Like a Fragrance that Draws Us Closer to God
The memorial of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary originated in Spain in the 16th century and was later extended to the entire Church by Pope Innocent XI in 1683. The Pope wanted to thank the Virgin for the victory over the Ottoman army during the siege of Vienna—thanks in part to the intervention of the King of Poland, Jan Sobieski. This victory was seen as a sign of Mary’s maternal protection over Christendom.
Two Brothers United in Witness of Christ
Of these two martyrs, Saint Proto and Saint Hyacinthus, only their names, the place of their burial and the date of their death—September 11, the day on which the Church commemorates them—are known. However, according to ancient sources such as the Depositio Martyrum of Rome and the Gelasian and Gregorian Sacramentaries, their martyrdom is a historically certain event from antiquity as was their widespread veneration.
Patron of the Souls in Purgatory
He dedicated his time to the sick, helped those in need, and supported even those who were spiritually weak. He prayed, fasted, celebrated Mass, and wept for the sinners who came to him for confession, pleading with God to free them from the slavery of sin.
“Slave of the slaves”
For 40 years, in the 17th century. he dedicated himself entirely to teaching, baptizing, and accompanying the enslaved people of Africa who arrived in South America. His devotion was so complete that he called himself the “slave of the slaves,” serving with humility and charity. He is Saint Peter Claver, who lived the Gospel to the fullest, at the service of those whom society at the time considered chattel, not even true human beings.
Consumed by love for the poor and the needy
Consecrated in the Order of Saint Augustine, he accepted the dignity of the episcopate out of obedience. He was a zealous shepherd who showed great love for the poor, giving everything to those in need, keeping nothing for himself—not even a small bed. This is Saint Thomas of Villanova, born Tomás García Martínez.
She lived and died for Christ
Saint Regina of Alise, virgin and martyr, lived around 286 A.D. in Alise, France, near the city of Autun. Although little is known about her life and much of it remains uncertain, her veneration spread widely not only in France but also in Germany.
Prophecy of the Messiah’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem
Saint Zechariah, who lived in the 6th century B.C. in Gilead (modern-day Jordan), is one of the minor prophets of the Old Testament. His name means “God remembers.” A member of the tribe of Levi, he was called to prophetic ministry by the prophet Haggai.
The little pencil in God’s hands
“God still loves the world and He sends you and me to be His love and His compassion to the poor”, Mother Teresa often told people she met, involving them in charity towards those in need.
Thanks to her intersession, the plague in Palermo came to an end
Saint Rosalia lived between 1130 and 1170, during the reign of William I of Sicily, known as “the Bad.” At that time, there was a revival of Christian spirituality. Following the end of Arab rule, both Byzantine and Western monasticism flourished, enthusiastically supported by the Norman kings. The hermit’s life, dedicated to prayer and solitude, was considered one of the highest forms of devotion.
He is one of the first four Doctors of the Church of the West, who promoted the evangelization of England and laid down the fundamental norms for chants, which later took his name. Gregory the Great was born to a wealthy Roman patrician family, some time around 540. He received a sound education, studying a range of subjects that went from the law, to the Bible, to the works of the Fathers, in particular of Saint Augustine.
