Saint of the day

Saint of the day

July 28: Saint Victor I, Pope

The First African Pontiff

Victor was the first African Pope of the Church of Rome. During his pontificate, Emperor Commodus suspended the persecutions against Christians and met with the Pope. On that occasion, Victor presented him with a list of Christians who had been condemned to forced labor in the mines of Sardinia. Commodus ordered their release, marking the first time the Roman Empire officially negotiated with the Church and the Bishop of Rome (in the year 190).

July 27: Saint Pantaleon, Physician and Martyr

He Who Has Compassion for All

Saint Pantaleon, also known as Saint Pantalon, is one of the most well-known martyrs of the Great Persecution against Christians under the Roman Empire (303–305 AD). He is venerated as the Patron Saint of midwives and, together with Saints Cosmas and Damian, is a co-patron of physicians. He belongs to the group of anargyroi saints—those who offered medical care free of charge, without accepting any payment (from the Greek: “without silver”).

July 26: Joachim and Anne, Parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The Grandparents of Jesus

In the Gospels, Mary is presented as a young woman from Nazareth, betrothed to Joseph, whose genealogy is carefully traced to illustrate Jesus as descendant of David. However, there is no direct reference to Mary's own family, who were likely also residents of Nazareth.

July 24: Saint Charbel Makhlouf

The Wonder-Worker and Singer of Mary

He was deeply devoted to the Queen of the Rosary, whom he invoked incessantly, day and night. Saint Charbel Makhlouf had placed an image of the Virgin Mary on the altar where he celebrated Mass daily, and another image in his cell beside his bed, as a sign of Mary’s maternal presence watching over his rest.

July 23: Saint Bridget of Sweden, Patroness of Europe

In Search of Peace

 She promoted peace and reconciliation in Europe, writing to rulers to call for an end to the Hundred Years' War between France and England. This was Bridget (Birgitta Birgersdotter), born in 1303 into a noble Swedish family. She seemed destined for an ordinary life for a woman of her status. Married to Ulf Gudmarsson, a high-ranking official of the kingdom, she had eight children, including Saint Catherine of Sweden. Together with her husband, she followed the Rule of the Third Order of Saint Francis, dedicating herself to charity and founding a hospital where they personally cared for the sick.

July 22: Saint Mary Magdalene, Disciple of the Lord

Apostle to the Apostles

Mary Magdalene is known as the “Apostle to the Apostles” because she was the first to announce Jesus’ resurrection to the other disciples. She is also called an “evangelist” because she was a messenger of the Good News.