Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by Editor (1698-1764) John Baptist de Rossi was born in Voltaggio, Italy, to poor, but religious parents. They were responsible for setting him on the path to a fine education. A pair of local priests also took upon themselves his early education and faith formation as a part of […]
Author: Editor
MAY 22: ST. RITA OF CASCIA
Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by Editor (1371-1447) Margherita Lotti — “Rita” for short — was born in the small township of Roccaporena in Umbria, probably in 1371. Her parents, poor farmers, and peasants made sure she had good schooling and religious education in the nearby Cascia, in the care of the Augustinian friars. […]
MAY 21: ST. CRISTOBAL MAGALLANES JARA AND COMPANIONS
Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by Editor (1869-1927) Cristobal Magallanes Jara was born on a farm in Mexico. He entered the seminary at 19, and served as parish priest at Totatiche, Mexico. He also helped found schools, a newspaper, catechism centers for children and adults, carpentry shops and an electric plant to power the […]
MAY 20: ST. BERNARDINE OF SIENA
Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by Editor (1380-1444) Bernardine was a Friar Minor, missionary and reformer, often called the “Apostle of Italy,” of the noble family of Albizeschi of Massa, near Siena of which his father was then governor. Left an orphan at the age of 6, Bernardine was brought up by his pious […]
MARY, MOTHER OF GOD
Last Updated on September 28, 2025 by Editor Reflections “Regina Coeli: The Church’s Easter Prayer to Mary” Regina caeli Regina caeli, laetare, alleluia. Quia quem meruisti portare, alleluia. Resurrexit, sicut dixit, alleluia. Ora pro nobis Deum, alleluia. Gaude et laetare, Virgo Maria, alleluia Quia surrexit Dominus vere, alleluia (translation) Queen of Heaven Queen of Heaven, […]
MAY 19: ST. IVO OF KERMARTIN
Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by Editor (1253-1303) Probably better known as St. Ives in this country, our saint was born in Kermartin near Treguier, Brittany. In 1267, Ivo was sent to the University of Paris, where he graduated in civil law. While other students partied, Ivo studied, prayed, and visited the sick. He […]
MAY 18: ST. JOHN I, POPE
Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by Editor (Died 526) The future Pope John I, the first pope to be so named, was born in Tuscany, and served as an archdeacon in the Church for several years. He was chosen to become the Bishop of Rome in 523, succeeding Pope St. Hormisdas. During his papal […]
MAY 17: ST. PASCAL BAYLON
Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by Editor (1540-1592) Pascal was born in Torre Hermosa, in Aragon, on Pentecost Sunday. He was christened Pascua in honor of the feast. As a boy, Paschal worked as a shepherd for his father. It is said that he performed miracles and was distinguished for his austerity. He also […]
MAY 16: ST. MARGARET OF CORTONA
Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by Editor (1247-1297) Margaret was the child of farmers of Laviano, Tuscany. Her mother died when Margaret was 7. Her father remarried, but life with her stepmother became so difficult that Margaret moved out. For nine years she lived with a man named Arsenio. Though they were not married, […]
MAY 15: ST. ISIDORE THE FARMER
Last Updated on April 29, 2022 by Editor (1070-1130) St. Isadore gives hope to those of us who will never build a church, convert the masses or have beatific visions and yet yearn to lead a blessed life. Isadore was a simple man and following his very modest path, has been recognized as the patron […]









