Saint of the Day – 24 January – St Zama (Died c268) the 1st Bishop of Bologna in Italy. It is believed that he was Consecrated and sent forth by Pope St Dionysius (Died 268) (the Bishop of Rome from 22 July 259 until his death on 26 December 268). Also known as – Zamas.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Bologna, St Zamas, the first Bishop of that City, who was consecrated by Pope St Denis (Dionysus’s) and there wonderfully propagated the Christian Faith.”
We have almost no information of our Saint except that he was sent by St Dionysius to Bologna and there he fulfilled his Ecclestical Office with immense zeal, devotion and success.
There is a famous Crypt in Bologna, see the image below. The story of the Crypt is linked to the birth of the first Christian community in Bologna. It has long been believed that St Zama established this first Cathedral because, in this sacred place, were buried the remains of the first Bishops of Bologna, starting with our St Zama himself.
Most probably this area was one of the first Christian cemeteries where too, the Bishops of Bologna were buried. At that time, until the 5th Century, to bury the dead within the City walls was illegal.
Faustinian, the Bishop successor to St Zama, contributed to increasing the fame of the Sanctuary by building a larger Basilica and changed the title of the Church to SaintiNaborre and Felice, Martyrs of the Milanese Church, from which See, Bologna depended. All the Bishops of the Bolognese diocese were inhumed here until the 8th-9th Centuries.
The current Cathedral stands on the ruins of what was the house of Sts Vitale and Agricola , the two holy Protomartyrs of Bologna . The Crypt is a monument of great importance from both an artistic and historical point of view, because the Christian roots of the Emilian Capital, Bologna, are rooted in this place.
The Altar in the Crypt
A Freco in the Crypt depicting Archangel St Raphael with St Tobias
DAY ONE of the CANDLEMAS NOVENA Today marks the start of the Novena in preparation for the great Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is an Indulgenced Novena LINKE HERE: (The Candlemas Novena)
St Artemius of Clermont St Bartlomiej Osypiuk St Bertrand of Saint Quentin St Exuperantius of Cingoli
St Projectus Martyr. No other information has survived St Sabiniana of Troyes Holy woman. No details of her life have survived. St Suranus St Thyrsus Martyr. No other information has survived
Martyrs of Asia Minor – 4 Saints: A group of ChristiansMmartyred together for their faith. The only details to survive are four of their names – Eugene, Mardonius, Metellus and Musonius. They were burned at the stake in Asia Minor.
Martyrs of Antioch: Babylas Epolonius Prilidian Urban
Saint of the Day – 23 January – Saint Colman of Lismore (Died 702) Bishop of Lismore and simultaneously the Abbot of the renowned teaching Monastery of Lismore. In 695, Colman succeeded Saint Hierlug (Zailug) as the Abbot and Bishop of Lismore. During his rule, the fame of Lismore reached its peak. Also known as – Choimoc, and ‘Mo’ Choimoc. Additional Memorial – 22 January in Lismore.
The School of Lismore was the most celebrated in the South of Ireland. It was founded in the year 635 by St Carthach the Younger, in a most picturesque site, steeply rising from the southern bank of the Blackwater.
Lismore was founded in 635 and the founder survived only two years, for he died in 637 but Providence blessed his work and his Monastery grew to be the greatest centre of learning and piety, in all the South of Erin. The Rule of St Carthach is the most notable literary monument which the Founder left behind him. It is fortunately still extant in the ancient Gaelic verse in which it was written.
Colman was the son to Finnbar. He was a member of the noble family which ruled over Ith-Liathain territory, in the County of Cork. Colman was born, some time in the earlier part of the 7th Century. Whilst our saint was yet a young man, he took the monastic Habit in the celebrated Lismore Monastery. There he was distinguished for all those virtues of which he made profession.
At this time, Lismore, delightfully situated on the Blackwater, was a celebrated asylum of sanctity and learning. It was famous on this account, not only throughout Ireland but even in Britain and more distant countries on the Continent.An innumerable body of Monks or scholars filled its cloisters and schools. While many holy Prelates, Abbots and religious received their education and early training.
St Hierlog ruled over the See and Monastery of Lismore, during the years of our Saint’s sojourn there and when he died on 16 January 698, Colman was immediately appointed his successor, both in the Bishopric and in the Abbey.
Thus, our Saint was the spiritual father of many Monks and an instructor of many Prelates. These exhibited in their lives and actions, the excellence of that discipline and training, to which they had been subjected.
At an advanced age, full of virtues and merits, our Saint was called away to receive the reward of his labours but after a short Episcopate and term of Abbatial rule, lasting only four years, Colman died in the year of our Lord 702, on the 22nd day of January.
St Raymond of Peñafort OP (1175-1275) “Father of Canon Law” Dominican Priest, Doctor of Canon Law, the Third Master of the Order of Preachers, Founder of the Mercedarian friars, Writer, Teacher, Miracle-Worker. St Raymond of Peñafort’s Feast day was inserted in the General Roman Calendar in 1671 for celebration on 23 January. In 1969 it was moved to 7 January, the day after that of his death. He is the Patron Saint of Canon lawyers, specifically and lawyers, in general. Miraculous Raymond!: https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/07/saint-of-the-day-st-raymond-of-penafort-op-1175-1275-father-of-canon-law/
St Agathangelus St Amasius of Teano St Aquila the Martyr St Asclas of Antinoe St Clement of Ancyra St Colman of Lismore (Died 702) Bishop and Abbot St Dositheus of Gaza
St Ildephonsus (506-667) Archbishop of Toledo. Theologian, Scholar, Marian devotee, Writer, Evangeliser. Abbot Dom Guéranger calls him the Doctor of the Virginity of Mary. Saint Ildephonsus established the Feast of the Expectation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is still kept in some places on 18 December. Wonderful Ildephonsus: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/01/23/saint-of-the-day-23-january-st-ildephonsus-607-667/
Saint of the Day – 22 January – Saint Dominic of Sora (951-1031) Abbot, Priest, Founder of many Monasteries, Miracle-worker. Born in 951 at Foligno, Etruria (Tuscany district of modern Italy) and died on 22 January 1031 in his Monastery in Sora, Campania, Italy of natural causes. Patronage – against fever, against toothache, against poisonous snakes and snake bites, against rabid dogs, protection from storms and hail, of the Italian Towns of Sora and Cocullo. Also known as – Dominico.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Sora, the holy Abbot Dominic, renowned for miracles.”
The Monk Giovanni, who was Dominic’s companion on all his travels, wrote his ‘Life’ which is, therefore, very accurate and truthful.
Domenic was born in Foligno in 951. He was entrusted as a child by his parents, to the Monks of St Silvester of Foligno, to carry out the necessary studies. When he became a young man, Dominic left everyone and went to the Monastery of St Maria di Pietrademone, where he was Ordained a Priest and vowed his profession as a Monk. But Dominic desired a Hermit’s life, so he began to alternate solitude with the community life – he retired to a mountain in the Province of Rieti. But he was immediately followed by disciples from the surrounding area, for them he founded the Monastery of St Salvatore, becoming its Abbot.
Since his fame of sanctity attracted many people, to hide he moved towards L’Aquila, where he founded the Monastery of St Pietro del Lago, in the same way he founded the Monastery of St Pietro di Avellana in the Sangro region. During his journeys he arrived in Campania, where he remained unknown, for three years, until the population recognised him through some hunters, surrounded him with devotion and there was a rush of sick people. The reports of his miracles consisted above all, in curing the illness and death caused by snake bites, hence his Patronage.
In Trisulti he founded the Monastery of St Bartolomew which achieved much fame, it was richly endowed by the inhabitants of the nearby municipalities which Domenic then visited, urging them to a life woven with charity, penance and good works.
Dominic met with Pope John XVIII, from whom he asked for Papal protection for his foundations. Thanks to a donation of land, made by Count Pietro Rainerio, the Lord of Sora, he was able to build another Monastery, which remained, due to its importance, linked to his name, permanently.
Dominic fell ill while undertaking yet another journey to Tusculum but he returned back to Sora and died there on 22 January 1031 and was buried in the Monastery Church, where he is still preserved.
Dominic of Sora, like other great Founders of that era, remains a reformer of the life of the medieval Church, all intent on expanding monastic life with its great flowering, also a precursor of the great Orders which, a few centuries later, would appear in the Church, starting with his great namesake St Dominic of Guzman.
In Sora, as in the whole Liri Valley, he is invoked against the bites of poisonous snakes and rabid dogs, from storms and hail but also against fever and toothache.
His Feast is celebrated with solemnity, both in Sora, of which he is the Patron and where there is a Sanctuary containing his body and in Arpino and nearby Towns but above all, for his particularity in Cocullo, where his Statue is carried in procession covered in real live snakes! Once, after the Mass, the snakes were killed or sold to tourists, today with a different environmentalist culture, they are set free. The ‘snake catchers’ are very careful to capture the harmless snakes, while they leave the poisonous vipers alone, the population participating in the celebrations has an almost sacred respect for reptiles, a legacy of a pagan cult of pre-Christian times which the Church had to make its own and this union, between pagan use and Christian celebration, in this case occurred through St Domenic of Sora, the great miracle- worker, who from the Middle Ages until today, attracts a multitude of imploring faithful ever venerating and imploring his aid in all their needs.
A Processional Statue of St Dominic I believe the one used in Cocullo and covered with live snakes
St Anastasius the Persian (Died 628) Martyr, Monk. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, at Aquiae, Salviae, St Anastasius, a Persian Monk, who, after suffering much at Caesarea in Palestine, from imprisonment, stripes and fetters, had to bear many afflictions from Chosroes, King of Persia, who caused him to be beheaded. He had sent before him, to Martyrdom, seventy of his companions, who were precipitated into rivers. His head was brought to Rome, together with his venerable likeness, by the sight of which, the demons are expelled and diseases cured, as is attested by the Acts of the Second Council of Nicacea.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/22/saint-of-the-day-21-january-st-anastasius-the-persian-died-628-martyr-monk/
Blessed Antonio della Chiesa OP (1394-1459) Priest and Friar of the Order of Preachers, Prior, Reformer. Antonio was a known Miracle worker and was able to read the consciences of all which gifts made him a sought-after Spiritual Counsellor. Antonio was a Mystic and had a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and he was known to have conversed with her several times, in ecstasy. Beatified on 15 May 1819 by Pope Pius VII. Blessed Antonio: https://anastpaul.com/2024/01/22/saint-of-the-day-22-january-blessed-antonio-della-chiesa-op-1394-1459-priest/
St Blaesilla of Rome St Brithwald of Ramsbury St Caterina Volpicelli St Dominic of Sora (951-1031) Abbot St Guadentius of Novara
Blessed Maria Mancini of Pisa OP (1356-1431) Widow, Second Order Sister of the Order of Preachers, spiritual disciple of St Catherine of Siena, Prioress, Mystic, Reformer, Apostle of the poor and the sick. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Pisa, Blessed Maria Mancini, who, twice widowed and all her children lost, under the exhortation of St Catherine of Siena, began community life in the Monastery of St Domenic, which she led for ten years.” Her Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/22/saint-of-the-day-22-january-blessed-maria-mancini-of-pisa-op-1356-1431/
Bl Walter of Himmerode Bl William Patenson
Martyrs of Puigcerda: St Orontius St Victor St Vincent
Saint of the Day – 21 January – Blessed Walter of Bruges OFM (c1225-1307) Priest and Friar of the Friars Minor and the Bishop of Poitiers, student and disciple of St Bonaventure, spiritual writer, Master of Theology and Provincial General of the Order, Defender of the Faith and the Popesparticularly against King Philip the Fair. for France. Born in 1225 in Zande, near Ostend, Belgium and died on 21 January 1307 in Poitiers, France of natural causes. Also known as – ,Guatier Van den Zande, Gautier of Poitiers, Gualterus Brugensis, Gualterus de Brugge, Galtier… Gauthier… Gualterus… Gualtiero… Walter…
This may be our Blessed Walter
In 1240, when Walter was barely fifteen when he entered the Franciscans in Bruges in the County of Flanders. He studied theology at the Sorbonne University in Paris and became a pupil of the renowned Franciscan Doctor of the Church, St Bonaventure owho was Walter’s Professor at the Sorbonne University in Paris.
St Bonaventure was a Doctor of Theology, Prefect of the Franciscan study house in Paris and also the General Superior of all Franciscans. Walter was promoted to Doctor of Theology and he became a Lecturer in Theology at the Sorbonne University of Paris.
From 1267 to 1269, he was a teacher there and also became a celebrated preacher. In 1269 he became the Provincial Superior of the French Franciscans. As such, took part in the General Chapters of the Order at Lyon (1274), Padua (1276) and Assisi (1279).
On 4 December 1279, Pope Nicholas III appointed him as the Bishop of the important Seat of Poitiers, despite the determined resistance of the Franciscan, also supported by the General of the Order, St Boponaventure and very much against Walter’s will.
Walter exercised his Office with great fidelity to the appointment, demonstrating uncommon qualities of government and a great love for the poor. In particular, he distinguished himself for his strenuous defence of the rights of his Church and of Popes Nicholas III and Boniface VIII, against King Philip the Fair and his friends, including the Archbishop of Bordeaux, Bertrand de Got. When the latter became Pope Clement V in 1305, Walter’s position, due to the King’s intrigues, became more delicate than ever and the Pope accepted his resignation from the Episcopal Office, a resignation which had already been presented, in the past in 1296 and in 1304, to the aforementioned 2 Popes.
Walter then retired to a Convent in Poitiers where he spent his last years in meditation and prayer. He died a saintly death in Poitiers in 1307 and was buried in the Franciscan Church in Poitiers. Walter was soon venerated as such by the people. Many miracles were attributed to him, of which we possess contemporary reports and sworn testimonies. Pope Clement V, in the same year of Walter’s death, went to visit his tomb and had him exhumed to learn the content of an appeal, written by Walter and placed in his hands in the tomb, in which he proclaimed his innocence to Pope Clement’s beliefs that some of his writings were heretical. Later, the legends that arose to obscure the memory of Clement V would dramatise this event.
Walter received public veneration immediately after his death and Pope Clement V himself did not oppose popular piety; this veneration continued uninterrupted, even after 1562 when the Huguenots desecrated his sumptuous tomb. A liturgical Office recited in the Cathedral of Poitiers in his honour dates to the end of the 15th Century or the beginning of the 16th Century. The testimonies of the public veneration paid to Walter, throughout the centuries, are innumerable. To this day, however, the apostolic process for a formal recognition of this cult by the Holy See has not yet been concluded.
Walter’s writings, of Augustinian-Bonaventurian orientation, testify to his openness to Thomistic theses.
St Agnes of Aislinger St Anastasius of Constantinople St Aquila of Trebizond St Candidus of Trebizond Bl Edward Stransham
St Epiphanius of Pavia (c 439–496) Bishop of Pavia, Italy from from 466 until his death. Papal and Secular Mediator and Peacemaker, Known as – “Epiphanius the Peacemaker,” “The Glory of Italy,” “The Light of Bishops.” The Roman Martyrology for 21 January reads : “In Pavia, Saint Epifanio, Bishop , who, at the time of the barbarian invasions, worked zealously for the reconciliation of the peoples, for the liberation of prisoners and for the reconstruction of the destroyed City.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/21/saint-of-the-day-21-january-saint-epiphanius-of-pavia-439-496/
St Eugenius of Trebizond Blessed Walter [Gautier] of Bruges OFM (c1225-1307) Bishop St Gunthildis of Biblisheim
Blessed Josefa María Inés de Benigánim OAD (1625–1696) Nun of the Discalced Augustinian Nuns with the religious name of “Josefa María of Saint Agnes,” Virgin, Mystic, gifted with the charism of prophecy and counsel. She became known for her profound spiritual and theological insight as well as for her severe austerities she practised during her life. Her body is Incorrupt. Blessed Josefa was Beatified on 26 February 1888, at Saint Peter’s Basilica by Pope Leo XIII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2020/01/21/saint-of-the-day-21-january-blessed-josefa-maria-ines-de-beniganim-oad-1625-1696/
St Lawdog St Maccallin of Waulsort
St Meinrad of Einsiedeln OSB (c 797–861) “Martyr of Hospitality,” Martyr, Priest, Monk, Hermit. In 1039, the year of Meinrad’s Canonisation as a Saint, his remains were brought back to Einsiedeln. During the French Revolution, Meinrad’s relics were hidden at Tyrol, Austria, by Abbot Conrad Tanner and his reliquary is now enshrined in the Grace Chapel of the Abbey Church at Einsiedeln. St Meinrad’s Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/21/saint-of-the-day-21-january-saint-meinrad-of-einsiedeln-osb-c-797-861-martyr/
St Patroclus of Troyes
St Publius of Athens (2nd Century) Bishop and Martyr. Died around 112. (Not to be confused with St Publius of Malta who is remembered on 22 January). The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Athens, the birthday of St Publius, Bishop, who as successor of St Denis (Dionysius) the Areopagite, nobly governed the Church at Athens. No less celebrated for the lustre of his virtues than for the brilliance of his learning, he was gloriously crowned for having borne testimony to Christ.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2024/01/21/saint-of-the-day-21-january-st-publius-of-athens-2nd-century-bishop-and-
St Valerian of Trebizond St Vimin of Holywood St Zacharias the Angelic
Blessed Martyrs of Laval – 19 Beati: Fifteen men and four women who were Martyred in Laval, France by anti-Catholic French Revolutionaries. The were born in France and they were Martyred on several dates in 1794 in Laval, Mayenne, France. They were Beatified on 19 June 1955 by Pope Pius XII at Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Rome – 30 Saints: Thirty Christian soldiers executed together in the persecutions of Diocletian. They were Martyred in 304 in Rome, Italy.
Martyrs of Tarragona: Augurius, Eulogius, Fructuosus.
Saint of the Day – 20 January – Blessed Benedict Ricasoli OSB Vall (Died 1107) Monk, Hermit of the Vallumbrosan Benedictines, Penitent, Ascetic. Born in Montegrossi, Fiesole, Italy and died on 20 January 1107 in Gaiole in Chianti, Siena of natural causes. Also known as – Benedict of Coltiboni.
Benedict was born in the Village of Montegrossi, in the Diocese of Fiesole, around 1040 and after having lived for a long time in the world, in around 1093, he entered the Monastery of Coltibuono, recently donated to the Vallombrosans by his own family.
Later, with the consent of the Abbot, he went to live in a Hermitage not far away, called Castellaccio, where, amid great penance, he died on 20 January 1107. He was buried in the cloister of the Monastery of Coltibuono, from where his body, on 20 May 1430, was translated to the Church, under the High Altar.
His cult, already celebrated in the Diocese of Fiesole and within the Vallombrosan Order, was approved by St Pope Pius X on 14 May 1907, on the occasion of the eightieth Centenary of his death.
St Pope Fabian (c200 – c 250) Martyr, Confessor, Peacemaker, Administrator and Reformer, Apostle of Charity. Bishop of Rome from 10 January 236 until his death in 250, succeeding Anterus. He is famous for the miraculous nature of his election, in which a dove is said to have descended on his head to mark him as the Holy Spirit’s unexpected choice. He was succeeded by Cornelius. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/20/saint-of-the-day-20-january-st-pope-fabian-c-200-c-250-martyr/
Blessed Benedict Ricasoli OSB Vall(Died 1107) Monk, Hermit Bl Bernardo of Poncelli St Daniel of Cambron Bl Didier of Thérouanne St Eusebius the Senator
Saint of the Day – 19 January – Saint Germanicus of Smyrna (Died 2nd Century) Martyr, disciple amd student of St Polycarp who wrote of him: “Devoted to God with all his soul, he subdued the animosity of the unbelievers by the strength of his faith.” Born at Smyrna (in modern Turkey) and diedin the mid 2nd Century, by being torn apart by animals during public games in Smyrna (in modern Turkey).
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Smyrna, under Marcus Antoninus and Lucius Aurelius, the birthday of blessed Germanicus, Martyr, who in the bloom of youth, being strengthened by the grace of God and freed from all fear, provoked the beast which by order of the Judge, was to devour him. Being ground by its teeth, he deserved to be incorporated into the True Bread of Life, Christ Jesus, for Whom he died.”
Germanicus is one of the eleven Christians of Philadelphia, whose Martyrdom in Smyrna immediately preceded that of St Polycarp and indeed, he is the only one of them whose name has survived.
A very authoritative source, the Martyrium St Polycarp, speaks of him more generally in Chapters 1-2 and 19 and in particular in Chapter 3.
Here is the short text: “The devil plotted many snares against the Christians but thanks be to God, he did not succeed in prevailing over all of them. In fact, the very strong Germanicus, strengthened their weakness with his constancy and he too, gloriously faced the test of the wild beasts. When the Proconsul tried to persuade him to have consideration for his young age, he instead incited and provoked the beast against himself, wishing to free himself as quickly as possible, from the unjust and iniquitous world.”
The same document then, in affirming that, among the twelve Martyrs of Smyrna, Polycarp “is the only one to be remembered by all” suggests that when it was written, there was no cult of the eleven Martyrs of Philadelphia. Today we remember the one name we have on 19 January.
St Canute (1040-1086) Martyr, King of Denmark, known as Canutus the Holy – Canutus was an ambitious King who sought to strengthen the Danish monarchy, devotedly supported the Roman Catholic Church and had designs on the English throne. Slain by rebels in 1086, he was the first Danish King to be Canonised. He was recognised as Patron Saint of Denmark in 1101. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/19/saint-of-the-day-19-january-st-canutus-1040-1086/
Bl Beatrix of Lens St Branwallader of Jersey St Catellus of Castellammare St Contentius Bl Elisabetta Berti St Faustina of Como St Fillan St Firminus of Gabales St Germanicus of Smyrna (Died 2nd Century) Martyr St Godone of Novalesa St John of Ravenna St Joseph Sebastian Pelczar St Liberata of Como
St Messalina iof Foligno St Ponziano of Spoleto St Remigius of Rouen
St Wulstan (c1008–1095) Bishop of Worcester , England, from 1062 to 1095, Monk, Prior, a man of extreme holiness and penitence who was admired by all, he was a man of iron will, immense charm and unworldly humility and piety and suffered no luxury, preferring always the poor to himself. A Life to Imitate: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/19/saint-of-the-day-19-january-saint-wulfstan-c-1008-1095/
Martyrs of Numidia – 9 Saints: A group of Christians Martryred together for their faith. The only details to survive are nine of their names – Catus, Germana, Gerontius, Januarius, Julius, Paul, Pia, Saturninus and Successus. 2nd century Numidia in North Africa.
Martyrs of Carthage – 39 Christians Martyred together in Carthage, date unknown. We have no information about them except 9 of the names – Catus, Germana, Gerontius, Januarius, Julius, Paul, Pia, Saturninus and Successus. Died IN Carthage, North Africa (modern Tunis, Tunisia).
Saint of the Day – 18 January – St Deicolus of Lure (c530-625) Abbot, Founder of the Monastery at Lure, Companion and Disciple of St Columban, some believe Deicolus to be the older brother of St. Gall (c550-c645) who was also one of St Columban’s original 12 companions, Missionary. Born in Leinster, Ireland and died in 625 at Vosges, France of natural causes. Patronages – curing of children’s illnesses, protector of livestock. Also known as – Deel, Deicolo, Deicola, Deille, Delle, Desle, Dichul, Diey, Deicuil, Dicuil.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Brittany, St Deicola, Abbot, disciple of St Columban.”
The Life of St Deicolus
Born in Leinster, Deicolus and his brother, Gall, studied at Bangor Abbey in County Down. He was selected to be one of the twelve disciples to accompany St Columbanuon his missionary journey.
In 576 he journeyed to France and laboured with Columban in Austrasia and Burgundy. Deicolus is believed to have resided with Columban at the Monastery of Luxeuil from c590.
In 610, when Columban was expelled by King Theuderic II, Deicolus, then eighty years of age, determined to follow his master,but was forced, to abandon the journey due to the inadeguacies of his age and remained behind alone.
Diecolus establishing a hermitage at a nearby Church dedicated to Saint Martin in a place called Lure, in the Diocese of Besançon.
Until his death, he became the apostle of this district, where he was given a Church and a tract of land by Berthelde, widow of Weifar, the lord of Lure. Soon a noble Abbey was erected for his many disciples and the Rule of St Columban was adopted.
Numerous miracles are recorded of Deicolus, including the suspension of his cloak on a sunbeam and the taming of wild beasts.
Clothaire II, the King of Burgundy, recognised the virtues of Deicolus and considerably enriched the Abbey of Lure, also granting Deicolus the manor, woods, fisheries, of the Town which had grown around the Monastery.
St Deicolus and the bear
Feeling his end approaching, Deicolus conceded the government of his Abbey to Columban, one of his young Monks and retreated to a little Oratory he had built a in honour of the Holy Trinity, where he died on 18 January c625.
His Feast is observed on this day, his birthday into Heaven. So revered was his memory that his name Diacolus, under the shortened French form of Del or Deel and Deela, (being corrupted from Del de Lure) is still borne by many of the children of the Lure district and too, is often found there as a surname. St Diacolus’ cultus is strong in the area of Lure where a Spring associated with St Diacolus has miraculous properties and, in particular, to cure children’s ailments if their garments were washed in this water.
St Del Chapel the destination of the Pilgrimage
Saint Deicolus is considered a Saint who heals illnesses in young children but also a regarded as a protector of livestock. There are mirackes associated with a wild bear which I have been unable to trace. A pilgrimage takes place today 18 January, to the Chapel of Gerbamont where he died.
His memory is also perpetuated in several other Lorraine Villages. His Vita and Acts were written by a Monk of his own Monastery in the 10th Century.
Relics of St Deicolus and St Columban at the Church of St Martin in Lure
Quote/s of the Day – 17 January – St Anthony Abbot (251-356)
“Do not have a single thing to do with schismatics and absolutely nothing with heretics …”
“Men are often incorrectly called intelligent. Intelligent men are not those who are erudite in the sayings and books of the wise men of old but those, who have an intelligent soul and can discriminate between good and evil. They avoid what is sinful and harms the soul and, with deep gratitude to God, they resolutely adhere, by dint of practice, to what is good and benefits the soul. These men alone, should truly, be called intelligent.”
“Whoever has not experienced temptation cannot enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. Without temptations, no-one can be saved!”
Saint of the Day – 17 January – Blessed Euphemia Domitilla OP (c1299-1359) Prioress and Religious of the Order of Preachers, an Ascetic and a devout Penitent. Euphemia displayed a deep devotion to the Passion, the Blessed Sacrament and the Blessed Virgin. She ruled as Prioress consistently and practised great service to the Convent and construction of a new Church. She was ever disposed to teach the young and assist the needy. Her Cause is ongoing. Born in c1299 in Silesia in modern Poland and died on 17 January 1359 in Racibórz, Poland of natural causes, Also known as – Eufemia of Racibórz, Ofka (a pet name).
In the Castle of Racibórz (a town in Silesi – modern Poland), in 1299, Euphemia was born, the 2nd daughter of Duke Przemislaus of Racibórz and his wife Anna, daughter of Konrad II Czerski. The child took the name of her paternal grandmother, with the diminutive Ofka.
Her father made a vow to God and the Virgin Mary that he would found a Dominican Convent where one of his daughters would become a Nun of that Order. In 1306, the promisebecame the truth, with the construction of the Convent of the Holy Ghost.
Ofka spent her childhood at Court, receiving a deeply religious education. She studied at the Convent of St Catherine, spending many hours of the day in prayer. She loved to meditate ,in particular, on the Passion of the Lord, even with night vigils. She had a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and carefully prepared herself to participate in the Divine Mass. She added penitential acts to her prayers – fasting and a hair shirt.
The first biographer narrates a miraculous event which confirmed her vocation – one night she saw the Dominican Church of Racibórz illuminated by three rays and in a glow the dove of the Holy Ghost. Thus her father’s vow was fulfilled, even though her marriage was being arranged, to take place in 1311, with the Duke of Brunswick. This event had to be cancelled and at the age of 14, Ofka donned the Religious Habit, with a solemn ceremony, becoming Sister Domitilla Euphemia.
She lived the rest of her life in seclusion, holding the position of Prioress several times, at least in the years 1341, 1344 and 1349-1359. There are thirty-one legal Decrees signed by her,. We also know that she dedicated herself to the construction of the Church and to the expansion of the Convent thanks to the generous donations she was able to obtain.
Nicholas II of Przemyśl was so benevolent towards the Convent that he entrusted his three daughters Agnieszka and Elżbieta, who later became Nuns, to the Nuns for their education, while one sister entered after being widowed.
Sister Euphemia Domitilla managed to obtain approval on 6 June 1344 by Papal Bull, for the strict observance, from Pope Clement VI. She also had a strong Marian devotion, so much so that, she was always depicted with the Rosary in her hand. She led her Nuns to live an authentically contemplative consecration, in the spirit of the Order of Preachers. She also took care of the education of girls in the Convent as boarders. Help was never lacking for the poor and needy who knocked on the door of the Convent, even in times of economic hardship, due to war or natural disasters.
Over the years, Sister Euphemia Domitilla intensified her ascetic practices, her life of self-denial was well known beyond the walls of the Convent. After about a year of illness, she died on 17 January 1359 and was buried in the crypt under the Chapel of St. Dominic, the mausoleum of the Dukes of Racibórz.
Her memory remained alive, some portraits were circulated. An increasing number of people, praying to her, obtained graces and miracles. The Beatification process was started in 1606 and a biography was published. In 1659, on the 300th Anniversary of her death, the crypt was renovated and her mortal remains were examined. In 1737, the Chapel and the Tomb of Euphemia were rebuilt. In 1734-1735 the Beatification process was resumed, interrupted by wars and in 1810 by the suppression of the Convent due to the heretics. In 1821 the Relics were transferred to the Polish Chapel of the Parish Church. In 1936 the Sarcophagus was restored, but unfortunately, in 1945, when the Red Army conquered Racibórz, it was involved in a fire.
Sister Euphemia Domitilla is venerated by the people as Blessed, a local Confraternity considers her as their Founder. In more peaceful times the Cause for Blessed Euphemia has been renewed and continues in the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.
Saint of the Day – 16 January – Saint Melas (Died c385) Bishop of Rhinocolura, between Egypt and Palestine. Born in his Diocese and died in exile in c385 of natural causes after many sufferings for the Church of Christ. Also known as – Melantius.
The Roman Martyrology states today : “At Rhinocorura in Egypt, in the reign of the Emperor Valens, the holy Bishop, Saint Melas, who rested in peace after suffering exile and other painful trials fothe Catholic Faith.”
The First Council of Ephesus
The City of Rhinocolura is known as an Episcopal Seat in Egypt (its Bishop, Ermogenes, had in fact participated in the Council of Ephesus).
Melas was a native of this City and became its Bishop in the second half of the 4th Century. We owe all that is known about his life to the Catholic Historian Sozomen, who praises his virtues.
The Emperor Valens (died 378) persecuted all the Bishops faithful to the faith of Nicaea, so Melas, having refused to adhere to the Arian doctrines, was a victim of the persecution and sent into exile. The Imperial Commissioners, arriving with an arrest warrant, found him in the Church busy cleaning the lamps. Having learned that they were looking for Bishop Melas, he introduced the Imperial envoys into his home and refreshed them before revealing his identity to them. Won over by Melas’s kindness, they gave him a chance to escape but he was too attached to the Holy and True Faith and too eager toconfess his conviction, to accept such a compromise and went into exile instead.
Sozomen speaks of Melas’ successor to the See of Rhinocolura, namely his brother Solon but the Historian does not provide any further information on Melas. Therefore, it is unknown whether, after the death of Valens, he was able to return from exile and be reinstated in his pastoral office.
Western Martyrologies have kept St Melas in their lists and St Melas is always venerated on the date of 16 January.
St Honoratus of Fondi Abbot Bl James of Luino St James of Tarentaise Bl Joan of Bagno di Romagna Bl Konrad II of Mondsee St Leobazio St Liberata of Pavia St Melas (Died c385) Bishop of Rhinocolura and Confessor St Otto of Morocco St Peter of Morocco St Priscilla of Rome St Sigeberht of East Anglia
Saint of the Day – 15 January – St John Calabytes (Died c450) Beggar Hermit, Monk. Born at Constantinople (modern Istanbul, Turkey) and died in c450 in Rome of natural causes. Also known as – John Calybita, John Calabites, John Calibita, John Chalybita, John Kalabytes, John the Hut-Dweller, Giovanni… There are many versions of our Beggar Saint’s life, some more romantic than others. However extreme some versions might seem, the facts remain the same as does the approximate year of his death. He is our friend and waits to intercede in Heaven, on our behalf.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, St John Calybita. For some time living unknown to his parents in a corner of their house and later in a hut on an island in the Tiber, he was recognised by them only at his death. Being renowned for miracles, he was buried where he had died and, a Church was subsequently erected in his honour in the same place.”
John was the 3rd son of the Senator and General Eutropius in Constantinople and lived at the beginning of the 5th Century. His mother, Theodora, was also of high birth. His parents were Christians but they sadly believed in their own greatness too. While his older brothers competed for excellent careers, John was allowed to cultivate piety above all.
After completing his studies of rhetoric, his parents allowed him to visit the Monastery of the Ecoimetes, or “sleepless ones” in our language because the Monks used the night for prayer. John chose a spiritual guide among the Monks who advised him to study Sacred Scripture and thus discover his vocation.
His parents were happy to oblige and bought him the Holy Scriptures, the most beautiful copy, decorated with gold and precious stones. As he read the Book of Books, John’s joy grew visibly. He was drawn to devote himself entirely to God in the monastic state. But his parents would not allow this. He left this Monastery in the Bosporus and asked to be accepted into another at Ireneon, today Chiboukli. After passing the test, he was accepted among them. Night prayer was a real delight to him.
But, after six years, he felt a deep sense of homesickness. He told the Abbot: “The desire to see my parents does not give me peace for a moment. I ask permission to return to them. The tempter thinks that he will thus turn me away from God but I trust in your prayer and in Christ, Who is at war beside me, that I will be victorious, even if I return to my parents.” The Abbot recommended the tried brother to the monastic family for prayer and allowed him to leave.
St John reveals his identity to his parents on his deathbed
When he arrived home, he was not recognised because of his poor clothing and ascetic appearance. They accepted him as a holy beggar and even allowed him to set up a hut in a corner of the garden and brought him modest food every day. After three years, he fell seriously ill and asked to visit his mother. Then the beggar revealed himself to his parents. They recognised him from the Gospel book he showed them. He breathed his last in their arms shortly afterwards.
He was buried next to the hut and in 468, a Church was built on his grave, to which pilgrims from near and far came and venerated John Calabytes as a Saint.
In Constantinople, Saint John the Calabytes, who, as is reported, lived for some time in a corner of his father’s house, then in a ‘kalyba’ (hut), completely devoted to contemplation and hidden from his parents, who only recognised him as he lay dying, through the golden scroll of the Gospel, which they had given gave to their son.
St Maurus OSB (c512-584) Benedictine Monk, Abbot and Deacon, Miracle-worker. Maurus was the first disciple of Saint Benedict of Nursia (512–584). He is mentioned in Saint Gregory the Great’s biography of the latter as the first oblate, offered to the Monastery by his noble Roman parents as a young boy, to be brought up in the monastic life. The formula and blessing of St Maurus were universally adopted and approved for use in the Blessing of the Sick. His Life and Miracles: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/15/saint-of-the-day-15-january-saint-maurus-osb-c-512-584/
St Blaithmaic of Iona
St Bonitus of Clermont (c623-706) Bishop, Confessor, Chancellor of the Kingdom, Governor of Provence, Diplomatic peacemaker, Protector of Slaves and active advocate for its abolition, a man of deep devotion and Asceticism, Promoter of monasticism, builder of Churches and Monasteries., Miracle-worker. Heir to a rich heritage, he used his resources not only to beautify Churches and Monasteries but also, to relieve the miseries of the poor. Bonitus is a much loved and endearing Saint in France and, in some ways, a very modern figure. His Zealous Life of Devotion: https://anastpaul.com/2024/01/15/saint-of-the-day-15-january-saint-bonitus-of-clermont-c623-706-bishop-confessor/
St Britta St Ceolwulf of Northumbria St Emebert of Cambrai St Ephysius of Sardinia St Eugyppius Bl Geoffrey of Peronne Bl Giacomo Villa St Gwrnerth St Habacuc the Prophet St Isidore of Scété St Isidore the Egyptian St Ita of Killeedy
St John Calabytes (Died c450) Beggar Hermit
St Liewellyn St Lleudadd of Bardsey St Malard of Chartres St Maximus of Nola St Michaeas the Prophet Bl Peter of Castelnau St Placidus
Saint of the Day – 14 January – Saint Datius of Milan (Died 552) Bishop and Confessor, Bishop of Milan from c529 until his death in 552, Defender of the Faith against heresy, protector and charitable shepherd of his flock. In Chapter 4 (Book 3) of his Dialogues, St Gregory the Great describes Datius as an Exorcist. It is not known when and where he was born but he died between February and March in 552 in Constantinople during his exile, of natural causes. Also known as – Dacius, Dasius, Dazio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, St Datius, Bishop and Confessor, mentioned by Pope St Gregory.”
Of Saint Datius, the 26th Bishop of Milan, we must remember his intelligent and zealous charity. When, in 535-536, a terrible famine struck the region, he obtained from the Prefect, Cassiodorus, to distribute, to the starving population, the grain reserves, kept in Pavia and Tortona.
This is a sign of how much Datius was esteemed by the ruling powers and how insistent he was in knocking, until the door of the Prefect’s heart opened.
Datius was known for his learning and his personal piety. As Bishop Datius ordered the history of the Church in Milan known as Historia Datiana, to be compiled although some deny that it was Datius who instigated the compilation.
He was imprisoned and exiled by Arian Ostrogoths for defending the true Faith. During his exile he went to Constantinople where he supported Pope Vigilius against Emperor Justinian in the Three Chapters Controversy of 545. Datius also attended the Council of Constantinople in 551 which condemned the Arian Bishop Mennas.
Datius died in Constantinople and his body was later translated from Chalcedon to Milan and buried in the Church of San Vittore al Corpo (Saint Victor Maurus) where it is still venerated today.
Bl Amadeus of Clermont St Barbasymas St Caldeoldus of Vienne St Datius of Milan (Died 552) Bishopand Confessor St Engelmaro St Eufrasio of Clermont St Euphrasius the Martyr
St Felix of Nola (Died c 253) Priest, Confessor, Apostle of Charity .Patronages – against eye disease, against eye trouble, against false witness, against lies, against perjury, domestic animals, of Nola, Italy. The Roman Martyrology states of him today: “At Nola in Campania, the birthday of St Felix, Priest, who (as is related by Bishop, St Paulinus of Nola), after beomg subjected to torments by the persecutors, was cast into prison and extended, bound hand foot, on (snail) shells and broken earthenware. During the night, however, his bonds were loosened and he was delivered by an Angel. The persecution over, he brought many to the Faith of Christ by his exemplary life and teaching and renowned for many miracles, he rested in peace.” A Miraculous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/01/14/saint-of-the-day-14-january-st-felix-of-nola-died-c-253/
St Felix of Rome St Fermin of Mende St Fulgentius of Ecija St Glycerius of Antioch
St Macrina the Elder (Died c 340) Widow, Grandmother of St Basil the Great, St Gregory of Nyssa, St Peter of Sebaste and St Macrina the Younger. The Roman Martyrology says today: “St Macrina, disciple of St Gregory Thaumaturgus and the grandmother of St Basil, whom she brought up in the Faith.” Her Faith-filled Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/14/saint-of-the-day-14-january-st-macrina-the-elder-died-c-340-widow/
St Malachy the Prophet St Nino of Georgia Bl Odoric of Pordenone
St Paul of Africa St Potitus Bl Rainer of Arnsberg St Sabas of Sinai St Sava of Serbia St Successus of Africa St Theodolus of Sinai Bl William de Sanjulia
Martyrs of Mount Sinai: A group of Monks on Mount Sinai who were Martyred by desert Bedouins. Their names and exact number have not come down to us. Martyred by Bedouins.
Martyrs of Raithu – 43 Saints: A group of 43 Monks in the Raithu Desert near Mount Sinai, Palestine, near the Red Sea. They were Martyred for their faith by desert Bedouins. Their names have not come down to us. Martyred by Bedouins.
Saint of the Day – 13 January – St Agritius of Trier (c260-c335) the 4th Bishop of Trier Born in Syria and died in 335 of natural causes in his See of Trier. Also known as – Agricius of Trier, Agrecius of Trèves, Agrizio di Treviri, Agrice, Aguy. Additional Memorials – 9 January in Trier , 29 May when the Holy Relics are venerated.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Treves, St Agritius, Bishop.”
In a manuscript from the Monastery of San Massimino, there is a Life of Agritius which constitutes the second part of the Life of Saint Helena. It was almost certainly written in the 11th Century and it is recorded with authority that its author, writing between 1030 and 1045, was a member of the Clergy of the Cathedral of Trier, perhaps Angibaldo, the Chancellor of the Bishop Poppo.
Furthermore, Agritius is remembered as the Bishop in various Calendars of Trier on 13 January and, by the hagiographer of San Massimino.
Of course, we know little of our Saint’s life exce[t that Agritius participated, together with the Exorcist Felix, at the Council of Arles in 314 and that he died before 336, since in the Chronicon of Saint Jerome, it is written that in 336, precisely, St Athanasius, in exile, was welcomed in Trier by Saint Maximinus, Agritius’ successor.
The Life of Agritius, however, although woven with legend, has a considerable historical-literary value, as it is one of the oldest historical documents of Trier and bears witness to the life and mentality dominant in that Church in the 10th Century.
According to this Life, therefore, Agritius, then the Bishop of Antioch, at the request of Helena, mother of Constantine, was appointed by Pope Sylvester as the Bishop of Trier, the 4th shepherd of this Diocese. Trier, two centuries after the first preaching had relapsed into full paganism and Agritius, despite many serious difficulties, undertook the work of rebuilding Christianity, aided by Helena, who gave him precious Relics of the Saviour, a Nail from the Cross and the Holy Tunic and the Relics of Lazarus and Martha. The translation of the latter is represented in an ivory from the Byzantine era depicting Agritius and Pope Sylvester on a cart while carrying the urn to Trier. Sylvester is also said to have given Agritius and his successors, the primacy over the Bishops of Gaul and Germany but this privilege, inserted in the Vita, is undoubtedly apocryphal and probably echoes that granted by Pope John XIII on 22 January 969 to Bishop Thierry.
Pilgrims view Christ’s Holy Tunioc in Trier
The date of Agritius’ death, established by some as 344, by others as 368, is almost certainly to be indicated as 335 due to the testimony of Jerome mentioned above. Agritius is celebrated on 13 January and, in the Diocese of Trier, also on 9 January. The translation of the Relics is celebrated on 29 May on the Feast Day of St Maximinus, St Agritius successor. You can read St Maximinus’ life here: Saint of the Day – 29 May – St Maximinus of Trier (Died c 346)
Panny Marie Vítězné / Our Lady of Victory, Prague, Czech Republic (1620), Home of the Infant of Prague: 13 January: Among shrines dedicated to Our Lady of Victory, that at Prague has become world-famous because it is also the home of the Statue of the Infant of Prague. This Wonderful Shrine which I have been blessed to venerate: https://anastpaul.com/2021/01/13/our-lady-of-victory-prague-and-memorials-of-the-saints-13-january/
St Agritius of Trier (c260-c335)Bishop St Andrew of Trier St Berno of Cluny St Designatus of Maastricht St Elian of Brittany St Enogatus of Aleth St Erbin of Cornwall St Glaphyra St Gumesindus of Córdoba St Hermylus St Hildemar of Arrouaise Bl Ida of Argensolles Bl Ivetta of Huy Widow, Mother, Recluse, Mystic
Saint of the Day – 12 January – Blessed Lucia (1370-1430) Consecrated Virgin, Founder of a Community of Nuns known as the “Poor Sisters of St Chiara” adopting the original Rule of St Clare of Assisi. Born in 1370 in Norcia, Perugia, Umbria, Italy and died on 12 January 1430 of natural causes at her Convent in Valcaldara di Norcia. Patronage – of Valcaldara. Also known as – Lucia of Norcia and Lucia of Valcaldara di Norcia.Her body is Incorrupt.
Lucia, born into a wealthy family in Norcia, consecrated herself totally to the Lord when she was only fifteen years old. With seven companions, she founded a religious Community which took up residence in her father’s house. Their choice of life was a great example to the entire City and on 28 January 1386 the City Council decided to help them. Previously, the Patriarch of Jerusalem, Ferdinand, administrator of the Diocese of Spoleto-Norcia (1370-1390), had recognised them as a valid Community, naming the Convent after Saint Jerome.
In 1390, Lucia founded another Convent and the Church of Santa Maria in Valcaldara (a hamlet of Norcia). With her companions she submitted to the Bishop’s obedience, “they wore ash and eremitic habits, lived a community life and observed the evangelical norm, not professing for many years any Rule approved by the Church”. In 1407 the two Convents united, with the approval of Bishop Augustine, giving life to the Convent of St Chiara. They called themselves the “Poor Sisters of St Chiara” expressing their desire to follow her Rule, although they could not officially observe it as it had been replaced by the Rule of Urban IV.
Lucia died in Valcaldara on 12 January 1430 and was immediately venerated and invoked as a Saint. Her body, still incorrupt today, kept in its shrine of 1637, is exhibited in the Church of the Poor Clares of Santa Maria della Pace, the nametaken by the Convent took after the earthquake of 1703. In Valcaldara, the celebrations in honour of their Patron Saint are solemnly celebrated with great festivities.
St Caesaria of Arles St Caroticus Bl Emmanuel d’Abreu St Eutropius St Ferreolus of Grenoble Bishop Martyr Bl John Gaspard Cratz St John of Ravenna Blessed Lucia (1370-1430) Virgin. Her Body is Incorrupt. St Martinian of Belozersk St Peter of Abessala St Probus of Verona St Quinctus the Soldier St Satyrus
St Tatiana of Rome (Died c 226) Virgin, Martyr. Patronage – students, school children. The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome in the time of the Emperor Alexander, St Tatiana, Martyr who was torn with iron hooks and combs, thrown to the beasts and cast into the fire but, having received no injury, was beheaded and thus, went to Heaven.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/01/12/saint-of-the-day-12-january-saint-tatiana-of-rome-died-c-226-virgin-martyr/
St Tigrius St Victorian of Asana Bl Vincent da Cunha
Martyrs of Africa – 44 Saints: A group of 44 Christian soldiers murdered together for their faith in Africa. The only details that survive are four of their names – Castulus, Modestus, Rogatus and Zoticus.
Martyrs of Ephesus – 42 Saints: Forty-two Monks Martyred at a Monastery in Ephesus (modern Turkey) during the persecutions of the Iconoclast Byzantine Emperor Constantine V. Their names have not come down to us. Martyred c 762.
Martyrs of Iona – 38 Saints: Thirty-eight Monks Martyred in Iona, Ireland. Their names have not come down to us. They were Martyred in 750 at Iona, Ireland.
Saint of the Day – 11 January – St Honorata (Died c500) Virgin Consecrated to God and sister of Saint Epiphanius, the Bishop, in the City of Pavia in Italy. Born in Pavia and died there in c500 of natural causes. Also known as – Onorata, Honorata of Pavia..
What we know of Honorata is extracted from the Vita of Saint Epiphanius, her brother and the Bishop of Pavia, written by Saint Ennodius, who was his successor in the Episcopal See.
She was born in Pavia. It is said that she was the sister of Saints Liberata, Especiosa, Luminosa and Epiphanius. She was a Nun at the Convent of San Vicente de Pavia, where she received a good education and training from her sister Saint Liberata or Saint Luminosa. She was Consecrated by her brother Saint Epiphanius of Pavia.
Honorata lived in the Convent until the invasion of the Barbarians who captured her and later freed her through the intercession of her brother Saint Epiphanius. The image below shows Honorata being rescued by her brother.
She was always highly esteemed for her gift of prayer and her dedication to the things of God and her neighbour. She died in her Convent in Pavia. Her remains are preserved in the Convent of Santa Maria in Pavia.
Some traditions believe that Honorata was buried together with the virgins Luminosa, Liberata and Especiosa in the Basilica of San Vicente, in the Church where the remains of Bishop Saint Epiphanius were transferred. 11 January is the anniversary of this translation. Of the group of virgins mentioned, all buried in the Church of San Vicente, only Saint Honorata has been inscribed in the Roman Martyrology which simply states: “In Pavia, Honorata, Virgin.”
St Pope Hyginus (Died 142) Papal Ascension c 138. It is believed he was a Martyr for Christ and suffered during the persecution of Antoninus, although our ancient sources do not confirm this. Tradition holds that during his Papacy he determined the various prerogatives of the clergy and defined the grades of the ecclesiastical hierarchy. Hyginus also instituted Godparents at Baptism to assist the baptised during their Christian life. In addition, he decreed, that all Churches be Consecrated. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/01/11/saint-of-the-day-11-january-saint-pope-hyginus-died-142/
St Boadin of Ireland St Breandan of Ireland (the name is not an error) St Eithne St Fedelemia St Honorata (Died c500) Virgin St Leucius of Alexandria (Died 5th Century) Bishop Martyr
St Liberata of Pavia St Lucius the Soldier St Luminosa of Pavia St Mark the Soldier St Michael of Klopsk St Palaemon St Paldo St Peter of Alexandria St Peter of Anea St Peter the Soldier
Saint of the Day – 10 January – Blessed Giles of Lorenzana OFM (1443-1518) Lay Brother of the Friars Minor, Hermit, Ascetic, Mystic, Apostle of the all in need. Born in 1443 in Laurenzana, Italy as Bernardin de Bello and died on 10 January 1518 in Laurenzana, Italy of natural causes. Patronage – of the City and Diocese of Laurenzana, Italy. Also known as – Giles di Bello, Bernardi … Bernardin … Egidi … Egidius … Blessed Giles was Beatified on 27 June 1880 by Pope Leo XIII. His body is Incorrupt.
Born of pious parents at Lorenzana in Italy, Giles received the name of Bernardine in Baptism. Even as a youth he received the gift of devotion in so eminent a degree that at prayer, his countenance glowed with fervour and he was often seen raised a foot or more from the floor. This attracted general attention and people came from the surrounding places in order to witness Giles at prayer.
The devout young man, however, desired nothing more than to serve God in seclusion. In order, therefore, to withdraw from the attention of the world and also, to progress in Christian perfection, he asked for admission as a Lay Brother at the Convent of the Friars Minor. This request was granted. He was given the name Giles after the saintly Brother Giles, one of the first companions of St Francis of Assisi.
Burning with love for God, Giles knew no greater joy in the Order than to devote himself to the contemplation of heavenly things and, since his superiors were convinced that he was doing great things for the honour of God and the salvation of souls, they permitted him to live in a hermitage close to the Convent.
Here he lived only for God, to Whom he sacrificed his body by severe fasting, and his soul by constant prayer. He overcame the attacks of hell which, like many other great Saints, he had frequently to endure, without ever yielding, for an instant. When he had finished his course, God called him to the eternal union on 10 January 1518.
The Convent bells rang by themselves when Giles of Lorenzana died and a very great concourse of people flocked to venerate him. Many miracles occurred at his grave. Several years after his death his body was found still perfect and Incorrupt, although he had been buried in a very damp place which should have promoted decay. The veneration which had been accorded to him since time immemorial was approved by Pope Leo XIII.
Even today, the cult of Blessed Egidio is very much alive among the people of the central-northern area of Basilicata.
Saint of the Day – 9 January – Blessed Antony Fatati (c1410-1484) Bishop, holding many illustrious Papal appointments for a few Popes in succession. Blessed Antony was austere to himself but generous towards the poor. As the long-serving Bishop of Teramo and then of Ancona, Antony displayed the perfect example of a zealous and loving shepherd. Born in c1410 in Ancona, in the Marches, Italy and died there on 9 January 1484 of natural causes, aged around 74 years. Additional Memorial – 2 September in Ancona. Blessed Antony was Beatified by Pope Pius VI on 9 May 1795. Also known as – Anthony of Teramo, Anthony of Ancona, Antoine… Antonio… His Body is Incorrupt.
Blessed Antony Fatati was born in Ancona to a noble family. He studied in Bologna, Italy and, after Ordination, was appointed a Canon and vicar of the Vatican Chapter of St Peter’s Basilica.
He was then appointed as a senior Chaplain and Cleric of the Apostolic Camera (Treasury) in the Roman Curia, the General Treasurer of the Marches and Vicar General of that Province.
In 1450 he was elected to the Episcopal See of Teramo and, in 1463, of Ancona. In between these elections, in 1456, the King of Naples Alfonso V of Aragon, became so impressed with Antony, the King asked him to be one of his Councilors.
In his long and fruitful pastoral activity, Blessed Antony distinguished himself for his prudence, equanimity, austerity and generosity. He was a shepherd attentive to the needs of his people, whom he guided with wisdom and firmness. He worked to promote charity and social justice and to defend the Catholic Faith.
He was also a man of great culture and profound devotion and piety, devoting himself to prayer and meditation and was an example of Christian life for all who knew him.
Blessed Antony died in his Diocese on 9 January 1484. He was interred in the Diocesan Cathedral. In 1529 his body were found incorrupt after their exhumation. In 1795 a new sarcophagus was commissioned in order to display Blessed Antony’s Incorrupt body for the veneration of the faithful.
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