Saint of the day

Saint of the day

September 24: Blessed Virgin Mary of Mercy

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. Saint Peter Nolasco and his disciples devoted themselves fervently to this cause, founding a religious community dedicated to the liberation of Christian prisoners abroad, in danger of renouncing their faith. For this reason they were called the Friars of Mercy, and their convents were known as “Houses of Mercy.”

23 September: Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

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.

September 22: Saint Maurice and Companions, Martyrs

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.

Guido Reni, San Matteo e l'angelo, 1620 - 1622, Musei Vaticani

21 SEPTEMBER SAINT MATTHEW, APOSTLE AND EVANGELIST

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.

September 20: Andrew Kim Taegon and 102 Companion Martyrs

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.

September 19: Saint Januarius, Bishop of Benevento and Martyr

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.