Physicians of the Body and Soul

Cosmas and Damian appear to have been natives of Cilicia [in modern day Turkey], although in their Passio (text BHG 378) there is a statement in which they declare: “We are from a city of Arabia.”

In the context of the early centuries of Christianity, in an era dominated by the Roman Empire and marked by severe persecutions against the disciples of Christ, the figure of Saint Firmin emerges, venerated as both Bishop and martyr. His memory is particularly rooted in Spain and France where his example has nourished the faith of entire generations. The account of his life lies between tradition and historical reality, sketching the portrait of a steadfast man, animated by unshakable faith and a profound missionary spirit.

The Liberation from All Slavery

In the medieval period, the term mercede referred to a concrete form of compassion, directed especially toward those living on the margins of society—in particular, Christians held in captivity in non-Christian societies.

Living Image of the Suffering and Risen Christ

“I only want to be a poor friar who prays”, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, in the world Francesco Forgione, would say as he waved aside the thousands of faithful who followed him. Why was a simple Capuchin from a small village on the Gargano so popular? The secret is that everyone who met him, could glimpse a living image of the Suffering and Risen Christ, in him.

A legion of soldiers faithful to Christ

The oldest account of the martyrdom of Saint Maurice and his companions, members of the Theban Legion of Rome, dates back to 450–455 AD and was written by Bishop Eucherius of Lyon. Eucherius says he learned the facts from Isaac, Bishop of Geneva, who in turn had heard them from Theodore, Bishop of Octodurum, who lived in the 4th century.

A sinner saved by God’s Mercy

There is not much historical information on the Apostle Matthew. The origin of his name is an abbreviation of Matthias or Mattaniah, which means “Gift of God”.

According to the Roman Martyrology, he died on 21 September and his body was translated from Ethiopia to Salerno on 6 May, with a stop in Paestum. Tradition says he was killed while he was celebrating Mass.

At the Roots of the Church in Korea

The evangelization of Korea began at the start of the 17th century, when some Koreans came into contact with Christianity during a journey to Beijing. Upon returning home, they founded a vibrant and persevering Christian community, despite the initial absence of priests.

Remembrance of the blood shed for Christ

Saint Januarius lived in the 3rd century and was probably born in Naples. He was elected Bishop of Benevento and carried out his ministry with zeal, earning the esteem of both Christians and pagans for his charity and exemplary conduct.

The Saint Who Could Fly

A simple, humble and almost illiterate Franciscan friar, known for his mystical experiences, numerous miracles, and above all, for levitating during prayer. This is Saint Joseph of Cupertino, born on June 17, 1603, in Copertino, Apulia in southern Italy. He came into the world in extreme poverty, in a stable, and his childhood was marked by hardship and illness. With little formal education—he could barely read and write—he was rejected by several religious orders.