The Passion of Saint John the Baptist
Without really wanting to, Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, had John the Baptist killed. The story is told in Mark 6:17-29 (Matthew 14:3-12; Luke 3:19-20). Herodias, who was living with Herod in an unlawful marriage, hadn’t forgiven John for speaking out against them. Beheading, a method of execution adopted from the Romans, was considered […]
Saint Augustine of Hippo
Saint Augustine of Hippo, a man who journeyed from a life of worldly pursuits to become one of Christianity’s most brilliant minds, is a fascinating figure whose story resonates even today. Born in 354 AD in North Africa, Augustine was a bright and inquisitive young man, but also one prone to indulging in the pleasures […]
Saint Monica
Saint Monica, a woman of unwavering faith and persistent prayer, is a shining example of a mother’s love and devotion. Born in North Africa around 331 AD, Monica was raised in a Christian family but married a pagan man named Patricius. This presented a challenge for Monica, as she longed for her husband and son, […]
Saint Joseph Calasanz
Saint Joseph Calasanz, born in Peralta de la Sal, Spain, in 1557, was a pioneering figure in education and a champion of providing free education to children from all social backgrounds. After completing his studies in law and theology, he embarked on a career in the Church, serving in various roles in Spain. However, a […]
Saint Louis
Saint Louis, also known as Louis IX, was the King of France from 1226 to 1270. Born in 1214, he took the throne at the young age of 12 after his father, King Louis VIII, passed away. Despite his youth, he quickly proved himself to be a capable and fair ruler, guided by a deep […]
Saint Bartholomew
St. Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus Christ, is a figure shrouded in a blend of biblical accounts and later traditions. His name, Bartholomew, is likely derived from the Aramaic «bar-Tolmay,» meaning «son of Tolmay.» While the New Testament offers limited details about his life, he is consistently listed among the twelve, suggesting […]
Saint Rose of Lima
Saint Rose of Lima, born Isabel Flores de Oliva in 1586, holds a revered position as the first canonized saint of the Americas. Growing up in Lima, Peru, she displayed an early inclination towards a devout life, inspired by the stories of Saint Catherine of Siena. Renowned for her beauty, Rose took extraordinary measures to […]
The Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
This feast is, naturally, a parallel to the solemnity of Christ the King, just as the feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary mirrors that of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The latter was instituted by Pius XII in 1944 and, until the reform of the calendar, was celebrated on August 22, the octave day […]
Saint Pius X
A Humble Shepherd and Defender of the Faith Born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto in 1835 to a humble Italian family, Pius X’s journey from a small village to the papacy exemplifies a life dedicated to faith and service. His unwavering commitment to preserving Catholic doctrine and fostering spiritual renewal continues to inspire the Church today. Early […]
Saint Bernard
The Eloquent Voice of the Church Saint Bernard, born in Burgundy, France, in 1090, was a Cistercian monk, abbot of Clairvaux, and one of the most influential figures of the Church in the 12th century. From a young age, he stood out for his intelligence and piety, and at 22 he entered the newly founded […]