Dedication of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore
It is so called to indicate its pre-eminence over all the other churches in the world named after the Blessed Virgin. Its name is linked to the centuries-old cult of Our Lady of the Snow.
Saint John Mary Vianney
Endless rows of penitents forced him to spend up to 16 hours a day in the confessional. He interrupted confessions only to celebrate Mass. The very way he celebrated Mass was the most powerful means of conversion
Saint Eusebius of Vercelli
He was one of the few bishops to defend strenuously, at the cost of persecution, the righteous faith in the Son of God “begotten, not created, of the same substance as the Father”, as had been solemnly confirmed by the Nicene Creed.
Saint Alphonsus Maria de’ Liguori
He was able to speak of the truths of faith to both learned and simple people, writing over a hundred works, some of which have been translated into more than 70 languages
Saint Ignatius of Loyola
On 15 August 1534 he and six other companions, among them the future Saints Francis Xavier and Peter Faber, made a vow in the chapel of Montmartre: thus was born what would later officially become the Society of Jesus
Saint Peter Chrysologus
For his sermons he was proclaimed Doctor of the Church
Saint Martha of Bethany
She is mentioned in three significant Gospel episodes, in which she is portrayed as a woman solicitous in serving and meeting Jesus.
Saint Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception
"I consider the day I have not suffered a lost day for me,” she said
Saint Pantaleon
He is the patron saint of midwives and co-patron of doctors together with the famous Cosmas and Damian
Saints Anne and Joachim
Today the Church jointly celebrates Saints Anne and Joachim, parents of the Virgin Mary
Saint James the Greater
He was the first of the Twelve to bear witness to Christ through martyrdom
