (c256-c357) Bishop and Confessor of Córdoba, Spain, Spiritual writer, Born in c256 in Córdoba, Hispania (modern Córdoba, Spain) and died in c357 in Sirmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia). Also known as – Hosius, Hossius… Hozius… Ossios… Osius… Ossiuo… Ossius… Córdobalı Hosius.
Osio’s exact date of birth is unknown, although, based on the facts of his life, it can be deduced that he was born in Córdoba around 256 and died in Sirmium around 357, reaching the respectable age of over one hundred years.
Artist – Ángel María de Barcia Pavón (1841–1927)
He must have quickly given proof of his holiness, prudence, culture and zeal for the glory of God, since around 295 we find him as the Bishop of Córdoba, the former metropolitan See of Baetica. There are also serious doubts about his Episcopal Ordination. According to the Episcopal catalogue of Córdoba, he appears to have been acclaimed by the Clergy and the people, thanks to his life, marked by a reputation for holiness.
Many authors attach great importance to Osio and his thought within the life of the Church in antiquity; two lost works are attributed to him: “De laude virginitatis” and the “Treatise on Priestly Vestments.”
Ossio distinguished himself at the Council of Elvira, whose acts he signed eleventh. It seems that at this Council, Ossio acquired his great fame as a theologian. Those who claim that Ossio distinguished himself at this Baetic Council for his theological ability are plausible.
Diocletian’s accession to the throne revolved around the date of our Bishop’s Consecration and a few years later he launched a persecution against Christians. This was one of the first problems the new Bishop of Cordoba encountered:
And so Osio governed his See peacefully with great fruit, until the year 303, when at Easter which was on the 18th of April, the decree of the cruelest and bloodiest persecution was published which flooded the Provinces with the blood of Martyrs.
This is what the Episcopology tells us but it seems that bloodshed did not come until 304. This terrible persecution lasted until May 305, when Diocletian resigned his office. One of Christ’s Confessors during this persecution was Bishop Osio, who, although he escaped bloody Martyrdom, saved his life by God’s permission and for the benefit of his Church. It seems that the illustrious Bishop suffered great torments for Christ, bearing in his life the scars and signs of that attack which earned him the prestigious title of Confessor of the Faith which is Christ. It is known that the shepherds of the Church were greatly persecuted and this Osio, in particular.
Monument of the Sacred Heart, Cerro de los Ángeles, Getafe, Madrid, Spain: “Spain Defender of the Faith”
He will make the Bishop of Córdoba a courageous witness to the Faith which will bring him torture and exile. He himself will later describe to Constantine: “I have confessed the Faith of Christ.”
After the end of the persecution and following the promulgation of the Edict of Peace (Edict of Milan in 313), and especially from 313 to 326, we find Osio in close relationship and communication with the Emperor Constantine apparently playing a possible advisory role. Constantine’s rise to imperial power marked the inauguration of a new era not only in the history of the Church but also in universal history.
The Council of Arles, the Alexandrian question of nascent Arianism, the celebration of the Church’s first Ecumenical Council and its post-conciliar controversies, would shape the future of imperial policy and the development of the Church. On all these occasions, the figure of Bishop St Osio of Córdoba appears explicitly. Hence the need to shed light on the importance and significance of this distinguished figure of the Spanish Episcopate and of the century marked by his life and ministry. Holy St Osio please pray for the Church of Christ and for us all! Amen.
Feast of the Seven Joys of Our Lady – This Feast is also known as “The Franciscan Crown,” The Seven Joys of the Virgin. Today was kept by the Franciscans as the Feast of the Seven Joys of the Virgin Mary. As an expression of the Seraphic Order’s devotional life, it corresponds to the Feast of the Holy Rosary, which began among the Dominicans and the observance on 15 September of the Seven Sorrows of the Virgin, https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/27/27-august-feast-of-the-seven-joys-of-our-lady-the-franciscan-crown/
St Agilo of Sithin St Angelus of Foligno St Anthusa the Younger St Arontius of Potenza St Baculus of Sorrento St Carpophorus St David Lewis St Decuman St Ebbo of Sens St Etherius of Lyons St Euthalia of Leontini St Fortunatus of Potenza
St Osio (c256-c357) Bishop and Confessor of Córdoba
St Phanurius St Poemen Bl Roger Cadwallador St Rufus of Capua St Sabinian of Potenza St Syagrius of Autun
Martyrs of Tomi – 5 Saints: A group of 17 Christians imprisoned and excuted for their faith during the persecutions of Diocletian. They miraculously were unburned by fire and untouched by wild animals. We know the names and a few details on five of them – John, Mannea, Marcellinus, Peter and Serapion. They were tied to stakes and burned alive; they emerged unharmed – thrown to wild animals in the amphitheatre; the animals ignored them; they were beheaded in 304 in Tomi, Mesia (modern Costanza, Romania).
Martyrs of Nagasaki – 14 Beati: A group of fourteen missionaries and Japanese native Christians, who were Martyred together for their faith. They died on 16 August 1627 in Nagasaki, Japan and were Beatified on 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX. They are – Blessed Antonius of Saint Francis, Blessed Bartolomé Díaz Laurel, Blessed Caius Akashi Jiemon, Blessed Francisca Pinzokere, Blessed Francisco of Saint Mary, Blessed Franciscus Kuhyoe, Blessed Leo Kurobyoe Nakamura, Blessed Lucas Tsuji Kyuemon, Blessed Ludovicus Matsuo Soyemon, Blessed Magdalena Kiyota, Blessed Maria Shobyoe, Blessed Michaël Koga Kizayemon, Blessed Thomas Sato Shin’emon, Blessed Tsuji Shobyoe.
Saint of the Day – 26 August – Saint Anastasius (Died c304) the Fuller or Laundery man,Martyr . Born in Aquileia, Italy and died in Salona in modern Croatia, by being drowned with a stone around his neck during the persecutions of Diocletian in c304. Patronages – of Fulles and Weavers. Also known as – Anastasius of Salona, Anastasius of Lavandaio, Anastasio…
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Split in Dalmatia, in present-day Croatia, Saint Anastasius the Fuller, Martyr.”
Mosaics at St Venantius Chapel at the Lateran Basilica showing Jesus with Saints and Martyrs one of whom is our St Anastasius
In the Martyrology of St Jerome,Anastasius is commemorated on 26 August with the title of Fuller (Laundery man). In the Roman Martyrology, however, an Anastasius Military Officer) is commemorated on 21 August and an Anastasius of Aquileia on 7 September. These last two names come from a legendary Passio and were introduced into the Martyrology by Adonis.
In reality, there is only one Martyr, Anastasius and precisely the one dated today, 26 August.
Mosaics at St Venantius Chapel at the Lateran Basilica with Saints and Martyrs one of whom is our St Anastasius
According to the Passio, the Author claims to have composed it based on oral tradition but not to be completely disregarded, Anastasius was originally from Aquileia. During the Diocletianic persecution, he was in Salona, where he was arrested and condemned to be thrown into the sea with a stone around his neck. The Matron Asclepia had him buried outside Salona in a splendid two-story mausoleum, around which the Marusinac cemetery grew and which was included in a Sanctuary at the end of the 4th Century. Pope John IV (640-642) had his Relics transported to Rome, along with those of other Dalmatian Saints and placed them in the Chapel of St Venantius near the Lateran Baptistery, where the Martyr is depicted in the splendid mosaic located there.
Mosaics at St Venantius Chapel at the Lateran Basilica with Saints and Martyrs one of whom is our St Anastasius
Our Lady of Czestochowa, Queen of Poland – Our Lady of Czestochowa is a revered icon of the Virgin Mary housed at the Jasna Góra Monastery in Częstochowa, Poland. Several Pontiffs have recognised the venerated icon, beginning with Pope Clement XI who issued a Canonical Coronation to the image on 8 September 1717 via the Vatican Chapter. Patron of Poland. According to tradition, the Icon of Jasna Góra (Bright Mountain) was painted by St Luke the Evangelist on a tabletop built by Jesus Himself and the Icon was discovered by St Helen, mother of Emperor Constantine and collector of Christian Relics, in the Holy Land. Visit our Mother here: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/26/blessed-feast-of-our-lady-of-czestochowa-queen-of-poland-26-august/
St Elias of Syracuse St Eleutherius of Auxerre St Felix of Pistoia Bl Herluin Bl Ioachim Watanabe Jirozaemon St Irenaeus of Rome
St Jeanne Elisabeth des Bichier des Anges FC (1773-1838) (commonly referred to as St Elisabeth Bichier) and known as “the Good Sister” – Religious and co-Founder with Saint André Hubert Fournet – [After the approval of 2 miracles, he was Beatified on 16 May 1926 by Pope Pius XI and Canonised on June 1933 by the same Pope, after a further 2 miracles.](whom we celebrate on 13 May –https://anastpaul.com/2020/05/13/saint-of-the-day-13-may-saint-andre-hubert-fournet-1752-1834-the-good-father/) of the Sisters of the Cross, Sisters of St Andrew, a religious congregation which was established for the care of the poor and the instruction of rural children in the Diocese of Poitiers in 1807. She also helped to inspire the founding of a community of Priests dedicated to Missionary service, the St Elisabeth died in 1838, at which time there were about 600 Daughters of the Cross serving in some 100 communities. She was Beatified by Pope Pius XI in 1934 and Canonised by Pope Pius XII in 1947. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/26/saint-of-the-day-26-august-saint-jeanne-elisabeth-des-bichier-des-anges-fc-1773-1838/
St Jean Bassano St Jean of Caramola Bl Juan Urgel Bl Margaret of Faenza St Maximilian of Rome St Melchizedek the Patriarch St Orontius of Lecce St Pandwyna St Rufinus (15th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Capua St Secundus the Theban St Victor of Caesarea St Victor the Martyr St Vyevain of York
Martyrs of Celano – 3 Saints: Three Christians, Constantius, Simplicius and Victorinus, Martyred in the same area at roughly the same time. They were Martyred in c 159 in the Marsica region of Italy. At some point their relics were interred under the main Altar of the San Giovanni Vecchio Church in the Collegiata di Celano and were authenticated in 1057 by Pope Stephen IX. The city was depopulated in 1222; when it was re-built, the relics were re-enshrined in the Church.
Saint of the Day – 25 August – Saint Menas (Died 552) Bishop of Constantinople , (modern Istanbul, Turkey). Born in Alexandria in Egypt on an unknown date and died on 24 August in 552 in Constantinople. Also known as Mennas, Mina, Minas.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Constantinople, St Mennas, Bishop.”
Menas was the director of the hospice of Saint Samson in Constantinople. Following the deposition of Bishop Anthimus I of Constantinople, Pope St Agapetus I elected him on 3 March 536 to fulfil the high office as the Bishop of that City..
After the Pope’s death, Menas presided over the Council which excommunicated Anthimus. In 543 he headed the Council which ratified Justinian ‘s edict against the Origenists and in 547 he signed, together with the Eastern Bishops, the condemnation of the Three Chapters for which he was excommunicated by Pope Vigilius.
In 552 Mena presented a retraction of his ideas with a profession of faith to the Pope. After his reconciliation with the Church he dedicated to Divine Wisdom the great Church built by the Emperor Justinian.
Menas died on 24 August 552. He was venerated as a Saint and celebrated in the Byzantine Church on 24 August 24 or 25, the latter date on which he is still celebrated in the Roman Martyrology.
St Alessandro Dordi St Andreas Gim Gwang-Ok St Aredius of Limoges St Ebbe the Elder St Eusebius St Genesius of Arles St Genesius of Brescello St Genesius St Gennadius of Constantinople St Geruntius of Italica St Ginés de la Jara
St Gurloes of Sainte Croix St Hermes of Eretum St Hunegund of Homblieres St Julian of Syria St Julius of Eretum St Maginus (Died c304) Martyr, Hermit
St Maria Micaela of the Blessed Sacrament (1809-1865) “Mother Sacramento” was a Spanish professed Religious and the Founder of the Handmaids of the Blessed Sacrament, Apostle and martyr of charity. In 1922, Pope Pius XI, proclaimed Mother Sacramento’s heroic virtues. On 25 July 1925, he Beatified her and on 4 March 1934, he Canonised her. Her Blessed Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/25/saint-of-the-day-25-august-saint-maria-micaela-of-the-blessed-sacrament-1809-1865/
St Menas (Died 552) Bishop of Constantinople St Nemesius of Rome
St Patricia (7th Century) Virgin, Consecrated as a Religious Sister, Pilgrim. Patronage – of Naples, one of a long list of Patron Saints of Naples. St Patricia is less well known than St Januarius, also a Patron Saint of the City, who attracts crowds to Naples Cathedral three times a year to witness the miracle of a small sample of his blood turning to liquid but St Patricia’s blood liquifies every Tuesday, on her Feast Day and at many other times. Wondrous St Patricia: https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/25/saint-of-the-day-25-august-st-patricia-of-naples-7th-century-virgin-of-the-miraculous-liquifying-blood/
St Peregrinus of Rome St Petrus Gim Jeong-Duk St Pontian
DISCLAIMER: Please note: I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear, The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site. I do apologise for any inappropriate content.
Saint of the Day – 24 August – St Ouen (c610-684) Bishop and Confessor of Rouen, Founder of many Monasteries including Fontenelle – today’s St Wandrille, Royal Advisor, a gifted poet and writer. Born in around 610 near Soissons in France and died on 24 August 684 near Clichy-la-Garenne , today a district of Paris. Patronages – against deafness, of the deaf. Additional Memorial – 31 March, translation of St Ouen’s Relics. Also known as – Aldovin, Aldowin, Aldwin, Audaenus, Audeon, Audoeno, Audoen, Audoenus, Audoin, Dado, Dadon, Owen.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rouen, St Ouen, Bishop and Confessor.”
Ouenwas the son of the Frankish nobleman, Autharius of La Ferté , who was in the service of the Merovingian King Chlothar II and his first wife Aiga, brother of St Ado of Jouarre, was raised at the Royal Court like him and received the blessing of St Columban the Younger, as a child.
Ouen grew to exercise great political influence and was a leading figure in a circle of nobles and Bishops. He became chancellor at the Court of King Dagobert I and promoted monasticism.
In 635 he founded the Monastery in Rebais and was able to establish its independence. In 641 he became the Bishop of Rouen, where he founded several Monasteries, including , in 648, Fontenelle – today’s St Wandrille.
He also had great influence as an advisor to the Court in Paris and defended the independence of Neustria. Around 675 Ouen made a pilgrimage to Rome. There he visited the Shrines and Sanctuaries, distributed alms to the poor of Rome and collected Relics to take back to Rouen.
After Ebroin, the Chancellor’s death in 681, Ouen went to Cologne and succeeded in restoring peace between Neustria and Austrasia but died shortly thereafter at the Royal villa at Clichy on 24 August 684.
He was buried in the Church of Sant-Peter which he himself had built. The former Abbot of Fontenelle, Ansbert, succeeded Ouen as Bishop and had his predecessor reburied behind the High Altar, then the equivalent of a Canonisation.
Ouen wrote a Vita of his great friend, the wonderful St Eligius. This biography, which is one of the most authentic historical monuments of the 7th Century, contains a store of valuable information regarding the moral and religious education of that time and testifies to the life of St Aurea of Paris.
St Eutychius of Troas St George Limniotes St Irchard
St Jeanne-Antide Thouret (1765-1826) French Religious and the Founder of the Thouret Sisters – renamed the Sisters of Divine Charity., Apostle of Charity and the Poor and helpless, Teacher. Thouret’s life was one of service to children and the ill across France in schools and hospitals – some of which her order established. This active apostolate did not cease when the French Revolution forced her into exile. She continued her work in both Switzerland and the Kingdom of Prussia. St Jeanne-Antide was Canonised on 14 January 1934 by Pope Pius XI. Her DevotedLife: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/24/saint-of-the-day-24-august-saint-jeanne-antide-thouret-1765-1826/
St Ouen Bishop and Confessor of Rouen
St Patrick the Elder St Ptolemy of Nepi St Romanus of Nepi
Saint of the Day – 23 August – St Zaccheus (2nd Century) the 4th Bishop of Jerusalem. Also known as – Zacharius, Zaccheus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Jerusalem, St Zaccheus, Bishop who governed the Church of that City, the 4th after the blessed Apostle, James.”
St James the Greater
The Roman Martyrology lists only two Saints named Zacchaeus, one the Bishop of Jerusalem with a Feast Day on 23 August and the other, the Martyr of Caesarea in Palestine together with St Alphius.
Zacchaeus as the Bishop is mentioned by St Eusebius (265-340), the Bishop and Historian of Caesarea, who in his “Historia Ecclesiastica” lists the names of the first 4 Bishops of Jerusalem, namely St James Apostle, St Simeon, Justus and Zacchaeus.
Therefore, Zacchaeus was the 4th Bishop of Jerusalem and lived in the 2nd Century. Unfortunately, nothing else is known of his life and his time as the Ecclestical shepherd of Jerusalem.
Tthe Hagiographer Adone († 875) was the first to include him in his ‘Martyrology’ from which it passed to that of Usuard († 877) and from there to the ‘Roman Martyrology’ compiled by Cardinal Caesar Baronius in the 16th Century.
St Philip Benizi OSM (1233-1285) Confessor, Co-Founder (one of the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servants of Mary) OSM, Servite Priest Genera\Superior, Reformer, Preacher, Medical Doctor. St Philip was Beatified on 8 October 1645 by Pope Innocent X and Canonised on 12 April 1671 by Pope Clement X – he was the first Servite to be Canonised. Born on15 August (Feast of the Assumption and the day that the Blessed Virgin appeared to the first of the Founders of the Servite Order) 1233 at district of Oltrarno, Florence, Italy -and died on 22 August (Octave of the Assumption i.e. the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) 1285 at Todi, Italy). This Amazing Life: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-st-philip-benezi/ AND: https://anastpaul.com/2022/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-st-philip-benizi-osm-1233-1285-confessor/
St Abbondius of Rome St Altigianus St Apollinaris of Rheims St Archelaus of Ostia St Asterius of Aegea St Claudius of Aegea St Domnina of Aegea St Eleazar of Lyons St Eonagh
Bl Giacomo Bianconi of Mevania St Hilarinus St Ireneus of Rome St Lupo of Novi St Luppus
St Marcian of Saignon, France – Priest, Founder and the first Abbot of the Benedictine Abbaye Saint Eusebe, the Abbey of St Eusebius. Unfortunately we do not even know the year of his birth or of his death but we do know the day of death was 23 August. The Little We Know of His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/08/23/saint-of-the-day-23-august-st-marcian-of-saignon-abbot/
St Maximus of Ostia St Minervius of Lyons St Neon of Aegea St Quiriacus of Ostia St Theonilla of Aegea St Timothy of Rheims
St Victor of Vita St Zaccheus (2nd Century) Bishop of Jerusalem
Martyrs of Agea – 4 Saints: A group of Christian brothers, Asterius, Claudius and Neon, denounced by their step-mother who were then tortured and Martyred in the persecutions of Pro-consul Lysias. They were crucified in 285 outside the walls of Aegea, Cilicia (in Asia Minor) and their bodies left for scavengers.
One Minute Reflection – 22 August – “The Month of the Immaculate Heart of Mary” and the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Octave Day of the Assumption – Ecclesiasticus 24:23-31 – John 19:25-27 – Scripture search here: https://www.drbo.org/
“Behold, thy mother” – John 19:27
REFLECTION – “He Who is the Fruit of one holy Virgin is the glory and honour of all the other holy virgins; for like Mary, they are themselves the mothers of Christ, if they do the Will of His Father, the glory and happiness of Mary in being the Mother of Jesus Christ shines forth above all, in the Lord’s words: “Whoever does the Will of my heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to me.” (Mt 12:50)
Thus He shows the spiritual relationships which attaches Him to those whom He redeemed. His brothers and sisters are the holy men and women who partake with Him in the heavenly inheritance. His Mother is the entire Church because by God’s grace, she brings forth the members of Jesus Christ, that is to say, those who are faithful to Him. His Mother is also every holy soul who does the Will of His Father and whose fruitful charity is made manifest in those whom it brings forth for Him until He Himself is formed in them (Gal 4:19)…” – St Augustine (354-430) Father and Doctor of Grace of the Church (On holy virginity 5).
PRAYER – Almighty, everlasting God, Who in the Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary, prepared a dwelling place worthy of the Holy Ghost, graciously grant, that we, who are devoutly keeping the Feast of her Immaculate Heart, may be able to live according to Thy Heart. Through Jesus Christ, Thy Son our Lord, Who lives and reigns with Thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen (Collect).
Saint of the Day – 22 August – Blessed Bernard Perani OFM,Cap. (1604-1694) Lay Brother of the Capuchin Branch of the Order of Friars Minor, Lay Brother fulfilling various roles in the service of his fellow Friars, Apostle of the poor and sick, Mystic with various charisms and a powerful devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. Born on 7 November 1604 at Villa d’Appignano, Offida, in the Marche, Italy as Dominico Francesco and died in 1694 at his Monastery in Offida aged 89 years old. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Offida, Italy. Also known as – Bernard Offida, Bernard Offidski, Bernard z Offidy, Dominico Francesco. …
Domenico Perani was born to the peasant family of Domenico Perani and Elisabetta Puccio Perani as the third of eight children. His mother often held him up as an example worthy of imitation, to his siblings. At his Baptism he was given the names of Domenico Francesco. He assisted his father as a shepherd in his childhood.
In 1626 at the age of 22, Dominico entered the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin in Corinaldo, taking the name of Bernard. From his entrance until 1633, he worked in the kitchen.
He became an ardent student of Sacred Scripture and devotee of the Blessed Sacrament, being seen to experience ecstasy whilst praying before the Tabernacle. He practised severed mortifications and penances.
He was placed in the Friary at Fermo from his profession until two decades later and in 1650 Bernard was returned to his birthplace of Offida, where he was blesed to remain for the rest of his life and where he later died on 22 August 1694 mere months before turning 90. He died with a Crucifix in his hands.
Joseph Haydn wrote a special Mass in his honour named the “Missa sancti Bernardi von Offida.”
Pope Pius VI held the Beatification celebration for Bernard on 25 May 1795 in Saint Peter’s Basilica. The cause for his Sainthood was formally opened on 20 September 1797.
St Anthusa of Seleucia St Antoninus of Rome St Arnulf (9th Century) Hermit of Eynesbury Information regarding this Saint have been lost but he has long been venerated in Arnulphsbury, Cambridgeshire, England. St Athanasius of Tarsus
Blessed Bernard Perani OFM. Cap (1604-1694) Lay Brother
St Dalmau Llebaría Torné St Epictetus of Ostia St Ethelgitha of Northumbria St Fabrician of Toledo St Felix of Ostia
St John Kemble (1599 – 1679) Martyr, Priest. Ordained in 1625, he returned to Monmouthshire and served more than 50 years as an itinerant Priest, winning admirers even among Protestants. After being dragged on a hurdle to Widemarsh Common, Kemble declared on the scaffold that he died for the religion that had made this country Christian and that he forgave all his enemies. He was then obliged to encourage the executioner, who had no stomach for his task. The hanging was horribly botched, so that Kemble took half an hour to die. Subsequently he was beheaded and his left hand cut off, this may still be seen at the church of St Francis Xavier in Hereford. Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2018/08/22/saint-of-the-day-22-august-st-john-kemble-1599-1679-martyr/
St John Wall St Josep Roselló Sans St Julio Melgar Salgado St Maprilis of Ostia St Martial of Ostia St Maurus of Rheims St Philibert of Toledo Bl Richard Kirkman St Saturninus of Ostia Bl Simeon Lukach St Sigfrid of Wearmouth + St Symphorian of Autun
Saint of the Day – 21 August – Saint Euprepius (1st/2nd Century) he 1st Bishop and Confessor of Verona. Died at Verona at the end of the 1st Century or the beginning of the 2nd Century. Also known as – Euprepus, Puprepis.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Verona, St Euprepius, Bishop and Confessor.”
Unknown Bishop Blessing by Vittore Carpaccio
Not much is known of his life beyond the fact that his name was Greek. According to the local tradition of Verona, he was one of the Seventy (two) Disciples mentioned in the Gospel but his name does not appear among them in the 2nd Century list compiled by St Hippolytus of Rome.
Local tradition states that Euprepius was the Bishop of Verona from 60 to 72. The work, known as the ‘Carmen Pipinianum’ includes a description of Verona and its Churches and gives a list of the first eight Bishops: Euprepius, Dimidrianus (Demetrianus), Simplicius, Proculus, Saturninus, Lucilius (Lucillus, Lucius), Gricinus and Zeno.
According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, “the period of St Euprepius and ,therefore, of the erection of the See, must be placed not before the peace given to the Church under Gallienus (260) but rather, under the first period of the reign of Diocletian, when the Church enjoyed peace.
The reconstruction of the Chronology of Bishops known as the ‘Velo di Classe’ (which dates from the end of the 8th Century or beginning of the 9th), places Euprepius first in the list of Bishops of Verona. His Feast day in the Martyrologium Romanum is 21 August.
St Euprepius’ cult did not gain much popularity until the 14th Century. In 1492, his Relics, along with those of other Veronese Bishop Saints, were rediscovered in the Crypt of San Procolo. The Relics were translated to the ancient Basilica of San Zeno in 1806, where an inscription on the Altar reads:
“Euprepio Veronae a Christi ann. LXXII praesuli primo.” “Euprepius, first Bishop of Verona, from the year 72 of Christ. ”
In the 16th Century, Domenico Riccio painted a series of portraits of the Bishops of Verona, ranging from Euprepius to one of Cardinal Agostino Valerio for the Palazzo del Vescovado di Verona.
St Euprepius (1st/2nd Century) Bishop and Confessor of Verona
St Fidelis of Edessa St Theogonius of Edessa St Gracia of Lérida St Hardulph St Joseph Nien Vien St Leontius the Elder St Luxorius of Sardinia St Maria of Lérida St Maximianus the Soldier St Maximilian of Antioch St Natale of Casale Monferrato St Paternus of Fondi St Privatus of Mende St Quadratus of Utica
Saint of the Day – 20 August – St Herbert Hoscam (Died c1181) Bishop of Gonza, Italy, Missionary, Scholar. Born in England, in the 12th Century and died in Conza della Campania , Italy, around 1181. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Gonza. Also known as – Herbert of Conza, Erberto…
Unknown Italian Saint Bust may be St Herbert Hoscam
Herbert is still the highly venerated Patron Saint of the City and Diocese of Conza. He lived in the second half of the 12th Century, as attested by a parchment from 1169 preserved in the Diocesan Archives of Conza. This document states that he granted Robert, the Bishop of Muro Lucano, the right to Consecrate a Church in honour of St Martin.
He was present at the Third Lateran Council in 1179 and was considered a she[herd illustrious for his sanctity and learning.
Herbert died around 1181. On 23 March 1684, the Theatine Archbishop Gaetano Caracciolo, inspected the Relics placed in a side Altar and transferred them to an urn under the High Altar of Conza Cathedral, where they remain today. On this occasion, the Archbishop took the Episcopal ring, which every year, on the eve of the Feast, 20 August is immersed in Holy Water and then devotedly sprinkled over the faithful, while the hymn of the holy confessors is sung.
The venerated shepherd of this Diocese and City, so struck by recurring earthquakes and constanly reborn over the centuries, the last of which was in 1980, always enthusiastically supported the cult of the St Herbert. At the behest of Archbishop Giuseppe Nicolai († 1758), a precious silver Statue was erected in honour of the Patron Saint and at the end of the 19th Century, Archbishop Antonio Buglione named a Rural Bank after him.
St Brogan St Burchard of Worms St Christopher of Cordoba St Cristòfol Baqués Almirall St Gobert of Apremont St Haduin of Le Mans St Heliodorus of Persia St Herbert Hoscam (Died 1188) Bishop St Leovigild of Cordoba St Lucius of Cyprus St Manetius/Benedict dell’ Antella OSM Confessor
Saint of the Day – 19 August – Saint Maginus (Died c306) Hermit Martyr of Brufaganya, Spain. Nobly born in Burgundy modern France and died by being beheaded with a sickle durinmg the persecutions of Diocletian in c3046 in Tarragona, Spain. Patronage of Tarragona. Also known as – Magi, Magin.
Maginus, being orphaned at a young age, and desiring to give himself to God, became a Hermit in a cave on Mount Brufaganya located at 760m above sea level, above the beginning of the Torrent de Sant Magí.
Upon the arrival of the Roman Prefect Dacian in Tarragona, persecuting Christians under the edict of Emperor Maximian, and Diocletian, Maginus tried to convert them to the Faith and was imprisoned.
Being miraculously freed, he left the City by a gate now called Sant Magí, where he dedicated a Chapel and returned to Mount Brufaganya.
Being captured once again in his cave, Maginus was taken to Tarragona, then transferred to Gaià, where he was beheaded.
St Andrew the Tribune St Badulf of Ainay St Bertulf of Luxeuil St Calminius St Credan of Evesham
St Donatus of Sisteron (Died 535) Priest, HermitMiracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the neighbourhood of Sisteron in France, the blessed St Donatus, Priest and Confessor. Being from his very infancy endowed with the grace of God in an extraordinary manner, he lived the life of an Anchorite for many years and after having been renowned for glorious miracles, he went to Christ.” St Donetus’ Life of Grace: https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/19/saint-of-the-day-19-august-st-donatus-of-sisteron-died-535-priest-confessor-hermit/
Blessed Jordan of Pisa OP (c1255–1311) Dominican Friar, Theologian, Professor, renowned Preacher, Founder of the Confraternity of the Holy Redeemer at Pisa, Visionary, Marian devotee, promoter and daring innovator of the vernacular Italian language as a ‘church’ language and a tool for evangelisation. On 23 August 1833, Blessed Jordan’s cultus was confirmed by Pope Gregory XVI and in 1838 he was Beatified by Pope Gregory XVI. His Ardent Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/19/saint-of-the-day-blessed-jordan-of-pisa-op-c-1255-1311/ St Julius of Rome
St Louis OFM (1274-1297) Prince and Bishop of Toulouse, Neapolitan Prince of the Capetian House of Anjou, Franciscan Friar and Priest, Apostle of Prayer, of Penance and of the poor and the sick. He had received the last sacraments on the Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady and on the 19th of August, 1297, while pronouncing the holy name of Mary, he yielded his soul to God. Because of the many miracles that were wrought at his tomb, he was Canonised as early as 1317, during the lifetime of his mother. Lovely St Louis: https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/19/saint-of-the-day-19-august-saint-louis-of-toulouse-ofm-1274-1297-prince-and-bishop/St
St Magnus of Anagni St Magnus of Avignon St Magnus of Cuneo St Marianus (Died c515) Hermit of Entreaigues, a forest in France. St Gregory of Tours wrote his Vita but we have no copy thereof. St Marinus of Besalu St Maginus (Died c306) Hermit Martyr of Tarragona, Spain St Mochta St Namadia of Marsat St Rufinus – Confessor. A Saint venerated for centuries in of Mantua, Italy but sadly all records of his life have been lost. St Sarah the Matriarch St Sebaldus St Thecla of Caesarea St Timothy of Gaza
Blessed Pope Urban II (1042–1099) Bishop of Rome, Abbot, Confessor – after 1969 his Feast was moved to 29 July. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, Blessed Urban II, Pope, who followed in the footsteps of St Gregory VII, in his zeal for learning and religion and fired the Crusaders with enthusiasm for the recovery of the holy places in Palestine, from the power of the infidels. The veneration paid to him from time immemorial Pope Leo XIII, approved and confirmed.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/29/saint-of-the-day-29-july-blessed-pope-urban-ii-c-1035-1099-bishop/
Martyrs of Nagasaki – 15 Beati: A group of missionaries and their laymen supporters who were executed for spreading Christianity in Japan. They are: Antonius Yamada, Bartholomaeus Mohyoe, Iacobus Matsuo Denji, Ioachim Díaz Hirayama, Ioannes Miyazaki Soemon, Ioannes Nagata Matashichi, Ioannes Yago, Laurentius Ikegami Rokusuke, Leo Sukeemon, Ludovic Frarijn, Marcus , kenoshita Shin’emon, Michaël Díaz Hori, Paulus Sankichi, Pedro de Zúñiga, Thomas Koyanag., They were beheaded on 19 August 1622 at Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified , 7 May 1867 by Pope Pius IX.
Saint of the Day – 18 August – Saint Eonus (Died c502) Bishop of Arles. Of French birth where he died in his Diocese of Arles in c502. Also known as – Eolnius, Aeonius.
Unknown Bishop
Eonus was related to the renowned Saint Caesarius (470-542) and a fellow citizen of Arles. Eonus succeeded Saint Leontius, as the Bishop of Arles, who was still alive in 475.
Pope Saint Gelasius I addressed a letter to our Saint to be shared with the Eiscopate of Gaul. Pope Anastasius II (496-498) had determined the respective rights of the Provinces of Vienne and Arles, in a way prejudicial to the latter and Eonus asserted his point of view. In 499, Pope Symmachus ordered him to send a representative to Rome, together with that of Vienne. In 500, the outcome of this meeting in Rome was successful for Eonus, as Arles recovered its rights.
Eonus corresponded with Saint Ruricius, the Bishop of Limoges, three of whose letters addressed to him have come down to us.
Eonus involved himself in monastic life and placed St Caesarius, who had left Lérins for health reasons, at the head of one of his Monasteries. He Ordained St Caesarius to the Priesthood and chose him as his successor. This choice Eonus expressed this to his Clergy, to the best of his faithful and to the King of Toulouse, Alaric.
He likely died in 502. The Diocese of Arles and Aix, celebrate the Feast of Saint Eonus with us all today.
St Florus of Illyria Bl Francis of Francavilla Bl Gaspar di Salamanca St Hermas of Rome St John of Rome St Juliana of Myra St Juliana of Stobylum St Laurus of Illyria St Leo of Myra
Massa Candida: Also known as Martyrs of Utica and the White Company: Three hundred 3rd Century Christians at Carthage, who were ordered to burn incense to Jupiter or face death by fire. Martyrs. Saint Augustine of Hippo and the poet Prudentius wrote about them. They were forced to cast themselves into a pit of burning lime c 253 at Carthage, North Africa.
DISCLAIMER: Please note: I cannot control the content of the Advertisements on this Site, or of pop-ups which may appear, The revenue from the Advertisements, however, does provide a little assistance in the support of the Site. I do apologise for any inappropriate content.
Saint of the Day – 17 August – St James the Deacon (7th Century). James was a Roman Deacon particularly proficient in Church music and Gregorian Chant, who accompanied St Paulinus of York (c584-644) the 1st Bishop of York, on his mission to Northumbria. He was a member of the second Gregorian mission in around 604. After Paulinus left Northumbria due to pagan violence, James stayed near Lincoln and continued his missionary efforts, dying sometime after 671, according to the Venerable St Bede.
James was presumably an Italian, like the other members of the Gregorian mission. His birth date is unknown but it is believed that he arrived in England in the 2nd mission in around 604. He accompanied St Paulinua to Northumbria together with the sister of King Eadbald of Kent, who went to Northumbria to marry King Edwin.
When King Edwin died in battle in 633, having been the principal supporter of St Paulinus’ mission, the pagans responded in aggression to the Christian missionaries. St Paulinus was forced to flee to Kent. James, however, remained in Northumbria and continued missionary evangelisation. James’ efforts were centred in Lincoln, at a Church which St Paulinus had built, the remains of which may lie under the Church of St Paul-in-the-Bail.
St Bede (673-735) writes that James lived in a village near Catterick which “bears his name to this day.” He reports that James, undertook missionary work in the area and lived to a great age. During the reign of King Oswiu of Northumbria, James attended the Royal Court, for he celebrated Easter with Oswiu’s Queen, Eanflæd, Edwin’s daughter. James and Eanflæd celebrated Easter on the date used by the Roman Church which led to conflicts with Oswiu, who celebrated Easter on the date calculated by the Irish Church. These dates did not always coincide and were one of the reasons that Oswiu called the Council of Whitby in 664 to decide which system of Easter calculation his Kingdom would use. We know, in our favoured position that the Council of Whitby settled the issue agreeing to following Rome.
According to St Bede’s account, James was present at the Council of Whitby. St Bede states that after the Council and the return of Roman customs, James, as a trained singing master in the Roman style, taught many Gregorian Chant.
James’ date of death is unknown but St Bede implies that he was still alive during St Bede’s lifetime, meaning he died after the latter’s birth, between 672. This would mean he was at least 70 years old at his death. It has been suggested that St James was St Bede’s informant for the life of St Edwin, the works of St Paulinus and perhaps, the Council of Whitby.
After his death, James was venerated as a Saint throughout the country.
St Amor of Amorbach St Anastasius of Terni St Benedicta of Lorraine St Carloman St Cecilia of Lorraine
St Clare of the Cross (c1269-1308) Augustinian Nun and Abbess of Montefalco ; before becoming a Nun, St Clare was a member of the Third Order of St Francis (Secular), Mystic, Penitent, Spiritual adviser. Beatified by Pope Clement XII. On 8 December 1881, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, Pope Leo XIII Canonised Clare. Her Sanctified Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/17/saint-of-the-day-17-august-saint-clare-of-the-cross-of-montefalco-c-1269-1308/
St Drithelm St Elias the Younger St Eusebius of Sicily St James the Deacon (7th Century)
St Jeroen of Noordwijk (c800-856) Priest Martyr, Missionary. Patronage – the finding of lost articles, of Noordwijk. Also known as – Gerone, Hiero, Hieron, Iero, Ieron, Jeroen van Noordwijk, Jéron Noordwijk. Additional Memorial – 3rd Sunday in August in Noordwijk a St Jeroen celebration known as the ‘St Jeroen Sleep Walk’ and on the 1st Sunday in September, his Patronage of Noordwijk (and of lost articles) is celebrated there. Holy Jeropen’s Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/17/saint-of-the-day-17-august-st-jeroen-of-noordwijk-c800-856-priest-martyr/
St Juliana of Ptolemais St Mamas St Myron of Cyzicus
St Nicolò Politi (1117-1167) Basilian Monk and Hermit. He was known for his miracles even during his childhood and was Venerated as a saint even before his death. St Nicolò was Canonised on 7SJune 1507, at Saint Peter’s Basilica, Rome, by Pope Julius II. Miraculous St Nicolò: https://anastpaul.com/2020/08/17/saint-of-the-day-17-august-st-nicolo-politi-1117-1167/
Saint of the Day – 16 August – Saint Serena (4th Century) Wife of Emperor Diocletian and, therefore, the Empress of the Roman Empire and a clandestine Christian.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Serena, who had been the wife of the Emperor Diocletian.”
In the Acts of Saint Marcellus and Saint Susanna, whom we celebrated on 11 August, Empress Serena intervened to defend Christians from persecution. For this reason, tradition holds that Serena was repudiated and some sources say she was later Martyred by her husband.
In fact, Lactantius (Lucius Cecilius, 3rd-4th Century), a Latin Christian writer who lived at the time and Court of Diocletian, states in his “De Mortibus Persecutorem” that his wife and daughter were called Prisca and Valeria and that they were forced to perform pagan rites.
While the abovementioned “Acts” speak of an Empress named Serena, wife of Diocletian, who intervened to defend Christians from the persecution unleashed by her husband, the tenth and most violent.
Her intervention evidently helped bring the persecution to an end because in 305 Diocletian abdicated and retired to Split. Probably from antiquity, she was, therefore, considered a saintly figure to be venerated as a Saint and some sources regard her as a Martyr.
Blessed Angelo Agostini Mazzinghi O.Carm. (1385-1438) was an Italian Priest and a professed member of the Carmelite Order. He was a noted Preacher, Prior and Reformer, Teacher of theology and was known for his pious devotion to the Holy Eucharist, the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Carmelite Rule of Life and to the profession of the Gospel. Holy Angelus: https://anastpaul.com/2019/08/16/saint-of-the-day-16-august-blessed-angelo-agostini-mazzinghi-o-carm-1385-1438/
St Arsacius of Nicomedia St Frambaldo Bl Iacobus Bunzo Gengoro Bl Jean-Baptiste Menestrel Bl John of Saint Martha
Blessed Laurence Loricatus (Died 1243) Hermit, Pilgrim, Penitent, previously a Soldier. Laurence served as a Solider as a young man. After accidentally killing a man, perhaps in the course of duty, he was so overcome with remorse that he dedicated himself to a life of penance. The image below by Fra Angelico depicts St Benedict finding a new disciple in his ‘cave.’ His Life of Penitance: https://anastpaul.com/2024/08/16/saint-of-the-day-16-august-blessed-laurence-loricatus-died-1243-hermit-pilgrim-penitent/
Bl Magdalena Kiyota Bokusai Bl Maria Gengoro Bl Ralph de la Futaye St Serena (4th Century) Bl Simon Kiyota Bokusai
St Ugolina (c1239-c1300) Hermit, Penitent, Spiritual advisor. The very strange story that of this Blessed Ugolina who shut herself in a hermitage, representing herself as a man and remained there for forty-seven years! The aim of her subterfuge was to escape the aims of her father, who wished her to marry. In order not to reveal her secret, she called herself Ugo without revealing her identity to anyone. for nearly fifty years Her Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/08/16/saint-of-the-day-16-august-saint-ugolina-of-vercelli-c-1239-c-1300/
Martyrs of Palestine – 33 Saints: Thirty-three Christians Martyred in Palestine; they are commemorated in old martyrologies but the date and exact location have been lost.
Saint of the Day – 15 August – St Napoleon (Died c302) Martyr of Alexandria. Born in Egypt and was Martyred in Alexandria in the early 4th Century during the persecutions of Diocletian. Also known as – Neopulus, Neopolus, Neopolis or Neópolo.
He was seized during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian and was brutally tortured in Alexandria. Neopoleon died from his injuries. Sadly we have no further information but it appears that he had been a soldier.
AnaStpaul 
You must be logged in to post a comment.