Saint of the day

Saint of the day

September 12: The Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary

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.

September 11: Saints Proto and Hyacinthus, Martyrs

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.

September 10: Saint Nicholas of Tolentino

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.

September 9: Saint Peter Claver

“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.

September 8: Saint Thomas of Villanova, Augustinian and Archbishop of Valencia

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.

September 7: Saint Regina, Virgin and Martyr

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.