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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.
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.
Saint Apollinaris, regarded as the first Bishop of Ravenna, lived around the middle of the 2nd century. Ancient inscriptions found in the area of Classe show that a well-organized Christian community already existed in Ravenna at a very early date.
A martyr of the faith at only 12 years of age, Maria Goretti chose to die rather than give in to the sexual advances of a violent young man, her neighbor. Faced with his repeated attempts, she always firmly refused, wanting to remain pure. Eventually, blinded by passion, the young man fatally attacked her. But before dying, Maria forgave him and said she wished to have him with her in Heaven.
A Portuguese nobleman who renounced wealth and honors to join the Augustinian Canons, Saint Anthony of Padua was deeply moved by the martyrdom of five Franciscan proto-missionaries. Inspired by their example, he became a disciple of Saint Francis of Assisi, dedicating his life to preaching the Word of God.
Pope Leo III, born in Rome, was educated from childhood within the vestiarium of the Roman Church, the office that managed the papal treasury.
Ordained as a subdeacon and later as Cardinal with the titular church of Santa Susanna, he maintained an important role in that administration which he officially headed in 789, becoming one of the main collaborators of Pope Adrian I.
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