| 15 February |
• yesterday • tomorrow |
Michal began his studies at the seminary in Vilnius, Lithuania in 1910, and was ordained a priest in 1914. Parish priest in Vilnius, and military chaplain in World War I from 1914 to 1918, assigned to Vilnius and to Warsaw, Poland. He earned his doctorate in theology in 1926. Spiritual director of the seminary in Vilnius. Professor of pastoral theology at Stefan Batory University in Vilnius in 1928. Beginning in mid-1933, he became the spiritual director and confessor of Saint Faustina Kowalska. He arranged for Eugeniusz Kazimirowski to paint the Divine Mercy image in 1934, in 1935 began preaching on the Divine Mercy, and in 1936 wrote the first booklet about it. From 1942 to 1944, Father Michal was one of many who went into hiding to avoid the occupying Nazi forces. Founded the Zgromadzenie Sióstr Jezusa Milosiernego (Sisters of Merciful Jesus) based on the Divine Mercy messages received by Saint Faustina. In 1959 the Vatican forbade the Divine Mercy devotion and censured Sopocko, but in 1965 Archbishop Karol Wojtyla of Kraków, Poland (future Pope John Paul II) re-opened the investigation of the vision and messages which led to the reversal of the ban and censure in 1978. During the period of the re-investigation, Father Michael wrote the four-volume Milosierdzie Boga w dzielach Jego (Mercy of God in His works).
1 November 1888 in Juszewszczyzna, Ashmyany, Poland
• 15 February 1975 in Bialystock, Poland of natural causes
• buried in Bialystock
• re-interred in the Church of Divine Mercy in Bialostoczek, Poland in 1988
• 28 September 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI
• beatification celebrated at the Square of the Sanctuary of the Divine Mercy in Bialystok, Poland by Cardinal Angelo Amato
Bialystok, Poland
This priest is a great soul who is completely filled with God. – Saint Faustina Kowalska
Thanks to his effort a new light will shine in God's Church for the salvation of souls. I have not met such faithfulness to God as this soul features. – Saint Faustina Kowalska
This soul, so humble, was able to withstand all storms and has not get discouraged with obstacles, but answered faithfully to God's call. – Saint Faustina Kowalska
The decisive factor in obtaining God's Mercy is trust. Trust is the expectation of someone's help. It does not constitute a separate virtue, but is an essential condition of the virtue of hope, and an integral part of the virtues of fortitude and generosity. Because trust springs from faith, it strengthens hope and love, and is, moreover, linked up, in one way or another, with the moral virtues. It may, therefore, be called the basis on which the theological virtues unite with the moral. The moral virtues, originally natural, become supernatural if we practice them with trust in God's help. – Blessed Michal Sopocko
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-michal-sopocko/
Claudio, Claudius
Born to the French nobility, Claude early felt a call to religious life. Educated at Jesuit college in Lyons, France. Priest. Taught humanities at Avignon, France. Continued his studies in Paris, France. Tutor. Preached against Jansenism, advocating dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Joined the Jesuits in 1659. Spiritual director of Saint Margaret Mary of Alocoque.
Chaplain to Mary Beatrice d'Este, the Duchess of York. He converted many Protestants through the example of his holy life. Due to rumours of "Popish plots" against the king and the re-establishment Catholicism, Claude was imprisoned, accused of being part of the Titus Oates Plot. It was only by the efforts of Louis XIV, who had recommended him for the assignment, that he was not martyred. Banished from England. His health had been ruined by his time in prison, and he returned to Paray to die. The day after his death, Saint Margaret received supernatural assurance that Claude needed no prayers, as he was in already heaven. He is considred a "dry" martyr, having suffered every abuse for the faith except death.
2 February 1641 at Saint-Symphorien d'Ozon, Rhône, France
15 February 1682 at Paray-le-Monial, Saône-et-Loire, France of hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
31 May 1992 by Pope John Paul II in Rome, Italy
• toy makers
• turners
The past three centuries allow us to evalutate the importance of the message which was entrusted to Claude. In a period of contrasts between the fervor of some and the indifference or impiety of many, here is a devotion centered on the humility of Christ, on his presence, on his love of mercy and on forgiveness. Devotion to the Heart of Christ would be a source of balance and spiritual strengthening for Christian communities so often faced with increasing unbelief over the coming centuries. - Pope John Paul II, during the canonization of Saint Claude
Lord, I am in this world to show Your mercy to others. Other people will glorify You by making visible the power of Your grace by their fidelity and constancy to You. For my part I will glorify You by making known how good You are to sinners, that Your mercy is boundless and that no sinner no matter how great his offences should have reason to despair of pardon. If I have grievously offended You, My Redeemer, let me not offend You even more by thinking that You are not kind enough to pardon Me. Amen. - Saint Claude de la Colombiere
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-claude-de-la-colombiere/
• Apostle of Sweden
• Sigfrid of Vaexjoe
• Sigfrid of Växjö
• Sigfrid of Wexlow
• Sigfried, Siegfried
Priest at York and/or Glastonbury in England. Monk. Evangelized in Norway, Sweden, Denmark. Brought King Olaf of Sweden to the faith. While Sigfrid was away on a mission, his three nephews (Saint Winaman, Saint Unaman, and Saint Sunaman), who had come to help with the work in Sweden, were beheaded by pagan raiders. Sigfrid returned, recovered their heads, and claimed they could talk, a claim that terrorized the pagans. King Olaf decided to execute the murderers, but Sigfrid spoke against capital punishment and the killers were spared. Olaf then ordered them to pay a large fine, but Sigfrid refused the blood money, and thus achieved such a moral high ground that his mission work became even more successful.
at Glastonbury, England
c.1045 at Vaexjoe, Sweden
by Pope Adrian IV
• Sweden
• Götaland, Sweden
• one of three bishops on a ship
• baptizing King Olaf of Sweden
• bishop menaced by devils
• bishop carrying three severed heads
• bishop carrying three loaves of bread (misrepresentation of the heads)
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-sigfrid-of-sweden/
Onesimo
Slave of the Colossian Christians Saint Philemon and Saint Apphia. Committed a theft and fled from punishment to Rome where he hid with Saint Paul the Apostle. Paul converted him, then sent him home carrying the canonical Letter to Philemon. He was freed.
c.90
Therefore, although I have the full right in Christ to order you to do what is proper, I rather urge you out of love, being as I am, Paul, an old man, and now also a prisoner for Christ Jesus. I urge you on behalf of my child Onesimus, whose father I have become in my imprisonment, who was once useless to you but is now useful to both you and me. I am sending him, that is, my own heart, back to you. I should have liked to retain him for myself so that he might serve me on your behalf in my imprisonment for the gospel, but I did not want to do anything without your consent, so that the good you do might not be forced but voluntary. - Philemon 1:8-14
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-onesimus/
Baptized on the day he was born, and Confirmed in 1903. As a young man, he moved to Barcelona, Spain and worked for a tram company. Married to Paulina Díez Anidobro, and the father of four. Paulina died on 24 March 1930, and Gregorio’s sister, Blessed Camila Díez Blanco, moved in to help with the children. Friend of Blessed Eliseo Moradillo García. When the Spanish Civil War began, Gregorio sheltered any religious who were hiding from anti–Catholic forces, and drew the attention of those forces when he tried to obtain the release of some religious brothers from Sant Feliu prison. This ministry led to his arrest and martyrdom with Eliseo and Camila.
24 December 1899 in Nidáguila, Burgos, Spain
15 February 1937 in Barcelona, Spain
• 10 November 2018 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-gregorio-diez-blanco/
Galfrido, Gualfredo, Gualfredus, Qualfredo, Qualfredo della Gherardesca, Valfred, Vilfrid, Walfridus, Wilfrido, Walfredo
Eldest of five children in a wealthy family. Properous married layman, a solid citizen, and father of five sons and a daughter. With their children grown, he and his wife, Thesia, each felt called to religious life. Walfrid and two married friends, Fortis and Gunduald, founded the Benedictine monastery of Palazzuolo, and a nearby convent for their wives and Walfrid's daughter. Walfrid served as abbot of the house, and the monastery was soon home to 60 monks.
Walfrid's son later entered the monastery, became a priest, had a terrible lapse of behavior and faith, reconciled with the monastery and the Church, and served as the second abbot. Gundual's son enterd the monastery, served as third abbot, and wrote a biography of Walfrid.
8th century Pisa, Italy
• 15 February 765 at Palazuollo, Italy of natural causes
• buried nearby with his wife, Thesia
1861 by Pope Blessed Pius IX (cultus confirmed)
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-walfrid/
Born to the nobility in 2nd century Italy, the younger brother of Saint Faustinus. Deacon. Zealous preacher in Brescia, Milan, Rome, and Naples. Tortured and martyred in the persecution of Emperor Hadrian.
While their cultus is ancient and widespread, recent scholarship indicates that the story of Jovinus and Faustinus was a pious fiction mistaken for a biography.
• at Brescia, Lombardy, Italy
• Credera Rubbiano, Italy
• with his brother, he was thrown to the lions, but the animals refused to touch the men
• beheaded in 120 at Brescia, Italy
• relics reported in Brescia, Rome, Verona, and Bologna
• Brescia, Italy, city of
• Brescia, Italy, diocese of
• Credera Rubbiano, Italy
• Magreta, Italy
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-jovita/
Quinidio, Quinis
Known in his youth as an excellent student. Studied theology at Lerins Abbey. Travelling preacher through the areas of Avignon, Brignoles, Besse, Gonfaron in France, converting many. Hermit in Aix-en-Provence, France. Arch-deacon and then bishop of Vaison, France in 570; he spent much of his time as bishop ministering to people in the street, caring for children, the elderly, and people who were sick or neglected.
early 6th century in Vaison-la-Romaine, Vaucluse (in modern France)
• c.579 in Vaison-la-Romaine, France of natural causes
• relics enshrined in a in Gonfaron in the late 6th century
• the chapel was destroyed in the religious wars of the 16th century
• relics enshrined in a new chapel built by the Trinitarians in 1634
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-quinidius-of-vaison/
Born to the nobility in 2nd century Italy, the older brother of Saint Jovinus. Priest. Zealous preacher in Brescia, Milan, Rome, and Naples. Tortured and martyred in the persecution of Emperor Hadrian.
While their cultus is ancient and widespread, recent scholarship indicates that the story of Jovinus and Faustinus was a pious fiction mistaken for a biography.
at Brescia, Lombardy, Italy
• with his brother, he was thrown to the lions, but the animals refused to touch the men
• beheaded in 120 at Brescia, Italy
• relics reported in Brescia, Rome, Verona, and Bologna
• Brescia, Italy, city of
• Brescia, Italy, diocese of
• Credera Rubbiano, Italy
• Magreta, Italy
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-faustinus/
Baptized on the day she was born, and Confirmed in 1892. In March 1930 she moved in with her recently widowed brother, Blessed Gregorio Díez Blanco, raise his four children. When the Spanish Civil War began, Camila and Gregorio sheltered religious who were hiding from anti–Catholic forces. Friend of Blessed Eliseo Moradillo García. On 15 February 1937, a group of militiamen raided her home, detained and later executed Camila, Eliseo and Gregorio. Martyr.
14 September 1889 in Nidáguila, Burgos, Spain
15 February 1937 in Barcelona, Spain
• 10 November 2018 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-camila-diez-blanco/
Juan joined the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 1953, making his perpetual vows on 8 September 1958. Ordained a priest on 11 June 1960, he was sent to serve in Guatemala. Missionary to Indonesia from 1963 to 1965. Returning to Guatemala, he founded the parish of San Maria Regina in the town of Lancetillo, and served there until he was seized, tortured and murdered by government forces. Martyr.
28 November 1933 in Cuérigo, Asturias, Spain
shot three times in the head on 15 February 1981 in La Barranca, Quiché, Guatemala
• 23 April 2021 by Pope Francis
• beatification recognition celebrated in Santa Cruz del Quiché, Guatemala
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-juan-alonso-fernandez/
Euseo
Shoemaker in the area of 13th – 14th century Serravalle-Sesia, Italy who lived as a prayerful hermit.
• 14th century, year unknown, at home in Serravalle-Sesia, Vercelli, Italy of natural causes
• his death was discovered when people going to the last day of Carnavale, Whit Monday, saw three lilies blooming above his hermit‘s hut in winter, considered it miraculous and investigated what was happening there
• he was buried at his hut, and a church was soon built over his grave
• cobblers, shoemakers
• Serravalle-Sesia, Italy
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-euseus-of-serravalle-sesia/
Brother Acacio María
Baptized at the age of 2 days. Member of the Congregation of Saint Peter ad Vincula, making his profession in 1934 in Marseille, France. Studied humanities and philosophy in Barcelona, Spain. Known for his love of his vocation and his care for the students he taught. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
7 May 1915 in Yudego, Burgos, Spain
15 February 1937 in Barcelona, Spain
• 10 November 2018 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-acacio-calleja-santamaria/
Brother Albino
Baptized at the age of three days. Member of the Congregation of Saint Peter ad Vincula, making his novitiate in Marseille, France and his profession in 1931. After studies in Barcelona, Spain, he received a degree in theology. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
14 September 1913 in Arenillas de Riupisuerga, Burgos, Spain
shot on 15 February 1937 in Barcelona, Spain
• 10 November 2018 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-ricardo-guerra-villazan/
Baptized at the age of six days, Eliseo and his family moved often in his childhood as his father worked for the railroad and was constantly transferred. Friend of Blessed Camila Díez Blanco and Blessed Gregorio Díez Blanco. He was in their home on 15 February detained and later executed. Martyr.
10 September 1906 in Celada del Camino, Burgos, Spain
15 February 1937 in Barcelona, Spain
• 10 November 2018 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-eliseo-moradillo-garcia/
Baptized on the day he was born. Joined the Congregation of Saint Peter ad Vincula in 1926 in Marseille, France, making his profession on 11 October 1931. Studied at and received a degree in theology in Barcelona, Spain in 1936. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
1 October 1913 in Nidáguila, Burgos, Spain
15 February 1937 in Barcelona, Spain
• 10 November 2018 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in the Basilica of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-angel-de-la-iglesia-ocina/
• Angelus of Borgo San Sepolcro
• Angelus of Sansepolcro
• Angelo...
Augustinian friar c.1254. Fellow student with Saint Nicholas of Tolentino. Missionary to England where he preached and built monasteries. Known as a miracle worker. He once intervened on behalf of a man condemned to death; the authorities ignored him, and executed the man; Angelus then promptly brought the man back to life.
at Borgo San Sepolcro (modern Sansepolcro), Italy
c.1306 at Borgo San Sepolcro (modern Sansepolcro), Italy
27 July 1921 by Pope Benedict XV
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-angelus-de-scarpetti/
Drutmar, Drutmaro
13 August (Corvey Abbey)
Monk at Lorsch. Abbot of Corvey Abbey in 1014, assigned by the emperor, Saint Henry II. The brothers there were hostile to Druthmar as he was an outsider and assigned to them, not chosen by them; but his piety, his learning and his zeal for the faith and Benedictine life brought them around, and he was assumed to be a Blessed on the day of his death.
latter 10th century
15 February 1046
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-druthmar-of-corvey/
• Berach of Cluain
• Berach of Termonbarry
• Barachias, Barry, Berachius
Brother of Saint Midabaria. Raised by his uncle, Saint Freoch. Spiritual student of Saint Kevin of Glendalough. Built a church and monastery at Cluain Coirpthe, also known as Termonbarry or Kilbarry, Ireland. Believed to be a martyr. His crosier is in the Dublin Museum.
martyred in 595
Kilbarry, Ireland
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-berach-of-kilbarry/
Priest. Member of the Benedictine Subiaco Congregation. Martyred in the Spanish Civil War.
19 May 1875 in Barcelona, Spain
15 February 1937 in Cerdanyola, Barcelona, Spain
• 13 October 2013 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated in Tarragona, Spain
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-pere-vallmitjana-abarca/
Giorgia
Nun. Anchoress near Clermont, France.
• c.500
• legend says that a flock of doves followed her funeral procession to the tomb and then stood watch over it the rest of the day
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-georgia/
Mercedarian friar. He earned a doctorate in theology from the University of Paris. Blessed Antonio was noted for his combination of learning and piety.
at the Santa Eulalia monastery in Montpellier, France of natural causes
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-antonio-marini/
Hermit who lived in the cemetery of the abbey of Saint Bavo in Ghent, Belgium from 957 until his death.
possibly Ireland
• 959 at the Saint Bavon abbey in Ghent, Belgium
• buried in front of the Saint Andrew altar in the Blessed Virgin Mary chapel of the abbey
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-columban-of-ghent/
Monk of Iona Abbey. Spiritual student of Saint Columba of Iona. Eventually retired to live as a cave hermit at All-Farannan (modern Allernan), in Sligo, Ireland.
6th century Ireland
c.590 in Sligo, Ireland
Allernan, Ireland
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-farannan-of-iona/
Josippus
Deacon. Hymnist. Martyred with seven others whose names have not come down to us during the iconoclast persecutions of emperor Theophilus.
Syria
Antioch, Syria
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-joseph-of-antioch/
Severo
Priest in the Abruzzi region of Italy. Saint Gregory the Great writes that Severus brought a man back from the dead long enough to receive communion and unction.
c.530
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-severus-of-abruzzi/
Decoroso
Bishop of Capua, Italy for 30 years. Assisted at and supported the Council of Rome in 680.
695 of natural causes while at the altar of his church
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-decorosus-of-capua/
Agapes, Agapia
Spiritual student of Saint Valentine of Terni, and part he led of women devoted to religious life. Martyr.
martyred c.273 in Terni, Italy
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-agape-of-terni/
Professor of rhetoric and philosophy. Convert, brought to the faith by Saint Valentine of Terni. Martyred with his wife and family, none of whose names have survived.
c.273 in Rome, Italy
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-craton/
Nephew of Saint Sigfrid. Monk. Missionary to Sweden with Sigfrid. Martyred by pagans.
c.1040 in Sweden
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-sunaman-of-sweden/
Nephew of Saint Sigfrid. Monk. Missionary to Sweden with Sigfrid. Martyred by pagans.
c.1040 in Sweden
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-winaman-of-sweden/
Nephew of Saint Sigfrid. Monk. Missionary to Sweden with Sigfrid. Martyred by pagans.
c.1040 in Sweden
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-unaman-of-sweden/
Dochau, Dogwyn
Immigrated to Cornwall where he founded a monastery. May have become a bishop; records are inconclusive.
Wales
c.473
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-dochow/
Sixth-century Benedictine monk at Monte Cassino Abbey. Spiritual student of Saint Benedict of Nursia.
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-faustus-of-monte-cassino/
Fifth century hermit in Asehia, Syria.
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-eusebius-of-asehia/
A group of Christians murdered together. We know the names of five of them - Agapev, Baralo, Isicio, Joseph and Zosimus.
https://catholicsaints.info/martyrs-of-antioch-15-february/
A group of Christians murdered for their faith in the diocese of Saint Valetine in Terni, Italy. We know nothing else about them but the names Castulus, Lucius, Magnus, and Saturninus.
273 in Passae, Italy
Franciscan Friars Minor martyred together by a mob led by Lutherans.
• Antonín of Prague
• Bartolomeo Dalmasoni
• Bedrich Bachstein
• Christoffel Zelt
• Didak Jan
• Emmanuel of Prague
• Gaspare Daverio
• Giovanni Bodeo
• Girolamo degli Arese
• Jakob of Prague
• Jan of Prague
• Juan Martínez
• Klemens of Prague
• Simon of Prague
• Shrove Tuesday 15 February 1611 at the Church of Our Lady of the Snows in Prague, Czech Republic
• bodies dumped nearby but given Christian burial on 19 February 1611 in the monastery
• re-interred in the side chapel of the church in 1616
13 October 2012 by Pope Benedict XVI
https://catholicsaints.info/martyrs-of-prague/
• Our Lady of Paris
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