SAINT OF THE DAY

(1601-1680) John Eudes was the son of a farmer in Ri, Normandy, France. He went to the Jesuit college at Caen when he was 14, and despite his parents’ wish that he marry, he joined the Congregation of the Oratory of France in 1623. He studied in Paris and in Aubervilliers, was ordained in 1625, […]

(1090-1153)  Bernard was born in Fontaine, France, of a good family. When he was 22, he entered the monastery founded by Robert of Molesme at Citeaux (in Latin, Cistercium — the order centered on the monastery were thus known as Cistercians). Twelve companions joined him, including four brothers, an uncle, and a cousin. Following his […]

(1835 -1914) In 1835, Joseph Sarto was born the second of 10 children in a poor Italian family. He would one day become Pius X at age 68. Ever mindful of his humble origin, Pope Pius stated, “I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.” He was embarrassed by some of the […]

(Died 178 AD) Symphorian lived in the city of Autun, one of the most ancient cities of Gaul. He was born of a noble Christian family during the reign of the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius. Though just a young man, he was known for his modesty, prudence, charity and the innocence of his manners. The […]

(1586-1617) Rose was the first saint of the New World. She was born to parents of Spanish descent in Lima, Peru and named Isabel Flores de Olivia. Her beauty was so great that she was nicknamed “Rose,” a name that remains with her to this day. According to legend, a servant had a vision where […]

(1st century A.D.) Today’s saint’s name is a patronymic. “Bar” means “son of,” so “Tolomai” would have been his father. Scholars believe he actually is the Nathanael mentioned in John. He hailed from Cana in Galilee and was one of the first disciples called by the Lord. Bartholomew was a doctor in the Jewish law, […]

(1214-1270) St. Louis IX, King of France, was born in Poissy, France, in 1214. His father was Louis VIII, and his mother was Blanche, daughter of Alfonso VIII of Castille, surnamed the Conqueror. Louis IX was the eldest surviving child out of 11 that were born to Louis VIII and Blanche. He was raised with […]

(Died circa 303)                     Christian legends consider Alexander to have been a centurion of the Theban Legion commanded by St. Maurice. He may simply have been a Roman soldier or resident of Bergamo who was tortured and killed for not renouncing his Christian faith. Details of his […]

(331-387 AD) Monica was born in northern Africa in 331, in the town of Thagaste, to a wealthy family with strong Christian traditions. She learned the teachings of Sacred Scripture and was active in the service of the Church community. She married Patricius, an ambitious, pagan who was who was a drunkard and abusive, and […]

(354-430 AD) In our calendar of saints there probably is no other more complex or more influential on modern Christianity as Augustine, the Bishop of Hippo. He was the son of Roman citizens living in North Africa. His mother, St. Monica, was a devout Christian and his father, Patricius was baptized on his deathbed when […]