Saint of the Day – 16 July – St Sisenandus (Died 851) Deacon, Martyr of Córdoba in Spain. Born in Beja, in Portugal and died in 851 in Córdoba, Spain. Patronage of his birth C ity of Beja, Portugal. Also known as – S isenandus of Beja, Sisenando; … of Cordoba
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Cordoba in SBejapain, St Sisemandus, Deacon and Martyr, who was strangled by the Saracens for the Faith of Christ.”
Portrait and Relic of Saint Sisenandus in the Cathedral of St James the Great, in Beja
Most of that which is known about Sisenandus comes from Eulogius of Córdoba’s Martryology “Memoriale Sanctorum.” This Manuscript remained lost for centuries until its rediscovery by Pedro Ponce de León, Bishop of Plasencia, who had it transcribed and first published in 1574; interest in Sisenandus and the Martyrs of Córdoba at large only resurfaced after this date.
Sisenandus was born in an Iberian Peninsula under Islamic rule. Islamic authorities accorded Christians ‘dhimmi – protected’ status which allowed them to practice their religion with certain restricions, such as a prohibition on public displays of their Faith. These Christians, called Mozarabs, came to adopt elemnts of Arabic culture while retaining their own.
Sisenandus was born in modern-day Spain, from Beja and thence went to Córdoba as a young clerical student to conduct his studies at the Basilica of Saint Acisclus, a Martyr with his sister St Victoria during the reign of Diocletian c305. There, he received Holy Orders as a Deacon and as a fervent preacher, soon after, was arrested, tried and on 16 July 851 was Martyred by order of Abd al-Rahman II. His remains were thrown into the Guadalquivir, and later salvaged and brought to the Church of San Pedro in river in Córdoba.
In the late 16th Century, when Francisco de Reynoso y Baeza was the Bishop of Córdoba, the City of Beja sent a delegation to request the Relics of Saint Sisenandus — or, at least, part of them — be brouht to his birthplace both the Bishop and Philip II of Spain judged it a suitably devout demonstration of piety and allowed a radial bone to be brought to Beja in the year 1600.
The Relic was at first kept under the Tabernacle in the Church of Salvador but then transferred to its own temple. As this latter Chapel fell into disrepair and, eventually, abandonment, the Relics were translated to an Altar in the Cathedral of St James the Great, where they are kept to this day.
On 24 October 1651, Saint Sisenandus was decreed the Patron Saint of the City of Beja.
St Bartholomew OP – ArchBishop of Braga also known as Bl Bartholomew of the Martyrs (Bartolomeu Fernandez dei Martiri Fernandes) (1514-1590) Portuguese Dominican Friar and Priest, Writer, Theologian, Advisor, Teacher and Catechetical writer, Apostle of Charity founding a series of hospitals and hospices in Braga and surrounds. St Bartholomew: https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-blessed-bartholomew-of-the-martyrs-1514-1590/
St Generosus of Poitou St Gobbán Beg St Gondulf of Tongeren-Maastricht St Gondolf of Saintes St Grimoald of Saintes
St Helier (Died c555) Martyr, Hermit, Missionary to Jersey from Belgium, Hermit, Ascetic, Miracle-worker. PATRONAGES – St Helier is the Patron Saint of Jersey and in particular of the Diocese and Capital City of Jersey, named for him – Saint Helier, he is invoked against and for the cure of EYE diseases and skin disorders, His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-st-helier-of-jersey-died-c555-martyr-missionary-hermit/
Bl Irmengard St Landericus of Séez Bl Madeleine-Françoise de Justamond Bl Marguerite-Rose de Gordon Bl Marguerite-Thérèse Charensol Bl Marie-Anne Béguin-Royal Bl Marie-Anne Doux
St Marie-Madeline (1756-1846Virgin, Religious Sister and Founder of the Sisters of Christian Schools of which she is the Patron, Teacher, Franciscan Tertiary. Pope Pius X later signified on 22 January 1908 his approval to two investigated miracles attributed to her intercession and so Beatified her on 17 May 1908. Pope Pius XI confirmed two additional miracles and Canonised Blessed Marie-Madeline on 24 May 1925. Her Devoted Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/16/saint-of-the-day-16-july-st-marie-madeline-postel-
Bl Marie-Rose Laye Bl Milon of Thérouanne St Monulphus of Tongeren-Maastricht Bl Ornandus of Vicogne
Martyrs of Antioch – 5 Saints: Five Christians who were Martyred together. No details about them have survived by the names – Dionysius, Eustasius, Maximus, Theodosius and Theodulus. They were Martyred in Antioch, Syria, date unknown.
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 – 15 July – St David of Sweden (Died 1082) the 1st Bishop of Västeras in Sweden, Monk and Missionary, called “The apostle of Västmanland.” Born in England and died in Västeras
Our Saint David who is celebrated today 15 July, was the bishop of Västeras in Sweden. He was a Cluniac Monk of Anglo-Saxon origins sent as a missionary to Sweden around 1020.
He worked evangelising the still-pagan Swedes, starting in the south and then in the central-eastern region of the country. He lived in the place where the Church of Munkathorp now stands which, with his name, recalls the Monk (munk) who baptised new converts in the waters of a nearby spring.
In the Ecclesiastical history of Sweden, he is remembered as the apostle of Västmanland and the 1st Bishop of Västerås. He likely died in 1082 and was buried in Munkathorp. In 1463, 4 Centuries later, his Relics were translated to the Cathedral of his Episcopal See.
Unfortunately, as with so many Catholic Saints’ Relics, when Lutheranism entered and overwhelmed Sweden with its doctrines, they were taken and buried in the cemetery (if not destroyed completely) and his sarcophagus was destroyed.
His symbol is a glove because tradition has it that he once hung his gloves on a ray of sunshine. His liturgical Feastday is today 15 July.
St Henry II (972-1024) Confessor, Holy Roman Emperor. Henry was well known for his Missionary spirit and for his protection of the Pope in times of trouble. Henry ruled with a spirit of great humility and always sought to give the glory to God. He used his position to promote the work of the Church and the peace and happiness of the people. Another Saints whose Feast was moved in 1969 from today, 15 July to 13 July. Biography: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2017/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-st-henry-ii-holy-roman-emperor/
St Abundantia of Spoleto St Abudemius of Bozcaada St Adalard the Younger
Blessed Anne-Mary Javouhey (1779-1851) “The Mother of the Slaves,” Religious Sister, Missionary and Founder of the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Cluny. Imagine a Mother Teresa in the France of Napoleon’s day and you will have a picture of Anne-Marie Javouhey. Nanette, as she was called, was a “velvet brick,” a thin layer of gentleness covering her determined core. A competent leader, Nanette dominated every scene in her adventurous life. Blessed Anne-Marie was Beatified on 15 October 1950 by Pope Pius XII. :“The Mother of the Slaves” https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-anne-mary-javouhey-1779-1851/
St Apronia
St Athanasius (c830-c 872) Confessor, Bishop of Naples from 849 until his death, Papal Legate, Reformer and restoring of Monasteries, he built a Hospice for pilgrims and a new Monastery, a man of austerity and prayer. This Athanasius should not be confused with his nephew, Athanasius II, also the Bishop of Naples. About this St Athanasius, a Patron of Naples among +70 Patrons: https://anastpaul.com/2022/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-st-athanasius-of-naples-c-830-c-872/
St Antiochus of Sebaste St Benedict of Angers
Blessed Bernard TOSF (1428-1458) Margrave of Baden, Germany (Margrave was originally the medieval title for the military commander assigned to maintain the defence of one of the border provinces of the Holy Roman Empire.) Tertiary of the Order of St Francis, Apostle of the poor and the needy. Bernard was Beatified on 16 September 1769 by Pope Clement XIV. His Canonisation process continues, at present, the second miracle required is being investigated. Blessed Bernard’s Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/15/saint-of-the-day-15-july-blessed-bernard-of-baden-tosf-1428-1458/
St David of Sweden (Died 1082) Bishop of Västeras in Sweden, Martyr St Donivald St Eberhard of Luzy St Edith of Tamworth St Eternus St Felix of Pavia St Gumbert of Ansbach St Haruch of Werden St Jacob of Nisibis St Joseph Studita of Thessalonica Bl Peter Aymillo St Plechelm of Guelderland
The Coronation of Saint Rosalia,with Sts Peter and Paul, is an oil on canvas Painting by Sir Anthony van Dyck – 1629.
St Valentina of Nevers No information has survived. St Vladimir I of Kiev
Martyred Jesuit Missionaries of Brazil – 40 Beati: A band of forty Spanish, Portugese and French Jesuit Missionaries Martyred by the Huguenot pirate Jacques Sourie while en route to Brazil. They are – Aleixo Delgado • Alonso de Baena • álvaro Borralho Mendes • Amaro Vaz • André Gonçalves • António Correia • Antônio Fernandes • António Soares • Bento de Castro • Brás Ribeiro • Diogo de Andrade • Diogo Pires Mimoso • Domingos Fernandes • Esteban Zuraire • Fernando Sánchez • Francisco Alvares • Francisco de Magalhães • Francisco Pérez Godoy • Gaspar Alvares • Gonçalo Henriques • Gregorio Escribano • Ignatius de Azevedo • Iõao • João Fernandes • João Fernandes • Juan de Mayorga • Juan de San Martín • Juan de Zafra • Luís Correia • Luís Rodrigues • Manuel Alvares • Manuel Fernandes • Manuel Pacheco • Manuel Rodrigues • Marcos Caldeira • Nicolau Dinis • Pedro de Fontoura • Pedro Nunes • Simão da Costa • Simão Lopes • They were Martyed on 15 and 16 July 1570 on the ship Santiago near Palma, Canary Islands. They were Beatified on 11 May 1854 by Pope Pius IX.
Martyrs of Alexandria – 13 Saints: Thirteen Christians who were Martyred together. We know the names of three, no details about them and the other ten were all children. – Narseus, Philip and Zeno. Martyred in the early 4th-century in Alexandria, Egypt.
Martyrs of Carthage – 9 Saints: A group of nine Christians who were Martyred together. We know nothing else but their names – Adautto, Catulinus, Felice, Florentius, Fortunanziano, Januarius, Julia, Justa and Settimino. They were Martyred in Carthaginian and their relics at the Basilica of Fausta at Carthage.
Martyrs of Pannonia – 5 Saints: Five 4th-century Martyrs killed together. No information about them has survived except the names – Agrippinus, Fortunatus, Martialis, Maximus and Secundinus.
Saint of the Day – 14 July – Saint Marcellin (Died c775) Priest, Confessor, Monk, Missionary. Born in England, he was, from childhood, a disciple of St Willibrord and his companion in labour for Christ. He died in c775 in Oldenzaal, Netherlands. Patronages – of Deventer and Overijssel. Also known as – Marcellinus, Marchelm, Marculf, Marchelmo, Marcellino, Marcellin, Marchelme, Markulf, Marchelmus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Deventer, Belgium, St Marcellin, Priest and Confessor.”
Marcellin was a disciple of Saint Willibrord and became one of the Anglo-Saxon Monks who landed on the Continent to evangelise the Germanic peoples.
Marcellin was sent by St Gregory, the Bishop of Utrecht, together with St Lebuin; to the region of Overyssel, where they built a Church in Wilp.
From there, Marcellin evangelised the easternmost pregions, as far as Oldenzaal, where he died at a very old age. His body was taken to Deventer, where it is venerated in the Church of St Lebuin; a part of it was transferred to the Jesuit College in Emmerich.
St Colman of Killeroran St Cyrus of Carthage St Deusdedit of Canterbury St Donatus of Africa
Blessed Gaspar de Bono OM (1530– 1604) Spanish Priest, Friar of the Order of Minims, Vicar Provincial of the Order. He was noted for his particular devotion to the Passion of Christ, carrying his Crucifix everywhere as a means of evangelisation and to be able to constantly immerse himself in his Saviour’s sufferings. His Loving Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-gaspar-de-bono-om-1530-1604/
Bl Giorgio of Lauria Bl Hroznata of Bohemia Bl Humberto of Romans St Idus of Ath Fadha St Just St Justus of Rome St Liebert St Marcellin of Frigento St Marciano (Died c775) Priest, Confessor Bl Michael Ghebre St Optatian of Brescia St Papias of Africa
Blessed Richard Langhorne (c1624-1679) Martyr, Layman, Barrister. He was murdered on a false charge of treason as part of the fabricated Popish Plot. He fell under suspicion because he was a Roman Catholic and because, he had acted as legal adviser to the Jesuits at a time of acute anti-Catholic hysteria. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/14/saint-of-the-day-14-july-blessed-richard-langhorne-c1624-1679-martyr-layman/
Bl Toscana of Verona St Ulric of Zell St Vincent Madelgaire
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 – 13 July – St Eugenius (Died 505) Bishop and Confessor of Carthage, in North Africa, a zealous and learned shepjerd, apostle of the poor and needy, pious and devout, Patronage – of Albi in Calabria, Italy. Also known as – Eugene.
A Statue pf St Eugenius at Albi
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Africa, the holy Confessor, Eugenius, the faithful and virtuous Bishop of Carthabe and to all the Clergy of the Church, to the number of about 500 or more, among whom were many small children amployed as Lectors. In the persecution of the Vandals under the Arian King Hunneric, they were subjected to scourging and starvation and driven into a most painful banishment whicle they bore, with joy for God’s sake. In their number were also 2 distinguished persons, the Archdeacon Salutaris and Murtta, occupying the 2nd rank among the ministers of the Church. Both had confessed the Faith 3 times and were illustrious by their sturdy perseverance in Christianity.” (As printed in the Roman Martyrology 1914).
The Episcopal See of Carthage had remained vacant for 24 years, when, in 481, Huneric permitted the Catholics, on certain conditions, to choose one who should fill the Seat.
The faithful, impatient to enjoy the comfort of a shepherd, chose Eugenius, a citizen of Carthage, eminent for his learning, zeal, piety and prudence. His loving care to the distressed were excessive and he refused himself everything in order to give more to the poor.
His virtue gained him the respect and esteem even of the Arians but at length envy overcame them and the King sent an order to Eugenius, never to sit on the Episcopal Throne, preach to the people, or admit into his Chapel any Vandals, among whom several were Catholics. The Saint boldly answered that the laws of God commanded him not to shut the door of His Church to any who desired to serve Him therein. Huneric, enraged at this response, persecuted the Catholics in various ways. Many nuns were so cruelly tortured that they died on the rack. Great numbers of Bishops, Priests, Deacons and eminent Catholic laymen, were banished to a desert, filled with scorpions and venomous serpents. The faithful followed their Bishops and Priests with lighted tapers in their hands and mothers carried their little babes in their arms and laid them at the feet of the Confessors, all crying out with tears: “Going yourselves to your crowns, to whom do you leave us? Who will baptise our children? Who will impart to us the benefit of penance and discharge us from the bonds of sin by the favour of Absolution? Who will bury us with solemn supplications at our death? By whom will the Divine Sacrifice be made?”
The Bishop Eugenius was spared in the first storm but afterwards was carried into the uninhabited desert country in the province of Tripolis and committed to the guard of Antony, an inhuman Arian bishop, who treated him with the utmost barbarity.
Gontamund, who succeeded Huneric, recalled our Saint to Carthage, opened the Catholic Churches and allowed all the exiled Priests to return.
After reigning for a further 12 years, Gontamund died,and his brother Thrasimund was called to the crown. Under this Prince, St Eugenius was again banished and died in exile, on the 13th of July 505, in a Monastery which he had built and governed, near Albi in which City he is highly honoured to this day.
A Statue portraying Saint Eugenius, in the Church museum in Sant’Eustorgio (Milan).
Bl Berthold of Scheide St Dogfan Bl Élisabeth Verchière St Esdras the Prophet St Eugenius (Died 505) Bishop and Confessor of Carthage St Giustina of Arzano
St Josephus Wang Kuiju
Blessed James OP (c1226 – 3 or 16 July 1298) Italian Archbishop of Genoa, Author of the ‘Golden Legend’ (a collection of lives of Saints and treatises on Christian festivals, one of the most popular religious works of the Middle Ages and is still published and referred to today – completed 1265), Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers of St Dominic, Writer, Scholar of great genius, Prior and Provincial General of the Order. Blessed James was Beatified on 11 May 1816 by Pope Pius VII. His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/13/saint-of-the-day-13-july-blessed-james-of-voragine-op-c-1226-1298-author-of-the-golden-legend/
Bl Jean of France St Joel the Prophet Bl Marie-Anastasie de Roquard Bl Marie-Anne Depeyre Bl Marie-Anne Lambert
St Muritta of Carthage St Myrope St Salutaris of Carthage St Sarra of Egypt St Serapion of Alexandria Serapion of Macedonia St Silas (1st Century) Disciple of Sts Paul and Barnabas Bl Thérèse-Henriette Faurie Bl Thomas Tunstal
Martyrs of Cyprus – 300 Saints: 300 Christians who retired to Cyprus to live as cave Hermits, devoting themselves to prayer and an ascetic life devoted to God. Tortured and Martyred for their faith and their bodies thrown into the various caves in which they had lived. We know the names of five of them but no other details even about them – Ammon, Choulélaios, Epaphroditus, Eusthénios and Héliophotos. They were beheaded in the 12th century on Cyprus and their bodies dumped in the cave where they had lived and only rediscovered long afterwards.
Martyrs of Philomelio – 31 Saints: 31 soldiers Martyred for their faith in the persecutions of prefect Magno, date unknown. The only name that has come down to us is Alexander. In Philomelio, Phrygia (in modern Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 12 July – Saint Proculus (Died c542) Bishop and Martyr of Bologna, Italy. Patronage – of Bologna. Also known as – Proclus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “St Proclus who won the Palm of Martyrdom after most bitter torments in the time of the Emperor Trajan and the Governor Maxillis”
Proculus was a Bishop of Terni, in Umbria, Italy who, attempting to flee persecution from the Goths, came to Bologna where he was subsequently decapitated during the persecutions of Trajan.
The Bolognese have held Proculus in veneration from very ancient times. His remains are preserved in the Church of San Procolo in Bologna.
He is depicted in a Statue on the spire of the south transept of the Duomo di Milan (maybe the one above).
Saint of the Day – 11 July – Saint Bertrand O.Cist. (Died 1149) Abbot ofthe Cistercian Abbey Notre-Dame de Grand-Selve in the Diocese of Toulouse, France. Also known as – Bertrando, Betrando.
One of his Monks attests that “he was a man of incomparable simplicity and purity of heart, lovable to all for his sweetness and gentleness, strong in adversity, great in love.”
A rescued stone Cross from Notre-Dame de Grand-Selve
Bertrand devoted himself to preaching and often went to southern France to preach and combat the errors of the Albigenses, heresy. This led to the members of that heretical cult persecuting him and forcing him to abandon his Abbey and live, in exile, for two years in Italy.
On 31 March 1145, Bertrand and the Monks of the community of Grand-Selve which Monastery had been founded in 1117 and observing the Rule of Saint Benedict in the Cistercian manner, were formally affiliated to Clairvaux, especially through the support of Saint Bernard, who greatly esteemed our Saint.
Bertrand, from the beginning of his monastic life, took care to meditate on the Gospel every day and to maintain himself in a state of great purity and separation from the world. Under these circumstances, no-one dared to report news of events outside of religious life. At the hearing of the Name of Jesus, tears welled up in his eyes and during Mass, as he himself recounted, he often had celestial apparitions.
He died on 11 July 1149 and was venerated at Grand-Selve on until the monastery was destroyed. Now he is remembered
He had made Grand-Selve a very powerful Abbey and the historian, Mabillon comments: “He was charitable to all, humble in his heart, strong in adversity and incomparable in his ingenuousness.”
St Pius I, Pope (Died c 154) Martyr – The Ninth Successor of St Peter. Papal Ascension c 142. Born at Aquileia, Italy and died in Rome. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Rome, the blessed Pius, Pope and Martyr, who was crowned with Martyrdom in the persecution of Marcus Aurelius.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-saint-pope-pius-i-died-c-154/
St Abundius of Ananelos St Amabilis of Rouen St Anna An Jiaoshi St Anna An Xingshi Bl Antonio Muller
St Bertrand O. Cist. (Died 1149) Abbot of Grand-Selve Cistercian Abbey St Cindeus St Cowair St Cyprian of Brescia St Cyriacus the Executioner St Hidulf of Moyenmoutier St Januarius St John of Bergamo
St Leontius the Younger St Marcian of Lycaonia St Marciana of Caesarea Bl Maria An Guoshi Bl Maria An Linghua Bl Marie-Clotilde Blanc Bl Marie-Marguerite de Barbégie d’Albrède
St Olga (c 890-969) Queen of Kiev . She was known as a ruthless and effective ruler but “when Olga was enlightened, she rejoiced in soul and body. The Bishop, who instructed her in the faith, said to her, ‘Blessed art thou among the women of Rus,’,for thou hast loved the light and quit the darkness. The sons of Rus’ shall bless thee to the last generation of thy descendants.” About St Olga: https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/11/saint-of-the-day-11-july-saint-olga-queen-of-kiev-c-890-969/
St Placidus of Disentis * (7th Century) Monk (see below)
Bl Rosalie-Clotilde Bes
St Sabinus Martyr of Brescia. No reliable information has survived.
Saint of the Day – 10 July – Saint Pascharius (Died c680) Bishop of Nantes in Brittany, France. He founded a renowned Monastery in his Diocese with the assistant of the Abbot of St Wandrille’s Monastery. Also known as – Pascario, Pascual, Pasquier.
As the twentieth Bishop of Nantes, he wished to have Monks in his Diocese. He, therefore, appealed to the Abbot of Saint Wandrille , who sent him Saint Hermelandus (Died c720) Priest, Founder-Abbot of the Monastery of Aindre, accompanied by twelve Monks. The holy Bishop welcomed them and participated with them in the founding of the Monastery of Indre on one of the Islands of the Loire.
The Notices from the Offices of the Church of Nantes where Saint Pascharius, Bishop, is celebrated today, 10 July: “Saint Pasquier/Pascharius is, according to the Episcopal lists, the twentieth Bishop of Nantes. The only act of his Episcopate which has survived, is the founding of the Abbey of Indre on an Island in the Loire. It was Bishop Pascharius who requested Monks from the Abbot of Fontenelle and who installed Saint Hermelandus in the lands he had designated for him. The event took place in the last years of the 7th Century. Saint Pascharius was already honoured with a cult in the 12th Century.”
Blessed Bernard OFM (c1175-c1241) Friar of the Friars Minor, one of the first followers of St Francis and is often called “First Fruits of the Minor Order.”He was the faithful and devout companion of St Francis, who received. from St Francis on his deathbed, custody of the Friars Minor. He died nearly 20 years after St Francis. Faithful Bernard: https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/10/saint-of-the-day-10-july-blessed-bernard-of-quintavalle-ofm-c1175-c1241/
St Cuán of Airbhre St Elilantus St Etto Bl Euménios St Lantfrid Bl Marie-Gertrude de Ripert d’Alauzier Bl Parthenios St Pascharius (Died c680) Bishop of Nantes, Brittany, France
St Sylvanus of Pisidia Bl Sylvie-Agnès de Romillon St Waltram
Martyrs of Africa – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in Africa. The only information that has survived are four of their names – Felix, Januarius, Marinus and Nabor.
Martyrs of Antioch – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians Martyred together. We have no details about them but the names – Diogenes, Domnina, Esicius, Macarius, Maxima, Maximus, Rodigus, Timoteus, Veronia and Zacheus. They were martyred in Antioch, date unknown.
Martyrs of Damascus – 11 Beati: A group of Franciscans and laymen ordered by Druz Muslims to convert to Islam. They refused and were hacked to pieces. ‘Abd Al-Mu’ti Masabki Carmelo Bolta Bañuls Engelbert Kolland Francisco Pinazo Peñalver Fransis Masabki Juan Jacobo Fernández y Fernández Manuel Ruiz López Nicanor Ascanio de Soria Nicolás María Alberca Torres Pedro Soler Méndez Rufayil Masabki They were cut to pieces on 9-10 July 1860 in Damascus, Syria. Beatified on 10 October 1926 by Pope Pius XI.
Martyrs of Nicopolis – 45 Saints: A group of 45 Christians tortured and Martyred together in the persecutions of emperor Licinius. We know nothing else but six of their names – Anicetus, Anthony, Daniel, Leontius, Mauritius and Sisinno. c 329 in Nicopolis, Armenia (modern Koyulhisar, Turkey).
Martyrs of Nitria – 5 Saints: Fathers of Nitria – Four Monks and the Bishop of Alexandria, Egypt who were Martyred by heretics. Saint John Chrysostom wrote about them but their names have not come down to us. They were Martyred in the 4th century in Nitria, Egypt.
Quote/s of the Day – 9 July – St John Fisher (1469-1535) Bishop, Martyr, Cardinal – St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr, Confessor
St John Fisher (1469-1535) Bishop, Martyr, Cardinal
“Death to the Saints is not a punishment but a reward. “For so He giveth His beloved sleep.” (Ps cxxvii: 3). The death of him, who loves God, is not called death but sleep, so he can truly say: “I will lay me down in peace and take my rest.” (Ps iv: 9).
Cardinal St Fisher, as Saunders relates, when about to die for the Faith, put on the best clothes he had, saying, he was going to a wedding. When he came in sight of the scaffold he cast away his staff, saying: “Make haste my feet, make haste, for we are not far from Paradise.” And before dying he sang Te Deum, in returning thanks to God, Who had allowed him to die a Martyr’s death, for the holy Faith and thus being filled with joy, he placed his head under the axe.”
St John Fisher (1469-1535) Bishop, Martyr, Cardinal
“Help me, Most Loving Father, help me with Thy mighty grace. Succour me with Thy most gracious favour. Rescue me from these manifold perils in which I am, for unless Thou wil relieve me, of thy Infinite Goodness, I am but as a lost creature.”
(From the Prayer in the Tower)
“Penance is a needful thing to the sinner, who desires to recover health of his soul. And, in doing penance, there be three things to be considered: serious compunction of heart, confession of mouth and satisfaction by deed.”
St Thomas More (1478-1535) Martyr, Confessor
“For those whom He Loved, He Loved unto the end and this He wished, they too should do. He was not an inconstant Lover Who does as many do, Love for a while and then, upon some light occasion, leave His Love and turn from being a friend to an enemy, as the false traitor, Judas did. But He, still so persevered in Love unto the very end, so that, for very Love, He came to that painful end and that, not only for His friends who were already His but too, for His enemies, to make them His friends and not for His benefit but only for their own!”
“Those in the Catholic Church, whom some rebuke for praying to Saints and going on pilgrimages, do not seek any Saint as their saviour. Instead, they seek Saints, as those whom their Saviour loves and whose intercession and prayer, for the seeker, He will be content to hear. For His Own sake, He would have those He loves, honoured. And when they are thus honoured for His sake, then, the honour that is given them, for His sake, overflows especially to Himself.”
O Lord, Grant Us … A Prayer of Petitio By St Thomas More (1478-1535)
O Lord, grant us a mind which is humble, quiet, peaceaable, patient and charitable and a taste of Thy Holy Ghost, in all our thoughts, words and deeds.
O Lord, grant us a lively faith, a firm hope, a fervent charity, a love of Thee.
Take from us all lukewarmness in meditation and all dullness in prayer. Give us fervour and delight in thinking of Thee, Thy grace and Thy tender compassion toward us.
Grant us, good Lord, the grace to work for the things we pray for. Amen.
Saint of the Day – 9 July – St Everilda (7th Century) Abbess in Everingham, England. Everilda was the Founder of a Convent at Everingham, in the English County of Yorkshire in the East Riding All we know of her comes from the York Breviary. She died in c700. Also known as – Averil, Everildis.
Everilda was converted to Christianity by Saint Birinus, along with King Cynegils of Wessex, in 635. Her legend in the York Breviary states that she was of the Wessex nobility.
She fled from home to avoid arranged marriage and to dedicate herself to God. She consecrated herself to God and became a Nun, joined by Saints Bega and St Wuldreda.
Saint Wilfrid of York officiated at their Consecration at a place called the Bishop’s Farm, later known as Everildisham. This place has been identified with present-day Everingham. The Monastery quickly became a very important centre of spirituality, around the Abbess, our Saint Everilda a large community of about 80 Nuns formed.
Tradition has it that the Abbess “formed many virgins to the perfection of divine love, the pinnacle of Christian virtue, animating them with the true spirit and continually encouraging them in the most fervent and faithful fulfillment of all the duties, and application to all the exercises of their holy profession.”
Everilda died peacefully when her mission was accomplished.
Her name appears in the Martyrology of Usuard, as well as in the Church calendars of York and Northumbria.
There are two Churches dedicated to St Everilda – St Everilda’s Church, Nether Poppleton and Sts Mary & Everilda, Everingham.
English lawyer, writer and statesman Sir Thomas More (1478 – 1535). Engraving by W. Wellstood & Co. (Photo by Kean Collection/Getty Images)
St Maria Goretti (1890-1902) Virgin and Martyr, known as “Saint Agnes of the 20th Century.” She was Canonised on 24 June 1950 by Pope Pius XII The ceremony was attended by 250,000 including her mother, the only time a parent has witnessed her child’s Canonisation. Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/06/saint-of-the-day-6-july-st-maria-goretti/
Blessed Adrian Fortescue TOSD (1476-1539) Martyr,. A husband and father, a Justice of the Peace, a Knight of the Realm, a Knight of Malta and a Dominican Tertiary (Lay Dominican), he was at once a loyal servant of the Crown so far as he could be but still more, he was a man of unshakeable faith and love of the One True Faith. He was Beatified on 13 May 1895 by Pope Leo XIII. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/09/saint-of-the-day-blessed-adrian-fortescue-1476-1539-martyr/
St Agrippinus of Autun St Alexander of Egypt St Audax of Thora
St Copra of Egypt St Cyril of Gortyna St Everilda (7th Century) Abbess in Everingham, England St Faustina of Rome St Felician of Sicily
Blessed Giovanna Scopelli O.Carm (1428 – 1491) Virgin, Mystic, Italian Religious of the Carmelites and established her own Convent as its first Prioress. She was known, during her lifetime as a Miracle-worker with many coming to her to ask for her assistance and prayers. Her body is incorrupt. About Blessed Giovanna: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/09/saint-of-the-day-9-july-blessed-giovanna-scopelli-o-carm-1428-1491/
St Floriana of Rome St Hérombert of Minden Bl Joachim HoBl Luigi Caburlotto St Patermutius of Egypt St Paulina do Coração Agonizante de Jesus
Four Holy Polish Brothers – 4 Saints: Four brothers who became Hermits, Benedictine Monks and Saints – Andrew, Barnabas, Benedict and Justus. They were born in Poland and died in 1008 of natural causes.
Martyrs of the Baths – 10,204 Saints: A group of Christians enslaved by Diocletian to build the gigantic Baths in Imperial Rome, Italy. The end of their labours coincided with the beginning of the great persecutions of Diocletian and they were all executed. Ancient records indicated there were 10,204 of them; Zeno of Rome is the only one whose name has come down to us and we know nothing else about any of their individual lives.
Saint/s of the Day – 8 July – St Colman (Died 689) Martyr Priest, Missionary in Thuringia, Germany, together with his master, the Bishop St Killian “Apostle of Franconia”(nowadays the northern part of Bavaria) and the Martyr Deacon St Totnan. Born in Ireland and died on 8 July 689 in Wurzburg. Patronages against gout and rheumatism, against deception, in Germany – of the Diocese of Aschaffenburg and Würzburg. Also known as – Colomann, Kolonat..
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Wurzburg in Germany, St Killian, a Bishop, who was commissioned by the Roman Pontiff to preach the Gospel. After having converted many to Christ, he was put to death with his companions, Colman, a Priest and Totnan, a Deacon.”
In 686 Pope Conon Ordained St Killian as a Missionary Bishop. St Kilian then returned to Würzburg in 687 with Saint Colman and Saint Totnan, as an assistant Priest and Deacon respectively.
The trio evangelised East Franconia and East Thuringia, areas in modern Bavaria, Germany, converted Duke Gozbert and a large part of Gozbert’s subjects.
St Colman
Like most Irish missionaries, they spoke fearlessly against any breach of faith or morals. In this case St Kilian openly rebuked the Duke for his irregular marriage to his brother’s widow. According to legend, while Gosbert was away on a military expedition, Geilan, his irregular wife, had the three missionaries beheaded when she found that Gosbert was going to leave her because their marriage was forbidden by the Church.
A strong cultus was immediately established in Germany and spread as far as Vienna, Austria and Ireland. Even today, the Kilianfest is one of the better known festivals of the German faithful which celebrates the lives of all tbree of these brave Missionary Saints.
St Elizabeth of Portugal TOSF (1271-1336) Widow, Queen Consort, Franciscan Tertiary, Apostle of Charity and Peace, Political Negotiator and Mediator. In the year 1694 Pope Innocent XII moved her Feast to 8 July, so that it would not conflict with the celebration of the Octave of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles. The Devoted Love of St Elizabeth: https://anastpaul.com/2018/07/04/saint-of-the-day-4-july-st-elizabeth-of-portugal-t-o-s-f-1271-1336/
St Abraham the Martyr Bl Adolf IV of Schauenburg St Pope Adrian III
St Arnold St Auspicius of Toul St Auspicius of Trier St Brogan of Mothil +St Colman (Died 689) Martyred Priest Missionary in Thuringia, Germany St Doucelin
St Morwenna – No details about her have survived. She is reported to have appeared in visions in Morwenstow, Cornwall, England, where her Relics are apparently buried under the Church floor.
St Pancras of Taormina Bl Peter the Hermit St Procopius of Ceasarea St Sunniva of Bergen St Thibaud de Marly +St Totnan (Died 689) Martyred Deacon Missionary in Thuringia, Germany
Abrahamite Monks/Martyrs of Constantinople: A group of Monks in a Monastery founded by Saint Abraham of Ephesus. Martyred in the iconoclast persecutions of Emperor Theophilus. In c 835 in Constantinople.
Martyrs of Shanxi – 7 Saints: In 1898 seven sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary were sent to the Shanxi Diocese in China to serve the poor in hospitals and care for the unwanted or other destitutes in orphanages. They were: Anne-Catherine Dierks, Anne-Francoise, Moreau, Clelia Nanetti, Irma Grivot, Jeanne-Marie Kuergin, Marianna Giuliani, Pauline Jeuris There they all died in one of the periodic persecutions against foreign missionaries. They were beheaded on 9 July 1900 at Taiyuanfu, China- Canonisedon 24 November 1946 by Pope Pius XII.
Martyrs of Syrmium – 5 Saints: Five Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know nothing else about them but the names – Cecilia, Eperentius, Eraclius, Sostratus and Spirus. They were martyred in the 4th century in Syrmium, Pannonia (modern Serbia).
Saint of the Day – 7 July – Saint Hedda (Died 705) Bishop of Winchester, England, Monk, Abbot Believed to have been born in Headingley, Leeds and died on 7 July 705 in Winchester, after having served his huge Diocese as a faithful shepherd for around 30 years. He had been a man of love and justice, of knowledge and eloquence and great determination. Also known as – Hedda of Dorchester, Hedda of Wessex, Edda… Haeddi…
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In England, St Hedda, Bishop of the West -Saxons.”
Almost nothing is known of the early life of Hedda, who, according to the historian, William of Malmesbury (1080-1143), was first a Monk and then an Abbot, possibly of a Monastery in Wessex.
His signature on a document, suggests that Hedda was the Abbot of a Monastery in Wessex, perhaps Glastonbury. Moreover, this hypothesis seems confirmed by the fact that his name was found among those of Abbots and illustrious men on one of the ancient and almost illegible records engraved on stone “pyramids” at Glastonbury.
According to other sources, Hedda was a Monk at St Hilda’s Monastery at Whitby but, the fame of Whitby as a centre of learning, taken together with the statements of the Venerable St Bede about Hedda’s less comprehensive education, make this thesis seem unlikely. St Bede states further, that Hedda was “a just and good man”and that he governed his Diocese with love being “more inspired by a love of virtue, than by lessons … ” However, William of Malmesbury insists that after having read much of Hedda’s correspondence, he found our Saint to be a man of great knowledge and profound eloquence.
Hedda settled in Winchester, as the Episcopal Seat of the Diocese of the West-Saxons, (formerly in Dorchester) making this move permanent and then proceeding to transfer the Relics of St Birinus from Dorchester to Winchester . These Relics he had placed in the Church of Sts Peter and Paul.
St Hedda holding the Relics of St Birnus
It was Hedda who brought King Cenwalh to the Faith, who, despite the conversion of his father, Cynogils, had long remained a pagan. Hedda was also a valued advisor to King St Ina (689-726) in whose law code of Wessex, the Bishop is mentioned as contributing to the laws and thus, was not a stranger to the wise laws issued by King Ina. He also visited the Hermit St Gutlach, on the Island of Croyland, Ordained him a Priest and Consecrated his Church. The Bishop Hedda, was one of the first benefactors, (probably affirming his deep connections to it) of Glastonbury Abbey, to which he made a gift of lands and on which he directed the favours of the sovereigns.
Throughout his Episcopate, Hedda strenuously opposed any attempt to divide his Diocese and this seems also in consideration of the precarious and difficult political situation of the Kingdom of Wessex, whose unity would have been favoured by that of the Diocese. Archbishop Theodore of Canterbury, had divided numerous Diocese, left that of Wessex intact until the death of Hedda, perhaps because of the friendship which bound him to the latter.
In 704 the question was again raised, as is evident from a letter written by Wealdheri, the Bishop of London, to Archbishop Britwald to inform him that a Synod of Bishops held that year, had decided to exclude the West-Saxons from communion, unless they conformed to the disposition of the same Archbishop which seems to have referred to the question of the division of the Diocese. Hedda, however, persisted in his position.
Hedda died in Winchester in 705. The faithful of his Diocese, whom he had governed for about thirty years, soon venerated him as a Saint. So many were the miracles and cures at his tomb, St Bede says even the dust from his grave had the power to perform miraculous cures.
His memory is celebrated on 7 July and on that day Hedda is also commemorated in the Roman Martyrology. His Feast is still celebrated Liturgically today in the Archdiocese of Birmingham which governs Winchester.
Saint Cyril (827-869) Saint Methodius (826-885) “Apostles to the Slavs,” Sibling Brother Bishops, Confessors, Theologians, Missionaries, Writers, Preachers, Patrons of Europe. Creators of the Glagolitic alphabet, the first alphabet used to transcribe Old Church Slavonic and Cyrillac Alphabet, which was developed from it. Their Feast Day is 7 July (moved in 1969). The great Saints Cyril & Methodius: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/02/14/saints-of-the-day-14-february-sts-cyril-827-869-methodius-826-885/
St Lawrence of Brindisi OFM Cap (1559-1619) Confessor, The “Franciscan Renaissance Man,” Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor Capuchin, Theologian, Vicar General of the Franciscans, Language scholar, Humanist, Philosopher, Biblicist, Preacher, Missionary, Professor, International Administrator, Confidant of Popes, Emperors, Kings and Princes, Diplomatic envoy, Army Chaplain, Military Strategist and Morale builder, Polemicist, Prolific writer. He was Beatified on 1 June 1783 by Pope Pius VI and Canonised on 8 December 1881 by Pope Leo XIII. His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2017/07/21/saint-of-the-day-21-july-st-lawrence-of-brindisi-o-f-m-cap-doctor-of-the-church/
St Alexander St Angelelmus of Auxerre St Apollonius of Brescia
Blessed Pope Benedict XI OP (1240-1303) Cardinal-Priest of St Sabina, Bishop of Ostia then of Rome, Dominican Friar, Prior Provincial of Lombardy prior to becoming the Master of the Order in 1296, Apostolic Papal Legate to Hungary and France, Teacher, Preacher, Writer and renowned Scholar with special emphasis on Scriptural commentary. His Papacy began on 22 Ocober 1303 and ended at his death on 7 July 1304. His Life pf Grace: https://anastpaul.com/2020/07/07/saint-of-the-day-7-july-blessed-pope-benedict-xi-1240-1303/
Bl Bodard of Poitiers St Bonitus of Monte Cassino St Carissima of Rauzeille St Eoaldus of Vienne
St Hedda (Died 705) Bishop of Winchester, England St Maelruan St Medran St Merryn Bl Oddino Barrotti
St Odo (c1063-1122) Bishopof Urgella zealous Defender of the rights of his See, builder and restorer of numerous Churches but most of all, Bishop Odo is remembered as a most gentle and generous benefactor of the poor, the needy and the ill. Patronage – of La Seu d’Urgell, Spain. A Holy and Zealous Bishop: https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/07/saint-of-the-day-7-july-saint-odo-of-urgell-c1063-1122-bishop/
St Odran St Palladius of Ireland
St Pantænus (Died c216) Father of the Church, Theologian, Philosopher, Teacher, Confessor and Defender of the Faith, Writer and interpreter of the Sacred Scriptures, the Trinity and Christology, Missionary. Convert of the disciples of the Apostles. Head of the Alexandrian School of Learning – a famous pupil was St Clement of Alexandria. A Life of Love: https://anastpaul.com/2019/07/07/saint-of-the-day-7-july-st-pantaenus-father-of-the-church-died-c-216/
St Peter Fourier CRSA (1565-1640) Priest, Founder, Reformer, Confessor, Theologian, Teacher, Preacher, Apostle of Prayer, Penance and Charity, Marian devotee – “the Good Father of Mattaincourt” “le bon pere de Mattaincourt”. Although he died on 9 December his Feast Day is celebrated today, 7 July, possibly the date of the translation of part of his Relics. St Peter spread everywhere devotion to the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin. More than two centuries before the Miraculous Medal in 1830 and the proclamation of the dogma in 1854, he saw to the distribution of large quantities of a medal he had struck, on which were engraved the words – “Mary was conceived without sin.” He was Beatified by Pope Benedict XIII in 1730 and Canonised by Pope Leo XIII in 1897. St Peter Fourier is honoured by a statue in St Peter’s Basilica among the Founders of religious orders. His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2018/12/09/saint-of-the-day-9-december-st-peter-fourier-c-r-s-a-1565-1640/
Martyrs of Durres – 7 Saints: Also known as – Martyrs of Dyrrachium/Martyrs of Durazzo. A group of seven Italian Christians who fled Italy to escape the persecutions of Emperor Hadrian. Arrived in Dyrrachium, Macedonia to find Saint Astius tied to a cross, covered in honey, laid in the sun and left to be tortured by biting and stinging insects. When they expressed sympathy for Astius, they were accused of being Christians, arrested, chained, weighted down, taken off shore and drowned. We know little more about each of them than their names – Germaus, Hesychius, Lucian, Papius, Peregrinus, Pompeius and Saturninus. They were born in Italy and were Martyred at sea c117 off the coast of Dyrrachium (Durazzo), Macedonia (modern Durres, Albania).
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 – 6 July – Saint Justus (6th Century?) Monk of Condat, Jura, in the valley of Bienne, France. Also known as – Giusto.
In the heart of the Jura mountains, in France, the name of Saint Justus of Condat resonates, a Monk shrouded in mystery and veneration. His figure, although outlined by hagiographic fragments, emerges as a beacon of faith and devotion, illuminating the centuries with the light of his sanctity.
Unknown Monks kneeling in prayer
The ancient papers and records of the Monastery of Condat, today known as Saint-Claude, preserve his name, awarded the title of Saint. Since the most remote times, his memory was celebrated on 6 July fueling the cult of a pious man dedicated to monastic life.
However, the biographical information on Saint Justus is fragmentary, almost evanescent like the mists which envelop his mountains. History gives us only echoes of his existence, whispers of a Monk who dedicated his life to prayer and contemplation in that territory of Condat.
The choirstalls at Condat, illustrated by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, 1856
Despite the scarcity of details, devotion to Saint Justus has not been affected. Indeed, over the centuries his fame has spread, so much so that, in the 9th Century some of his Relics were transferred to Salaise in France, where they still rest today.
In 1903, St Pius X, officially confirmed the cult of Saint Justus, elevating him to an illustrious witness of the Christian Faith. His figure, although shrouded in mystery, continues to inspire and call the faithful to contemplate the Divine and to devote themselves to the spiritual life.
Martyrs of Campania – 23 Saints: A group of 23 Christians arrested, tortured and then beheaded together in the later 3rd century by order Gf Governor Rictiovarus during the persecutions of Diocletian. The names that have come down to us are – Antoninus, Arnosus, Capicus, Cutonius, Diodorus, Dion, Isidore, Lucia, Lucian, Rexius, Satyrus and Severinus.
Martyrs of Fiesole – 5 Saints: Five Christians Martyred together during the persecutions of Emperor Domitian – Carissimus, Crescentius, Dulcissimus, Marchisianus and Romulus. c 90 near Fiesole, Italy.
Quote/s of the Day – 5 July – St Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) Confessor, Priest, Founder of the Barnabits – The First Religious Order Named after St Paul The Apostle – Canonised by Pope Leo XIII on 27 May 1897.
“Angel in human form! Angelic man! Founder of the Clerics Regular of St Paul, of the Angelic Sisters and of other pious Associations. Destroyer of vices, Guardian of chastity, Restorer of the service of God. Perfect labourer for the salvation of souls, Preacher of the Word of God, Faithful disciple of St Paul. Indefatigable worker in the Vineyard of the Lord, constant enemy of the world, of the flesh and of wickedness. Conqueror of Demons. Perfect image of the ardent charity of the Holy Ghost. Today, a citizen of Heaven. The City of Cremona, rejoicing and proud of the glory of its children, filled with admiration for its citizen now gone to join the Angels, erects this Monument in token of eternal gratitude for his saintly life and heroic deeds. Amen!”
Inscription on a Monument in Cremona, Italy dedicated to Saint Anthony
Saint of the Day – 5 July – Saint Philomena (Died c500) Virgin of San Severino in Italy. Patronage of San Severino, Centola, Italy. Also known as – Filomena. Additional Feastday – the 1st Sunday in July in Sab Severino.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At San Severino in the Marche of Ancona, St Philomena, Virgin.”
The figure of Saint Philomena, venerated in various Italian locations, presents complex and fascinating aspects, intertwining elements of popular devotion with historical and hagiographic records.
In particular, the Saint discovered in San Severino Marche in 1527 raises questions about her real identity and the cult associated with her.
In 1527, during excavations under the High Altar of the Church of San Lorenzo in Doliolo in San Severino Marche, a female body came to light accompanied by a epithet which attributed the body belonging to Saint Philomena of the Chiavelli lineage. According to the inscription, the Saint was transferred to that place by San Severino the Bishop during the era of the Gothic Kings. In the same year, Cardinal Ciocchi del Monte arranged for the body to be placed under an Altar dedicated to the Saint.
Initially, the Feast in honour of Saint Philomena was celebrated on 5 July, a date present in the Roman Martyrology. Subsequently, the anniversary was moved to the first Sunday of the same month in San Severino.
Despite popular devotion, a rigourous analysis from a historical point of view leads to the conclusion that the body found is not actually that of a holy Martyr. In fact, before the 16th Century, there is no mention in San Severino of the name, cult or relics of Saint Philomena. Furthermore, the content of the inscription which accompanied the body, attributing its deposition to San Severino, does not present historically valid elements.
Therefore, the most likely hypothesis is that it is a ‘holy body’ similar to that of the more famous Roman Saint Philomena, a figure around whom a wide and widespread cult developed.
St Agatho of Sicily St Athanasius the Athonite St Athanasius of Jerusalem St Cast St Cyprille of Libya St Cyrilla of Cyrene St Domèce St Domitius of Phrygia St Edana of West Ireland
St Numerian of Treves St Philomena (Died c500) Virgin of San Severino St Probus of Cornwall St Rosa Chen Aijieh St Sedolpha of Tomi St Stephen of Reggio St Teresia Chen Qingjieh St Theodotus of Tomi St Thomas of Terreti St Triphina of Brittany St Triphina of Sicily
St Zoe of Rome (Died c286) Married laywoman, Martyr. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St Zoe, Martyr, wife of the blessed Martyr Nicostratus. Whilst praying at the tomb of the Apostle, St Peter, during the time of Diocletian, she was seized by the persecutors and cast into a dark dungeon, then, being suspended on a tree by her neck and hair and suffocated by loathsome smoke, she yielded up her soul in the confession of the Lord.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/05/saint-of-the-day-5-july-saint-zoe-of-rome-died-c286-married-laywoman-martyr/
Saint of the Day – 4 July – St William (c1030- 1091) Abbot of Hirsau Monastery in Germany, Reformer. The date of his birth is unknown but it is known that he was born in the Bavarian City of Regensburg in Germany around the year 1030 and died on 4 or 5 July in 1091at the Monastery in Hirsau the Black Forest. His Body is Incorrupt.
William was soon entrusted, at a tender age, to the Monastery of St Emmeram to be educated .While still young, he took the Benedictine Habit, receiving a solid ascetic, literary, scientific and technical education.
Gifted with great prudence, William knew how to combine rigid personal asceticism with a charming kindness towards others. In 1069 he was called to govern the Monastery of Hirsau in the Black Forest, rebuilt shortly before by Count Adalbert with the help of the Monks of Einsiedeln. The small community numbered only fifteen Religious. William, however, did not want to receive the Abbatial blessing until after the death of Frederick (died in 1071), who had been illegally removed by CountAdalbert.
In order to obtain full exemption for the Monastery, in 1075, William went to Rome to Pope Gregory VII. In Hirsau, William first introduced the customs of St Emmeram, then, imitating those of Cluny, he drew up their rigid and detailed Rules.
The “Hirsau Reform” spread to numerous foundations and of already existing Monasteries throughout Europe, numbering more than one hundred Monasteries. The community of Hirsau itself, grew so vigorously that it soon numbered more than one hundred and fifty Monks, for whom a new building had to be built, dedicated to Sts Peter and Paul. From here, colonies of Monks were sent to elsewhere to encourage and spread the Hirsau Rule and custom of spiritual life.
William also organised the institute of Lay Brothers in the Benedictine monastic community which was then accepted everywhere and gathered around it men and women as ‘oblates.’ In the Investiture Controversy, William was one of the pillars of the Gregorian Reform in Germany which the Monks of Hirsau preached and propagated. He wrote dialogues on Music and Astronomy and had a copy of the Vulgate inscribed for his Monastery.
He died on 4 or 5 July 1091 and was buried in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, which he himself had built. Around 1500 his Tomb was opened and it was found that both the body and the Abbot’s clothes were still perfectly well preserved. . Until the protestant suppression of Hirsau, he enjoyed public veneration.
Ehemalige Klosteranlage Hirsau, Stadt Calw, Baden-Württemberg
St Carileffo of Anille Bl Cesidio Giacomantonio St Donatus of Libya St Edward Fulthrop St Elias of Jerusalem St Finbar of Wexford St Fiorenzo of Cahors St Flavian of Antioch St Giocondiano St Haggai the Prophet Bl Henry Abbot St Henry of Albano St Hosea the Prophet St Innocent of Sirmium Bl John Carey
Blessed John Cornelius SJ (1557– 1594) Martyr, English Priest of the Society of Jesus, Missionary. Additional Memorials – 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai, 1 December as one of the Martyrs of Oxford University. Fr Cornelius and his three companions, the Martyrs of England, were Beatified by Pope Pius XI on 15 December 1929. All their bodies were retrieved and given proper burial by Lady Arundell. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/07/04/saint-of-the-day-4-july-blessed-john-cornelius-sj-1557-1594-martyr/
St Jucundian St Laurian of Seville St Lauriano of Vistin St Namphanion Bl Natalia of Toulouse St Odo the Good Bl Odolric of Lyon Bl Patrick Salmon St Sebastia of Sirmium St Theodore of Cyrene St Theodotus of Libya Bl Thomas Bosgrave Bl Thomas Warcop
St Ulric (c1214-1284) Bishop of Ratzeburg St Valentine of Langres St Valentine of Paris Bl William Andleby St William (c1030-1091) Abbot of Hirsau Monasteryin Germany. His Body is incorrupt.
Saint of the Day – 3 July – St Dathus (Died c190) Bishop and Confessor of Ravenna in Italy during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Commodus. Also known as – Dato, Datus, Dathius.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Ravenna, St Dathus, Bishop and Confessor.”
The renowned Ravenna Cathedral Mosaics
Legend has it that he was elected as the Bishop thanks to the miraculous appearance of a dove flying above his head. He served faithfully during the respite from persecution under the reign of Emperor Commodus.
Bl Andreas Ebersbach Bl Barbara Jeong Sun-mae St Bladus St Byblig St Cillene St Dathus (Died c190) Bishop and Confessor of Ravenna St Eusebius of Laodicea St Firminus St Firmus Bl Gelduin St Giuse Nguyen Ðình Uyen St Gunthiern St Guthagon
St Heliodorus (c332-c390) the first Bishop of Altino in Italy, disciple, close friend and assistant of St Jerome. Scholar, ex-soldier, The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Altino, St Heliodorus, a Bishop, distinguished for holiness and learning.” Holy Heliodorus: https://anastpaul.com/2024/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-st-heliodorus-332-390-bishop/
St Hyacinth of Caesarea St Irenaeus of Chiusi St Maelmuire O’Gorman St Mark of Mesia St Mennone the Centurian St Mucian of Mesia St Paul of Mesia
St Raymond Gayrard(Died 1118) ArchDeacon, Canon of the Lateran Canons Regular at St Sernin Basilica in Toulouse, France. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Toulouse on the Garonne in France, Saint Raymond Gayrard, who, as a teacher, remained a widower, passionately devoted himself to works of charity, founded a hospice and was finally admitted among the Canons of the Basilica of St Saturnin.” https://anastpaul.com/2023/07/03/saint-of-the-day-3-july-saint-raymond-of-toulouse-died-1118/
Martyrs of Alexandria – 13 Saints: Thirteen Christian companions Marytred together. No details about them have survived but the names – Apricus, Cyrion (2 of), Eulogius, Hemerion, Julian, Julius, Justus, Menelaus, Orestes, Porfyrios and Tryphon (2 of). They martyred in Alexandria, Egypt, date unknown.
Martyrs of Constantinople – 24 Saints: A group of 24 Christians Martyred in the persecutions of Arian Emperor Valens. We know little more than their names – Acacios, Amedinos, Ammonius, Ammus, Cerealis, Cionia, Cionius, Cyrianus, Demetrius, Eulogius (2), Euphemia, Heliodoros, Heraclios, Horestes, Jocundus, Julian, Martyrios, Menelaeus, Sestratus, Strategos, Thomas, Timotheos and Tryphon. They were martyred in c367 in Constantintinople.
Theodotus and Companions – 6 Saints: Six Christians who were imprisoned, tortured and Martyred together in the persecutions of Trajan. Saint Hyacinth ministered to them in prison. We know nothing else about them but their names – Asclepiodotus, Diomedes, Eulampius, Golinduchus, Theodota and Theodotus. They were beheaded in c110, location unknown.
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/s of the Day – 2 July – Blessed/s Giovanni (Died c1420) and Pietro da Fabriano Becchetti OSA (Died c1421) Priests and cousins (some sources make them brothers) of the Order of the Hermits of Saint Augustine. Born in the 14th Century in Fabriano, Italy and died in the 15th Century in the their Birth Town. Also known as – John and Peter Becchetti.
In the history of the Order we read: “In Fabriano in the Marches, commemoration of the blesseds Giovanni and Pietro Becchetti, Priests of the Order of the Hermits of St Augustine; united more by the same way of life than by blood ties; they died in 1420 and 1421, respectively.”
Blessed Giovanni Becchetti
Giovanni, who had taught at Rimini, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Theology in 1385. He then was sent to Oxford, England for further study. There he earned his Master’s in Theology.
He returned to Italy and was appointed as the Director of the Augustinian House of Studies in Perugia.
The date of Giovanni’s death is not known. We know that he was still living in May 1420, as a letter written by him on 7 May of that year is preserved in the Archives of the Order in Rome.
Blessed Pietro Becchetti
Documents show that Pietro was studying for the Degree of Lector in Theology in 1385. He was professor in the Augustinian House of Studies in Rimini in 1388.
While he was in Rimini, the Prior General appointed him Visitator to investigate a complaint which had been made about that House. Later he was professor in Venice.
Greatly devoted to the Passion of Christ, Pietro made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land to follow Our Lord’s Steps and to visit Jesus’ holy Tomb.
The date of Pietro’s death is not known. We know that he was still living in 1421, as there is record of the Prior General having written a letter to him on 20 February of that year.
Both Giovanni and Pietro died at Fabriano. Their remains are preserved at the Church of Saint Augustine there.
Both being distinguished by their scholarly wisdom, personal piety, deep prayer life and preaching, our Blesseds were Beatified in 1835 by Pope Gregory XVI.
AnaStpaul 
You must be logged in to post a comment.