Saint of the Day – 12 April – Saint Vissia (Died c250) Virgin Martyr of Fermo, Ascoli, Piaceno, Italy. Born on an unknown date in Fermo and died there during the persecution of Emperior Decius in around 250.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Fermo in the Marches, St Vissia, Virgin and Martyr.”
The life of our Saint Vissia is shrouded in mystery. The Roman Martyrology attests to her veneration, as explained below but is silent on biographical details .
Saint Vissia, who ennobled her hometown by her Martyrdom, her name being part of a list of Saints vnerated in Fermo, was on 5 August 1581 sent by a local Prelate to an Oratorian Priest and friend of Cesare Baronio, who, as is well known, compiled the first ‘Roman Martyrology’ and included the holy virgins and Martyr on 12 April.
The presence of the skulls of 2 Virgin Martyrs of Fermo in separate Reliquaries in Fermo Cathedral, suggests a possible contemporary Martyrdom, perhaps by beheading, during the 7th persecution under Emperor Decius (249-251).
Local tradition places their sacrifice around 250, while an inscription in the Cathedral celebrates Vissia as the glory of her native City. The uncertainty regarding the dates and circumstances of her Martyrdom does not obscure the popular devotion paid to her and her fellow Virgin and Martyr, St Sophia.
The Octave Day of Easter or Low Sunday Quasimodo Sunday or Dominica In Albis “At the end of the Octave, in the ancient Roman Church, the Newly-Baptised would remove their white Baptismal gowns which would be deposited at the Cathedral. Thus, the Saturday of the Octave is called “in albis” and the Sunday, which is technically outside the Octave and the beginning of the Easter season, is “in albis depositis.” Hitherto they were known as the “infantes… infants” in the Faith. In fact, the first Chant of Sunday’s Mass, in Introit, is from 1 Peter 2:2-3 in the Vetus Latina version which pre-dates the Vulgate of St Jerome. In the translation I’ll include the verse immediately before, because it is relevant to our work today:
Quasimodo Geniti I nfantes, rationabile, sine dolo lac concupiscite ut in eo crescatis in salutem si gustastis quoniam dulcis Dominus. … [So put away all malice and all guile and insincerity and envy and all slander.] Like newborn babes, long for the pure spiritual milk so that by it, you may grow up to salvation; for you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.”
St Ailell of Cologne (Died 1040) Priest,Abbotof Great Saint Martin’s Monastery and of St Pantaleon’s in Cologne, Missionary, a strict disciplinarian and a talented and skilled leader, running two separate Monasteries for years. He was also a skilled Musician and is held to be the first to introduce Roman chant to Cologne. Talented St Ailell: https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-saint-ailell-of-cologne-died-1040-priest-abbot/
St Alferius Pappacarbone of La Cava (930–1050) Priest, Founder and Abbot of Arsicia (La Trinità della Cava) which follows the Benedictine Rule, nobleman, Diplomat to Prince Waimar III of Salerno, Cluniac reformer, cave Hermit, Mystic and Ecstatic, Miracle-worker. The Roman Martyrology states: “In the Monastery of Cava de ‘Tirreni in Campania, Saint Alferius, Founder and first Abbot, who, after having been adviser to Guaimario, Duke of Salerno, who became a disciple of Saint Odilone in Cluny, learned, in an excellent way, the discipline of monastic life.” The Renowned La Cava Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-saint-alferius-of-la-cava-930-1050/
Blessed Andrew of Montereale OSA (c1479-1764) Priest and Friar of the Order oif the Hermits of St Augustine, renowned Scholar, Preacher, Teacher, Reformer. Confessor and Spiritual Director to the Royal Court of France, Miracle-worker. His life was devoted to teaching, preaching and leading the Augustinians from several positions of leadership. He was hailed, even during his lifetime, as a pious Miracle worker.
St Artemón of Caesarea St Basil of Parion St Constantine of Gap (Died 529) Bishop and Confessor
St Damian of Pavia (Died c710) Bishopand Confessor, Defender of the Faith against heretics, Apostle of the poor and needy, In 679, Damian wrote a letter to Emperor Constantine IV on behalf of St Mansuetus, the Archbishop of Milan, against the heresy of Monothelitism. This letter, in a Latin edition, is the only extant writing from the hand of St Damian (sometimes attributed to St Mansuetus on whose behalf Damian was writing). His Fervent Life: https://anastpaul.com/2025/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-st-damian-of-pavia-died-c710-bishop-and-confessor/
The Church of San Pietro in Vincoli in Pavia where our St Damian is enshrined
St Erkemboden of Thérouanne St Florentin of Arles
St Pope Julius I (Died 337) Reign from 6 February 337 until his death on 12 April 352. He fought against the Arian Heresy and it is also believed that he is the Pope who set 25 December as the date of the Birth of Jesus. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, the birthday of Pope St Julius, who vigorously combated for the Catholic Faith against the Arians. After a life of brilliant deeds and great sanctity, he rested in peace.” His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/12/saint-of-the-day-12-april-saint-pope-julius-i-died-337/
St Lorenzo of Belem St Peter of Montepiano
St Sabas the Lector
St Tetricus of Auxerre St Vissia (Died c250) Virgin Martyr of Fermo St Wigbert
St Aleth (1064-1106)Laywoman, Mother of 7, 4 of whom are Saints including the Doctor of Light, St Bernard (of Clairvaux), The other 3 Saints are St Humbeline of Jully (c1091-c1136) a Benedictine Nun, St Gerard of Clairvaux (Died 1138) Bernard older brother, Blessed Nivard of Clairvaux (c1100-c1150) Bernard’s youngest brother. Lovely St Aleth: https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-saint-aleth-of-dijon-1064-1106-laywoman/
St Guerir (8th Century) Monk and Hermit in Liskeard, Cornwall, England, known for his ascetic life of prayer and mortifications. His sanctity drew great admiration. Upon his death, the King of England, St Alfred the Great, when visiting his grave was miraculously cured of a serious illness. His Life of Fervent Prayer: https://anastpaul.com/2025/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-saint-guerir-8th-century-hermit/
St Henry of Gheest St Hildebert (Died c752) Abbot and Martyr of Ghent St Peter of Poitiers (c1130-1215) Bishop
St Theodulus of Thessalonica St Theonas of Egypt St Tigernach of Clogher
St Zosimus (Died c560) Priest, Monk, Hermit. As already reported in the legendary life of St Mary of Egypt, St Zosimus, a Monk and Hermit, is the one who discovers St Mary in the desert and gave her Holy Communion shortly before her death. The Roman Martyrology reports: “In Palestine, the Anchorite, St Zosimus, who buried the remains of St Mary of Egypt.” His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/04/saint-of-the-day-4-april-st-zosimus-of-palestine-c-460-c-560-priest-hermit/
Martyred in Cairo François de la Terre de Labour Nicolas of Montecorpino
Martyrs of Thessalonica – 14 Saints: Fourteen Christians who were Martyred together, date unknown. No other information, except the names of 12 of them, has survived – Ingenuus, Julianus, Julius, Matutinus, Orbanus, Palatinus, Paulus, Publius, Quinilianus, Saturninus, Successus, Victor and two whose names have not come down to us. Agathopus the Deacon, Theodulus the Lector.
Saint of the Day – 3 April – Saint Vulpian (Died c306) Martyr of Tyre, Phoenicia, Syria. Born and Martyred as a teenager in Syria. Also known as – Ulfianus, Ulpian, Ulpiano, Ulpianus, Vulpianus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Tyre, the Martyr, St Vulpian, who was sewn in a sack with a serpent and a dog and drowned in the sea during the persecutions of Maximian Galerius.”
The Martyrdom of St Vulpian of Tyre, who lived during the persecution of Maximinu, has come down to us through the Roman Martyrology which celebrates his memory today.
His life and death, although brief and tragic, offers food for thought on the unwavering faith of a young Christian in the face of such violent adversity.
Unfortunately, information on St Vulpian is scant. We know only that he was a teenager from Tyre, a City in Phoenicia (modern-day Lebanon), who lived in the early 4th Century. His Martyrdom occurred during the period of Christian persecution under Emperor Maximinus (305-313), known for his ferocity against the Church.
Vulpian, still a young man, was arrested for his faith in Christ. The authorities attempted to make him recant but he remained steadfast in his great love for Christ and His Church. Faced with his steadfast resistance, his persecutors devised a particularly cruel Martyrdom by sewing him into a sack with a dog and a snake and then throwing him into the sea.
Tre Ore (The Three Hours Devotion) The Three Hours’ Agony on Good Friday from Noon until 3 o’clock to commemorate the three hours of Christ’s Hanging on the Cross. It includes sermons on the Seven Last Words from the Cross and usually occurs between Noon and 3PM, the latter being the time when Jesus Died on the Cross and the time the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion begins. In 1815, Pope Pius VII decreed a Plenary Indulgence to those who practice this devotion on Good Friday.
It is a fine tradition to keep silent from Noon to 3:00 PM today.
The Office of Tenebrae The public singing of part of the Divine Office, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings in Holy Week, anticipating Matins and Lauds of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. This custom goes back centuries and acquired the name because of the mourning ritual surrounding the ceremony which includes a triangular candlabra bearing fifteen candles. These are extinguishedt one by one until, after the last candle is extinguished, a prayer is said in darkness, one candle is lit and the assembly dispersed in silence.
St Attala of Taormina
St Benedict of Palermo OFM (1526-1589) Lay Friar of the Order of Friars Minor of the Observance, Confessor, spiritual counsellor, Apostle of the poor and needy, graced with the gift of healing the sick. St Benedict’s gifts for prayer, his love for the Blessed Virgin and the Infant Jesus and the wisdom displayed in his guidance of souls, earned him, a reputation for holiness, throughout Sicily. Following the example of St Francis, Benedict kept seven 40-day fasts throughout the year. He also slept only a few hours each night. His body is incorrupt. Kind and Holy Benedict: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/03/saint-of-the-day-3-april-st-benedict-of-palermo-ofm-1526-1589-lay-friar/
St Burgundofara / more commonly known as Fara (c595-c 643) Virgin, Nun, Abbess, Founder of the famous Evoriacum Monastery, near Paris which after her death was renamed in her honour, Faremoutiers Abbey (Fara’s Monastery). She is celebrated on 7 December in France. Her Pious and Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/12/07/saint-of-the-day-7-december-st-burgundofara-c-595-c-643-virgin/
St Chrestus St Comman St Evagrius of Tomi
Blessed Gandulphus OFM (c1200-1260) Priest, Friar of the First Order of St Francis. He was a renowned Preacher mainly in Sicily, Hermit, Miracle-worker . He was one of those who entered the Order while the Seraphic Father was still alive and the life he led was one of great self-abnegation. He was Beatified on 10 March 1881 by Pope Leo XIII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/03/saint-of-the-day-3-april-blessed-gandulphus-of-binasco-ofm-c-1200-1260/
Blessed John of Penna OFM (c1193-1271) Priest, Friar of the First Order of St Francis and became a Franciscan during St Francis’ lifetime. Founder of the Order in France, Mystic and gifted with the charism of prophecy. He was Beatified on 20 December 1806 by Pope Pius VII. His Ardent Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/03/saint-of-the-day-3-april-blessed-john-of-penna-ofm-c-1193-1271/
Martyrs of Greece – 4 Saints: A group of young Christian men who protested to City authorities that gifts to temples of pagan gods should be used to feed the poor during a regional famine. When the officials refused, the group went to local temples, broke up the idols and fixtures and gave the gold and silver bits to the poor to use to buy food. The group was imprisoned and executed. The only other thing we know about these Martyrs are the names – Bythonius, Elpideforus, Dius and Galycus. They Died in the 3rd Century at an unknown location in Greece.
Martyrs of Tomi (Romania) – 9 Saints who were Martyred together. We know nothing else about them but the names – Arestus, Benignus, Chrestus, Evagrius, Papo, Patricius, Rufus, Sinnidia and Zosimus. They Died at Tomi, Scythia (modern Constanta, Romania).
Saint of the Day – 2 April – Blessed John Payne (c1550-1582) Priest Martyr, Born in c1532 in Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, Cambridge, England and died on 2 April 1582 in Chelmsford, Essex by being hung, drawn and quartered, Also known as – Pain, Paine. Blessed John was Beatified on 29 December 1885 by Pope Leo XIII.
John Payne was born around 1550 near Peterborough in Huntingdonshire. Nothing is known of his youth, except that he was raised a Protestant. Only later did he convert to Catholicism and in 1574, he entered the new college in Douai to prepare for the Priesthood. There he was entrusted with the task of Bursar and in 1576 he was Ordained a Priest, although this suggests Blessed John had already undertaken Theological studies elsewhere.
He then returned home with Blessed Cuthbert Mayne, to exercise his ministry, settling in Essex at Ingatestone Hall, a guest of the Petres family, who were strongly opposed to the religious policies of the English Government. This facilitated his pastoral activity among the local Catholics, even though these were still difficult times for Catholics in communion with the Holy See.
In 1577 he was arrested and briefly imprisoned. Once released, he returned to Douai but by mid-1578 he was back at Ingatestone Hall.
In 1581, while working in Warwickshire, John Payne was betrayed, arrested and taken to the Tower of London. Accused of treason against the Queen, he was tortured on the wheel and sentenced to be hung, drawn and quartered.
He refused the assistance offered him by a certain George Elliott, reiterating instead “he had always, in mind or word, honoured her Majesty the Queen more than any other woman in the world; that he would always happily obey every civil duty; that he prayed for her as for his own soul; that he had never thought or plotted any treason against her Majesty or any nobleman of England.”
On 2 April 1582, the sad event occurred near Chelmsford in Essex which earned John Payne the Martyr’s Ccrown. Those who witnessed his execution, struck by the Priest’s upright conduct, asked that his body be left hanging until death, thus waiting to perform the gruesome procedures prescribed.
The Saint died uttering the words “Jesus, Jesus, Jesus.”
The Office of Tenebrae The public singing of part of the Divine Office, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings in Holy Week, anticipating Matins and Lauds of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. This custom goes back centuries and acquired the name because of the mourning ritual surrounding the ceremony which includes a triangular candlabra bearing fifteen candles. These are extinguishedt one by one until, after the last candle is extinguished, a prayer is said in darkness, one candle is lit and the assembly dispersed in silence.
St Francis of Paola O.M. (1416-1507) known as “Saint Francis the Fire Handler” – Confessor, Monk and Founder, inspired with the Gift of Prophecy and still called the “Miracle-Worker” Apostle of the poor, Peacemaker. He was an Italian mendicant Friar and the Founder of the Order of Minims. Unlike the majority of founders of men’s religious orders and like his Patron Saint, Francis was never ordained a priest. His Body was Incorrupt until destroyed in the French Revolution. He was Canonised in 1519 by Pope Leo X. St Francis’s Life: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-st-francis-of-paola-o-m-1416-1507/
St Bronach of Glen-Seichis St Constantine of Scotland St Ebbe the Younger St Eustace of Luxeuil St Gregory of Nicomedia Blessed John Payne (c1550-1582) Priest Martyr
Blessed Leopold of Gaiche OFM Cap (1732-1815) Priest and Friar of the Order of Friars Minor of the Capuchin branch, Missionary Preacher in Italy, called “The Apostle of Umbria.” He became renowned for wearing a crown of thorns. He served in a position of power in the Franciscan Order in the Umbrian region in which he supported strong adherence to the Rule of Saint Francis. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/02/saint-of-the-day-2-april-blessed-leopold-of-gaiche-ofm-cap-1732-1815/
Martyrs of Africa – 10 Saints: A group of ten Christians Martyred together in Africa, date unknown. We have six of their names – Marcellinus, Procula, Quiriacus, Regina, Satullus and Saturnin but no other information has survived.
Martyrs of Thessalonica – 16 Saints: Sixteen Christians who were Martyred together in Thessalonica in Greece, date unknown. We know nothing else about them but 13 of their names – Agapitus, Agatophus, Cyriacus, Dionysius, Gagus, Julianus, Mastisius, Proculus, Publius, Theodoulus, Urbanus, Valerius and Zonisus.
Saint of the Day – 1 April – Saint Beherond (7th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Amiens. He was a friend and colleague of St Valéry of Leucone (c565-c619) also celebrated today. Also known as – Berchond.
Saints on Amiens Cathedral Facade
The story of this saintly Bishop of Amiens is limited to his relationship with Saint Valery regarding the donation of Leuconay Abbey to the latter by the King of the time.
A Statue on the Saint-Firmin portal of the Cathedral perpetuates his memory.
The Office of Tenebrae The public singing of part of the Divine Office, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings in Holy Week, anticipating Matins and Lauds of Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. This custom goes back centuries and acquired the name because of the mourning ritual surrounding the ceremony which includes a triangular candlabra bearing fifteen candles. These are extinguishedt one by one until, after the last candle is extinguished, a prayer is said in darkness, one candle is lit and the assembly dispersed in silence.
Devotions for the Month of April The Resurrection and The Blessed Sacrament ‘I am the Resurrection and the Life’
Blessed Abraham of Bulgaria Blessed Alexander of Sicily Saint Anastasio Blessed Antonius of Noto Saint Beherond (7th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Amiens
Saint Celsus (c1080-1129) Archbishop of Armagh, Reformer. He was responsible for the change from lay control of the Church in Ireland, to a Clerical-Episcopal model. Himself a hereditary lay administrator, he decided to seek Priestly Ordination and be embraced celibacy in order that the reform introduced by Pope St Gregory VIII on the Continent, could take effect also in Ireland. Holy and Brave St Celsus: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/01/saint-of-the-day-1-april-saint-celsus-of-armagh-c1080-1129-archbishop/
Saint Dodolinus of Vienne Blessed Enrico Alfrieri OFM (1315-1405) Vicar General of the Friar’s Minor Blessed Gerard of Sassoferrato Saint Gilbert de Moray Blessed Giuseppe Girott Blessed Hugh of Bonnevaux
Saint Hugh (1053-1232) Bishop of Grenoble , Reformer, in the foundation of the Carthusian Order, founded a Monastery at Chalais. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Grenoble in Burgundia, in today’s France, St Hugh, Bishop, who worked for the reform of the customs of the clergy and the people and, during his Episcopate, ardently loving solitude, gave St Bruno at the time, his teacher and to his companions, the hermitage of Chartroux, of which he was also the first Abbot. He ruled his Church for about fifty years with the thoughtful example of his charity.” This Wonderful Zealous St Hugh: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/01/saint-of-the-day-1-april-saint-hugh-of-grenoble-1053-1232/
Saint Jacoba of Rome Blessed John Bretton Saint Leucone of Troyes
Saint Melito (Died c 180) Early Church Father, Bishop of Sardis (Died c 180), ecclesiastical Writer, Confessor, Apologist, Defender of Christ’s dual nature. Saint Melito is believed to have been martyred around the time he wrote his apology to Marcus Aurelius circa 180. Brilliant St Melito: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/01/saint-of-the-day-1-april-st-melito-died-c-180/
Saint Valéry(c565-c619) Priest, Abbot, Founder of the Abbey of Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, a man of Miracles and Visions. Born around 565 in the Auvergne in France and died on 1 April c619 (?) in Leuconay, today St-Valéry-sur-Somme. Patronages – of horticulturists and gardeners, of Death Row Prisoners,fishermen and of of Saint-Valéry-sur-Somme. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Amiens, the Abbot, St Valéry, whose Tomb is made illustrious by frequent miracles.” Miraculous St Valéry: https://anastpaul.com/2024/04/01/saint-of-the-day-1-april-saint-valery-of-leucone-c565-c619-priest-abbot/
Saint Venantius of Spalato Blessed Vinebault
Apostles of Picardy – Martyrs: Saint Caidoc Saint Fricor
Martyrs of Thessalonica – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred. We know nothing about them but the names Alexander, Dionysius, Ingenianus, Panterus, Parthenius and Saturninus. Martyred in Thessalonica, Greece, date unknown.
Saint of the Day – 31 March – St Machabeus (Died 1174) Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Armagh. Also known by his Irish name of Gilla Mo Chaidbeo.
St Machabeus served in his office as the Abbot for over thirty years.
His death is the last to be commemorated in the Martyrology of Gorman, which was written by his contemporary, Máel Muire Ua Gormáin (Marianus Gorman) sometime in the 2nd half of the 12th Century.
The notes to the Martyrology provide him with this most praiseworthyEulogy:
“Gilla mo-Chaidbeo, Abbot of the Monastery of Paul and Peter in Armagh. The tower of piety and firmness, wisdom and knowledge, labour and prudence of his time.”
Details of our Saint are also to be found in the Irish Annals which give the year of his death:
“THE AGE OF CHRIST, 1174.
Gilla Mochaibeus, Abbot of the Monastery of Sts Peter and Paul at Armagh, a diligent and faithful servant of the Lord, died on the 31st day of March, in the seventieth year of his age.”
St Balbina (Died c130) Virgin and Martyr of Rome. Patronage – against Throat Diseases, goitor diseases. Also known as – Balbina the Virgin, Balbine. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, the holy virgin Balbina, daughter of the blessed Martyr Quirinus, who was Baptised by Pope St Alexander and after overcoming the world, was buried on the Appian Road at ther father’s side.” A Most Efficacious Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/31/saint-of-the-day-31-march-st-balbina-died-c130-virgin-and-martyr/
St Benjamin the Deacon (Died c424) Deaco and Martyr. Benjamin was executed during a period of persecution of Christians that lasted forty years and through the reign of two Persian kings: Isdegerd I, who died in 421 and his son and successor, Varanes V. King Varanes carried on the persecution with such great fury, that Christians were submitted to the most cruel tortures. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/31/saint-of-the-day-31-march-st-benjamin-the-deacon-died-c-424-martyr/
St Machabeus (Died 1174) Abbot of Armagh St Mella of Doire-Melle St Renovatus of Merida
Martyrs of Africa – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. No details have survived except for of their names – Anesius, Cornelia, Felix and Theodulus. They were martyred in Roman pro-consular Africa.
Saint of the Day – 30 March – Saint Clinius (Died c1040) Abbot and Confessor of the Monastery of San Pietro della Foresta in Aquino, Italy, renowned Miracle-worker. Patronage – of Esperia, Italy. Also known as – Clinio, Clino.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Aquino, St Clinius, Confessor.”
Unknown Abbot or Bishop Saint
Clinius, a Greek Monk, became the Abbot of the Basilian Monastery of San Pietro della Foresta, located between Pontecorvo and Rocca Guillermo (now Esperia), in the early decades of the 11th Century.
His presence is attested in a signed Deed of Donation in 1030. In the second half of the Century, the Monastery came under the jurisdiction of Monte Cassinok.
At San Pietro della Foresta, St Clinoius, a man of great sanctity and miracles, died before 1050. His remains were transferred to the Church of Santa Maria di Rocca Guillermo (Esperia), where his memory is celebrated as the principal Patron Saint of that City.
The figure of Saint Clinius, shrouded in uncertainty due to the lack of contemporary sources, emerges as an example of a pious Abbot and miracle-worker, highly venerated in the community of Esperia which preserves his memory and cult.
Blessed Amadeus of Savoy (1435-1472) IXth Duke of Savoy, nicknamed “the Happy” was the Duke of Savoy, from 1465 to 1472, Apostle of the poor and ill, a pious, humble and gentle ruler. Amadeus was a particular protector of Franciscan Friars and endowed other religious houses, as well as homes for the care of the poor and suffering. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/03/30/saint-of-the-day-30-march-blessed-amadeus-of-savoy-1435-1472/
St Clinius (Died c1030) Abbot St Cronan Mochua St Damiano St Domnino of Thessalonica
St Leonard Murialdo St Mamertinus of Auxerre St Osburga of Coventry St Pastor of Orléans St Patto of Werden St Quirinus the Jailer
St Peter Regalatus OFM (1320-1456) Priest, Friar of the Friars Minor, Superior, gifted with bi-location, prophecy and Miracle working. He was Canonised on 29 June 1746 by Pope Benedict XIV. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Aguilera in Castile in Spain, Saint Peter Regalado of Valladolid, Priest of the Order of Minors, who was distinguished for humility and rigour of penance and built two cells, in which only twelve Friars could live in solitude.” About this zealous Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/30/saint-of-the-day-30-march-saint-peter-regalatus-ofm-1320-1456/
St Regulus of Scotland St Regulus of Senlis St Secundus of Asti St Tola
Martyrs of Constantinople: 4th Century Christians who were exiled, branded on the forehead, imprisoned, tortured, impoverished and murdered during the multi-year persecutions of the Arian Emperor Constantius. They were Martyred between 351 and 359 in Constantinople.
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Saint of the Day – 29 March – Blessed Cecilia Attendoli (Died 1531) OFM Virgin and Third Order Nun of Cotignola, Italy (Franciscan Martyrology).
Blessed Cecilia Attendoli of Cotignola was a Nun who lived between the 15th and 16th Centuries.
Little and scant information has been preserved about this blessed nun and in the past some authors have mistakenly idetified her as Cecilia Codignola da Vigevano.
Blessed Cecilia belonged to the Third Order of Saint Francis. She lived her entire life in the monastery of Santa Chiara in Mortara.
Tradition tells us she was a woman of virtue who performed miracles during her lifetime and was taken by her father to the Poor Clare Monastery in Mortara. Her name is associated with two Blessed Poor Clares of the same Monastery, Blessed Ippolita di Melegnano and Blessed Elisabetta (or Lisabetta).
The casket containing the Relics of Bl Cecilia may be located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo.
St Eustasius (c560–c626),Abbot, Disciple of St Columban, Abbot of Luxeuil Monastery, (after its Founder, St Columban) Missionary and Founder of another Monastery in Bavaria, Miracle-worker. Patronages – against blindness and eye diseases, of all illness and sick people. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/29/saint-of-the-day-29-march-st-eustasius-of-luxeuil-c560-c626/
Martyrs of Nicomedia: Seven Christians who were Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know nothing else about them but the names of two – Pastor and Victorinus.
St John of Capistrano OFM (1386-1456) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor, Confessor and Preacher. Famous as a Preacher, Theologian and Inquisitor, trained Lawyer, he earned himself the nickname ‘the Soldier Saint’ when in 1456 at age 70 he led a Crusade against the invading Ottoman Empire at the Siege of Belgrade. He was Beatified on 19 December 1650 by Pope Innocent X and Canonised on 16 October 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII. Feast Day moved from 28 March in 1969. A Wonderful Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2017/10/23/saint-of-the-day-23-october-st-john-capistrano-ofm-1386-1456-the-soldier-saint/
St Cyril the Deacon St Dorotheus Martyr of Tarsus – No further information has survived. St Gundelindis (c680-c750) Abbes of Niedermünster Abbey, Germany
St Guntramnus (c532-592) King of the Kingdom of Orléans and Burgundy from 561 until his death in 592, Confessor, Apostle of the needs of the Church and of the poor and sick, Penitent. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Chalons in France, the demise of St Gontran King, who devoted himself to exercises of piety, renounced the pomps of the world and bestowed his treasures on the Church and the poor,” A Pious and Generous Ruler: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/28/saint-of-the-day-28-march-saint-guntramnus-died-597/
Saint of the Day – 28 March – Saint Gundelindis (c680-c750) Abbes of Niedermünster Abbey, Alsace, France. Born in c680 in Alsace , France and died around 750 in the Niedermünster Abbey in present-day Ottrott, Alsace, France. Also known as – Gundelinda, Guendelindis, Gwendoline, Gwendolyn, Wandelindis.
Near to the Convent on present-day Mont Sainte-Odile, St Odilia founded a hospital in 707, whose Matron was her niece Gundelindis, the daughter of Duke Adalbert and his wife Gerlind and sister of St Eugenia of Odilienberg and St Attala of Strasbourg.
In 722, Gundelindis transformed the hospital into the secular women’s foundation of Niedermünster in present-day Ottrott and became its first Abbess.
Reconstruction drawing of the basilica and monastery of Niedermünster
Gundelindis dies in c750 after almost 50 years of dedicated service as firtly the Matron and then the Abbess of her community.
Gundelindis’ Relics were kept in a silver Shrine on the High Altar of the Niedermünster Church . After the destruction of the Monastery and the Church, they were widely scattered during the French Revolitioon. Some Relics are said to have even found their way to Trier, Germany.
The Ruins of the Church of Niedermünster Monastery
Saint of the Day – 27 March – Saint Romulus (8th Century) Abbot of Saint Baudilius Abbey near Nimes and then in Saissy-les-Bois, France. Also known as – Romulus of Nimes.
Unknown ancient Saintly Abbot
Saint Romulus, an 8th Century Abbot, emerges from the mists of time like a luminous shadowadow, shrouded in an aura of mystery and faith.
The few records of his life tell of a pious and wise man, leader of a Monastery of about 80 Monks located near Nîmes, in France. This Monastery, built next to the Church which housed the Relics of Saint Baudelius the Martyr, was a destination for numerous pilgrims drawn by the Saint’s fame.
However, around 725-730, the threat of Saracen raids shattered the tranquility of the monastic community. Saint Romulus, aware of the danger and driven by the desire to protect his brethren and the sacred Relics, made the difficult decision to abandon the Monastery. Together with his Monks, he undertook an arduous journey to Burgundy, taking with him the precious treasure of Saint Baudelius’ Relics.
In the land of exile, the Benedictine Monks found welcome and support. In the area of Cessy-le-Boy, in the Diocese of Auxerre, they obtained land on which to build a new home for their community and for the Relics of the holy Martyr. Thus a Church and a Monastery were built, placed under the protection of Saint Baudelius, who became the new centre of pilgrimage.
The Church of St Baudelius
Unfortunately, the Relics of Saint Baudelius, greatly venerated until the 14th Century, disappeared over time, leaving an irreplaceable void in the Monastery’s history.
The memory of Saint Romulus, however, remained alive thanks to mentions in scholarly works such as the ‘Gallia Christiana’ and the ‘Corona sanctorum anni benedectini.’
On the Benedictine Calendars, today 27 March was designated as the day to celebrate St Romulus’ memory, perpetuating the memory of an Abbot who, in the face of adversity, led his community with courage and faith, preserving a precious heritage of spirituality and culture.
Martyrs of Bardiaboch: A group of Christians who were arrested, tortured and executed together for their faith during the persecutions of Persian King Shapur II. Martyrs. – Abibus, Helias, Lazarus, Mares, Maruthas, Narses, Sabas, Sembeeth and Zanitas. 27 March 326 at Bardiaboch, Persia.
Saint of the Day – 26 March – Saint Felicitas (9th Century) Virgin of Padua.
Felicitas was a virgin and a Religious Nun in Padua, probably at the Convent of Saints Cosmas and Damian.
The Basilica of Saint Justina, Padua, where Saint Felicitas’ relics now reside.
Sadly we have little information of her life but she remains greatly venerated in Padua where her Relics are kept in the Basilica of Saint Justina, Padua.
St Braulio (590-651) Bishop of Saragossa, Spain, Monk, Confessor, Reformer, Scholar, Advisor, Writer, eloquent Preacher, Apostle of Charity. Saint Braulio was friend and disciple to Saint Isidore of Seville (560-636) Doctor of the Church ) and a prolific writer of letters, hymns, martyrologies, hagiographies and history. He fought against heresy and provided both strength and encouragement in the Faith to his congregation. A Most Ardent Shepherd: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-braulio-590-651/
St Eutychius (Died 356) Sub-Deacon, Martyrof Alexandria. Died during Lent in 356, from his wounds and exhaustion, while on the road to the mines in Egypt. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Alexandria, the holy Martyrs, Eutychius and others, who died by the sword for the Catholic Faith, in the time of Constantius, uinder the Arian bishop, George.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-st-eutychius-of-alexandria-died-356-sub-deacon-martyr/
St Felicitas (9th Century) Virgin of Padua.
St Felix (Died c400) Bishop of Trier, Germany. Consecrated by St Martin of Tours. We know that St Felix brought the Relics of St Paulinus of Trier back from Phrygia, where he had died in exile and built a Church to house them. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Treves, the Bishop St Felix.” Good St Felix: https://anastpaul.com/2025/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-st-felix-died-c400-bishop-of-trier-germany/
St Garbhan St Govan
St Ludger (c742-809) Bishop, Missionary, Founder, Abbot, Writer. Following in the footsteps of the English Missionary St Boniface, St Ludger, who was a native Netherlander, brought the faith to the people of Frisia in Holland and the Saxons of north-west Germany. He founded the Werden Abbey and was the first Bishop of Münster in Westphalia, Germany. Fervent St Ludger: https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/26/saint-of-the-day-26-march-st-ludger-c-742-809/
St Maxima the Martyr St Mochelloc (Died c639) Abbot at Kilmallock, Ireland. No other information has survived. Also known as – Celloch, Cellog, Motalogus, Mottelog. St Montanus the Martyr St Sabino of Anatolia
St Sincheall the Elder (5th-6th Century) On 25 June is the commemoration of a County Offaly Saint, Sincheall of Killeigh. There is a Saint of this name associated with the household of Saint Patrick who is commemorated today. He is distinguished as Sincheall the Elder and may have been related to the St Sincheall of Killeigh. The Irish Calendars preserve this distinction and the two separate Feast Days. We have no further information of today’s St Sincheall the Elder.
St Wereka (Died c370) Martyr – Part of a Congregation burned to death in their Church, somewhere in the Balkans in south-eastern Europe. No other information has survived.
Martyrs of Rome – 5 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together. The only details to survive are the names – Cassian, Jovinus, Marcian, Peter and Thecla. Rome, Italy, date unknown.
Saint of the Day – 25 March – Saint Pelagius (4th Century) Bishop of Laodicea, today Lataquieli) in Syria where he was born. Being married at a young age, possibly by arrangement, both he and his wife chose a life of total chastity. Pelagius was an icon of virtue and a virulent defender of the One True Faith against the Arians, suffering much persecution for his determined protection of the Church of Christ.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Laodicea, St Pelagius, Bishop, who having endured exile and other afflictions for the True Catholic Faith, under Valens, rested in the Lord.”
Unknown ancient Saint Bishop
The information on the life of St Pelagius, an exemplary Bishop and staunch defender of the Nicene Faith, emerges from the pages of St Theodoret of Cyrus’s Ecclesiastical History, offering a fascinating glimpse into Ecclesial life in the 4th Century.
He was originally from Syria, married very young,but, on the same day of the wedding, obtained from his bride the consent to a life of perfect chastity.
In 360, faced with the example of virtue the couple offered to the Christians of Laodicea, they chose Pelagius as their Bishop. He received Episcopal Consecration from the hands of Acacius of Caesarea in Palestine.
In 363 he attended the Council of Antioch, where he was an ardent defender of the Nicene faith against the Arians and signed the profession of faith in which the term “consubstantial” was included.
Pelagius was also participatent at the Synod of Tyana (367). The Emperor Valens, having adhered to the Arian heresy, deprived the orthodox Bishops of their Sees and Pelagius, included among them, was exiled to Arabia.
In 378, after the death of Valens, Gratian ascended the Imperial throne and Pelagius was able to regain his office. He subsequently sided with the Bishops who favoured the election of St Gregory Nazianzus in Constantinople.
Finally, in 381, Pelagius appears at the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople. The date of his death is unknown.
St Humbert of Pelagius Bl James Bird St Kennocha of Fife
St Lucia Filippini (1672-1732) Virgin, Religious Sister, Founder. On 22 June 1930, Lucia Filippini was declared a Saint of the Church by Pope Pius XI and her Statue was given the last available niche in the Basilica of Saint Peter in Rome. Her statue can be seen in the first upper niche from the main entrance on the left (south) side of the nave of St Peter’s. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/25/saint-of-the-day-25-march-st-lucia-filippini-1672-1732/
Saint of the Day – 24 March – Saint Bernulf (9th/10th Century) Bishop and Martyr of Mondovi, Piedmont, Italy. We have no certainty about the life of our Saint today but tradition believes that he was the said Bishop and also that he had received the Crown of Martyrdom. Also known as – Bernolfo.
Sources relating to the life of St Bernulf, the Bishop of the Piedmontese Diocese of Mondovì, are very scarce.
In 1514, during the Consecration of the Cathedral’s High Altar, Bishop Lorenzo Fieschi recounts placing there the Relics of St Donatus, to whom the Cathedral was dedicated and also of St Bernulf, the martyr.
The tradition declares Bernulf the Bishop of the City, killed during one of the many Saracen raids which occurred in south-western Piedmont during the 9th and 10th Centuries. The cult dedicated to St Bernulf was centered at a Chapel erected in the locality of Priola, near the Casina Saracina, not far from Mondovì. This Chapel erected on the presumed site of Bernolfo’s Martyrdom, contained a painting, perhaps from the 13th Century, depicting his death by flaying and a wooden Statue in Bishop’s Vestments was also venerated there.
The Chapel which a noble family from Mondovì had built in his honour no longer exists but a silver Reliquary believed to contain his head is still venerated in the Cathedral.
Based on this scant information, it is not easy to reconstruct Bernulf’s true biography, nor to establish, with greater precision, the time and circumstances of his Martyrdom.
The Archangel Saint Gabriel The Feast of Saint Gabriel was included by Pope Benedict XV in the General Roman Calendar in 1921, for celebration on 24 March. The Archangel Saint Gabriel’s name means “the Power of God” He appeared to the Prophet Daniel (Dan 8:16; 9:21), to the priest Zachary to announce the forthcoming birth of Saint John the Baptist (Luke 1:11, 19) and, most importantly, to the Blessed Virgin Mary to announce the birth of Our Saviour (Luke 1:26). St Gabriel! https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/24/saint-of-the-day-24-march-the-archangel-saint-gabriel/
St Agapitus (Died 3rd Century) Bishop of Synnada, Phrygia, in Asia Minor. Its site is now occupied by the modern Turkish Town of Suhut. We have no further information on the life of St Agapitus..
St Latinus of Brescia St Macartan of Clogher St Mark of Rome St Pigmenius of Rome St Romulus of North Africa St Secundus of North Africa St Seleucus Confessor of Syria – No other information has survived.
Martyrs of Africa – 9 Saints: A group of Christians murdered for their faith in Africa, date unknown. The only details about their that survive are the names – Aprilis, Autus, Catula, Coliondola, Joseph, Rogatus, Salitor, Saturninus and Victorinus. .
Martyrs of Caesarea – 6 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian. We know little else but six of their names – Agapius, Alexander, Dionysius, Pausis, Romulus and Timolaus. They were martyred by beheading in 303 at Caesarea, Palestine.
Saint of the Day – 23 March – Saint Benedict (Died c550) Monk and Hermit in Campagna, Italy. Although attempts were made to Martyr our Saint Benedict, by the grace and loving protection of God, he escaped unscathed and died a natural death. Also known as – Benedict the Hermit.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Campagna, St Benedict, a Monk who was shut in a burning furnace by the Goths but was found, the next day, miraculously unharmed.”
Unknown Monk
The little information we have received regarding this St Bernedict comes from Saint Gregory the Great, who gathered it from an old Monk, his relative.
He lived during the reign of Totila, King of the Ostrogoths, a turbulent period marked by wars and persecutions. His unwavering faith and dedication to monastic life made him a target for Totila’s soldiers, who attempted in vain to martyr him.
According to tradition, they condemned him to death by burning alive, first in his cell and then in a fiery oven. But miraculously, the flames did not touch him and he emerged unharmed from both tortures.
Saint Benedict’s fame spread rapidly, attracting the veneration of the faithful who considered him an example of sanctity and Christian heroism. However, due to the scarcity of historical information, his cult did not became widespread in the region.
The Church commemorates him today. His memory lives on in local tradition, especially in Campagnia.
St Julian the Confessor No further information has survived. St Liberatus of Carthage St Maidoc of Fiddown St Nicon of Sicily
St Ottone Frangipane (1040-1127) Layman, military Knight, Pilgrim, Ascetic, Hermit, Miracle-worker both during life and after his death. Founder of a Pilgrim’s Hospice in Ariano which later became a huge Hospital. Born in 1040 in Rome, Italy and died on 23 March 1127 in Ariano Irpino, Italy of natural causes. His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/03/23/saint-of-the-day-23-march-st-ottone-frangipane-1040-1127/
St Theodolus Priest in Antioch, Syria. No other information has survived.
St Turibius (1538-1606) Spanish ArchBishop of Lima in Peru, Lawyer, Missionary, Preacher, Reformer, Professor, Miracle-worker. Patronages – Peru, Lima, Latin American Bishops, Native rights, Scouts, Valladolid. St Turibius predicted the exact date and hour he would die, which would come to pass. His reputation for holiness and learning was never forgotten for it led to calls for his Canonisation. Pope Innocent XI Beatified and Pope Benedict XIII Canonise him on 10 December 1726. Amazing St Turibius: https://anastpaul.com/2018/03/23/saint-of-the-day-23-march-st-turibius-of-mogrovejo-1538-1606/
Daughters of Feradhach: They are mentioned in early calendars and martyrologies but no information about them has survived.
Martyrs of Caesarea – 5 Saints: A group of five Christians who protested public games which were dedicated to pagan gods. Martyred in the persecutions Julian the Apostate. The only details we know about them are their names – Aquila, Domitius, Eparchius, Pelagia and Theodosia. They were martyred in 361 in Caesarea, Palestine.
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Saint of the Day – 22 March – Saint Darerca (5th Century) Wife, Mother, Sister of St Patrick. Patronage – of Valentia Island, Ireland. Mother of many Bishops and Saints.
There is not much confirmed information of her life but there is a network of legend which medieval writers interwove her acts. He fame comes partly due to her relationship to the great St Patrick, Ireland’s Apostle and Patron but also stands secure as not only a great Saint but as the mother of many great Saints.
Tradition records 17 or 19 sons and 2 daughters, St Eiche of Kilglas and St Lalloc of Senlis. Her first husband was Restitutus the Lombard, after whose death she married Chonas the Briton. By Restitutus, she was the mother of St Sechnall, St Nectan, St Fennor, St Auxilius, St Diarmaid, St Dabonna, Mogornon, Drioc, Lugauat, and Coemed Maccu Baird. Old Irish writers, assign her four other sons namely St Crummin, St Miduu, St Carantoc and St Macceaith.
Darerca was married twice and according to histories in Brittany, she was the second wife of Conan Meriadoc. She was the mother of his eldest son Gradlon Mawr who became Gradlon the Great, King of Brittany. Chonas the Briton, founded the Church of Both-Chonais, now Parish of Clonmany, in Ineshowen, Donegal.
Saint Darerca is honoured on 22 March and is the patroness of Valentia Island.
St Callinica of Galatia St Catherine of Sweden St Darerca (5th Century) Wife, Mother, Sister of St Patrick St Deghitche
St Epaphroditus (1st Century) First Bishop of Terracina, Italy, Missionary, Evangelist, Disciple of the Apostles, Friend and Envoy of St Paul Apostle. St Hippolytus’ list of the Seventy Disciples includes “Epaphroditus, Bishop of Andriace.” The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Terracina, St Epaphroditus, a disciple of the Apostles, who was Consecrated Bishop of that City by the blessed Apostle Peter.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/03/22/saint-of-the-day-22-march-saint-epaphroditus-of-terracina-1st-century/
Saint of the Day – 21 March – Saint Christian (Died 1002) the 1st Abbot of St Pantaleon Monastery in Cologne North Rhine-Westphalia, modern Germany. Also known as – Christianus. Christian was also an Author of renowned, publishing widely read Theological treatise. He was a zealous and hard-working Abbot, creating a flourishing community of holy Monks.
In around 975, Bishop Gero of Cologne brought the Relics of Saint Pantaleon to his Episcopal City and placed them in the Church traditionally dedicated to ‘The Three Holy Doctors’ (Saints Cosmas, Damian and Pantaleon).
This Church dated to the time of Saint Hildebold, perhaps even to the 7th Century. Between 950 and 964, Bishop Bruno had the Church extensively renovated and expanded with a n attached monastic community.
On the occasion of the dedication of the Monastery, he appointed Christianus as the 1st Abbot. This Christianus came from the Monastery of Fulda.
The extent to which he worked for the flourishing of his Monastery is evident from the Bishop’s placement of the Relics of Saint Pantaleon in the Monastery Church.
AnaStpaul 
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