Saint Anastasia of Rome (Died c 68) Martyr, Spiritual Student of St Peter the Apostle AND: St Basilissa of Rome (Died c 68) Martyr, Spiritual Student of St Peter the Apostle. put to death during the reign of Nero. They were among the first converts to Christianity in the 1st century after Christ. The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Rome, the Saints Basilissa and Anastasia. Of noble families, they were disciples of the Apostles and, as they persevered courageously in the profession of their faith, in the time of the Emperor Nero, they had their tongues and feet cut off, were put to the sword and thus obtained the Crown of Martyrdom.” Their Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/15/saint-s-of-the-day-15-april-saints-anastasia-and-st-basilissa-died-c-68-martyrs/
St Crescens of Myra St Eutyches of Rome St Eutychius of Ferentino
Bl Laurentinus Sossius St Maro of Rome St Maximus of Persia St Mundus St Nidger of Augsburg St Olympiades of Persia St Ortarius of Landelles(Died c580) Priest, Abbot
St Sylvester of Réome St Theodore of Thrace St Victorinus of Rome St Waltmann of Cambrai O.Praem. (Died 1138) Abbot
Mercedarian Martyrs of Africa: A group of Mercedarian Monks sailing to Africa as on a mission to redeem capture Christians. Captured by Moors, they were tortured and executed for their faith. Martyrs. 1393.
Saints of the Day – 14 April – St Tiburtius of Rome (Died 3rd Century) Martyr, Layman, brother of St Valerian; St Maximus of Rome (Died 3rd Century) Martyr, Layman; St Valerian of Trastevere (c177-c229) Martyr, Layman, brother of St Tiburtius and husband of St Cecilia (Died c232) the Martyrs.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, on the Appian Way, the birthday of the Holy Martyrs, Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus, who suffered in the time of the Emperor, Alexander and the Prefect, Almachius. The first two being converted to Christ by the exhortations of the blessed Cecilia and Baptised by Pope St Urban, were beated with rods and decapitated for the True Faith. But Maximus, the Chamberlain of the Prefect, moved by their constancy and encouraged by the vision of an Angel, believed in Christ and was scourged with leaded whips until he expired.”
Saints Cecilia, Valerian and Tiburtius by Botticini
The three holy Martyrs Tiburtius, Valerian and Maximus, who lived in the 3rd Century in Rome, are remembered by ancient sources since the 5th Century, however, there are two versions which deal with their personality and historical existence – one is linked to the ‘Passio’ of St Cecilia, while the other is reported by the ‘Hieronymian Martyrology’ or the Martyurology of St Jerome.
In the aforementioned Martyrology they are mentioned four times, the first indicates them as buried in the Catacombs of Praetextatus on the Appian Way and remembered on 14 April and this version is the one then passed into the Roman Martyrology, still in use today.
The Martyrdom of St Valerian
The other versions remembers them as buried in other Cemeteries in Rome and celebrates them on various dates, sometimes confused, like the case of Tiburzio with another namesake. Scholars have not reached an absolute certainty, it seems however, that only St Tiiburtius is celebration on 14 April, while, in theCatacombs of of Callistus, the other two were buried and celebrated on 21 April. It seems that later, it was St Gregory the Great who united them in a single celebration today.
However, according to the ‘passio’ Valerian was St Cecilia’s husband and converted by her, he was Baptised by St Pope Urban I (222-230) and in his turn he converted hid brother, Tiburtius to Christianity. Both were sentenced to death by the Prefect Almachius, who entrusted them to the Adjutant (second-in-command of the Prefect) who, before having the sentence carried out, also converted, thus being condemned and killed a few days later.
Valerian and Tiburtius were martyred and buried in a place called Pagus da Cecilia, four miles from Rome but which, has not been identified. Maximus was placed in a different sarcophagus. Their tombs were restored first by Pope Gregory III (731-741) then by Pope Hadrian I (772-795) and finally by Pope Paschal I (817-824) who transferred their Relics to the Basilica of St Cecilia in Trastevere.
Amico Aspertini: Burial of Saints Valerian and Tiburtius
St Tiburtius of Rome (Died 3rd Century) Martyr, Layman St Maximus of Rome (Died 3rd Century) Martyr, Layman St Valerian of Trastevere (c177-c229) Martyr, Layman, brother of St Tiburtiusabove and husband of St Cecilia (Martyrs)
St Bernard of Tiron (1046-1117) Monk, Abbot, Founder of the the Tiron Abbey and the Tironensian Order. St Bernard had a deep devotion to the Passion of Christ, teaching and instruction his disciples in the love of the Holy Cross. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the Monastery of Tiron near Chartres in France, Saint Bernard, Abbot, who on several occasions gave himself up to a hermit life in the woods and on the Island of Chausey but also dedicated himself to instructing and guiding the disciples, who in great numbers, flocked to him.” St Bernard’s Life: https://anastpaul.com/2022/04/14/saint-of-the-day-14-april-st-bernard-of-tiron-c-1046-1117/
St Domnina of Terni St Fronto of Nitria Abbot Bl Hadewych O.Praem. (c1150-c1200) Nun
Saint of the Day – 13 April – Saint Ida of Boulogne (c1040-1113) Widow, Countess, Apostle of charrity to the poor and needy, a lady of pious devotion and love for the Church to which she extended donations and assistance wherever needed. She supported and became a friend and correspondent of St Anselm of Canterbury who was deeply involved in the Cluniac reform in France. Born in c1040 in Ardennes, France and died on 13 April 1113 of natural causes. Patronage – of widows. Also known as – Ida of Lorraine, Ida of Lower Lorraine, Ida of Verdun, Ide…
Ida was the daughter of Godfrey III, the Duke of Lower Lorraine and his wife Doda. She became the bride of Eustace II, Count of Boulogne and the couple became the parents of Eustace III, Godfrey of Bouillon, the Leader of the First Crusade and also the first Ruler of Jerusalem under the title, Advocate of the Holy Sepulchre, having refused the title of King and Baldwin, who did accept the title of King of Jerusalem.
Count Eustace and St Ida his Countess
She was a great benefactor of the Church and the poor. After her husband’s death she founded several monasteries: Saint-Wulmer in Boulogne for the Augustinian Canons, Saint-Michel-du-Wast for the Cluniac Monks. She made considerable donations to the Abbeys of Saint-Bertin, Bouillon and Afflighem, favoured the reform of Cluny under the influence of St Anselm of Canterbury who remained a great friend and in correspondence with her. Some of St Anselm’s letters to Ida have survived.This detail underlines the role the holy Archbishop had in the monastic reform in Flanders.
Ida did not take the Benedictine Habit, as has been believed but she obtained it from St Ugo at Cluny, so that she could consider herself a secular oblate of the Benedictine Order.
She died today in 1113 and was buried in the Church of Wast (we note that many biographical information read, wrongly, Saint-Waast, instead of Wast). In 1669 her Relics were transferred to the Benedictines of the Holy Sacrament in Paris, who took them with them, when, in 1808, they settled in Bayeux, where they are still kept (one Relic, however, was left in Wast).
Ida’s Feast which was celebrated in the ancient Diocese of Boulogne, was later authorised in the Diocese of Arras and Bayeux. The commemoration of the Saint is found in many medieval calendars on 13 April. Blessed Ida of Louvain is also remembered on this day, although the date of her death is unknown.
St Hermengild (Died 585) Martyr, Confessor, King. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Seville in Spain, St Hermenegild, son of Leovigild, Arian King of the Visigoths, who was incarcerated for the confession of the Catholic Faith. By order of his wicked father, he was beheaded because he had refused to receive communion from an Arian Bishop, on the Paschal Solemnity and thus exchanging an earthly for a heavenly Kingdom, he entered the abode of the blessed, both as a King and as a Martyr.” His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/13/saint-of-the-day-13-april-st-hermenegild-died-585-martyr-confessor/
St Carpus of Pergamus Bl Edward Catherick Bl Francis Dickenson St Guinoc St Ida of Boulogne (c1040-1113) Widow Bl Ida of Louvain Bl James of Certaldo Bl John Lockwood
Blessed Margaret of Castello OP (1287-1320) Italian professed member of the Third Order of the Order of Preachers of St Dominic. Margaret was disabled and became known for her deep faith and holiness. Her body is incorrupt. Beatified on 19 October 1609 by Pope Paul V (concession of indult for Mass and Office). About Blessed Margaret: https://anastpaul.wordpress.com/2018/04/13/saint-of-the-day-13-april-blessed-margaret-of-castello-o-p-1287-1320/
St Martius of Auvergne Bl Miles Gerard St Papylus of Pergamus St Proculus of Terni St Ursus of Ravenna Bishop and Confessor
Martyrs of Dorostorum – 3 Saints: A lector and two students Martyred together in the persecutions of Diocletian – Dadas, Maximus and Quinctillianus. Beheaded c303 in Dorostorum, Lower Mysia (modern Sillistria, Bulgaria.
Saint of the Day – 12 April – Saint Ailell of Cologne (Died 1040) Priest, Abbot of 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. Born in Monaghan, Ireland and died in Cologne in 1040 of natural causes. Also known as – Helias.
Ailell was a native of what is now County Monaghan, Ireland. He became a Monk at the Monastery of Muckno which is now the Parish of the Town of Castleblayney. Johannes Trithemius, a German Monk Historian, states that he led “a most austere life, and was on that account an object of hatred to wicked men, who feared his reproof.
Ailell went to Cologne in Germany as a Missionary and in 1015, was elected as the Abbot of Great St Martin Monastery, Cologne. In the same year, he became the Abbot of St Pantaleon’s – both Monasteries would remain under his rule until his death in 1040.
Great St Martins
Amazingly, Ailell ran both St Martin’s and St Pantaleon’s, with the greatest success. He was remarkable, however, for uncommon strictness in the enforcement of discipline. A French Monk of St Pantaleon, having transcribed, a neat copy of the Missal for the use of the community, without having first obtained permission to do so,Ailell burned it, lest others should presume to act without previous licence.
Our Saint was a “bosom friend and counsellor” of St Heribert, Archbishop of Cologne. Heribert died in 1021. Heribert’s biographer, Landberth wrote about his death: “when this illustrious prelate felt his end approach, he sent for his beloved Ailell, who prepared him for death and administered to him the Sacrament of Extreme Unction and all the final consolations of the Church.” St Heribert’s life: https://anastpaul.com/2019/03/16/saint-of-the-day-16-march-st-heribert-c-970-1021/
Unfortunately, St Heribert’s Successor named Pilgrim, possessed an inveterate dislike for the Irish Monks and for Ailell, in particular. Departing on a pastoral visit, he vowed to expel them all upon his return. Ailell is said to have prayed to God that if it was the Lord’s Will, the Monks would depart but if not, Archbishop Pilgrim would never return to Cologne. Pilgrim died at Neomagnus in 1036 and it seems thus God willed him not to return to Cologne, leaving the Irish Monks in peace. Ailell is said to have established a good relationship with Pilgrim’s Successor, Archbishop Herman.
Ailell died in the odour of sanctity and was buried in the Chapel of St Benedict, with the Epitaph: “Haec tumuli fossa conduntur Praesulis ossa/Heliae miri mirificique viri.” (More or less – In these mounds are buried the bones of Praesulis/Helia’s wonderful men.)
St Acutina St 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.” Biography: 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 Bishop St Damian of Pavia (Died c710) Bishop St Erkemboden of Thérouanne St Florentin of Arles
St Pope Julius I (Died 337) Bishop of Rome from 6 February 337 until his death on 12 April 352. He fought against the Arian Heresy and it is also traditionally believed that he is also 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 combated vigorously for the Catholic Faith against the Arians. After a life of brilliant deeds and great sanctity, he rested in peace.” His 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 Victor of Braga St Vissia of Fermo St Wigbert
Saint of the Day – 11 April – St Leo I, the Great (c400-461) Confessor, Bishop of Rome, Great Western Father & Doctor of the Church. Born in c400 at Tuscany, Italy and died on 11 April 461 in Rome of natural causes. Papal Ascension – 29 September 440. Patronages – of Choristers, Musicians, of Castellana Grotte and Ponteginori, both in Italy and of the Diocese of Volterra also in Italy. St Leo was declared Doctor Unitatis Ecclesiae (Doctor of the Unity of the Church) Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XIV in 1754.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Rome, St Leo, Pope and Confessor, who was sunmaned “the Great” on account of his extraordinary merits. He gave the seal of his authority to the Holy Council of Chalcedon which was held in his time and which condemned Eutyches through his legates. After having merited the gratitude of the Church of God and the whole flock of Christ, by the many Decrees which he issued and the many excellent Treatise which he wrote, this good and zealous Shepherd, reseted in peace.”
He ranks among the most illustrious Sovereigns who ever occupied the Throne of St Peter. Of his life, we know little – with him, the man seems to disappear before the Pope.
He saw most clearly that one of his greatest tasks was to vindicate the primacy of the Roman Bishop, St Peter’s Successor and to raise the prestige of the Holy See before the entire world. Hardly any Pope in history has occupied a like position in the Ecclesiastical and political world.
As a writer, too, his name is famous. His sermons, which occur frequently in the Divine Office, belong to the finest and most profound in patristic literature. The Council of Chalcedon was held under his direction (451). The Breviary tells us: “Leo I, an Etruscan, ruled the Church at the time when Attila, King of the Huns, who was called the Scourge of God, invaded Italy. After a siege of three years, he took, sacked and burned Aquileia and then hurried on toward Rome. Inflamed with anger, his troops were already preparing to cross the Po, at the point where it is joined by the Mincio.
Here Attila was stopped by Leo (452). With God-given eloquence, the Pope persuaded him to turn back and when the Hun was asked by his servants why, contrary to custom, he had so meekly yielded to the entreaties of a Roman Bishop, he answered that he had been alarmed by a figure dressed like a Priest who stood at Leo’s side; this individual was holding a drawn sword and acted as if he would kill him if he advanced farther. As a result Attila retreated to Pannonia.”
The Painting below is a Fresco called “The Meeting of Leo I and Attila” by the Italian Renaissance artist Raphael. It was painted from 1513 to 1514 as part of Raphael’s commission to decorate the rooms which are now known as the “Stanze di Raffaello,” in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican.
Meanwhile, Leo returned to Rome and was received with universal rejoicing. Some time later, the Vandal Genseric entered the City and again Leo, by the power of his eloquence and the authority of his holy life, persuaded him to desist from atrocity and slaughter (455).
Leo was also active in matters Liturgical. The Leonine Sacramentary, a compendium of Missal prayers, contains many of his compositions; some also give him credit for the beautiful offices of Advent.
The Meeting between St Leo the Great and Attila is the only Altarpiece in St Peter’s consisting of a monumental marble relief. It depicts the Pope repelling Attila and the Huns from attacking Rome. Attila raises his arm as Sts Peter and Paul appear in the sky.
St Leo I the Great (c400-461) Confessor, Bishop of Rome, Great Western Father & Doctor of the Church. Elected in 440, he worked tirelessly as “Peter’s Successor,” guiding his fellow Bishops as “equals in the episcopacy and infirmities.” He is perhaps best known for having met Attila the Hun in 452 and persuaded him to turn back from his invasion of Italy. For the Church, he is greatly esteemed for his destruction of various heresies. One of Only 2 Popes surnamed as ‘the Great’!: https://anastpaul.com/2017/11/10/saint-of-the-day-10-november-st-pope-leo-i-doctor-of-the-church-c-400-461/
St Agericus of Tours St Aid of Achard-Finglas
St Antipas of Pergamum (Died c92) Martyr, Bishop of Pergamon, Greece (in modern Turkey), spiritual student of Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist. His Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/11/saint-of-the-day-11-april-st-antipas-of-pergamum-died-c-92-spiritual-student-of-saint-john-the-apostle-and-evangelist/
St Guthlac of Crowland (674–715) Monk, Hermit, Ascetic. St Guthlac was from Lincolnshire in England. He is particularly venerated in the Fens of eastern England where many Churches are dedicated to him. His sister is venerated as Saint Pega, an anchoress. His body was incorrupt until its destruction in the 16th century by the dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/11/saint-of-the-day-11-april-st-guthlac-674-715/
St Hildebrand of Saint-Gilles St Isaac of Monteluco Bl James of Africa Bl John of Cupramontana Bl Lanunio St Machai St Maedhog of Clonmore Bl Mechthild of Lappion Bl Paul of Africa St Philip of Gortyna St Raynerius Inclusus St Sancha of Portugal St Stephen of Saint-Gilles
Saint of the Day – 10 April – Saint Palladius of Auxerre (Died c659) Bishop of Auxerre, previously the Abbot of Saint Germanus Monastery in Auxerre. He zealously served his people for more than 30 – some sources have proved an Episcopate of thirty six years – all of which working with untiring love for his flock, the Church in his Diocese and for the secular and political well-being of his See.. Also known as – Palladio, Palladium. This Statue below in one of the Chapels in the Cathedral of St Stephen, embellished by our Saint, might be St Palladius.
As the Abbot of St Germanus of Auxerre, a wise, generous and merciful man, our Saiunt Palladius was elected, by the faithful, as the new Bishop of the same City, Auxerre, after the death of St Desiderius in 623.
His thirty six year tennure, studded with acts of faith and wise government, saw him present at the Councils of Clichy and Chalon-sur-Saone and deeply committed to the care of the lands and peoples of his See. This is evidenced by his letter to St Desiderius of Cahors (Reign 630-655) which recommends to the Prelate’s concern, the lands and people belonging to the Diocese of Auxerre who were in the territories of Cahors and also recommends himself to the prayers of his fellow Bishop.
Palladius was responsible for the dedication of the Church of Vergers to St Germanus (later, this Church was re-dedicated to St Palladius himself), the transformation of the Basilica of St Julian into a double Abbey and the embellishment of the Cathedral of St Stephen. This is an amazing building – many images here: https://travelfrance.tips/auxerre-the-cathedral/
Auxerre Cathedral – St Stephen’s
Palladius founded and built the Church of St Eusebius of Vercelli in which he was later buried. He .died in c659. In 945, Bishop St Guy of Auxerre Canonised Palladius and his memory is celebrated on 10 April.
St Miguel de Sanctis O.SS.T (1591-1625) Priest of the Order of the Most Holy Trinity and of the Captives also known as the Trinitarian Order or the Trinitarians, Mystic, Penitent, Ecstatic, Apostle of prayer, mortification, of the poor and the sick, he had a special devotion to the Blessed Sacrament and would fall into ecstatic prayer during the Consecration at Holy Mass, so much so, that he became known as “El Extático”, “The Ecstatic.” Pope Pius IX Canonised Miguel on 8 June 1862. About St Miguel: https://anastpaul.com/2020/04/10/saint-of-the-day-10-april-st-miguel-de-sanctis-o-ss-t-1591-1625/
St Palladius of Auxerre (Died c659) Bishop St Paternus the Scot
Martyrs of Carthage – 50 Saints: A group of 50 Christians who were imprisoned in a pen of snakes and scorpions and then Martyred, all during the persecutions of Decius. Only six of their names have come down to us – Africanus, Alessandro, Massimo, Pompeius, Terence and Teodoro. Beheaded in 250 at Carthage.
Martyrs of Georgia: Approximately 6,000 Christian Monks and lay people Martyred in Georgia in 1616 for their faith by a Muslim army led by Shah Abbas I of Persia.
Martyrs of Ostia: A group ofcriminals who were brought to the faith by Pope Saint Alexander I while he was in prison with them. Drowned by being taken off shore from Ostia, Italy, in a boat which was then scuttled, c 115.
Saint of the Day – 9 April – Saint Madrun of Wales (Died early 6th Century) Widow, Mother, Queen of Gwent in Wales, Missionary with her son St Ceidio to Cornwall after the death of her husband. Born in c440 and died on 8 April in the early part of the 6th Century. Patronages – of the Towns of Minster andTintagel, Cornwall and Trawsfynydd in Wales. [The Patron Saint of the Parish of Madrun in Cornwall, however, is not our Madrun but the male Cornish Saint Madron whoe died in c545 (Maddern)]. Also known as – Madryn, Marcelliana, Materiana, Mertheriana, Merthiana, Modrun. Additional Memorials – 9 June (Trawsfynydd, Wales) and 19 October on some calendars.
According to Welsh genealogies, Madrun was the daughter of King Vortimer and wife of Ynyr Gwent, chieftain of East Monmouthshire.
Besides the fact that she bore her husband four children, all that is known about her with any certainty, is that she welcomed St Tathan (Tathaeus) an Irish Missionary.
Legend has it that while on pilgrimage, she received a dream in which she was told to build a convent where she slept; the Church there has survived. Madrun accompanied her son, St Ceidio as Misionnaries to Cornwall and assisted him in evangelising the region, hence the 2 patronages in Cornwall.
She is considered the Patron Saint of Trwfynydd in Merionethshire where her Feast Day is celebrated on 9 June. However, there exists some confusion with a St Materiana who emmoved to Cornwall in c450, although the two seem to be one person.
St Brogan St Casilda of Toledo St Concessus the Martyr St Demetrius the Martyr St Dotto St Eupsychius of Cappadocia St Gaucherius St Hedda the Abbot St Heliodorus of Mesopotamia St Hilary the Martyr
Blessed Ubaldo Adimari OSM (c 1245-1315) Priest and Servite Friar, Soldier, Politician, Penitent, miracle-worker, spiritul student and later assistant of St Philip Benezi (1233-1285) (one of the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary – the Servites). He was Beatified on 3 April 1821 by Pope Pius VII. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-blessed-ubaldo-adimari-osm-c-1245-1315/
St Waltrude of Mons (c612-686) Widow, Married Mother, later a Nun. By the life of St Waltrude, we should learn to despise the unjust censures of the world. It persecutes, by its calumnies, those by whose lives, its false maxims are condemned. But, it can only hurt a counterfeit virtue, as the fire consumes only the dross but renders true gold brighter and more pure. Solid virtue is not only tried by humiliations but, gains the greatest advantage and improvement, by making a good use of them. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/09/saint-of-the-day-9-april-saint-waltrude-of-mons-c612-686-widow/
Martyrs of Croyland – 9 Saints: A group of Benedictine Monks Martyred by pagan Danes – Agamund, Askega, Egdred, Elfgete, Grimkeld, Sabinus, Swethin, Theodore and Ulric. Croyland Abbey, England.
Martyrs of Masyla: Massylitan Martyrs Group of Christians Martyred in Masyla in northwest Africa.
Martyrs of Pannonia: Seven Virgin-Martyrs in Sirmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia).
Martyrs of Thorney Abbey – 3+ Saints: A group of Hermits, hermitesses and monks who lived in or around Thorney Abbey who were Martyred together during raids by pagan Danes. We know little more than the names of three – Tancred, Torthred and Tova. 869 by raiders at Thorney Abbey, Cambridgeshire, England.
Saint of the Day – 8 April – Saint Amantius of Como (Died c448) the 3rd Bishop and Confessor. Born in Canterbury, England and died on 8 April c448 in Como, Italy of natural causes. Also known as – Amanzio …
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Como, St Amantius, Bishop and Confessor.”
The figure of Amantius, the 3rd Bishop of Como, is illuminated against the background of the 5th Century, a period of profound changes for the Roman Empire and the Church. Born in Canterbury in England, he intertwined his history with that of the City of Como, leaving an indelible mark in its collective memory.
Information on his origins is fragmentary. Tradition has it that he was born in Canterbury, a British city that was part of the Roman Empire at the time. His Catholic family, of noble lineage, counted among its ancestors, the Emperor Theodosius III or, according to other sources, another Emperor of the 4th-5th Century. It is possible that Amantius initially operated as an Imperial Official and was sent to Italy in that role.
However he arrived in Italy, he settled in Como. Amantius undertook a trip to Rome, driven by faith and the desire to enrich his theological knowledge. In the eternal City he had the opportunity of venerainge the Relics of the Apostles Peter and Paul and obtained some for hisSee. Upon his return to Como, he immediately worked to build a Basilica in the Apostles’ honour. The Basilica, built on land owned by himself became an important centre of worship and devotion for the local community.
Elected the 3rd Bishop of Como after the death of St Provino in 420, Amantius led the Diocese with wisdom and apostolic zeal. His Episcopate coincided with a period of turbulence for the Roman Empire, threatened by barbarian invasions. In this difficult context, Amantius shone as a shepherd and model for all the faithful.
Saint Amantius died on 8 April, the day on which his liturgical memory is celebrated. The precise year of his death is uncertain but it is presumed to have occurred around 448. His remains rested in the Basilica he founded until 1590, when they were translated to the Jesuit Church of the Gesu in Como, of which he became Patron together with St Felix.
St Dionysius of Corinth (Died in the 2nd Century) Bishop of Corinth in Greece, Confessor. Some of his words are preserved from his 7th letter and are contained in the post link below. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Corinth, the Bishop, St Denis, who instructed not only the people of his own City and Province by the learning and unction with which he preached the word of God but, also the Bishops of other Cities and Provinces, by the letters which he wrote to them. His veneration for the Roman Pontiff was such that he used to read their epistles publicly in the Church on Sundays. He lived in the time of Marcus Antoninus Verus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus.” His Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/08/saint-of-the-day-8-april-saint-dionysius-of-corinth-died-in-the-2nd-century-bishop-confessor/
Bl Libania of Busan St Martin of Pegli St Phlegon of Hyrcania St Redemptus of Ferentino (Died 586) Bishop
Martyrs of Africa – 3 Saints: A group of African Martyrs whose name appears on ancient lists but about whom nothing is known but their names – Januarius, Macaria and Maxima.
Martyrs of Antioch – 4 Saints: A group of Christians Martyred together for their faith. We know little more than their names – Diogene, Macario, Massimo and Timothy. They died in Antioch, Syria.
Saint of the Day – 7 April – Saint Hegesippus (c110-c180) Lay Ancient Christian Writer. Born and died probably in Jerusalem. Also known as -Egesippo, Hegesippus of Jerusalem, Hegesippus the Nazarene.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “St Hegesippus, who lived near the time of the Apostles, He came to Rome whilst Anicetus was the Sovereign Pontiff and remained until the accession of Eleutherius. He wrote the history of the Church in a simple style, from the Passion of our Lord, to his own time and, delineated, in his narrative, the character of those whose lives he imitated.”
Hegesippus was, by nation and religion, a Jew, who joined the Church of Christ in Jerusalem, when the disasters prophesied of his unhappy land occurred and opened his eyes to see their cause.
His writings were known to Saint Jerome and St Eusebius and were praised by them and by all of antiquity. In fact all we know of our Saint came to us from the writings of St Eusebius.
Hegesippus journeyed to Rome, stopping to visit all important Churches along his way. He remained in Rome for nearly twenty years, from the Pontificate of Pope Saint Anicetus (Bishop of Rome c157–168) to that of Saint Eleutherius (Pontificate 174-189). During the time of the latter. he returned to Jerusalem, where he died at an advanced age, probably in Jerusalem, in the year 180.
In 133, Saint Hegisippus began a history of the Church entitled ‘Memoirs,’ which was composed of five books and covered the time from the Passion of Christ until that year, that is, one hundred years. The loss of this work, of which only a few fragments remain, is extremely regretted and lamented, for it is known that they still all existed in the 7th Century. In it he gave illustrious proofs of his faith and placed, in evidence, the Apostolic tradition, proving that although certain men had disturbed the Church by preaching heresies, yet, even to his day, no Episcopal See or individual Church had fallen into error. This testimony he gave after having personally visited all the principal Churches, both of the East and the West, with the intention of gathering all authentic traditions concerning the life of Our Lord and of the Apostles.
He says: “And the Church of the Corinthians remained in the true word until Primus was bishop in Corinth; I made their acquaintance in my journey to Rome, and remained with the Corinthians many days, in which we were refreshed with the true word. And when I was in Rome, I made a succession up to Anicetus, whose Deacon was Eleutherus. And in each succession and in each City, all is according to the ordinances of the law and the Prophets and the Lord Jesus.” (Eusebius, IV, 22).
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 Albert of Tournai Bl Alexander Rawlins St Brenach of Carn-Engyle St Calliopus of Pompeiopolis Bl Cristoforo Amerio St Cyriaca of Nicomedia St Donatus of North Africa
St Epiphanius the Martyr St Finian of Kinnitty St George the Younger St Gibardus of Luxeuil St Goran St Guainerth St Hegesippus (c110-c180) Ancient Christian Writer
Saint Hermann Joseph O.Praem (c1150-1241) Priest, Friar of the Order of of Canons Regular of Prémontré (the Norbertines or White Canons), Mystic, a prolific writer on spiritual subjects and the Sacred Scriptures, known as “The Boy who Played with Angels.” Patronages – watch and clockmakers, children and young students, Altar boys, Acolytes, Sextons and Sacristans, expectant mothers and safe childbirth. This beautiful painting below by Sir Antony van Dyck, shows Mother Mary receiving an apple from Hermann, to give to Baby Jesus. His Holy Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/04/07/saint-of-the-day-7-april-saint-hermann-joseph-o-praem-c1150-1241-priest/
Sir Antony van Dyck – The Vision of St Hermann Joseph
Blessed Maria Assunta Pallotta (1878-1905) Italian professed Religious who served as a member of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, Missionary to China. Patronages – Missionaries, against typhus. Blessed Maria Assunta was Beatified on 7 November 1954 by Pope Pius XII. Her body is incorrupt. About Bl Maria Assunta: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/07/saint-of-the-day-7-april-blessed-maria-assunta-pallotta-1878-1905/
St Peleusius of Alexandria Bl Ralph Ashley St Rufinus the Martyr St Saturninus of Verona Bishop and Confessor Bl Ursuline of Parma
Martyrs of Pentapolis – 4 Saints: A Bishop, Deacon and two Lectors at Pentapolis, Lydia who for their faith were tortured, had their tongues cut out, and were left for dead. They survived and each died years later of natural causes; however, because they were willing to die and because there were attempts to kill them, they are considered martyrs. We know little else except their names – Ammonius, Irenaeus, Serapion and Theodore c 310 at Pentapolis, Lybia.
Martyrs of Sinope – 200 Saints: 200 Christian soldiers Martyred together for their faith. We don’t even have their names. They were martyred in Sinope, Pontus, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 6 April – Blessed Catherine of Pallanza (c1437-1478) Virgin, Hermit, Ascetic, Mystic, Prioress, Spiritual Advisor graced with the charism of prophecy. Born in c1437 in Pallanza, Italy as Catarina Morigi and died on 6 April 1478 at Sacra Monte sopra Varese Monastery, Varese, Italy of natural causes aged 51 years. Also known as – Caterina Morigi di Pallanza, Catherine Morigi, Catarina Morigi Catarina of Pallanza, Katarina … Additional Memorial – 27 April (Ambrosian Rite). Her cult was confirmed on 16 September 1769 by Pope Clement XIV. Her body is incorrupt.
Catarina was born around 1437 in Pallanza, a small village in the Diocese of Novara in the Piedmont region of northern Italy. Her entire family died in a plague epidemic when she was very young and she was adopted by a woman who lived in nearby Milan.
At the age of 20 she was deeply moved after hearing a sermon on the Passion of Christ, prostrating herself before the Crucifix in the Church and consecrating her virginity to God. It was not long after this that she received a vision of the Crucified Jesus Who said to her: “Beloved daughter Catarina … I have selected for you the place called Santa Maria on the Mountain.” Catarina immediately retired to a wild and lonely mountain region above Varese near Milan which had often been used by hermits and, where Saint Ambrose had built an Altar in honour of the Virgin Mary .
She joined a group of female Hermits under the leadership of a Priest in charge of St Ambrose’ Sanctuary. Older sources write that she was the first woman known to have lived there as a Hermit but this is obviously not correct. Catarina lived this life for fifteen years and even in an area famous for the severe penances of its Hermit residents, Catarina’s asceticism was so extreme that it attracted attention. She fasted ten months of the year and was always dependent on gifts of food brought to her at irregular intervals by those who sought her prayers and advice.
Despite her desire to be left alone, a group of five female disciples joined her. The first (in 1454) was Blessed Juliana Puricelli of Busto Arsizio and the others came in 1460. In 1474, Catarina organised them as a duly constituted community with herself as the Prioress, under the Rule of Saint Augustine. Pope Sixtus IV (1471-1484) approved the community. The Monastery was dedicated to Our Lady of the Mountain and the place was called Sacra Monte sopra Varese. The Nuns received permission to wear the Habit of the Poor Clares. Catherine served as Prioress for two years before she died.
Catherine died on 6 April 1478 at Sacra Monte sopra Varese. On her deathbed she was given a Crucifix and she kissed it and said: “I see my beloved Crucified One.” Her Confessor then said to her: “Behold your Crucified One” and she replied: “I have Him engraved upon my heart.”
Even while she was alive, she was graced with prophetic abilities and a local cult developed very quickly. In the 1730s, her mortal remains were translated to a special Chapel built in her honour, where her body is still venerated today. She was Beatified on 16 September 1769 when her cult was confirmed by Pope Clement XIV (1769-1774). At the same time, Blessed Juliana Puricelli’s cult was also confirmed. Catherine’s memorial day is the day of her death 6 April while 27 April is her Feast Day in the Ambrosian Liturgy (together with Juliana).
St Agrarius the Martyr St Amand of Grisalba St Berthanc of Kirkwall St Brychan of Brycheiniog Blessed Catharine of Pallanza (c1437-1478) Virgin St Celsus Bishop St Diogenes of Philippi St Elstan of Abingdon St Galla of Rome St Gennard St Irenaeus of Sirmium St Marcellinus the Martyr
Martyrs of Sirmium : 7 Saints: A group of fourth century Martyrs at Sirmium, Pannonia (modern Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia). We know little more than seven of their names – Florentius, Geminianus, Moderata, Romana, Rufina, Saturus and Secundus.
Saint of the Day – 5 April – St Albert of Pietramontecorvino (c1031-1127) the 2nd Bishop of Montecorvino, known as a visionary and Mystic, Miracle-worker. Born in around 1031 or 1032 in Normandy, France and died in 1127 of natural causes, at Montecorvino, Aqulia, Italy. Patronage – of Pietramontecorvino, Italy. Additional Memorial – 16 May in Pietramontecorvino.
Although most sources believe Albert was born in Normandy in northern France some believe he was born in Planisio near Pietramontecorvino in today’s Province of Foggia in the region of Puglia in southern Italy. Be that as it may, he certainly was settled in Montecorvino with his parents by the age of five years. The original village has now disappeared and been replaced by Pietramontecorvino.
Albert showed holiness at an early age and attracted many to follow in his footsteps. i Between 1059 and 1075 he was elected the city’s second Bishop. When he grew old, he lost his sight and he was given an assistant Bishop. Our Saint endured his trials with heroic patience. He died in 1127 in Pietramontecorvino and is buried in the Cathedral there.
He is honoured with a festival every year, on 16 May, the people go on pilgrimage to the ruins of the ancient city, bringing in a procession with Statue of the Saint, preserved in the mother Church of Stone. The cult of Saint Alberto dates to the 12th Century. After the Mass, a ceremony of blessing of the crops is also celebrated. The Statue of the Saint is carried to the four sides of the ruins of the original Cathedral and arranged with the face turned to the fields; in this way the blessing is prayed over to crops.
St Irene of Thessalonica St Maria Crescentia Hoss St Pausilippus Bl Peter Cerdan St Theodore the Martyr
Martyrs of Lesbos: 5 Saints: Five young Christian women Martyred together for their faith. We don’t even know their names. island of Lesbos, Greece.
Martyrs of North-West Africa: Large group of Christians murdered while celebrating Easter Mass during the persecutions of Genseric, the Arian king of the Vandals. They were Martyred in 459 at Arbal (in modern Algeria).
Martyrs of Seleucia: 120 Saints :One-hundred and eleven (111) men and nine (9) women who, because they were Christians, were dragged to Seleucia and Martyred for refusing to worship the sun or fire or other pagan idols during the persecutions of King Shapur II. They were burned alive in 344 in Seleucia, Persia.
Saint of the Day – 4 April – Saint Aleth De Montbard De Fontaines of Dijon (1064-1106) Laywoman, Mother of 7 including St Bernard of Clairvaux, 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. Born in 1064 in Montbard, Departement de la Côte-d’Or, Bourgogne, France and died on 31 August 1106 (aged 41–42). Patronage – of Dijon, France. Also known as – Aleth of Montbard, Aleth of Zélie, Adelaide…Adèle…Alaysia…Aleidis…Aletta…Alette…Aleydis…Alice…Alix…Aliz…Alyette…Alèthe…Elisabeth…Ethle… In English her name would be Alice. Her Feast today is celebrated on the date of the transfer of her Relics to Clairvaux Monastery in 1250.
Aleth was a daughter of Bernhard I, the local lord of Montbard who came from the French nobility. She received a comprehensive education. At around the age of 16, she married Tezelin de Fontaine, the Castellan at the Castle of Fontaine-lès-Dijon. With him she became the mother of seven children, including Gerhard of Clairvaux , Bernhard of Clairvaux, Nivard of Clairvaux and Humbelina of Jully-sur-Sarce.
Aleth died with a reputation for sainthood at the Castle in Fontaine-lès-Dijon on 31 August 1106. She was buried in the Crypt of the Church of the Monastery of St Benignus in Dijon, next to hhis Tomb.
In 1250 her remains were transferred to the Clairvaux Monastery – in today’s Ville-sous-la-Ferté – near Troyes in France. She was solemnly laid to restby her son. Sadly all these holy Relics were dispersed and lost when the Monastery was attacked and closed during the French Revolution.
St Aleth of Dijon (1064-1106)Laywoman, Mother of St Bernard (of Clairvaux) St Gwerir of Liskeard St Henry of Gheest St Hildebert of Ghent St Peter of Poitiers (c1130-1215) Bishop
St Theodulus of Thessalonica St Theonas of Egypt St Tigernach of Clogher
St Zosimus of Palestine (Died c560) Priest, Monk, Hermit. 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 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 Nicetas of Medicion (c760-824) Abbot of Medicion Abbey in Bithynia (in modern Turkey). Born in c760 in Bithynian, Caesarea and died in 824 of natural causes in Constantinople. Also known as – Nicetas of Constantinople, Nicetas the Confessor, Niketas… Nikita… His name is of Greek origin and means “victorious.”
The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the Monastery of Medicion, in the East, the Abbot, St Nicetas, who suffered much for the worship of holy images, in the time of Leo the Armenian.”
Nicetaswas only eight days old when he lost his mother. His father dedicated him to God and, at the age of twelve, he was already the Lector of the Bishop of Caesarea of Bithynia. As a teenager, he entered the Medicion Monastery, on Mount Olympus in Bithynia.
His life of rigour and humility, led his fellow Monks to choose him as their Abbot.. During the persecutions of the Sacred Images, at the time of Emperor Leo V the Armenian, he allowed himself to commune with heretics, after having been exhausted by harsh imprisonment. Repentant, he fled to a secluded place. But to publicly demonstrate his repentance of heart, at the request of Theodore the Studite, he returned to Constantinople. For this action he was arrested and interned at the prison at Cape Akritas, he was locked up there for six years in a dungeon, without light and fed on a little mouldy bread and stale water.
He was finally released on the death of the Emperor but he did not want to reclaim the management of his Monastery and retired to a small estate on the Golden Horn, facing Constantinople. After a few months, he died, exhausted by the suffering and his own austerities. His remains were brought back to his Monastery of Medicion
Several medieval lives of Nicetas exist. The most important of these is the life by Theosterictus, who states that he was a disciple of St Nicetas.
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/
Blessed Gandulphus of Binasco 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/
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 – Saint Nizier of Lyon (c513-573) Archbishop of Lyon, He served from 552 or 553 until his death. Nizier was a man of ascetic lifestyle, his care for the poor and his promotion of Church music have since been remembered and praised. Died in 573 of natural causes. Also known as – Nicet, Nicetus, Nicetius, Nicezio, Nikita.
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Lyon, St Nizier, renowned for his saintly life and miracles.”
Nizier was born in Burgundy (or Geneva) in 513, into a noble Senatorial family. His father renounced the Bishopric of Geneva. He iwas the nephew of St Sacerdos, Bishop of Lyon and the great-uncle of St Gregory of Tours, who later wrote Nizier’s Vita.
Ordained as a Priest around 543 by St Agricola the Bishop of Chalon-sur-Saône, he was appointed as the Bishop of Lyon on 16 February 552 (or 19 January 553) and thus succeeded his uncle who had requested his appointment of the King.
He presided over a Council in Lyon in 566 of the Provinces of Lyons and Vienne. On this occasion he would have received the title of Archbishop from the Pope.
In his youth he had been healed of a facial tumour through the intercession of Saint Martin of Tours. Having become a Priest, he continued to work with his hands so as not to be dependent on anyone and to be able to support the poor. His nephew, St Gregory of Tours, wrote his biography describing how he served the Church of Lyon for twenty years, with supernatural charity, hastening to forgive everyone. He himself knew how to recognise and regret his sometimes annoying liveliness.
He fought to put Clerics under sole Ecclesiastical jurisdiction… He was a promoter of Church Music, the ‘friend of concord and peace‘ and revered for his generosity towards the poor of his time.
Nizier was buried in the Church of the Apostles (now St Nizier) at Lyon, where his Tomb is blessedly still preserved and the source of many miracles. Several localities iand Churches n the region have come under his patronage.
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 Abundius of Como Bishop and Confessor St Agnofleda of Maine St Appian of Caesarea (c287-306) Martyr, Layman
St Bronach of Glen-Seichis St Constantine of Scotland St Ebbe the Younger St Eustace of Luxeuil St Gregory of Nicomedia St John Payne
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/
St Lonochilus of Maine St Musa of Rome St Nizier of Lyon (c513-573) Bishop St Rufus of Glendalough St Theodora of Tiria
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 Valéry of Leucone (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. Also known as – Valery of Leuconay, Valery of Amiens, Gualaric… Valarico… Valerico… Valerio… Walaric… Walarich… Walarico…Walaricus… Waleric… Walerico… Walericus… Walric… Additional Memorials – 2 April (enshrining of Relics) 21 May (translation of Relics at the Quintinus Basilica) 24 August (translation of Relics at the Bertinus Monastery) 12 December (translation of Relics in Amiens, France).
The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Amiens, the Abbot, St Valéry, whose Tomb is made illustrious by frequent miracles.”
Valéry was born in the Auvergne into a peasant family. Nearby was a school for the children of the wealthy citizens and Valéry begged a teacher to teach him the letters which the teacher gladly did. He could soon both read and write and his first project was to write the entire Book of Psalms and with this in his possession, he used the time tending the sheep to memorise all the Psalms
Leaving his family home, finally having convinced his father to allow him to go, he joined the Abbey of Autumo., where apparently an uncle was a Monk, He later moved to the Abbey of Saint-Germain d’Auxerre and finally, the Abbey of Luxeuil under the famous Abbot Columban. At Luxeui,l he exelled and was honoured too for his horticultural skills. His ability to protect his vegetables from insects was regarded as miraculous.
When Theuderic II, King of Burgundy expelled St Columban from his domains, Valéry and a fellow Monk named Waldolanus, left the kingdom to preach the Gospel. He eventually settled down as a Hermit at a place called Leuconay near the mouth of the Somme River. A community of disciples grew up around him.
In 613, Valéry founded a Monastery in Leuconay – today’s St-Valéry-sur-Somme – whose Monks lived according to Columban’s Rule. He converted the population to Christianity by – like St Boniface later in Hesse – having a tree felled which had been worshiped by the pagans. Tradition tells how he cured a lame man, St Blitmund, who became the Abbot of the Monastery after Valéry’s death.
The Monastery was built on the site of the former pagan tree. The village which developed around the Monastery bears our Saint’s name — Saint-Valery-sur-Somme.
Valéry died on 1 April around 619 in Leuconay. Valéry’s Relics were taken to Corbie by Huguenots but were amazingly recovered and returned to Leuconay on 12 December which is a day greatly celebrated.
The Luxeuil Monastery was abolished in 1790 during the French Revolution, the Abbey Church of St-Colomban is now a Parish Church and a school is housed in the Monastery buildings.
Blessed Abraham of Bulgaria Blessed Alexander of Sicily Saint Anastasio Blessed Antonius of Noto Saint Berhard of Amiens Blessed Bernhardin of Noto
Saint Celsus of Armagh (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. Biography: 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 of Grenoble (1053-1232) Bishop, 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.” The life of another 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 Sardis (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. Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2019/04/01/saint-of-the-day-1-april-st-melito-died-c-180/
Blessed Nicolò of Noto Saint Prudentius of Atina Saint Tewdrig ap Teithfallt Saint Theodora of Rome Saint Valéry 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 – Blessed Daniel of Venice ECMC (1344-1411) Martyr, Husband, Father, Entrepreneur, Politician, Diplomat, Peace-maker, Apostle of the poor, part-time Monk and Hermit. Born in 1344 in Cormons, near Venice, Italy and died on 16 September 1411 at San Mattia di Murano, Venice, Italy by being murdered by thieves. Also known as – Daniel of Murano, Daniel de Ungrispach. He is commemorated by the Camaldolese Hermits of Mount Corona on 20 March. The Church has never confirmed the cult of this “Blessed” but he still legitimately enjoys this title, as he is present in the Calendar of his Religious family and, in 1435, his cult was approved by the local Bishop. He is venerated as a “Martyr of Charity” and his body is preserved Incorrupt.
Daniel was born in the Castle of Cormons, around the year 1344, the eldest son of Nicolaussio d’Ungrispache of Maddalena Savio of Gemona. His was a noble family of Germanic lineage, “very wealthy.” Lords of Cormons, Medea and Foiana, vassals of the Counts of Gorizia, whih had among its members a Bishop of Concordia and one of Trieste. Even today the Coat of Arms of the Municipality of Cormons is inspired by that of Daniel’s family.
When Daniel was sixteen the family moved to Pordenone, where, at around twenty years of age, Daniel married Ursina Ricchieri, a member of the most powerful family in the City. They had a daughter, Lucia, who, in 1384, married the noble Giacomo Spelladi of Treviso. Between 1365 and 1368 Daniel was a prisoner in Verona, perhaps due to unrest and events of war. He endured the ordeal without harbouring resentment. Despite his young age, he was already so well liked by his fellow citizens that they intervened to obtain his release.
Daniel was an upright husband and father, he lived his days as a good Christian. The chronicles describe him: “a noted observer of God’s law, of every religious practice, of singular compassion towards the poor and a great lover of Pious Places.” He successfully engaged in the trade of silk and woollen cloth and cowhides. On the route which took him to Venice, sailing along the Noncello river, he had the opportunity to meet the Camaldolese of the Abbey of San Martin Rotto. The young man was attracted by monastic and hermitic spirituality, typical of the Order founded by St Romuald. The high-ranking position of the family,but certainly alsothe desire to contribute to the public administration in favour of his fellow citizens, also led him to political commitment and so, in 1384, he was appointed “podestà” (a very high Office and authority similar to a Mayor). The position was annual and included representation of the community, both in the Civil and Religious spheres.
Blessed Daniel d’Ungrispach
During his travels to Venice Daniel visited the important Camaldolese Monastery of San Mattia on the island of Murano, where, increasingly attracted by monastic life, he became a family guest.
For nineteen years, while maintaining family, social and work commitments, he constantly frequented the Monastery where he fully breathed the presence of God. He loved reading the Scriptures and the writings of the Fathers of the Church, in particular, Saint Augustine. Then, having even large sums of money at his disposal, he responded generously to the needs of the poor and of the Monastery. He could lead a life suited to his social status but instead, he preferred, day by day, to respond to this deep desire to become united to God, alternating days marked by social commitments with days of prayer, spent alongside his Monk friends. His life was a wonderful synthesis of ‘Ora et labora’ — Husband, Father, Entrepreneur and even Politician, with his gaze always turned towards the Giver of all good.
In 1380 he embarked on the journey to become an oblate of the Camaldolese Congregation which was fully completed on 31 March 1392. From that day he had a cell of his own. He was generous, as mentioned, with hisMmonastery but also with other religious entities, especially Venetian ones, so much so that in 1398 he was appointed procurator of the Church of St Mark!
At the age of fifty, the desire for a hermit’s life prevailed and Daniel renounced the rights, privileges and family assets which were due to him after his father’s death. He left his wife, by mutual agreement and was welcomed into the Monastery of San Mattia to share more fully in the life of the Monks but without the obligation of seclusion. From time to time, he returned to Pordenone and in 1404-1405, he was once again Official of the Municipality and Mayor, probably the Deputy, a sign of the great trust everyone placed in him. He continued to carry out the mercantile profession but also had some diplomatic positions. In 1406 he was among the intermediaries in a serious disagreement between Pordenone and Aquileia. The Mayor and the nobles of the City, including Daniel, were tasked with mediating to obtain forgiveness and peace.
On 16 September 1411 Daniele, while he was in Pordenone, wrote a Last Will naming his wife as universal heir. He arranged to be buried in San Mattia, to which he left bequests and precious books, including a Bible, a Legendary of the Saints, the Sermons of Saint Augustine. A few days later, after returning from work from in Venice, unknown criminals entered his cell at night and strangled him for the purpose of robbery. They were certainly aware of his habits and the money he had with him. The Camaldolese Fathers, struck by such an unjust death, gave him a devout burial in the tomb of the Donà nobles inside the Monastery. He was immediately considered a “Martyr of Charity.”
The Church and Camaldolese Monastery of San Mattia di Murano, between 1804 and 1828. By Giacomo Guardi (1764–1835).
Twenty-four years after his death, in 1435, the body was exhumed and found Incorrupt, “vivid in colour and exuding a very sweet odour, unlike the others found ruined and putrified.” It was placed on an Altar and immediately became a destination for devout pilgrimages. Everyone thought that the Incorrupt body confirmed the holiness which Daniel had displayed in life. The Bishop of Torcello approved the local cult and arranged for an Urn containing the Relics to be displayed in the Church. Graces and miracles followed and Daniel’s fame attracted, in the Centuries to come, faithful from the entire Venetian and surrounding areas. In 1657, Daniel’s Incorrupt body was placed on its own Altar, in a new wooden case, which is still the current one.
In 1810 the Monastery of San Mattia di Murano was suppressed and the Church subsequently destroyed. The body of Blessed Daniel underwent several translations and for a period was preserved in the sacristy of the Basilica della Salute in Venice. In 1857 the remains returned to Murano, the Urn was placed in the external Chapel of the Teacher Sisters of Santa Dorotea, who had opened a school on the island. The Nuns kept a register of the graces obtained by the Blessed, some as late as 1903. The body is today in the Basilica of St Donato, still Incorrupt, covered in a golden robe, a gift for a grace received in 1745. All testimonies of a cult which has never ceased.
Dedicated to his family, involved in public life, active in the mercantile profession, Daniel always had the Word of God as his compass and prayer as his companion. His example is undoubtedly of great relevance in the world we inhabit today. The local memory is set for 31 March, while the Camaldolese commemorates it on 20 March. The “ab immemorabili” recognition of the cult and the official title of Blessed would be highly desirable for this great and holy man.
AnaStpaul 
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