Saint of the Day – 9 October – Saint Publia (4th Century) Widow, Abbess in Antioch.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Antioch, St Publia, Abbess, who while Julian the Apostate was passing by, sang with her Religious, these words of David: “The idols of the Gentiles are silver and gold” and: “Let them who make them, become like unto them.” By the command of the Emperor, she was struck on the face and severely rebuked.”
Theodoret, (393-457) Bishop, Theologian, Historian, Schriptural Exegesist, in his Ecclesiastical History, reports an act of Christian resistance in Antioch, during the coercive measures exercised there by Julian the Apostate (361-363), who resided In Antioch from June 362 to March 363, to direct military operations against the Persians.
Publia was a pious woman of Antioch, widowed at an early age with only one son, named John, who became a Priest. Some have tried to identify him as John Chrysostom, for no apparent reason, especially since the text which speaks of him explicitly states that Publia’s son refused to be elevated to the Episcopate.
Publia had entered a Nunnery in the City, of which she became Abbess and Deaconess. As the Emperor passed by, she had her Nuns sing specially chosen Psalms condemning idolatry (Psalm 108) and shaming God’s enemies (Psalm 67). Julian could not silence the choir, for every time he intervened, Publia encouraged her Nuns to continue their singing. Once, Julian, more irritated than usual by the Nuns’ rebellious attitude, summoned Publia and had her severely slapped. This humiliating measure had no effect and everything continued as before.
Publia did not die a Martyr but ended her days in peace at an unspecified time.
St Aron of Kracow St Abraham the Patriarch St Alfanus of Salerno St Andronicus of Antioch St Athanasia of Antioch Bl Bernard of Rodez St Demetrius of Alexandria St Deusdedit of Montecassino St Domninus St Dorotheus of Alexandria
St Goswin Bl Gunther St Lambert St Publia (4th Century) Widow, Abbess St Sabinus of the Lavedan St Valerius
Martyrs of Laodicea – Three Christians Martyred together in Laodicea but no other information about them has survived but their names – Didymus, Diodorus and Diomedes. They Died in Laodicea, Syria.
Quote/s of the Day – 8 October – St Bridget of Sweden (c1303-1373) Widow
“My Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Blessed, Royal and magnificent Heart could never, by torments or terrors or persuasions, be swayed from the defence of Thy Kingdom of Truth and Justice.”
Supplication to St Bridget For Those Separated from the True Church (Can be used as a Novena)
With trusting hearts we turn to thee, blessed Bridget, in these hostile and unbelieving days, to implore thine intercession on behalf of those who are separated from the True Church of Jesus Christ. By that clear knowledge thou didst have of the bitter sufferings of our Crucified Redeemer, the price of our salvation, we offer thee our supplications to obtain the grace of faith for those who are outside the One True fold, so that the sheep who are scattered, may return to the One Trrue Shepherd, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen
Saint Bridget, fearless in thy service of God, pray for us. Saint Bridget, patient in the midst of suffering and humiliation, pray for us. Saint Bridget, wonderful in thy love for Jesus and Mary, pray for us.
Saint of the Day – 8 October – Saint Evodius (5th Century) the 9th Bishop and Confessor of Rouen in France. Also known as – Yves, Lisoie, Yvoire, or Evodius.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rouen, St Evodius, Bishop and Confessor.”
Stained glass depiction of Saint Evodius in the Chapel of the Virgin, of the Rouen Cathedral
The good-quality Episcopal list of Rouen places him 9th in line. His Episcopate can be dated around 420-430. His Vita, written very late, places him at the time of King Clotaire I, who reigned from 511 to 561, so these dates are in contention with other sources.
Evodius is said to have died in Andelys and been buried in Rouen. At the time of the Norman invasions (9th Century), his Relics were translated to Braine in the Diocese of Soissons. In 1130, they passed to the Premonstratensians, who founded an Abbey in Braine which lasted until the Revolution of 1789. In 1874, Braine returned a fragment of Evodius’ Relics to Rouen Cathedral.
There is a legend which relates a fire which would cease burning when “wet with tears [of his] prayers.”
His Feast was initially celebrated in Rouen on 8 October which date is considered the day of his death. : then the occurrence of other Feasts caused it to be moved to other days of the same month (10, 12, 21).
The Abbey Church of St Yves, below, in Braine is dedicated to him and the Choir School of the Rouen Cathedral is known today as St.Evodius Choir School.
St Evodius (5th Century) Bishop and Confessor of Rouen
St Felix (Died 390) the first Bishop of Como. Felix was a friend of Saint Ambrose, who praised him for his missionary activity and Ordained him a Priest in 379 and Consecrated him as Bishop in 386. St Ambrose sent him to evangelise the City of Como, as a testimony to the great missionary drive of the Church of Milan. St Felix is honoured as a zealous shepherd of souls. Blessed St Felix: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/08/saint-of-the-day-8-october-saint-felix-of-como-died-390/
Pelagia among her courtesans, as Saint Nonnus prays for her
St Peter of Seville
St Ragenfrida (Died 9th Century) Virgin, Abbess. Daughter of Adalbert, Count of Ostrevant and Regina, who is also remembered as a Saint. Patronage – of Denain, Northern France, where her Monastery was. Her Blessed Life: The Roman Martyrology: “In Denain in Hainault, in today’s France, Saint Ragenfrida, Abbess, who built a Monastery in this place with her assets, of which she was a worthy guide.” Her Blessed Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/08/saint-of-the-day-8-october-saint-ragenfrida-virgin-abbess-died-9th-century/
Saint of the Day – 7 October – Saint Mark (Died 336) The 34th Pope and Confessor. Born in Rome on an unknown date and died there in 336. He was Pope for less than a year having ascended the Throne on 18 January 336. Patronage – of Abbadia San Salvatore, Italy. Also known as – Marcus.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Rome, on the Ardeatine way, the demise of St Mark, Pope and Confessor.”
Little is known of Mark’s early life. According to the Liber Pontificalis, he was a Roman and his father’s name was Priscus. Mark succeeded Sylvester I as Pope on 18 January 336.
Some evidence suggests that the early lists of Bishops and Martyrs known as the Depositio Episcoporum and Depositio Martyrum, were begun during his Pontificate.
According to the Liber Pontificalis, Pope Mark issued a Decree, investing the Bishop of Ostia with a Pallium and confirmed his appointment to Consecrate newly elected Popes.
Statue of Pope Saint Mark in the Church of Saint-Marc-à-Loubaud, France.
Also from the same source, Pope Mark is credited with the foundation of the Basilica of San Marco, a Basilica in Rome, and a cemetery Church over the Catacomb of St Balbina, just outside the City on lands obtained as a donation from Emperor Constantine.
Mark died on 7 October and was buried in the Catacomb of St Balbina. In 1048 his remains were removed to the Town of Velletri and from 1145 were translated to the Basilica of San Marco in Rome, where they are kept in an urn under the Altar. He is particularly venerated at the the Town of which he is the Patron, Abbadia San Salvatore at Monte Amiata.
Reliquary of Pope Mark in the Basilica of San Lorenzo, Florence.
St Pope Mark (Died 336) The 34th Pope and Confessor.
St Adalgis of Novara (Died c 850) Bishop St Apuleius of Capua
St Augustus (Died c560) Priest and Abbot of Bourges. The Roman Martyrolog states of him today: “Near Bourges in Aquitaine, France, Saint Augustus, Priest and Abbot, who had his hands and feet so contracted that he could not support himself except with his knees and elbows. He was healed through the intercession of St Martin of Tours. He gathered around himself some Monks and waited intently on prayer.” His Life of Virtue: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/07/saint-of-the-day-7-october-saint-augustus-of-bourges-died-c-560/
St Justina (Died c 304) Virgin and Martyr of Padua. The Roman Martyrology states today: “At Padua, Saint Justina, Virgin and Martyr, who was Baptised by blessed Prosdocimus, disciple of St Peter. As she remained firm in the faith of Christ, she was put to the sword by order of the Governor Maximus and thus went to God.” Her Life and Death: https://anastpaul.com/2022/10/07/saint-of-the-day-7-october-saint-justina-of-padua-died-c-304-virgin-and-martyr/
St Marcellus of Capua (Died Third or Fourth Century) Martyr St Martin Cid St Osith St Palladius of Saintes St Quarto of Capua St Rigaldo
St Sergius and Companions – Martyrs
Mercedarian Nuns of Seville: Five Mercedarian Nuns at the Monastery of the Assumption in Seville, Spain noted for their piety – Sisters Agnese, Bianca, Caterina, Maddalena and Marianna.
Saint of the Day – 6 October – Saint Pardulf (c658-c738) Founder Abbot of the Abbey of Guéret, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Born in c658 in Sardent, France and died in c738 at his Abbey in Guéret. Patronages – of the blind, painful eyes and eye ailments, cattle breeders, of Limoges, France. Also known as – Pardoux, Pardulfus, Pardulphus, Pardolf, Pardolfo.
St Pardulf’s Vita writtenin around 750 by a Monk of his Abbey. He was born in Sardent, fifteen kilometers south of Guéret, to a peasant family. When caught in a thunderstorm, he was injured and momentarily blinded by a falling tree, while several companions were killed. This event led him to devote himself to God and he soon acquired a reputation as a man of holiness, living soley for God and a miracle-worker.
After some hesitation, he agreed to become the first Abbot of a Monastery which the Count of Limoges, Lanterius, had built in Guéret. He set an example for his disciples through an austere life and, performed many miracles there.
St Pardulf Statue at Sardent Church, his birth Town.
After the battle of Poitiers (732), the Monks of Guéret fled, terrified by the Saracens who were devastating the regopm bit Pardulf remained alone with a companion and the Saracens did not dare enter the Monastery; the Monks returned shortly afterwards, very contrite for their cowardice and amazed by their Abbot’s bravery.
St Pardulf window at Guéret Church
Pardulf died on 6 October c737/8 at the age of eighty and was buried in the Monastery Church. Many miracles occurred at his tomb. In the 9th Century the Abbey was destroyed by the Normans and Pardulf’s remains were dispersed: some Relics are venerated in Guéret and others in Arnac.
Statue of St Pardulf at La Serre-Bussière-Vieille Church
His Feast Day, fixed on 6 October, appears in the Liturgical books since the 10th Century. His cult has had a great diffusion in Limousin, Quercy, Poitou and Corrèze. Twenty-two communes bear his name, sometimes altered to Perdoux, Perdon or Pardon.
Because of his temporary blindness and many miracles reported of cures for eye ailments by his intercession, he is particularly invoked against diseased eyes and the sick bathe their eyes with water from the Fountains called “of San Pardulf.”
St Pardulf (c658-c738) Abbot, Hermit St Renato of Sorrento St Romanus of Auxerre St Sagar of Laodicea
Martyrs of Capua – 4 Saints: A group of Martyrs who were either killed in Capua, Italy, or that’s where their relics were first enshrined. We now know nothing but their names – Aemilius, Castus, Marcellus and Saturninus.
Martyrs of Trier: Commemorates the large number of Martyrs who died in Trier, Germany in the persecutions of Diocletian.
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Saint of the Day – 5 October – St Attilanus (c939-c1009) Bishop of Zamora, in Spain, Monk, friend , fellow missionary to the rural areas in Spain and spiritual student of St Froilan with whom he founded Monasteries including the the Monastery of Moreruela, Spain and where he became the Prior. Patronage of the Diocese of Zamora, Spain. Also known as – Atilanus, Attilano. Additional Feasts – 6 Octoger by the Benedictines and on 28 August in Tarragona, Spain.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “St Attilanus, the Bishop of Zamora, who was ranked among the Saints by Urban II.”
Later, with the support of King Alfonso III the Great (died 910), St Froilan and Attilanus, founded several Monasteries in the León region of Spain which attracted many men and women eager to live ‘under the rule of holy discipline.’ Tradition holds that these Monks and Nuns followed the Benedictine Rule.
The King then forced Froilan to accept the Episcopal See of León and Attilanus that of Zamora. Their Consecration took place in León on the day of Pentecost, perhaps in 900. Attilans’ name appears in a Charter of Alfonso dated in Sahagún on 28 April 909, and in various documents, some of which are from the Archives of Compostela, dating to January 916.
In a Vita, written after 1132, we read that Attilanus, after ten years of Episcopate, made a pilgrimage to Jerusalem in penance for the sins committed during his youth and, as he was leaving Zamora, threw his Pastoral Ring into the eddies of the Duero River. Two years later, on his return, he lodged in a hut outside the City without being recognised then, opening a fish which his host had placed before him, he found the Ring inside. Suddenly, at the spontaneous ringing of all the Church bells, his tattered pilgrim’s clothes miraculously transformed into splendid Vestments.
Attilanus body was found in 1260 in the Cathedral of Sant’Ildefonso in Zamora, where it still rests today under the High Altar, except for his head which was taken, perhaps stolen, to the Cathedral of Toledo. His Ring and pilgrim’s staff also remain. The Feast of Attilanus, whose cult dates to the 12th Century, is celebrated on 5 October (6th by the Benedictines) and the Diocese of Zamora is placed under his Patronage.
St Placidus and Companions OSB (Martyrs of Messina) – 30 Saints: A group of about 30 Benedictine Monks and Nuns, some blood relatives, who were sent in the early days of the Order to establish Monasteries in the vicinity of Messina, Sicily, Italy and who were Martyred. We know the names, and a few details, about seven of them – Donatus, Eutychius, Faustu, Firmatus, Flavia, Placidus, Victorinus. 6th Century Messina, Sicily, Italy.
St Alexander of Trier St Anna Schaeffer St Apollinaris of Valence St Attilanus (c939-c1009)Bishop of Zamora St Aymard of Cluny St Boniface of Trier St Charitina of Amasa St Eliano of Cagliari
St Firmatus of Auxerre St Flaviana of Auxerre Bl Flora of Beaulieu St Gallo of Aosta St Jerome of Nevers Bl John Hewett St Magdalveus of Verdun St Mamlacha St Marcellinus of Ravenna
Blessed Pietro (c1250-1320) Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem and Grand Prior, Lawyer of Imola , Jurist, Mediator, Peace-maker. The Roman Martyrology states: “In Florence, blessed Pietro da Imola, who, a Knight of the Order of St John of Jerusalem, took care of the sick with pious charity.” Biography: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/05/saint-of-the-day-5-october-blessed-pietro-of-imola-c1250-1320/
Blessed Raymond OP (c 1330-1399) Priest of Capua, “The Second Founder” of the Dominican Order of Preachers, Reformer, Spiritual Director, he worked with St Agnes of Montepulciano and St Catherine of Siena, Hagiographer, Teacher. The important Mystic, Reformer, Doctor of the Church, St Catherine of Siena, accepted him as her spiritual director because of his burning passion for the Church and for the revival of religious life, most especially in their own Order. In 1899 Pope Leo XIII Beatified him, on the 500th anniversary of his death. About Blessed Raymond: https://anastpaul.com/2020/10/05/saint-of-the-day-5-october-blessed-raymond-of-capua-op-c-1330-1399/
Bl Robert Sutton Bl Sante of Cori St Thraseas of Eumenia Bl William Hartley
Saint of the Day – 4 October – Saint Quintius (Died c570) Martyr. He was anative of Paris ad died in c.570 at L’Indrois near Montresor, France. Also known as – Quentin, Quintino.
According to a 13th Century Vita preserved in the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris, Quintinus, a native of the Paris region, was in the service of Guntram, a nobleman and dignitary at the Court of Clotaire I (Died 561).
Having rejected the obscene advances of his master’s wife, Aza, this vengeful woman decided to get have him murdered. She tasked him with leading horses to the banks of the Indre, where, once there, she had him beheaded by her accomplices. His head was thrown into a fountain and its waters became miraculous.
The tale is highly credible if placed in the historical and still very barbaric context of the 6th Century, where lust and violence were common at Frankish Courts. The obscure author concludes his tale with a violent invective against wicked women, intending to teach a moral lesson.
Quintius had a cult on 4 October as early as the 11th Century in Tours which gradually spread from there throughout the entire region.
St Quintius’ Relics have been preserved in the Cathedral of St Stephen in Meaux since at least the 13th Century. He was venerated in Meaux and Martyred for respecting God’s Commandments and his loyalty to his master.
St Aurea of Paris (Died 666) Virgin, Abbessof Saint Martial Convent in Paris during the reigns of King Dagobert I and King Clovis II which Aurea ruled for 33 years, known as a Miracle-worker both before and after her death. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Paris, still in France, Saint Aurea, Abbess, whom Saint Eligius placed at the head of a Monastery which he himself founded in this City under the rule of Saint Columba, in which he had gathered three hundred virgins.” Holy St Aurea: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/04/saint-of-the-day-4-october-saint-aurea-of-paris-died-666-virgin-abbess/
St Berenice St Caius of Corinth St Callisthene of Ephesus St Crispus of Corinth St Damaris of Athens St Diogenes of Milan St Domnina St Hierotheus Bl Julian Majali St Lucius of Alexandria St Peter of Damascus
Martyrs of Alexandria: A group of Christians, men and women, young and old, murdered together for their faith.The only names that have come down to us are the brothers Mark and Marcian.
Quote/s of the Day – 3 October – St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873–1897)
“It is above all, the Gospel which supports me during my prayer. There, I find all which my poor little soul needs. There, I always discover new lights, hidden and mysterious meaning. … Just when I need it, I discover lights which I had not seen before.”)
“Our vocation, yours and mine, is not to go harvesting in the fields of ripe corn. Jesus does not say to us: “Lower your eyes, look at the fields and go and reap them,” our mission is still loftier. Here are Jesus’ words: “Lift up your eyes and see…. ” See how, in My Heaven, there are places empty; it is for you to fill them … each one of you is My Moses praying on the mountain (Ex 17:8) ask Me for labourers and I shall send them, I await only a prayer, a sigh from your heart!” ”
O Jesus, Dear Holy Child By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus (1873 – 1897)
O Jesus, dear Holy Child, my only treasure, I abandon myself to Thy every whim. I seek no other joy than that of calling forth Thy sweet Smile. Vouchsafe to me, the graces and the virtues of Thy Holy Childhood, so that, on the day of my birth into Heaven, the Angels and Saints may recognise in Thy Spouse, Thérèse of the Child Jesus. Amen
Lenten Offering By St Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face of Lisieux (1873-1897)
O my God! I offer Thee all my actions of this Lent for the intentions and for the glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. I desire to sanctify every beat of my heart, my every thought, my simplest works, by uniting them to Its Infinite Merits and I wish to make reparation for my sins, by casting them into the furnace of Its Merciful Love. O my God! I ask of Thee for myself and for those whom I hold dear, the grace to fulfil perfectly Thy Holy Will, to accept for love of Thee, the joys and sorrows of this passing life, so that we may one day be united together in Heaven, for all eternity. Amen
Saint of the Day – 3 October – St Hesychius (Died c381) Confessor and Hermit of Palestine, spiritual student of St Hilarion (c291-371). Also known as – Esichio.Not to be confused with: Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem (Died c450) Priest, Exegete, Scholar, Monk, Hermit, Writer OR: St Hesychius of Jerusalem, who lived a little time after the above Saint and was a contemporary of St Gregory the Great (540-604).
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Palestine, St Hesychius, Confessor, disciple of St Hilarion and the companion of his travels,”
According to the Life of Saint Hilarion by Saint Jerome, Hesychius became a Monk between 328 and 354 in Majuma, near the City of Gaza, in Palestine and accompanied his master to Egypt, for the first time in 359 and a second time in 362-63.
After returning to Gaza, where he restored the Monastery, he joined Hilarion in Sicily (365) and went with him to Epidaurus, in Dalmatia and then to Cyprus where St Hilarion remained. Hesychius, however, returned to Palestine, from where he occasionally went to Cyprus to see hisbeloved master.
Before dying, Saint Hilarion wrote a small will in favour of Hesychius, leaving him the Gospel, his clothes and a hair shirt. Hesychius took St Hilarion’s body to Majuma.
We do not know when and where he himself died. His Feast was fixed on today’s date by the Roman Martyrology.
St Adalgott O.Cist. (Died 1160) Bishopof Chur , Monk in Citeaux, then disciple of Saint Bernard at Clairvaux,, Abbot at Disentis in Switzerland and then Bishop of Chur, Reformer of monastic life and of the Clergy, Apostle of the sick and founder of a Hospital in his Diocese. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In Chur in Switzerland, blessed Adalgotto, Bishop, who, disciple of Saint Bernard in Clairvaux, was a great lover of monastic discipline.” Holy Adalgott: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/03/saint-of-the-day-3-october-saint-adalgott-of-chur-o-cist-died-1160-bishop/
Bl Agostina of the Assumption St Candidus the Martyr St Cyprian of Toulon Bl Damian de Portu St Dionysius the Aeropagite Bl Dominic Spadafora Bl Edmund of Scotland St Ewald the Black St Ewald the Fair St Froilan
Martyrs of Alexandria – 9 Saints: A number of Christian Martyrs remembered together. We know the names Caius, Cheremone, Dionysius, Eusebio, Fausto, Lucio, Maximus, Paul, Peter and that there were at least two more whose names have not come down to us, and that’s about all we know.
Saint of the Day – 2 October – St Leudomer (Died c593) Abbot Founder of an Abbey at Corbion near Chartres, Miracle-worker. Also known as – Lomer (French), Laumer, Launomar or Launomaro.
The Vita of Saint Leudomer reveals that, as a youth, he was a shepherd, before being accepted into the Monastery of St Maximinus (Died 520) near Orleans and where he eventually became a Priest in Chartres.
The Vita also states that Leudomer lived to be more than one hundred years old. One known copy of this Vita was begun by Orderic Vitalis (Monk, Historian, Writer) while he was copyist at the library of Saint-Évroul.
Leudomer was initially trained for the Priesthood by a Priest by the name of Chirmirius, was Ordained and then served in Chartres and the surrounds, where he was made both Canon and Cellarer. Later in life, he withdrew to live a eremitic lifestyle in the forests of La Perche. There, due to his reputation for performing miracles, including the gift of prophecy, a number of disciples came to his hermitage in the forest.
According to Rev Alban Butler, the location of this hermitage was later the site of Fontevraud Abbey. In around 570, the presence of these disciples led Leudomer to found a monastic community, the Monastery of Curbio.
In c920, his Relics were translated to Blois where a Monastery had been constructed and dedicated to him, the Monastery of Saint-Leudomer. While most of his Relics were translated to the Monastery at Blois, his head was translated to a Priory in Auvergne.The monastery outside of Blois would eventually be destroyed during the French Revolution, although the Church itself still stands, known as the Church of Saint Nicholas.
In the early twentieth century, an event in the life of St Leudomer – an incident involving the theft of the Saint’s favourite cow – was published in The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts, a collection of brief hagiographical tales for children, compiled by Abbie Farwell Brown. Leudomer’s Vita states that the Abbot was so holy that ‘savage wild beasts obeyed when he commanded’ amd this obedience was intended to remind readers of the idyllic lives of Adam and Eve in Paradise.
St Leudomer (Died c593) Abbot St Modesto of Sardinia St Saturius of Soria St Theophilus of Bulgaria
St Thomas de Cantilupe (c1218-1282) Bishop of Hereford, Confessor, learned Scholar, known for his care of the poor and his protection of them against feudal landlords, Miracle-worker, Chancellor of Oxford University, Lord Chancellor of England. Thomas de Cantilupe was the last Englishman Canonised before the Reformation. An amazing Life and in death, a wondrous Miracle-worker: https://anastpaul.com/2021/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-thomas-de-cantilupe-of-hereford-c-1218-1282/
St Ursicinus II (Died 760) Bishop of Chur in Switzerland, Monk, Abbot, Hermit, Restorer of the Monastery of Disentis and Architect and builder of 3 Churches in the Diocese. The Roman Martyrology states: “In the territory of today’s Switzerland, Saint Ursicinus, Bishop of Chur and first Abbot of the Monastery of Disentis which he founded.” His Zealous Life: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/02/saint-of-the-day-2-october-saint-ursicinus-ii-died-760-bishop/
Martyred in Nagasaki, Japan: A husband, wife and two sons, who were all martyred together in the persecutions in Japan. They were beheaded on 2 October 1622 in Nagasaki, Japan and Beatified by Pope Pius IX on 7 May 1867. Blessed Andreas Yakichi Blessed Franciscus Yakichi Blessed Lucia Yakichi Blessed Ludovicus Yakichi
Saint of the Day – 1 October – Saint Severus Priest and Confessor of Orvieto, in Umbria, Italy, Miracle-worker. Two entries in the Roman Martyrology probably relate to this Saint: ✴under 15 February: “In the Province of Valeria, St Severus, Priest, of whom St Gregory (the Great) says that by his tears he recalled a dead man to life”; and: The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Orvieto, St Severus, Priest and Confessor.”
Crucifixion with the Virgin and SS Severus (damaged), Augustine, Mary Magdalene, John the Evangelist, Elizabeth, John the Baptist and Martirius (lost) Fresco (13th Century) in SS Severus and Martirius.
The Abbey of Saints Severus and Martirius (23 January) outside Orvieto is dedicated to our Saint together with St Martirius.
Dialogues of Pope Gregory the Great: These two men are mentioned in successive stories in the Dialogues of Pope Gregory.
Book I, Chapter 12: of Severus, a Priest in the same Province
This chapter relates of a Parish Priest called Severus who lived in a valley in the Province of Valeria.
The account records that he delayed visiting a dying man (because he was busy in his vineyard) and, therefore, failed to give him Extreme Unction before he died. On hearing of the death, “the good man fell a trembling and cried out aloud that he had killed him; whereupon he fell a weeping and in that manner came to the corpse … suddenly the dead man returned to life.”
He recounted that, as he had been taken “ through dark places, suddenly a beautiful young man with others met us, who said … ‘Carry him back again; for Severus the Priest laments his death and our Lord, for his tears, hath given him longer life.’”
Severus duly administered the Sacrament, and the man died again having confessed his sins.
The date chosen for the Feast of St Severus in Orvieto (1st October) is also the date of the translation of the presumed Relics of another St Severus whose Feast is 15 February to Trier in the 10th Century. This St Severus was from Munstermaifeld, in Germany and these Relics are now in Saints Martin and Severus Church there.
The supposed Relics of Saints Severus and Martirius in Orvieto were, in 1613, moved to Sant’ Angelo (which belonged to the Abbey), presumably for greater security. They were placed in a new Reliquary and the High Altar of Sant’ Angelo was restored in order to receive it. The old Reliquary was then destroyed. An attempt was made to steal the Reliquary in July 2011 but the stolen objects were, fortunately, recovered.
St Sazan of Abyssinia St Severus (1st Century) Priest and Confessor of Orvieto
St Verissimus + The Holy Martyrs of Lisbon. The Holy Martyrs of Lisbon (Died c303) St Verissimus, St Maxima, St Julia. (Portuguese: Santos Mártires de Lisboa) were three siblings, the brother Verissimus and his two sisters , Maxima and Julia, who were Martyred n the Roman Province of Lusitania (modern-day Lisbon, Portugal) during the persecutions of Emperor Diocletian. The Roman Martyrology reads: “At Lisbon, in Portugal, the holy Martyrs Verissimus and his tow sisters, Maxima and Julia, who suffered in the persecution of Diocletian.” Their Holy Martyrdom: https://anastpaul.com/2023/10/01/saints-of-the-day-1-october-the-holy-martyrs-of-lisbon-died-c303-st-verissimus-st-maxima-st-julia/
Quote/s of the Day – 30 September – St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor
“The scars of others should teach us caution.”
“Be ever engaged, so that whenever the devil calls, he may find you occupied.”
“Being over seventy is like being engaged in a war. All our friends are going or gone and we survive amongst the dead and the dying, as on a battlefield.”
O Lord, Show Thy Mercy to Me By St Jerome (347-419) Confessor, Father and Doctor of the Church
O Lord, show Thy mercy to me and gladden my heart. I am like the man on the way to Jericho, who was overtaken by robbers, wounded and left for dead. O Good Samaritan, come to my aid. I am like the sheep which went astray. O Good Shepherd, seek me out and bring me home, in accord with Thy will. Let me dwell in Thy house all the days of my life and praise Thee, forever and ever with those who are there. Amen
Saint of the Day – 30 September – St Midan (Died c610) Missionary Bishop of Anglesey, Priest, Monk, Missionary, founder of Churches. Spiritual disciple and relative of St Kentigern. Born in Wales and died in Anglesey in Scotland. Also knwn as – Idan, Nidan,
Littleis known in detail of Midan’s life. According to manscript sources, dated to the 14th Century) in the Natonal Library of Wales, he was the son of Gwrfyw. Midan became a Monk at St Seiriol’s Monatery at Penmon, on the eastern tip of Anglesey in north Wals and was the Monastery’s Confessor. He founded a Curch in what is now known as Llanidan, also in Anglesey, near to the Menai Straits. He is reported to have lived at Cadair Idan, near the Church and a well about 180 metres away from the Church is reputed to be his miraculous holy well.
St Midan’s Church, Llanidan
Midan is believed to have been one of the 665 Monks who travelled with St Kentigern, also known as St Mungo and thought to have been St Kentigern’s relative, probably his cousin. They travelled to Scotland to preach the Gospel as Missionaries. Together with another of Kentigern’s companions, Finan, they established Christianity in what is now Aberdeenshire and it is here that some sources record that our Saint Midan became a Bishop.
A Church in Midmar was dedicated to Midan. According to some sources, he died in about 610 which would be inconsistent with the reported Consecration date of 616, of the Church founded by him at Llanidan.
St Sophia Widow St Ursus the Theban St Victor the Theban
Martyrs of Valsery Abbey: An unknown number of Premonstratensian Monks at the Abbey of Notre-Dame de Valsery, Picardie, France who were Martyred by Calvinists. They were martyred in 1567 at Valsery, Pircardy, France.
Saint of the Day – 29 September – St Quiriacus (c449-557) Hermit of Palestine, Born in Corinth, Greece and died in Palestine Also known as – Ciriacus, Quiriaco, Kyriakos.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “In Palestine, St Quiriacus, Anchorite.”
He was born in Corinth on 9 January probably in the year 449. Desiring perfection, he went to Palestine and received the habit of Saint Euthymius, one of the fathers of Palestinian monasticism.
However, Euthymius, judging him too young, refused to retain him under his supervision. Quiriacus then decided to join the disciples of Saint Gerasimus who lived near the Jordan River. Here he spent nine years of arduous novitiate. Upon the death of his two teachers, he returned to the care of Abbot Euthymius and remaining there for another nine years.
Over the course of his long life, he changed residence several more times. In his time, monastic life was often troubled by divisions and conflicts over theological doctrines not yet clarified by the Councils. Quiriacus was called upon to use his authority to confront the Monks who supported heretical theories.
His biographer, who went to visit him at the Monastery of Susakim, found him in the company of a large lion which lived with him like a guard dog.
He died in the cave of St Chariton (Died 3rd Century) at the age of 108, in 557.
THIS festival has been kept with great solemnity on the 29th of September ever since the Fifth Century and was certainly initially celebrated in Apulia in 493. The Dedication of the famous Church of St Michael on Mount Gargano, in Italy, gave occasion to the institution of this Feast in the West, which is hence called in the Martyrologies of St Jerome, St Bede and others, ‘The Dedication of St Michael.’ About the Apparition of St Michael at Mount Gargano in 492: https://anastpaul.com/2018/05/08/saint-of-the-day-8-may-apparition-of-michael-the-archangel-at-monte-gargano-italy-492/
St Quiriacus (c449-557)Hermit of Palestine St Rene Goupil St Rhipsime Bl Richard Rolle St Sapor of Persia St Theodota of Thrace
Martyrs of Thrace – 3 Saints: Three Christian men Martyred in Thrace for their faith. They are – Eutychius, Heracleas and Plautus.
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Saint of the Day – 28 September – Saint Salonius (c400-c475) Bishop and Confessor of Geneva in Switzerland, Scholar and Author, a zealous shepherd. A saintly Bishop much admired by many holy contemporise including St Pope Leo the Great.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Geneva, St Salonius, Bishop and Confessor.”
When he was widowed, Eucherius retired to the Monastery founded by Saint Honoratus on one of the Lérins Islands and took his two sons with him, who received an excellent education. Among their teachers, it is enough to mention the Saints Hilary of Arles, Salvian and Vincent of Lérins. Veranus later became the Bishop of Venice and Salonius the Bishop of Geneva, by 439 at the latest.
Salonius succeeded Saint Isaac, the 1st Bishop of that City. He participated actively in the life of the Church, particularly attending the Councils of Orange in 441, Vaison in 442 and Arles in 451.
A highly cultured man, he wrote an important work, the “Expositio mystica in Parabolas Salomonis et in Ecclesiaste” (a commentary on the Scriptural books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes in the form of questions and answers.
A letter he wrote to Pope Saint Leo I (the Great) also survives. It is interesting to note that other Authors dedicated their works to him. His father, St Eucherius also dedicated his “Instructionum libri” to Salonius, in which he proposed answers to certain questions in the Scriptures and explained words and expressions in Hebrew and Greek. Furthermore, St Salvian, the Bishop of Marseille, dedicated his “De Gubernatione Dei – On the government of God” and several other letters to our St Salonius..
Salonius died on 28 September of an unspecified year, probably at the beginning of the last quarter of the 5th century. On this very anniversary, the holy Bishop is still remembered today.
Salonius successors on the Episcopal sSe of Geneva include Saint Domitian at the time of Saint Clodild, Saint Maximus, friend of King Saint Sigismund and the very famous Saint Francis de Sales.
Bl Aaron of Auxerre St Alodius of Auxerre St Annemond of Lyons St Bardomianus
Blessed Bernardine of Feltre OFM (1439-1494) Franciscan Priest and Friar, Missionary Preacher, Poet, peace-maker, Civil protestor against the practice of usury, defender of the poor. He was a true ‘child prodigy’ – by the time he was 12 he was fluent in Latin and at the age of 15 he composed a poem and read it in the Town Square to celebrate a local peace treaty. He is remembered most especially, in connection with the “Monti di Pietà” “Mount of Piety” of which he was the reorganiser and, in a certain sense, the Founder, together with the Blessed Michele Carcano. On 13 April 1654, Pope Innocent X confirmed the cultus of Blessed Bernardine and he was formally Beatified in 1728 by Pope Benedict XIII. Holy Bernardine: https://anastpaul.com/2020/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-bernardine-of-feltre-ofm-1439-1494/
St Chariton of Palestine Bl Christian Franco St Conval of Strathclyde St Eucarpus St Eustochium
St Exuperius (Died c411) Bishop and Confessorof Toulouse, Apostle of the destitute, the poor, the deprived and needy including aid to the poor in Egypt and Palestine. , The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Toulouse, St Exuperius, Bishop and Confessor. St Jerome bears witness to this blessed man, a memorable testimony, relating how severed he was towards himself and how gentle and liberal towards others.” Below we see our Saint’s Mitre more than 1500 years old! It is kept at the Basilica which he had completed dedicated to St Sernin A Most Acclaimed Saint: https://anastpaul.com/2024/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-saint-exuperius-of-toulouse-died-c411-bishop-and-confessor/
St Faustus of Riez
Blessed Francesco Piani OFM (1424-1507) Francisan Friar, renowned Preacher and Peacemaker, a collaborator in the fight against usury by the institution of the “Mount of Piety,” (a type of pawn shop), social activist and protector of the struggling rural communities. He was Beatified by Pope Urban VII in 1634 – his cult was reaffirmed on 1 September 1843 by Pope Gregory XVI. His Amazing Life: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/28/saint-of-the-day-28-september-blessed-francesco-piani-of-caldarola-ofm-1424-1507/
St John of Dukla St Laurence of North Africa St Lioba of Bischofsheim St Machan St Martial of North Africa St Martin of Moyenmoutier St Paternus of Auch St Privatus of Rome St Salonius (c400-c475) Bishop and Confessor of Geneva St Silvinus (Died c444) Bishop of Brescia
St Stacteus St Tetta of Wimborne Bl Thiemo St Willigod of Moyenmoutier St Zama of Bologna
Augustinian Martyrs of Japan: The first Augustinian Missionaries arrived in Japan in 1602 and met with immediate success; many were brought to the faith; many of them became Augustinians and many of them were Martyred in the periodic persecutions of Christians. This memorial commemorates all of them, whether they have a sanctioned Cause for Canonisation or not. They include: • Blessed Bartolomé Gutiérrez Rodríguez • Blessed Ferdinand Ayala • Blessed Francisco Terrero de Ortega Pérez • Blessed Ioannes Mukuno Chozaburo • Blessed Laurentius Kaida Hachizo • Blessed Mancius Yukimoto Ichizaemon • Blessed Martín Lumbreras Peralta • Blessed Melchor Sánchez Pérez • Blessed Michaël Ichinose Sukezaemon • Blessed Pedro de Zúñiga • Blessed Petrus Sawaguchi Kuhyoe • Blessed Thomas Jihyoe of Saint Augustine • Blessed Thomas Terai Kahyoe • Blessed Vicente Simões de Carvalho • Saint Magdalena of Nagasaki
Martyrs of Antioch – 37 Saints: A group of 30 soldiers and 7 civilians who were murdered together for their faith. The names that have come down to us are – Alexander, Alphinus, Heliodorus, Mark, Neon, Nicon and Zosumus. c 303 at Antioch, Pisidia (in modern Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 27 September – St Gaius (1st Century) the 1st Bishop of Milan, disciple of St Barnabas, Apostle and possibly Consecrated as Bishop by him and sent to Milan. Also know as – Gaio.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Milan, the holy Bishop Gaius, a disciple of the blessed Apostle, Barnabas, who passed calmly to rest after suffering severely in the persecution of Nero.”
Almost nothing is known regarding the life and the Episcopate of Caius, except that he was the Bishop of Milan in the 1st Century and that he died towards the end of September.
He was buried in a cemetery in the area of the Basilica Naboriana, now demolished. His Relics were later translated to the near Basilica of St Ambrose.
Some sources place our Saint in the 3rd Century and Medieval texts, such as the Historia Dataria dated 11th-Century, add some biographic details such as his presence in Rome at the Martyrdom of St Peter and St Paul and the his conversion of Saints Vitalis, Valeris and Gervasius and Protasius. None of this can be considered more than legendary.
Announcing a Novena to Our Lady of the Rosary Begins 28 or 29 September. The Feast of the Most Holy Rosary is celebrated on 7 October.
NOTE on Novenas: As we are well aware, the First Novena is that which the Apostles and disciples prayed in the Upper Room in preparation for and anticipation of, the arrival of the Holy Ghost. Tradition says that after the Ascention the Apostles gathered and prayed for 9 days and on the 10the day, being the day of Pentecost, the Holy Ghost descended upon them. This is the way I grew up, praying for 9 days before the relevant Feast and celebrating the actual Feast concerned on the 10th day. BUT there is no problem in praying the Novena and finishing the 9th day on the actual Feast and indeed, Novenas may also be prayed at any time needed by the faithful.
We can even pray a Rosary Novena, where we pray the Rosary for 9 days, simply by stating a Special Intention for those 9 days BEFRE we pray our Daily Rosary … there is really no hard and fast rule, i.e. no Correct or Incorrect way. The important thing is that we are praying with faith and fervent devotion for 9 consecutive days. https://anastpaul.com/2022/09/27/announcing-a-novena-to-our-lady-of-the-rosary-begins-28-september-2/
St Elzear TOSF (1285-1323) Layman, Member of the Third Order of St Francis, Mystic, miracle-worker, Baron of Ansouis, Count of Ariano, France, Ruler, Diplomat, Military Leader. Patron of Tertiaries. A Saintly and Talented Ruler: https://anastpaul.com/2021/09/27/saint-of-the-day-st-elzear-tosf-1285-1323/
St Epicharis St Fidentius of Todi St Florentinus the Hermit St Gaius (1st Century) Bishop of Milan St Hilary the Hermit
Martyrs of Aegea – (3 Saints): Three Christians Martyred with Saints Cosmas and Damian in the persecutions of Diocletian – Anthimus, Euprepius and Leontius. They were tortured and beheaded c.303 in Aegea, Cilicia (modern Ayas, Turkey).
Saint of the Day – 26 September – Saint Eusebius (Died c390) Bishop and Confessor of Bologna, a Defender of the True Faith against heresies, in particular, Arianism. A close friend and disciple of St Ambrose, the Doctor of the Church, influence and instrument of God in converting St Augustine.
The Roman Martyrology reads today: “At Bologna, St Eusebius, Bishop and Confessor.”
In the Episcopal records of the Bolognese Church, known as the Renano List (a document of undoubted historical value), Eusebius is listed 5th in line.
The few details of his life are gleaned from Saint Ambrose (340-397), with whom he had a close friendship. He participated, together with the Bishop of Milan, in the Council of Aquileia in 381, where he played a significant role in opposing Arianism and condemning the heretics Palladius and Secundinus.
St Ambrose by Claude Vignon c1623-25
The Acta of the this Council reveal that, after Saint Ambrose, Eusebius was the Bishop who spoke most frequently in the discussion and signed the Decree of condemnation after the local Bishop and the Prelate of Milan.
Eusebius’ Episcopate in Bologna is believed to have lasted between 370 and 390. Saint Ambrose also informs us that in Bologna, there existed a a substantial nucleus of virgins who, under the impetus and promotion of Bishop Eusebius, distinguished themselves by their zeal and piety.
Some authors maintain that Letters 54 and 55 of Saint Ambrose were addressed to the Bishop of Bologna, like his ‘De Institutione Virginis’ these opinions are difficult now to verify.
Regarding his cult, no ancient document from the Bolognese Church mentions him being venerated as a Saint. The first texts which mention St Eusebius date to the late 16th Century when he was entered in the Roman Martyrology on 26 September.
AnaStpaul 
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