Saint Elpidius (abbot)
We do not know much about the life of Saint Elpidius (4th century). A disciple of St John Chrysostom speaks of him. Elpidius was originally from Cappadocia and had lived for 25 years as an anchorite in the caves near Jericho, natural shelters for various other men eager to dedicate themselves to the contemplation of God
Saint Giles (abbot)
Saint Giles (Aegidius) (c. 640 - c. 720) was a hermit and abbot. According to the Vita sancti Aegidii (dating back to the 10th century) he was born in Athens and moved to France, where he is mainly referred to as Saint Gilles. He settled in the southern part of France, spending his days in prayer and contemplation
Saint Raymond Nonnatus
Saint Raymond Nonnatus (c. 1200-1240) lived during the Reconquista of Spain. He wore the habit of the Mercedarians, that is, of those religious who professed a fourth vow - called “of redemption” - and undertook to free the Christians enslaved by the Muslims. To this end they offered their goods in exchange or even took the place of prisoners at risk of renouncing the faith.
Saint Margaret Ward
Saint Margaret Ward (c. 1550 - 1588), called “the pearl of Tyburn”, held the Catholic faith as her most precious treasure. She suffered martyrdom during the persecutions of Elizabeth I Tudor, daughter of the schismatic Henry VIII
Martyrdom of Saint John the Baptist
The last and greatest of the prophets was beheaded by a guard of Herod. As soon as they heard the news, John's disciples “came, and took up the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus”
Saint Augustine
One of the greatest geniuses in the history of thought, the ecclesiastical writer most quoted in the Catechism, the man of faith capable of attracting an innumerable number of people to Christ, one of the first four Doctors of the Church, would have been like a pile of talents thrown to the wind had he not agreed to accept the Grace of God.
Saint Monica
Saint Monica (331-387), that exemplary model of bride and mother, powerfully reminds us of the meaning of our life down here: the conquest of eternal salvation, towards which she guided her loved ones with immeasurable love. She was in fact instrumental in the conversion of both her husband and her most famous son, St Augustine.
Saint Alexander
The patron saint of Bergamo, Saint Alexander († c. 303), is traditionally considered the standard bearer of the Theban Legion and one of several Christian soldiers who suffered martyrdom during the persecutions of Diocletian and Maximian.
Saint Louis (Louis IX)
Louis IX (1214-1270) was canonized in 1297. He was called by his contemporaries “the devout king” and went down in history as a just sovereign who was able to promote the artistic, cultural and economic development of France.
Saint Bartholomew
The Church commemorates with a liturgical feast the Apostle Saint Bartholomew. That man who at first sight seems harsh would receive from Our Lord one of the greatest praises conveyed by the Gospel texts: “Behold indeed an Israelite in whom there is no falsehood”.
Saint Rose of Lima
Saint Rose of Lima (1586-1617), a mystic blessed with countless heavenly gifts, offered her whole life in oblation to God for the salvation of souls and the conversion of the peoples of the New World.
Mary Queen
“At your right is seated the Queen, shining with gold and gems”. The liturgical re-enactment of Psalm 44 reminds us that the Church today celebrates Mary Queen. The celebration falls in the octave of the Assumption, to underline the very close link between these two glorious mysteries meditated on in the Holy Rosary
