Calendar of Saints - 17 February

17 February	• yesterday • tomorrow
Optional Memorial of the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order

Daily Bread #58, by Father Richard Waldo Sibthorp

Mary: The Perfect Woman, Rhythm XXXIV - Interlude: Prayer to our Lady

In the measure in which we love God, in that measure we shall have more heartfelt love to all that are about us. A father will be a better father, and a mother a better mother; son and daughter will be better children; they will love each other more, and friends will love one another more, in the measure in which they love God more. - Cardinal Manning

Servites

Also known as

• Confraternity of Our Lady
• Order of Servants of Mary
• Servant Friars
• The Seven Holy Founders

About

Named the fifth mendicant order by Pope Martin V, it was founded in 1233 by

• Saint Alexis Falconieri
• Saint Bartholomew degli Amidei
• Saint Benedict dell'Antella
• Saint Buonfiglio Monaldi
• Saint Gherardino Sostegni
• Saint Hugh dei Lippi-Uguccioni
• Saint John Buonagiunta Monetti

On the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in 1240 the Founders received a vision of Our Lady. She held in her hand the black habit, and a nearby angel bore a scroll reading Servants of Mary. Mary told them,

"You will found a new order, and you will be my witnesses throughout the world. This is your name: Servants of Mary. This is your rule: that of Saint Augustine. And here is your distinctive sign: the black scapular, in memory of my sufferings."

From their first establishment at La Camarzia, near Florence, Italy, they removed to the more secluded Monte Senario where the Blessed Virgin herself conferred on them their habit, instructing them to follow the Rule of Saint Augustine and to admit associates. Official approval was obtained in 1249; confirmed in 1256; suppressed in 1276; definitely approved in 1304; and again by Brief in 1928. The order was so rapidly diffused that by 1285 there were 10,000 members with houses in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, and early in the 14th century it numbered 100 convents, besides missions in Crete and India. The Reformation reduced the order in Germany, but it flourished elsewhere. Again meeting with political reverses in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, it nevertheless prospered, being established in England in 1867, and in America in 1870. The Servites take solemn vows and venerate in a special manner the Seven Dolors of Our Lady. They cultivate both the interior and the active life, giving missions and teaching.

An affiliation, professing exclusively the contemplative life is that of the Hermits of Monte Senario. Reinstated in France, 1922. Cloistered nuns, forming a Second Order, have been affiliated with the Servites since 1619 when Blessed Benedicta di Rossi called the nuns of her community Servite Hermitesses. They have been established in England, Spain, Italy, the Tyrol, and Germany.

A Third Order, the Mantellate, founded by Saint Juliana Falconieri under Saint Philip Benizi, c.1284, has houses in Italy, France, Spain, England, Canada, and the United States. Secular tertiaries and a confraternity of the Seven Dolors are other branches.

Canonized

1887 by Pope Leo XIII

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/servites/

Blessed Edvige Carboni

Profile

The second child of Giovanni Battista Carboni and Maria Domenica Pinna, Edvige had to leave school at the 4th grade. She felt drawn to the religious life, but stayed at her parents' home to care for her chronically ill mother; she spent all her free time there in prayer. On 14 July 1911 she received the signs of the stigmata; she tried to hide it and the blood stains that resulted, but it soon became obvious. She moved to Rome, Italy just prior to the outbreak of World War II; she spent the war years working with charities and praying for all the dead. She reported apparitions of Jesus Christ, Saint Anne, Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Dominic Savio, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Gemma Galgani, Saint Genaro of Naples, Saint John Bosco, Saint Paul the Apostle, Saint Rita of Cascia, Saint Sebastian, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, and attacks by demons.

Born

late night of 2 May 1880 in Pozzomaggiore, Sassari, Italy

Died

• 10:30pm on 17 February 1952 in Rome, Italy of angina pectoris
• buried in Albano Laziale, Italy next to her brother
• re-interred at the Pontifical Sanctuary of Santa Maria Goretti in Nettuno, Rome, Italy on 6 October 2015

Beatified

• 15 June 2019 by Pope Francis
• beatification recognition celebrated at the Ippodromo Generale Eugenio Unali, Pozzomaggiore, Sassari, Italy, presided by Cardinal Giovanni Angelo Becciu

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-edvige-carboni/

Martyrs of Concordia

Also known as

Martyrs of Porto Gruaro

Profile

In the early 4th century, the brothers Donatus and Solone travelled from Vicenza to Iulia Concordia to evangelize, and brought many to the faith. As part of the persecutions of Diocletian, governor Euphemio also came to Iulia Concordia, determined to restore the old pagan religion. He arrested any Christians he could find and ordered them to denounce their new faith. Those who refused where tortured, whipped and eventually executed; between 72 and 85 (records vary) held firm and were beheaded. We know the names of some, but little else about any of them - Cordius, Crisantus, Donatus, Ermogius, Eutichius, Giustus, Lucilla, Neomedius, Policrazius, Romulus, Secondian, Silvanus, and Solone.

Died

• beheaded on 17 February 304 at Porto Gruaro on the banks of the Lemene River outside Iulia Concordia (modern Concodia Saggitaria), Italy
• the bodies were collected and given proper burial by local people
• a chapel was built on the site of the executions; it was later incorporated in the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Stephen the Proto-Martyr
• the bones were later collected and placed in a communal urn which was enshrined in the chapel within the cathedral
• the chapel was declared a diocesan sanctuary by Bishop Giuseppe Pellegrini on 17 February 2018

Patronage

Concordia Saggitaria, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/martyrs-of-concordia/

Saint Alexis Falconieri

Also known as

Alessio

Profile

One of the Seven Founders of the Servants of Mary; uncle of Saint Juliana Falconieri. Son of Bernard Falconieri, a wealthy Florentine merchant and a Guelph. Joined the Laudesi, also known as the Praisers of Mary, a confraternity of the Blessed Virgin in Florence, Italy c.1225, and in this group met the others who would be the Servite Founders. Received the vision of Mary on 15 August 1233. The other members of the Laudesi were ordained, but Alexis felt himself unworthy, remained a lay-brother, and worked to insure the material and financial requirements of the community, often begging in the street when he had no other resources. Helped build the Servite church at Cafaggio. He was the only one of the seven founders still alive when the Order was approved by Pope Benedict XI in 1304.

Born

13th century at Florence, Italy

Died

17 February 1310 at Monte Sennario, Italy

Canonized

15 January 1887 by Pope Leo XIII

Patronage

Orvieto, Italy

Representation

• beggar
• pilgrim

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-alexis-falconieri/

Blessed Luke Belludi

Also known as

Lucas, Lukas

Profile

Born to the Italian nobility. Brought into the Franciscans by Saint Anthony of Padua and Saint Francis of Assisi. Anthony's companion in his travels and preaching, tending to him in his last days and taking Anthony's place upon his death. Guardian of the Friars Minor in the city of Padua.

In 1239 Padua fell, nobles were executed, the mayor and council banished, the university of Padua closed, and the church dedicated to Saint Anthony left unfinished. Luke was expelled, but secretly returned, visiting the tomb of Saint Anthony to pray for help. One night a voice from the tomb assured him that the city would soon be delivered; it was.

Luke was elected provincial minister, and furthered the completion of the great basilica in honor of Anthony. Founded convents. Miracle worker.

Born

c.1200 in Padua, Italy

Died

• c.1285 of natural causes
• relics in the basilica of Saint Anthony

Videos

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-luke-belludi/

Blessed Isabel Sánchez Romero

Also known as

• Sister Asunción of Saint Joseph
• Sister Ascensión de San José
• Isabella...

Profile

Isabella joined the Dominicans at age 17, taking the name Sister Ascensión de San José; she was known as an obedient, silent, hardworking and humble sister. Imprisoned and abused by anti–Catholic Communist forces in the Spanish Civil War, she was ordered to renounce her faith and blaspheme; her captors apparently thought it would be funny to see a 76 year old nun do so. She refused. She was murdered with a group of fellow Christians, including her nephew Florencio. She was the last one killed, she never stopped praying during the massacre, and her captors decided not to simply shoot her like the others, but to beat her to death with a rock. Martyr.

Born

9 May 1861 in Huéscar, Granada, Spain

Died

skull smashed with a rock on 17 February 1937 at the cemetery in Huéscar, Granada, Spain

Beatified

18 June 2022 by Pope Francis

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-isabel-sanchez-romero/

Blessed Martí Tarrés Puigpelat

Additional Memorial

6 November as one of the Martyred Franciscan Capuchins of Barcelona

Also know as

Frederic of Berga

Profile

Joined the Franciscan Capuchins on 21 November 1886 in Arenys de Mar, Spain. Ordained on 24 June 1901. Extremely popular preacher. Superior of monasteries in Igualada and Arenys de Mar, Spain. Capuchin visitator of Central America. Provincial superior of his Order. Arrested on 16 February 1937 in a residence where he was hiding from anti-Catholic Marxists forces during the Spanish Civil War; as soon as they determined that he was a priest, he was murdered. Martyr.

Born

8 October 1877 in a farm house outside Berga, Barcelona, Spain

Died

17 February 1937 in Barcelona, Spain

Beatified

• 21 November 2015 by Pope Francis
• celebrated at the cathedral of Santa Creu i Santa Eulàlia, Barcelona, Spain presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-marti-tarres-puigpelat/

Saint Silvinus of Auchy

Also known as

• Silvinus of Therouanne
• Silvin, Silvino

Additional Memorial

15 February at Auchy, France

Profile

Silvinus spent his youth in the courts of King Childeric II and King Thierry III. On the eve of his marriage, he left for a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and decided to turn his back on worldly life. Priest, ordained in Rome, Italy. Regional bishop with his see in Toulouse. Successful travelling evangelist in the area around Thérouanne and Toulouse, and throughout the region that is modern Belgium. Ransomed slaves. In later life he retired to become a Benedictine monk at the abbey of Auchy-les-Moines, Artois, France.

Born

near Toulouse, France

Died

• 15 February 718 at the abbey of Auchy-les-Moines, Artois, France of natural causes
• relics translated to Saint-Bertin's Church at Saint-Omer in 951 to protect them from invading Normans

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-silvinus-of-auchy/

Blessed Barnabas of Terni

Also known as

Barnaba Manassei da Terni

Profile

Born to the Italian nobility, Barnabas was well educated and earned a doctorate in medicine. He joined the Franciscan Friars Minor in Umbria, Italy and devoted himself to studying theology and to preaching until health problems forced him to retire for a while from public life. Within the Order he continued his studies, worked in various administrative positions, and promoted the Observance branch of the Franciscans. He founded the first Monte di Pietà in Perugia, Italy in 1462 as a way to help the poor avoid resorting to loan sharks.

Born

Italy

Died

• c.1475 at the Carceri hermitage on Monte Subiaco, Italy of natural causes
• interred in the Chapel of Saint Mary Magdalene on Monte Subiaco

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-barnabas-of-terni/

Saint Flavian of Constantinople

Also known as

• Flavian of Ricina
• Flaviano...

Profile

Patriarch of Constantinople c.446. He condemned Eutyches, who began the heresy of Monophysitism. He refused to bribe Emperor Theodosius II in order to hold his see, and, against Theodosius's wishes, he made the emperor's sister Pulcherius a deaconess. Theodosius had him deposed and exiled. When Flavian tried to appeal Pope Leo the Great to hold his seat, the emperor had him beaten so badly that he died three days later from his wounds.

Died

449

Canonized

451 by the Council of Chalcedon

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-flavian-of-constantinople/

Saint Fintán of Clonenagh

Also known as

Fintán of Clúain Ednech

Profile

Spiritual student of Saint Columba. Austere hermit at Clonenagh, Ireland. Many would-be students gathered around him that he founded a house for them and served as their abbot. He set such an austere example that neighboring monasteries complained they could not keep up; though he was very severe on himself, Fintan was known to be gentle and forgiving with others. Spiritual teacher of Saint Comgall of Bangor.

Legend says that Fintan's mother received an angelic visit to explain what a holy son she would have. Fintan was reputed to have the gifts of prophecy and knowledge of distant events. Witnesses say that when he prayed by himself, he was surrounded by light.

Born

at Leinster, Ireland

Died

603 of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-fintan-of-clonenagh/

Saint Mesrop the Teacher

Also known as

• Mesrop Mashtot
• Mesrob...

Additional Memorial

5 July (Armenian Apostolic Church)

Profile

Career soldier who retired from the military to become a hermit, monk and preacher. Worked with Saint Isaac the Great in the formation of the Armenian Church. Civil servant. Missionary to Armenia and Georgia. Developed the alphabet for writing Armenian. Organized schools and the translation of the Bible into Armenian, translating the New Testament himself.

Born

c.362 in Hatsik, Taron Province, Kingdom of Armenia

Died

17 February 440 in Vagharshapat, Armenia of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-mesrop-the-teacher/

Blessed Constabilis of Cava

Also known as

• Constabilis Gentilcore
• Constabile, Costabile, Constable

Profile

Benedictine monk under Saint Leo at Cava monastery, Salerno, Italy. Abbot of Cava in 1122. Built the town of Castelabbate around the monastery.

Born

1060 at Lucania, Italy

Died

• 1124 of natural causes
• buried in the church overhanging the grotto of Arsicia

Beatified

21 December 1893 by Pope Leo XIII (cultus confirmed)

Patronage

• sailors, mariners, watermen
• Castelabbate, Italy
• Vallo della Lucania, Italy, diocese of

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-constabilis-of-cava/

Saint Finan of Iona

Also known as

• Finan of Lindisfarne
• Fian...

Profile

Monk at Iona. Succeeded Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne as governor of the Church in Northumbria, England. Bishop of Lindesfarne, England in 651. Built the cathedral, and the monasteries of Gilling and Whitby. Opposed the replacement of the Celtic liturgy with the Roman one. Evangelized southern England, working with Saint Cedd. Friend of King Oswiu of Northumbria and Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne. Baptized King Penda and King Saint Sigebert of the East Saxons, and brought Saint Ebbe the Elder into the Benedictines.

Born

in Ireland

Died

9 February 661 in Ireland

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-finan-of-iona/

Blessed Mazelinus of Salzburg

Also known as

Mazelino, Maselino, Maselinus

Profile

Monk. Abbot of Saint Peter's Abbey in Salzburg (in modern Austria) in the late 10th and early 11th century. Legend says that during the translation of the relics of Saint Erentrude on 4 September 1023, Mazelinus secretly took a relic. He was struck blind for the offense, regaining his sight when he returned the relic, resigned the abbacy, and prayed to Saint Erentrude for forgiveness. He then retired to Mount Geisberg where he spent the rest of his days as a penitent hermit.

Died

• buried in the church of the Nonnberg monastery in Salzburg, Austria
• relics enshrined in the same church in the 17th century

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-mazelinus-of-salzburg/

Blessed Elisabetta Sanna

Profile

Married lay women in the dioceses of Rome and Sassari, Italy. Widow. Member of the Secular Franciscan Order, and of the Union of the Catholic Apostolate.

Born

23 April 1788 in Codrongianos, Sassari, Italy

Died

17 February 1857 in Rome, Italy of natural causes

Beatified

• 17 September 2016 in Pope Francis
• the beatification was celebrated at the Basilica of Santissima Trinità di Saccargia, Codrongianos, Italy, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-elisabetta-sanna/

Saint Petrus Yu Chong-nyul

Also known as

• Peter Yu Chong-nyul
• Peteuro Yu Jeong-nyul

Profile

Married layman and father in the apostolic vicariate of Korea. While reading the Bible to a group of friends at the home of a catechist one night, he was arrested, imprisoned and murdered for the offense of teaching Christianity. Martyr.

Born

1837 in Taphyen, Yulli county, near Pyongyang, North Korea

Died

beaten to death on the evening of 17 February 1866 in prison in Pyongyang, North Korea

Canonized

6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-petrus-yu-chong-nyul/

Saint Bartholomew degli Amidei

Also known as

• Amadeus degli Amidei
• Amadio Amidei
• Bartholomes degli Amidei
• Bartolomeo degli Amidei

Profile

One of the Seven Founders of Servants of Mary (Servites). Governed the important Servite convent of Carfaggio. Third general of the Servites. In his later years he retired to spend his final days at the monastery at Monte Sennario, Italy.

Died

at Monte Sennario, Italy of natural causes

Canonized

15 January 1887 by Pope Leo XIII

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bartholomew-degli-amidei/

Blessed Antoni Leszczewicz

Additional Memorial

12 June as one of the 108 Martyrs of World War II

Profile

Priest. Member of the Marians of the Immaculate Conception. Martyr.

Born

30 September 1890 in Abramovsk, Vilniaus rajonas, Lithuania

Died

burned to death on 17 February 1943 at the death camp in Rositsa, Vitebskaya voblasts', Belarus

Beatified

13 June 1999 by Pope John Paul II at Warsaw, Poland

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-antoni-leszczewicz/

Our Lady of Constantinople

Also known as

• Sainte-Marie-du-Rosaire • Notre-Dame de Constantinople

Profile

A former Jewish synagogue in Constantinople that was converted into a Christian church by emperor Justin the Younger in 566. Though the building was converted to a mosque in 1640, its dedication as a church was celebrated for centuries as emblematic of the place of the faith in the Byzantine empire.

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/our-lady-of-constantinople/

Blessed Matthias Shobara Ichizaemon

Additional Memorial

1 July (Diocese of Hiroshima, Japan)

Profile

Layman in the diocese of Hiroshima, Japan. Martyr.

Born

c.1587 in Aki (part of modern Hiroshima), Japan

Died

17 February 1624 in Hiroshima, Japan

Beatified

• 24 November 2008 by Pope Benedict XVI
• beatification celebrated at the Nagasaki Prefectural Baseball Park (Big N Stadium), Nagasaki, Japan, presided by Cardinal José Saraiva Martins

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-matthias-shobara-ichizaemon/

Saint Benedict dell'Antella

Also known as

Manettus, Manetius, Manetto

Profile

One of the Seven Founders of the Servants of Mary. Attended the Council of Lyons in 1246. Governed the Servites in the Tuscan province in 1260. Took the Servite Order to France at the request of King Saint Louis IX. Fourth prior-general of the Servites. Sent missionaries to Asia. Retired to turn authority over to Saint Philip Benizi.

Died

20 August 1268 of natural causes

Canonized

15 January 1888 by Pope Leo XIII

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-benedict-dellantella/

Saint Hugh dei Lippi-Uguccioni

Also known as

Ricovero dei Lippi-Ugoccioni

Profile

One of the Seven Founders of the Servants of Mary. Worked with Saint Philip Benizi in France and Germany. Vicar-general of the Servites in Germany for eight years.

Born

Florence, Italy

Died

3 May 1282 at Mount Senario, Italy of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-hugh-dei-lippi-uguccioni/

Saint John Buonagiunta Monetti

Also known as

• John Buonagiunta
• John Bonaiuncta

Profile

One of the Seven Founders of Servants of Mary. The youngest of the Founders. Elected as the second prior-general of the Servites in 1256.

Died

1256 of natural causes while sitting in chapel listening to the Gospel account of the Passion

Canonized

1887 by Pope Leo XIII

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-john-buonagiunta-monetti/

Saint Loman of Trim

Also known as

• Loman mac Dalláin
• Lomàn, Lomanus, Lommàn, Lonan, Luman, Lumanus

Profile

Son of Tigris. Nephew of Saint Patrick. He evangelized Ireland with Patrick, and converted Saint Fortchern of Trim and his family, including the pagan chieftain Fedelmid, to the faith. Bishop of Trim, Meath, Ireland.

Died

c.450 of natural causes

Patronage

Trim, Ireland

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-loman-of-trim/

Saint Bonosus of Trier

Also known as

Bonosio, Bonoso

Profile

Priest. Imprisoned c.353 for supporting his bishop, Saint Paulinus, and orthodox Christianity in the face of Arians. Bishop of Trier, Gaul (in modern Germany) in 358; he continued to fight Arianism.

Died

• c.373 of natural causes
• relics enshrined in the church of San Paolino in Trier

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bonosus-of-trier/

Saint Benedict of Cagliari

Also known as

Benedict of Dolia

Profile

Benedictine monk at Cagliari, Sardinia. Bishop of Dolia, Sardinia for five years. Shortly before his death he resigned his see, and spent his last days as a prayerful recluse at the basilica abbey.

Died

c.1112 at Saint Saturninus Basilica monastery, Cagliari, Sardinia

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-benedict-of-cagliari/

Saint Gherardino Sostegni

Also known as

• Gherardino Sostenes
• Gherardino Sostegno
• Gerardino...

Profile

One of the Seven Founders of the Servants of Mary. Led the Servite province of Umbria, Italy from 1260 until his death, and brought the Servite Order to Germany.

Canonized

1887 by Pope Leo XIII

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-gherardino-sostegni/

Saint Guevrock

Also known as

Gueroc, Guevroc, Guirec, Guivrok, Keric, Kerric, Kirecq, Kireg

Profile

Sixth century Briton. Friend and travelling companion of Saint Tudwal. Abbot at Loc-Kirec, Brittany. Assisted bishop Saint Paul of Léon.

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-guevrock/

Saint Fortchern of Trim

Also known as

Forkernus

Profile

The son of a pagan chieftain, he was converted to Christianity by Saint Loman of Trim. Sixth century bishop of Trim, Ireland. Hermit.

Patronage

bell-founders

Representation

bishop standing amidst bell-founders

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-fortchern-of-trim/

Saint Julian of Caesarea

Profile

Catechumen at Caesarea, Palestine. Arrested for venerating the martyred Saint Elias and companions. Martyred by order of Firmilian, governor of Palestine.

Died

burned to death in 309 at Caesarea, Palestine

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-julian-of-caesarea/

Saint Theodulus of Caesarea

Profile

Member of the household of the governor of Palestine. When the governor learned of Theodulus's Christianity, he ordered his execution. Martyr.

Died

crucified in 309 at Caesarea, Palestine

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-theodulus-of-caesarea/

Saint Evermod of Ratzeburg

Also known as

Evermode

Profile

Priest. Evangelized with Saint Norbert. Abbot of Gottesgnaden and Magdeburg. Bishop of Ratzeburg, Germany.

Died

1178 of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-evermod-of-ratzeburg/

Saint Silvinus of Cremona

Also known as

Silvano, Silvanus, Silvin, Silvino

Profile

Mid-eighth century bishop of Cremona, Italy, serving for 39 years.

Born

Cremono, Italy

Died

773

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-silvinus-of-cremona/

Saint Mac Earc

Profile

Traditionally born to a family of saints, Mac Earc is mentioned in several ancient Irish martyrologies as a bishop, though the location varies from record to record.