SAINT OF THE DAY THURSDAY, 30 APRIL, 2026 SAINT PIUS V POPE (17 January, 1504 – 1 May, 1572) St. Pius V was born Michele Ghislieri in 1504 to poor parents of noble lineage at Bosco, near Alexandria, Lombardy on January 17, 1504. He worked as a shepherd until the age of 14 when he encountered two Dominicans who recognized his intelligence and virtue. He joined the Dominicans and was ordained a priest at 24. He taught philosophy and theology for 16 years during which he was elected prior of many houses. He was known for his austere penances, his long hours of prayer and fasting, and the holiness of his speech. He was elected Bishop of Sutri in 1556, and served as an inquisitor in Milan and Lombardi, and then as inquisitor general of the Church and a cardinal in 1557. He was known in this capacity as an able, yet unflinching man who rigorously fought heresy and corruption wherever he encountered it. He was elected Pope on January 7, 1566, with the influential backing of his friend St. Charles Borromeo, and took the name Pius V. He immediately put into action his vast program of reform by getting rid of many of the extravagant luxuries then prevalent in his court. He gave the money usually invested in these luxuries to the poor whom he personally cared for, washing their feet, consoling those near death, and tending to lepers and the very sick. He spent long hours before the Blessed Sacrament despite his heavy workload. His pontificate was dedicated to applying the reforms of the Council of Trent, raising the standard of morality and reforming the clergy, and strongly supporting foreign missions. The Catechism of the Council of Trent was completed during his reign, and he revised the Roman Breviary and Missal, which remained in use until the reforms of Vatican II. His six year pontificate saw him constantly at war with two massive enemy forces; the Protestant heretics and the spread of their doctrines in the West, and the Turkish armies who were advancing from the East. He encouraged efforts to battle Protestantism by education and preaching, and giving strong support to the newly formed Society of Jesus, founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. He excommunicated Queen Elizabeth I, and supported Catholics who were oppressed and intimidated by Protestant princes, especially in Germany. He worked hard to unite the Christian armies against the Turks, and perhaps the most famous success of his papacy was the miraculous victory of the Christian fleet in the battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571. The island of Malta was attacked by the Turkish fleet, and nearly every man defending the fortress was killed in battle. The Pope sent out a fleet to meet the enemy, requesting that each man on board pray the Rosary and receive communion. Meanwhile, he called on all of Europe to recite the Rosary and ordered a 40 hour devotion in Rome during which time the battle took place. The Christian fleet, vastly outnumbered by the Turks, inflicted an impossible defeat on the Turkish navy, demolishing the entire fleet.In memory of the triumph, he declared the day the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary because of her intercession in answering the mass recitation of the Rosary and obtaining the victory. He has also been called ‘the Pope of the Rosary' for this reason. Pope Pius V died seven months later on May 1, 1572, of a painful disease, uttering "O Lord, increase my sufferings and my patience!" He is enshrined at Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome, and was beatified by Clement X in 1672. He was canonized by Clement XI in 1712. PATRON: Valletta, Malta Bosco Marengo, Italy. PRAYER: Saint Pius V, your dedication to the truth showed itself in your pristine holiness, unity of life, and defense of doctrine. From your home in heaven, assist all theologians and leaders of the Church to be as concerned as you were for the unity of God's family on earth. Amen.
another Saint for today St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo (1786-1842), Italian priest and founder of the Little House of Divine Providence. Death anniversary and feast day: April 30 (died April 30, 1842, in Chieri, Italy). Patron of the sick, the disabled, those suffering from infectious diseases, and the Little House of Divine Providence. ◾Multiple miracles were reported at his tomb and attributed to his intercession during the processes for beatification (1917) and canonization (1934 by Pope Pius XI). One accepted miracle involved the cure of a nun suffering from cirrhosis of the liver, who recovered completely after St. Cottolengo appeared to her in a dream; the case was examined as medically inexplicable. St. Joseph Benedict Cottolengo, pray for us
He's one of my favourite Pope's who protected our catholic faith from protestant heresies & gave us the beautiful gift of praying the rosary.
His most famous action was the Battle of Lepanto where Islam was defeated. They have never really recovered from this until today. I believe they are trying to have the guy who commanded the Catholic forces, Don Juan of Austria, declared a saint. Without much luck, no chance with the current dreadful Pope.
My father died on his feast day 25 years ago today. I was very comforted that it was on this holy pope's feast.
A Saint for today "St. Peregrine Laziosi (1260-1345), Servite priest. Feast day: May 1 (also his death anniversary on May 1, 1345). Patron of cancer patients and those suffering from serious illnesses. ◾The miracle that led to his widespread veneration and later canonization (1726) was his own healing from a cancerous ulcer on his leg. Physicians had diagnosed advanced cancer and scheduled amputation. The night before surgery, while praying before a crucifix, Peregrine fell asleep and had a vision of Christ touching his leg. The next morning, the tumor had completely disappeared, the leg was healed, and no operation was needed. This cure, considered medically inexplicable at the time, is the basis for his patronage. St. Peregrine, pray for us."
SAINTS OF THE DAY FRIDAY, 1 MAY, 2026 1. SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER 2. SAINT PEREGRINE LAZIOSI 1. SAINT JOSEPH THE WORKER (FOSTER FATHER OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST) Apparently in response to the “May Day” celebrations for workers sponsored by Communists, Pope Pius XII instituted the feast of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955. But the relationship between Joseph and the cause of workers has a much longer history. In a constantly necessary effort to keep Jesus from being removed from ordinary human life, the Church has from the beginning proudly emphasized that Jesus was a carpenter, obviously trained by Joseph in both the satisfactions and the drudgery of that vocation. Humanity is like God not only in thinking and loving, but also in creating. Whether we make a table or a cathedral, we are called to bear fruit with our hands and mind, ultimately for the building up of the Body of Christ. COMMENT: “The Lord God then took the man and settled him in the garden of Eden, to cultivate and care for it” (Genesis 2:15). The Father created all and asked humanity to continue the work of creation. We find our dignity in our work, in raising a family, in participating in the life of the Father's creation. Joseph the Worker was able to help participate in the deepest mystery of creation. Pope Pius XII emphasized this when he said, “The spirit flows to you and to all men from the heart of the God-man, Savior of the world, but certainly, no worker was ever more completely and profoundly penetrated by it than the foster father of Jesus, who lived with Him close to Christ, we again today repeat, ‘Go to Joseph'” (see Genesis in closest intimacy and community of family life and work. Thus, if you wish to be c41:44). QUOTE: In Brothers of Men, René Voillaume of the Little Brothers of Jesus speaks about ordinary work and holiness: “Now this holiness (of Jesus) became a reality in the most ordinary circumstances of life, those of work, of the family and the social life of a village, and this is an emphatic affirmation of the fact that the most obscure and humdrum human activities are entirely compatible with the perfection of the Son of God....this mystery involves the conviction that the evangelical holiness proper to a child of God is possible in the ordinary circumstances of someone who is poor and obliged to work for his living.” PATRON: Universal Church, families, fathers, expectant mothers, travelers, immigrants, house sellers and buyers, craftsmen, engineers and working people. ST. JOSEPH'S PRAYER FOR EMPLOYMENT This novena is very powerful to find employment (it has worked several times).You can say this novena anytime. Saint Joseph, foster-father and protector of Jesus Christ, spouse of the blessed Virgin Mary the Mother of God, powerful protector of the Holy Church, to you do I raise my heart and hands to implore your powerful intercession. You searched nothing else in this world but the glory of God and the good of others. You gave yourself completely to the Savior, it was cause for joy to pray, to work, to sacrifice yourself, to suffer, to die for him. You were unknown in this world even though Jesus knew you very well, he would look at your simple and hidden life with complacency. Saint Joseph, you have helped so many people so I come to you with great trust. In the light of God you can see what misses me, you know my worries, my difficulties, my sorrow. I commend to your fatherly solicitude this specific task... (Find employment for example) I am placing it in your hands that saved the child-Jesus. Ask for the grace to never separate me from Jesus by the mortal sin, to know him and love him even more and his blessed Mother, to always live in the presence of God, to do anything for his glory and the good of other souls, and one day to reach the beatific vision of God to praise him eternally with you. Amen. St. Joseph the Worker: Pray for us! 2. SAINT PEREGRINE LAZIOSI PRIEST AND CONFESSOR (1265 - 1 MAY, 1345) Peregrine Laziosi was born in Forli, Italy, the only son of well-to-do parents. In his teens he joined the enemies of the Pope in his hometown and soon became a ringleader of rebels. Pope Martin IV had placed Forli under a spiritual interdict which closed churches in the city, hoping to bring its citizens to their senses. That failing, he sent Philip Benizi, of the Order of Servites (Servants of Mary), as his personal ambassador to try to bring peace to the angry rebels. No welcome mat was spread for the papal delegate. While addressing crowds of malcontents one day, he was dragged off the rostrum, beaten with clubs and pelted with rocks. Peregrine knocked him down with a vicious blow to the face. Moments after, stricken with remorse, the youth cast himself at the feet of the bruised and bleeding priest and asked for his forgiveness, which was granted with a smile. Peregrine became a staunch champion of Philip Benizi. He heeded Philip's suggestion and often prayed in Our Lady's chapel in the Cathedral. While kneeling there he had a vision of the Blessed Mother holding in her hands a black habit like the one the Servites wore. “Go to Siena,” Mary told the astonished Peregrine. “There you will find devout men who call themselves my servants. Attach yourself to them.” The Servites gave him a warm welcome. He was clothed ceremoniously in the religious habit by Philip Benizi himself. One of Peregrine's slogans as a Servite may well have been: “Better today than yesterday, better tomorrow than today!” Daily he sought to become a more fervent religious man. To atone for past misdeeds he treated himself harshly and worked hard for the poor and afflicted. People took to calling him the “Angel of Good Counsel,” so grateful were they for his wise advice so freely given. After being ordained a priest he went to Forli to found a Servite monastery. A few years later a cancerous growth appeared on his right foot. It was so painful that he finally agreed with the surgeon who wanted to amputate. The night before the scheduled surgery, Peregrine spent hours in prayer. Then he dozed off and dreamt that Christ was touching him and healing his foot. The thrill of it woke him up. In the dim moonlight he saw that his foot, carefully bandaged a few hours earlier was completely healed. The Forlineses appreciated him still more after learning of the miraculous cure. When they were sick they appealed to his prayers. Some were cured when he whispered “Jesus” into their ears. Peregrine died on May 1st, 1345 and was ranked with the saints in 1726. Thousands of clients pay him special honor on May 1st each year. PATRON: cancer, foot ailments, or any incurable disease. PRAYER TO ST. PEREGRINE FOR HEALING OF CANCER O great St. Peregrine, you have been called "The Mighty," "The Wonder-Worker," because of the numerous miracles which you have obtained from God for those who have had recourse to you. For so many years you bore in your own flesh this cancerous disease that destroys the very fibre of our being, and who had recourse to the source of all grace when the power of man could do no more. You were favoured with the vision of Jesus coming down from His Cross to heal your affliction. Ask of God and Our Lady, the cure of the sick whom we entrust to you. (Pause here and silently recall the names of the sick for whom you are praying) Aided in this way by your powerful intercession, we shall sing to God, now and for all eternity, a song of gratitude for His great goodness and mercy. Amen.
I was just praying to Saint Joseph for help last night. I did as Padre Pio advised and sent my guardian angel and when he returned I remembered to thank him and recalled with wonder that he had actually stood in heaven in front of St Joseph and actually talked to him! Incredible. I feel so sad that people look down on certain forms of work, such as, say, cleaning the streets. The work we do is not important it is the love with which we do it that counts. This is the great lesson of St Joseph, the Worker.
... another Saint for today "St. José María Rubio y Peralta (1864-1929), Spanish Jesuit priest. Death anniversary: May 2 (died May 2, 1929, in Aranjuez, Spain); feast day May 4. Known as the "Apostle of Madrid" for his work among the poor. Patron of confessors, the poor, and Jesuit missionaries. ◾One miracle approved for his beatification (1985) was the cure of a woman: Diagnosis "Septicemia of undetermined etiology, with severe toxic damage" (5 out of 5) Prognosis "Extremely guarded regarding life expectancy" (5 out of 5). Therapy "Symptomically correct and appropriate, antibacterial treatment nonspecific and inappropriate" (5 out of 5). Mode of recovery "Sudden, complete, permanent, not naturally explainable" (5 out of 5) A second miracle for his 2003 canonization was the healing of a Jesuit priest diagnosed with lung cancer, which disappeared inexplicably after prayers to Fr. Rubio. Both cases were examined and declared medically inexplicable by the Vatican's Consulta Medica. St. José María Rubio, pray for us."
SAINT OF THE DAY SATURDAY, 2 MAY, 2026 SAINT ATHANASIUS BISHOP AND DOCTOR (C. 296 – MAY 2, 373) A champion of orthodoxy! He did not die a martyr, but his life was martyrdom in the truest sense. Athanasius was the Church's greatest hero in the battle against Arianism (a heresy that denied Christ's divinity). Even as a young deacon at the Council of Nicea (325), he was recognized as "Arius' ablest enemy" and the foremost defender of the Church's faith. After the death of his bishop (328), "the entire Catholic congregation with one accord, as one soul and body, voiced the wish of the dying bishop Alexander that Athanasius should succeed him. Everyone esteemed him as a virtuous, holy man, an ascetic, a true bishop." There followed fifty years of constant conflict. Under five emperors and by exile on five different occasions, he gave testimony to the truth of the Catholic position. His allegiance to the Church never wavered, his courage never weakened. As consolation in the face of horrendous calumnies and cruel persecution, Athanasius looked to the unwavering love of his Catholic people. Even time brought no mitigation in Arian hatred. For five years he hid in a deep, dry cistern to be safe from their raging wrath and their attempts to assassinate him. The place was known only to one trusted friend who secretly supplied necessary food. That Athanasius enjoyed God's special protection should have been obvious to all. On one occasion when the emperor's assassins were pursuing him, Athanasius ordered the ship on which he was fleeing to double-back and sail upstream so that he might meet and by-pass his persecutors. Not recognizing the boat upon meeting in semi-darkness, they naively asked whether the ship carrying Athanasius was still far ahead. Calmly and truthfully Athanasius himself called back, "He is not far from here." So his persecutors kept sailing on in the same direction, allowing the saint to complete his escape. Preserved by divine Providence through a lifetime of trial and danger, he finally died in his own quarters at Alexandria during the reign of the Emperor Valens (373). Athanasius enriched Christian literature with many important works, some pointed toward piety and edification, others polemical and dogmatic in nature. He ruled the Church of Alexandria for forty-six years. PATRON: Theologians, faithful Orthodox and Roman Catholic Christians. PRAYER: Almighty ever-living God, who raised up the Bishop Saint Athanasius as an outstanding champion of your Son's divinity, mercifully grant, that, rejoicing in his teaching and his protection, we may never cease to grow in knowledge and love of you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
I was just reading yesterday that when the Emperor Constantine became Christian and took the throne he invited Catholic clergy to his palace. Several of them had had their eyes gouged out or their hands cut off under the Emperor Diocletan. Constantine kissed their wounds. Diocletan certainly was a piece of work. I suppose he cut of their hands and blinded them so they could not say Mass.
SAINTS OF THE DAY SUNDAY, 3 MAY, 2026 SAINT PHILIP AND SAINT JAMES THE LESS APOSTLES SAINT PHILIP Philip was one of the first chosen disciples of Christ. On the way from Judea to Galilee Our Lord found Philip, and said, "Follow Me" Philip straightway obeyed; and then in his zeal and charity sought to win Nathaniel also, saying, "We have found Him of Whom Moses and the prophets did write, Jesus of Nazareth;" and when Nathaniel in wonder asked, "Can any good come out of Nazareth?" Philip simply answered, "Come and see," and brought him to Jesus. Another characteristic saying of this apostle is preserved for us by St. John. Christ in His last discourse had spoken of His Father; and Philip exclaimed, in the fervor of his thirst for God, "Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough" PATRON: Hatters; Luxembourg; pastry chefs; Uruguay. SAINT JAMES THE LESS St. James the Less, a brother of the Apostle Jude, was of Cana of Galilee. He is the author of one of the Catholic Epistles in the New Testament. He was favored by an appearance of the Risen Christ (I Cor. 15:7). After the dispersion of the Apostles he was made Bishop of Jerusalem. He was visited by St. Paul (Gal. 1:19). He spoke after Peter at the meeting of the Apostles (Acts 15:13). When he refused to deny the Divinity of Christ, the Jews cast him down from the terrace of the temple and clubbed him to death. The Breviary contains a very moving description of his death. "When he was ninety-six years old and had governed the Church for thirty years in a most holy manner, the Jews sought to stone him, then took him to the pinnacle of the temple and cast him off headlong. As he lay there half dead, with legs broken by the fall, he lifted his hands toward heaven and prayed to God for the salvation of his enemies, saying: Lord, forgive them for they know not what they do! While the apostle was still praying, a fuller struck his head a mortal blow." His relics now rest next to those of St. Philip in the church of the Holy Apostles in Rome, and their names are mentioned in the first list in the Canon of the Mass. PATRON: Apothecaries, druggists, dying people, fullers, hatmakers, hatters, milliners, pharmacists, Uruguay. PRAYER: O God, who gladden us each year with the feast day of the Apostles Philip and James, grant us, through their prayers, a share in the Passion and Resurrection of your Only Begotten Son, so that we may merit to behold you for eternity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
The twelve jewels on which the Church was built. Just ordinary folks like ourselves, raised by grace. Lord polish are hearts and make them Jewels, diamonds, rubies, lovely emeralds.
Such powerful witnesses! I love Philips response... "Come and see"! It is so perfect maybe even more so in our time. Not argumentative. Not filled with words or explanations. Just an invitation to experience Jesus Christ for yourself. Alleluia! God is So Good!
SAINT OF THE DAY MONDAY, 4 MAY, 2026 SAINT FLORIAN OF LORCH MARTYR (250 - 304 A.D.) Florian was born in 250 AD in Cetium, what is now Austria. As a young man he joined the Roman army, and proved to have the makings of quickly climbing the ranks. The emperor at the time—Diocletian—recognized his dedication and ability to work well with people, and appointed Florian to a high administrative post in Noricum, now part of Austria. However, Diocletian had no intention of using Florian to do good deeds. During the Roman Empire, the rise of the Christian doctrine was not tolerated. Anyone proclaiming to be a Christian was sought out and punished by being put in prison or to death. The only way Christians could be spared prison or death, is if they were willing to renounce their religion and offer sacrifice to the Roman gods or emperor. DARES EMPEROR DIOCLETIAN: As an official working under the Emperor, St. Florian was expected to carry out his duties persecuting Christians in the areas he commanded. St. Florian refused. Angered that he was being disobeyed, the emperor sent one of his assistants, Aquilius, to speak to Florian. When Aquilius asked Florian why he wasn't fulfilling his orders, Florian replied, “Tell the Emperor that I am a Christian and will suffer the same fate as the Christians.” Stunned by Florian's confession, Aquilius tried to entice Florian into abandoning his faith by offering him a promotion. Florian would not be swayed. In retaliation, Aquilius ordered that Florian be whipped and beaten. In response, Florian expressed that he wouldn't mind enduring a “few scratches” for his faith and personal beliefs. FACES DEATH WITHOUT FEAR: Becoming angered and fearful that Florian would convince other Christians to rebel against him and the emperor, Aquilius ordered his soldiers to burn Florian to death. When Florian surrendered himself to Aquilius' soldiers, he stood on the pyre (structure made of wood) with confidence. Rather than being fearful for his impending death, Florian challenged the soldiers to go ahead and light the fire, saying, “If you do, I will climb to heaven on the flames.” Irritated, Aquilius decided not to burn Florian, but instead ordered him to be scourged and drowned by throwing him into the Enns River with a rock tied around his neck. St. Florian died 304 AD. His body was recovered and he was given a proper burial. PATRON: Austria and Poland; firefighters. PRAYER: Dear God, through the intercession of our patron, Saint Florian, have mercy on the souls of our comrades who have made the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their duty, and on all who have gone before us after years of faithful discharge of their responsibilities which now rest on ourselves. Give us Grace to prepare each day for our own summons to Thy tribunal of justice. Into Thy hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Withersoever Thou callest me, I am ready to go. Merciful Father of all men, save my from all bodily harm, if it be Thy will, but above all, help me to be loyal and true, respectful and honorable, obedient and valiant. Thus fortified by virtue, I shall have no fear, for I shall then belong to Thee and shall never be separated from Thee. Amen.
It is so very,very clear that these martyrs were filled with huge, huge oceans of supernatural graces at the hour of their trial. If and when our own time comes this will be a huge consolation to us. Luke 12:11 “And when they bring you unto the synagogues, and unto magistrates and powers, take ye no thought how or what thing ye shall answer, or what ye shall say
a Blessed for today Blessed Solanus Casey (1870-1957), Capuchin Franciscan priest. Connection to the day: The miracle for his beatification was approved by Pope Francis and publicly announced on May 4, 2017. Patron of the sick, the suffering, doorkeepers/porters, and those seeking humble service to God. ◾The miracle approved for his 2017 beatification (and examined by the Vatican’s medical experts) was the complete healing of Paula Medina Zarate from a severe, lifelong genetic skin disease (ichthyosis). She suffered from painful, scaling skin covering much of her body that no treatment could cure. While visiting his tomb in Detroit in 2012, she prayed for his intercession, felt a current of heat, and her skin began to heal immediately. Doctors later confirmed she was completely cured with no medical explanation. The case passed the rigorous review process. Blessed Solanus Casey, pray for us"
