Calendar of Saints

24 May	• yesterday • tomorrow

Our Lady, Help of Christians

Also known as

Auxilium Christianorum

Profile

The feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians, was instituted by Pope Pius VII. By order of Napoleon, the Pope was arrested on 5 July 1808, and imprisoned at Savona, Italy and Fontainebleau, France. In January 1814, after the Battle of Leipzig, he was brought back to Savona and set free on 17 March, the eve of the feast of Our Lady of Mercy, the patroness of Savona. The journey to Rome was a veritable triumphal march with the pontiff, attributing the victory of the Church after so much agony and distress, to the Blessed Virgin. He visited many of her sanctuaries on the way, crowning her images, and entered Rome on 24 May 1814 to enthusiastic crowds. To commemorate his own sufferings and those of the Church during his exile he extended the feast of the Seven Dolours of Mary to the universal Church on 18 September 1814.

When Napoleon left Elba and returned to Paris, Murat was about to march through the Papal States from Naples. Pius VII fled to Savona on 22 March 1815, where he crowned the image of Our Lady of Mercy on 10 May 1815. Following the Congress of Vienna and Battle of Waterloo, he returned to Rome on 7 July 1815. To give thanks to God and Our Lady, he instituted the feast of Our Lady, Help of Christians for the Papal States on 15 September 1815; it was celebrated on 24 May, the anniversary of his first return. The dioceses in the Tuscany region adopted it on 12 February 1816, and it spread over nearly the entire Latin Church.

They hymns of the Office were composed by Brandimarte. It is the patronal feast of Australasia, a double of the first class with an octave, and is celebrated with great splendour in the churches of the Fathers of the Foreign Missions of Paris. It has attained special celebrity since Saint John Bosco dedicated the mother church of his congregation at Turin to Our Lady, Help of Christians. The Salesian Fathers have carried the devotion to their numerous establishments, and prayers for her intervention are credited with the miraculous cure of Blessed Artemide Zatti.

Patronage

• Australia (proclaimed on 17 July 1916 by Pope Benedict XV)
• New Zealand
• Andorran security forces
• Austrialian military chaplains
• New York
• diocese of Shrewsbury, England
• diocese of Townsville, Australia

https://catholicsaints.info/our-lady-help-of-christians/

Blessed Maria Gargani

Also known as

• Maria Crocifissa del Divino Amore
• Maria Crocifissa of Divine Love

Profile

Youngest of eight children born to Rocco Gargani and Angiolina De Paola. Hers was a pious family, and her father made sure the children learned their faith. Educated in Morra de Sanctis and Avellino in Italy, and earned a master's degree in 1913. School teacher in San Marco la Catola, Foggia, Italy from 1913 to 1928. Feeling a call to religious life, she joined the Secular Franciscan Order in 1914, and developed a deep devotion to Saint Francis of Assisi. She taught catechism to children, and helped them prepare for First Communion. She even purchased a projector, a great novelty at the time, to display images to explain the life of Christ. Member of Catholic Action In August 1916 she became the spiritual student of Saint Padre Pio; he was not only her spiritual director but they became friends and correspondents for over 50 years. Taught in Volturara Appula, Italy from 1928 to 1945. In 1934 she received diocesan permission to form a new congregation of women based at the former convent of Santa Maria della Sanità. These women became the core of the Sisters Apostles of the Sacred Heart, founded on 11 February 1936. The Sisters moved to Naples, Italy in early 1945, and on 18 April 1945 they made their profession; Blessed Maria took the name Sister Maria Crocifissa of Divine Love. From 1946 until her retirement, Sister Maria taught in Naples and worked to spread the work of the Sisters. Pope John XXIII gave the Sisters full pontifical approval on 12 March 1963, and they continue their good work today.

Born

evening of 23 December 1892 at Morra de Sanctis, Avellino, Italy

Died

• 23 May 1973 in Naples, Italy of natural causes
• re-interred at the motherhouse of the Sisters Apostles of the Sacred Heart on 17 May 1992

Beatified

• 2 June 2018 by Pope Francis
• the beatification miracle involved the 1975 healing of Michelina Formichella of Torrecuso, Benevento, Italy
• beatification recognition celebrated at the cathedral of Naples, Italy presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

Patronage

Sisters Apostles of the Sacred Heart

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-maria-gargani/

Martyrs of the Small West Gate

Additional Memorial

20 September as part of the Martyrs of Korea

Profile

A group of lay catechists and catechumens who were imprisoned and executed together for the crime of being Christian.

• Saint Agatha Kim A-Gi
• Saint Agatha Yi So-Sa
• Saint Anna Pak A-Gi
• Saint Augustine Yi Kwang-Hon
• Saint Barbara Han A-Gi
• Saint Damianus Nam Myong-Hyok
• Saint Lucia Pak Hui-Sun
• Saint Magdalena Kim Ob-I
• Saint Petrus Kwon Tug-In

Died

beheaded on24 May 1839 at the Small West Gate, Seoul, South Korea

Canonized

6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II

https://catholicsaints.info/martyrs-of-the-small-west-gate/

Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger

Profile

Son of Saint Marthe. Simeon's father died when the boy was five years old, and he became the ward of a monk named John who lived nearby. When Simeon was seven, the two moved onto platforms at the top of pillars in order to ensure their solitude. Word spread about the sanctity and wisdom of the pair; they attracted so many pilgrims and would-be disciples that at age 20, Simeon came down from his pillar to hide in the mountains. Ten years later there were more would-be students, and this time Simeon decided to help them; he built a monastery for them, and in it placed a pillar for himself. Ordained at age 35; the bishop climbed onto the platform to impose his hands. Simeon celebrated Mass on his platform, and the monks climbed a ladder to receive Communion. Healer and miracle worker, he spent 69 of his 76 years living off the ground.

Born

521 at Antioch

Died

597 of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-simeon-stylites-the-younger/

Saint David of Scotland

Profile

Youngest son of King Malcolm III Canmore and Saint Margaret of Scotland; brother of Saint Matilde in whose court he grew up and was educated. Prince of Cumbria in 1107. Married. Ascended to the throne of Scotland in 1124. Fought in the border wars with England, and in 1138 participated in the armistice that halted the fighting. Devoting himself to the welfare of his people, he re-organized the system of land ownership and implemented both new laws and a new legal system. Worked to bring the faithful in Scotland closer to the Vatican, founded convents and monasteries, supported monastic work and the organization of five new dioceses. Spiritual student of Saint Aelredo of Rievaulx.

Born

1085

Died

• 24 May 1183 in Carlisle, Scotland of natural causes
• buried in Dunfermline Abbey

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-david-of-scotland/

Saint Joanna the Myrrhbearer

Profile

First century lay woman. Married to Chusa, steward of King Herod Antipas. Disciple of Jesus, and mentioned in Luke (8:3) as providing for Jesus and the Apostles. Eastern tradition says that she gave the head of John the Baptist an honourable burial. One of the women Luke says (24.10) discovered the empty tomb on the first Easter when she went to anoint the body, and celebrated on the 3rd Sunday of Pascha in the Orthodox Church as the Myrrh-bearers. She is especially venerated by the Jesuits.

Representation

• ointment box
• woman carrying an ointment box
• woman with a cross in her arms and a lamb standing nearby
• woman carrying a pitcher in a basket
• woman standing with her husband among court ladies hearing Jesus preach

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-joanna-the-myrrhbearer/

Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau

Profile

Born to a farm family, he was a sickly youth. Taught philosophy at the seminary at Nicolet, Quebec, Canada. Ordained on 19 December 1846. Secretary to a series of bishops of Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec. Founded the Union of Saint Joseph in 1874. Bishop of Saint-Hyacinthe on 19 November 1875. Founder of the Sisters of Saint-Joseph of Saint-Hyacinthe in 1877, and the Sisters of Sainte-Martha.

Born

1 April 1824 in Bécancour, Quebec, Canada

Died

24 May 1901 in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada

Beatified

10 May 1987 by Pope John Paul II

Patronage

diocese of Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-louis-zephirin-moreau/

Blessed John del Prado

Also known as

• Giovanni di Prado
• John of Prado

Profile

Studied theology at Salamanca, Spain. Priest. Member of the Barefooted Franciscans of the Strict Observance. Missionary to Muslims in Morocco in 1613. Imprisoned, tortured and martyred by order of the ruler of Marrakesh with two other Spanish friars whose names have not come down to us.

Born

at Morgobresio, Kingdom of Léon, Spain

Died

burned to death on 24 May 1636 at Morocco

Beatified

24 May 1728 by Pope Benedict XIII

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-john-del-prado/

Blessed Nicetas of Pereaslav

Also known as

Nicetas the Worker Worker

Profile

Married layman who worked as a tax collector in Pereaslav, Russia; he was well known for his greed and merciless collection methods. At one point, though, he had a complete conversion experience, quit his job, left his family, gave up worldly life, and became a monk, giving himself completely to prayer and penance for his previous way of life. Miracle worker. As part of his self-imposed penance, he wore a heavy metal shirt; a group of thieves thought it was silver and killed him for it.

Born

Russia

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-nicetas-of-pereaslav/

Saint Susanna

Profile

One of a group of wives of 2nd century martyred soldiers under the command of Saint Meletius. Following the death of the soldiers, the wives and children were martyred, as well.

Died

2nd century Galatia

Patronage

martyrs

Representation

one of a group of women and children holding palms of martyrdom

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

Saint Afra of Brescia

Profile

Second-century lay-woman, married to a nobleman in Brescia, Lombardy. Adult convert to Christianity, baptized by Saint Apollonius of Brescia. Martyred in the persecutions of emperor Adrian.

Died

• 133 in Brescia, Italy
• the church in Brescia that is dedicated to her was the one in which Saint Angela Merici founded the Ursuline Order

Patronage

Brescia, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-afra-of-brescia/

Blessed Isidore Ngei Ko Lat

Profile

Young layman catechist in the diocese of Loikaw, Myanmar.

Born

1920 in Ahtet Tawpon, Kayin, Myanmar

Died

24 May 1950 in Shadaw, Kayah, Myanmar

Beatified

• 24 May 2014 by Pope Francis
• beatification recognition celebrated at the Cathedral of San Paolo, Aversa, Caserta, Italy, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-isidore-ngei-ko-lat/

Blessed Mario Vergara

Profile

Priest in the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions. Martyr.

Born

16 November 1910 in Frattamaggiore, Naples, Italy

Died

24 May 1950 in Shadaw, Kayah, Myanmar

Beatified

• 24 May 2014 by Pope Francis
• beatification recognition celebrated at the Cathedral of San Paolo, Aversa, Caserta, Italy, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-mario-vergara/

Saint Donatian of Nantes

Profile

Brother of Saint Rogatian of Nantes. Arrested, torture, mutilated, and finally martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.

Died

beheaded in 299 in Nantes, Brittany (in modern France)

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-donatian-of-nantes/

Saint Rogatian of Nantes

Profile

Brother of Saint Donatian of Nantes. Arrested, torture, mutilated, and finally martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.

Died

beheaded in 299 in Nantes, Brittany (in modern France)

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-rogatian-of-nantes/

Saint Vincent of Lérins

Also known as

Vincentius

Profile

May have been born to the Gallic nobility. Career soldier. Retired to become a monk at Lerins, France. Wrote the Commonitory, a great defense of the faith.

Born

Toulouse, France

Died

c.445 in Lerins, France of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-vincent-of-lerins/

Blessed Benedict of Cassino

Profile

Benedictine monk at Monte Cassino. Abbot of the monastery at Capua, Italy. Known in his house for austere life style, known in the community for his charity.

Died

• 22 May 1055 in Capua, Caserta, Italy of natural causes
• interred at the monastery entrance in Capua
• his tomb became known as a site of miracles

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-benedict-of-cassino/

Saint Sérvulo of Trieste

Also known as

Sérvolo, Servulus

Additional Memorial

23 November (basilica of Trieste, Italy)

Profile

Martyred in the persecutions of Numerian.

Died

c.283 in Socerb, Slovenia

Patronage

Trieste, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-servulo-of-trieste/

Saint Marciana of Galatia

Profile

One of a group of wives of 2nd century martyred soldiers under the command of Saint Meletius. Following the death of the soldiers, the wives and children were murdered, as well.

Died

2nd century in Galatia

Patronage

martyrs

Representation

group of women and children holding palms of martyrdom

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-marciana-of-galatia/

Blessed Juan of Huete

Profile

Mercedarian friar at the convent of Santa Maria in Huete, Spain. Greatly increased their already excellent library. Friend and counsellor to the royal family. Converted many Muslims in the Iberian peninsula to Christianity.

Died

• 1442 of natural causes
• buried in the church of the convent of Santa Maria, Huete, Spain

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-juan-of-huete/

Saint Manahen

Also known as

Manaen

Profile

Friend of Herod Antipas. Manahen was one of those who laid hands on Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas, and sent the two Apostles on the first of Paul's missionary journeys. May have been Saint Luke's source for information on King Herod and family. Likely one of the founders of the Church in Antioch. Had the gift of prophecy.

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

Saint Gennadius of Astorga

Profile

Benedictine monk at Argeo, Spain. Abbot of San Pedro de Montes, which he restored. Helped spread the Benedictine Rule through northwest Spain. Bishop of Astorga, Spain for 35 years. Resigned his see c.931, and retired to live his remaining years as a monk and hermit at San Pedro.

Died

c.931

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-gennadius-of-astorga/

Saint Palladia

Profile

One of a group of wives of 2nd century martyred soldiers under the command of Saint Meletius. Following the death of the soldiers, the wives and children were martyred, as well.

Died

2nd century in Galatia

Patronage

martyrs

Representation

a group of women and children holding palms of martyrdom

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

Blessed Thomas Vasière

Profile

Mercedarian friar at the convent of Santa Maria in Tolosa, Spain. Ransomed 114 Christians from Muslim slavery in north Africa, preaching Christianity as he made his way to them and back.