Today, May 20, is the memorial of Saint Bernardine of Siena. The year 1380 saw Bernardine being born to a noble family. In 1403, he became a Franciscan friar. Bernardine was known for his effective preaching, attracting massive crowds wherever he went. He was a huge devotee of the Holy Name of Jesus. Bernardine was …
Today, May 19, is the memorial of Blessed Pina Suriano. Born Giuseppina to Giuseppe and Graziella Suriano in 1915 in Palermo, Italy, she joined the Catholic Action lay apostolate. She was an active member, serving as secretary and later on as president of the Youth Catholic Action. In 1948, Pina established the Association of the …
Today, May 18, is the memorial of Blessed William of Toulouse. William was born around the year 1297 in Toulouse, France. At age 19 he joined the Augustinians. He studied in Paris and then became prior of the community in Pamiers, France. Most of his life he spent as a simple friar in Toulouse. He …
Today, May 17, is the memorial of Saint Paschal Baylon. Patron saint of Eucharistic congresses and Eucharistic associations. Born in 1540, the child Paschal already had a very strong devotion to the Eucharist. For 17 years of his young life, he worked as a shepherd. His shepherd-friends were edified by his prayerful, humble ways. Whatever …
Today, May 16, is the memorial of Saint Simon Stock. Visionary of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and the Brown Scapular. Simon Stock was born in 1165 in England. It is stated that at age 12, Simon began to live as a hermit in a hollow oak tree; the name Stock is believed derived from …
Today, May 14, is the feast of Saint Matthias the Apostle. As Matthias could bear witness to the Resurrection of Jesus, he was chosen to replace Judas Iscariot. He preached the Gospel for more than 30 years in Judea, Cappadocia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Remembered for preaching the need for mortification of the flesh with regard …
Today, May 12, is the memorial of Saint Pancratius. Patron saint invoked against headaches and cramps. Pancratius was born in 289 near present-day Turkey. His parents Cleonius and Cyriada both died when he was very young. With his uncle Dionysius’ support, he studied in Rome. They became Christian converts, with Pancratius becoming the most ardent …
Today, May 11, is the memorial of Saint Ignatius of Laconi. Born in Sardinia in 1701, Ignatius was the son of poor farmers Mattia Peis Cadello and Anna Maria Sanna Casu. Ignatius grew up helping his parents in the fields. When he was seriously sick, he promised to become a Capuchin friar if he got …
Today, May 10, is the memorial of Saint John of Avila. Doctor of the Church. Born to wealth and piety in 1499, John was sent to the University of Salamanca, Spain to study law at age 14. Unfortunately, John decided that law was not for him, and so he left. When John returned home, he …
Today, May 9, is the memorial of Saint George Preca.Carmelite tertiary.George Preca is best known for composing the Mysteries of Light or Luminous Mysteries in 1957. That year, the society he founded marked its golden anniversary. Instead of a pompous celebration, George decided that 1957 should see the members in greater intimacy with God. He …