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— On May 13, 1917, Our Lady first appeared to three shepherd children in the village of Fatima. The Blessed Virgin would appear six times to Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta with a message to pray for the conversion of sinners and peace in the world. The final apparition took place on October 13, 1917, with […]

* * *** The Church honors two of the original Apostles, Sts. Philip and James, whose relics are kept in the Basilica of the Twelve Apostles in Rome.

— St. Philip brought Nathaniel to the Lord: “Philip found Nathanael and told him, ‘We have found the one about whom Moses wrote in the law, and also the prophets, Jesus son of Joseph, from Nazareth.’ But Nathanael said to him, ‘Can anything good come from Nazareth?’ Philip said to him, ‘Come and see.’” (Jn […]

* * *** St. Joseph, carpenter and foster father of Jesus, is an exemplary model for us. All human labor can be sanctified, which in turn can sanctify oneself and others, making each of the faithful a participant in Christ’s work of redemption.

— The Feast of Saint Joseph the Worker was instituted in 1955 by Pope Pius XII and is celebrated on May 1, which corresponds to the day labor is honored in many countries.

* * *** St. Catherine (1347-1380) was a Third Order Dominican, mystic, activist, and author.

— St. Catherine wrote letters to rulers and clergy in defense of the Church and her influence proved to be significant. She was instrumental in the return of Pope Gregory XI from Avignon to Rome, ending the “Avignon Papacy.” Her short life is an example of courage; in word and deed, St. Catherine displayed her […]

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— St. Louis (1673-1716) is remembered for encouraging devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and for his care and ministry to the poor. The influential saint composed several books, including his notable classics, “The Secret of the Rosary” and “True Devotion to Mary”. St. Louis founded the Missionaries of the Company of Mary and the […]

* * *** We remember St. Mark, the great evangelist and martyr.

“And there went out to him all the country of Judea, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. Now John was clothed with camel’s hair, and had a leather girdle around his waist, and ate locusts and wild honey. And he preached, saying, […]

* * *** We honor St. Anselm (1033-1109) as one of the Church’s greatest theologians. Born in Aosta, he would spend about 30 years of his life in the Benedictine monastery of Le Bec in Normandy. In 1093, he was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury and named Primate of England, yet, in his defense of the Church, St. Anselm would suffer persecution and exile.

— Known as the Father of Scholastic Theology, St. Anselm’s doctrinal works are among the most noteworthy examples of theology. His popular writings include “Cur Deus Homo” (Why God Became Man) and “De Veritate” (On Truth).

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“And he came to her and said, ‘Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you!… He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; […]

“When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took his wife.” (Mt 1:24)

— Today we celebrate the Solemnity of St. Joseph, Spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary; the highest order of liturgical feast. St. Joseph, so just and humble, was completely obedient to God. As protector of Jesus and Mary, he played an exceptional role in God’s plan of salvation. Saint Joseph is commemorated in the Roman […]

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— Although exact dates of the events in St. Patrick’s life are uncertain, early tradition credits the popular saint with converting a largely pagan society in Ireland to Christianity during the fifth century. Born in Roman Britain, when he was about 16, St. Patrick was captured by pirates and brought to Ireland. He would spend […]

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