Calendar of Saints

26 May	• yesterday • tomorrow
Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest

The May-Book of the Breviary: The Assumption

Saint Philip Neri

Also known as

• Amabile Santo
• Apostle of Rome
• Philip Romolo Neri

Though he was related to Italian nobility, Philip came from a poor family. His father, Francisco Neri, worked as a notary. Philip's brother died in childhood, but his two sisters, Caterina and Elisabetta survived. Known as a pius youth, Philip was taught humanities by the Dominicans.

The family moved to San Germano in 1533 to help some relatives with their business, and while there Philip would escape to a local Dominican chapel in the mountains. Having received a vision that he had an apostolate in Rome, Philip cut himself off from his family, and went there.

He was befriended by Galeotto Caccia who took Philip in and paid him to tutor his two sons. Wrote poetry in Latin and Italian. He studied philosophy and theology, and when he tired of learning, he sold all his books and gave the money to the poor.

Philip began to visit and care for the sick, and impoverished pilgrims, and founded a society of like-minded folk to do the same. He became a friend of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. A layman, he lived in the city as a hermit. During Easter season of 1544, while praying in the catacomb of San Sebastiano, he received a vision of a globe of fire that entered his chest, and he experienced an ecstasy that physically enlarged his heart.

With Persiano Rose, he founded the Confraternity of the Most Holy Trinity. He began to preach, with many converts. In 1550 he considered retiring to the life of a solitary hermit, but received further visions that told him his mission was in Rome. Later he considered missionary work in India, but further visions convinced him to stay in Rome.

He entered the priesthood in 1551. Father Philip heard confessions by the hour, could tell penitents their sins before they confessed, and had the gift of conferring visions. He began working with youth, finding safe places for them to play, becoming involved in their lives.

Pope Gregory XIV tried to make him a cardinal, but Philip declined. His popularity was such that he was accused of forming his own sect, but was cleared of this baseless charge. In 1575 he founded the Congregation of the Oratory (Oratorians, a group of priests dedicated to preaching and teaching, but which suffered from accusations of heresy because of the involvement of laymen as preachers. In later years he was beset by several illnesses, each of which was in turn cured through prayer.

Born

22 July 1515 at Florence, Italy

Died

27 May 1595 at the church of San Maria in Vallicella, Italy of natural causes

Canonized

12 March 1622 by Pope Gregory XV

Patronage

• Gravina, Italy
• Rome, Italy
• archdiocese of Manfredonia-Vieste-San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
• United States Army Special Forces

Video

YouTube PlayList

Readings

Cheerfulness strengthens the heart and makes us persevere in a good life. Therefore the servant of God ought always to be in good spirits. - Saint Philip Neri

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-philip-neri/

Saint Mary Ann de Paredes

Also known as

• Lily of Quito
• Mariana de Paredes y Flores
• Mariana de Paredes
• Mariana of Jesus
• Mariana of Quito
• Mary-Ann de Paredes

Profile

Daughter of Don Girolamo Flores Zenel de Paredes, a nobleman of Toledo, and Doña Mariana Cranobles de Xaramilo; her birth was accompanied by unusual celestial phenomena. Orphaned very young, she was raised by her older sister and her husband. Mary Ann was a pious child with a devotion to Mary. She was miraculously saved from death several times.

Attracted to religious life at an early age, at ten she made vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. She initially wanted to be a Dominican nun, but instead became a hermit in home of her sister. Her life changed at that point, and except to attend church, she never left the house again. Given to severe austerities, she slept little, and ate an ounce of dry bread every eight or ten days, surviving solely on the Eucharist which she received during daily Communion. Given to ecstacies; had gifts of prophecy, remote viewing, reading of hearts, healing by making the Sign of the Cross or sprinkling with holy water, and at least once restored a dead person to life.

During a series of earthquakes in 1645, and inevitable epidemics that followed them, in Quito, Ecuador she publicly offered herself as a victim for the city and died shortly after. Immediately after her death there blossomed a pure white lily from her blood. The Republic of Ecuador has declared her a national heroine.

Born

31 October 1618 at Quito, Ecuador

Died

26 May 1645 at Quito, Ecuador

Canonized

9 July 1950 by Pope Pius XII

Patronage

• against bodily ills or sickness; sick people
• against the loss of parents
• people rejected by religious orders
• Americas

Representation

• lily, in reference to one that grew from her spilled blood
• skull, a reference to her rejection of the world

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-mary-ann-de-paredes/

Blessed Mathieu-Henri Planchat

Also known as

Enrico Planchat

Profile

While studying theology in Paris, France, Mathieu-Henri joined the Religious of Saint Vincent de Paul, worked with its founder, Venerable Jean-Léon Le Prevost, and spent much of his non-study time ministering to the poor. Ordained a priest on 21 December 1850. On 24 December 1850, he joined the Vincentian Institute, and became its first priest, all other members being religious brothers. He worked for the material and spiritual good of families, young people, soldiers and his religious brothers. He urged Eucharistic Adoration and frequent Communion to the people. Martyred in the persecutions of the Paris Commune.

Born

8 November 1823 in La-Roche-sur-Yon, Vendée, France

Died

shot on 26 May 1871 in Paris, France

Venerated

25 November 2021 by Pope Francis (decree of martyrdom)

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-mathieu-henri-planchat/

Our Lady of Caravaggio

Also known as

Nostra Signora di Caravaggio

Profile

Title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary who appeared in an apparition on 26 May 1432 in the countryside outside Caravaggio, Lombardy, Italy. Giannetta de' Vacchi Varoli was cutting hay in a field when the Virgin appeared. Mary requested penance from and a chapel built by the locals. A new spring of healing water appeared in the hay field. The apparition anniversary became a day of pilgrimage to the shrine of Santa Maria del Fonte built at the site, and devotion to the Madonna of Caravaggio spread through the region and eventually around the world.

In 1879, Italians from Lombardy built a chapel for their settlement in southern Brazil. As it was the only sacred art that any of them possessed, they dedicated the chapel to the Madonna di Caravaggio. Today the shrine hosts over a million pilgrims annually.

Patronage

diocese of Cremona, Italy

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

Blessed Francis Patrizzi

Also known as

• Francis Patrizi
• Francis Patrizi of Siena
• Francesco of Siena

Profile

Converted to an active faith after hearing the preaching of Blessed Ambrose Sansedoni. He felt drawn to religious life, and joined the Servites, received into the order by Saint Philip Benizi. Noted for his personal holiness, and his skill has a mediator.

Born

1266 in Siena, Italy

Died

• 26 May 1328 in Siena, Italy of natural causes
• interred in the church of Santa Maria dei Servi in Siena

Beatified

11 September 1743 by Pope Benedict XIV (cultus confirmation)

Patronage

for reconciliation

Representation

• Servite with a lily growing out of his mouth
• Servite holding a lily and a book

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-francis-patrizzi/

Blessed Andrea Franchi

Profile

Studied at the Dominican convent of Santa Maria Novella in Pistoia, Italy as a boy, and joined the Dominicans there at age 14. Great preacher and evangelist. Prior of the Dominican houses in Pistoia, Lucca and Orvieto in Italy. Bishop of Pistoia, Italy in 1382; his ministry to the poor and sick led to his title of Father of the Poor. Miracle worker, including ending an epidemic of the Black Death. After 18 years of service, ill health forced him to retire from his see and return to life as a prayerful monk at the monastery in Pistoia.

Born

1335 in Pistoia, Italy

Died

• 26 May 1401 in Pistoia, Italy of natural causes
• buried in the church of San Domenico in Pistoia
• body found incorrupt when his tomb was opened in 1613

Beatified

21 November 1921 by Pope Benedict XV (cultus confirmation)

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-andrea-franchi/

Blessed Lambert Péloguin of Vence

Profile

His mother died in childbirth. Raised by the Benedictine monks of Lérins Abbey from age 12, Lambert entered the Order at age 14. Reluctant bishop of Vence, France in 1114; he did not want to give up his life in the monastery, but accepted and served for 40 years. He built hospitals, supported widows and orphans, and would routinely retire to a small forest hermitage for periods of silence and prayer. He was a man of such obvious piety, honesty and charity that civil authorities would submit matters to him for arbitration without further appeal.

Born

1084 at Bauduen, France

Died

• 1154 at Vence, France of natural causes
• relics at Vence

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-lambert-peloguin-of-vence/

Blessed Jean-Marie Rouchouze

Also known as

• Father Marcellin
• Marcellino
• John Mary Rouchouze

Profile

A member of the Picpus Fathers, making his professon to the Servant of God Marie Joseph Coudrin, the founder of the Fathers, on 2 February 1837. Jean-Marie taught Latin, mathematics and philosophy in Congregation schools in Belgium. Reluctantly ordained to the priesthood on 5 June 1852. Secretary-General of the Fathers in Paris, France. Martyred in the persecutions of the French Commune.

Born

14 December 1810 in Saint-Julien-en-Jarez, Loire, France

Died

shot on 26 May 1871 in Paris, France

Venerated

25 November 2021 by Pope Francis (decree of martyrdom)

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-jean-marie-rouchouze/

Blessed Jean-Pierre-Eugène Tardieu

Also known as

• Father Frézal
• Frézal Tardieu
• Giovanni Pietro Eugenio

Profile

A member of the Picpus Fathers, making his profession on 6 April 1839. Ordained a priest in 1840, he served as novice master in places in France and Belgium. General Councilor of the Fathers in Paris, France where he also taught theology, and was noted for his charity. Martyred in the persecutions of the French Commune.

Born

18 November 1814 in Chasseradès, Lozère, France

Died

shot on 26 May 1871 in Paris, France

Venerated

25 November 2021 by Pope Francis (decree of martyrdom)

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-jean-pierre-eugene-tardieu/

Blessed Jules Tuffier

Also known as

• Father Polycarpe
• Polycarpo
• Giulio Tuffier

Profile

After studying at the college of the Picpus Fathers, Jules joined the congregation, making his profession on 14 May 1823. Ordained a priest in 1830, he served as a parish priest, chaplain to convents, and superior of teaching Fathers at several colleges. Procurator and General Councilor of the Fathers. He was known for the depth of his preaching. Martyred in the persecutions of the French Commune.

Born

16 March 1807 in Malzieu, Lozère, France

Died

shot on 26 May 1871 in Paris, France

Venerated

25 November 2021 by Pope Francis (decree of martyrdom)

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-jules-tuffier/

Saint Pere Sans Jordà

Also known as

Pedro Sanz

Additional Memorial

28 September as one of the Martyrs of China

Profile

Joined the Dominicans in 1697. Ordained on 24 September 1704. Missionary to the Philippines in 1712. Missionary to China in 1713. Co-adjutor vicar apostolic of Fo-Kien, China on 29 January 1728. Bishop co-adjutor and titular bishop of Mauricastro on 24 February 1730. Vicar apostolic of Fujian on 3 January 1732. Imprisoned for his faith and his work in 1746.

Born

3 September 1680 in Ascó, Tarragona, Spain

Died

beheaded on 26 May 1747 in Fuzhou, Fujian, China

Canonized

1 October 2000 by Pope John Paul II

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-pere-sans-jorda/

Blessed Armand Radigue

Also known as

• Father Ladislas
• Ladislao Radigue
• Armando Pietro Pietro

Profile

Armand joined the Picpus Fathers on 7 March 1845. He was ordained a priest on 22 April 1848, and served the Fathers as novice master for 20 years. Chosen Vicar-General of the Fathers in 1868, and then superior of the Picpus mother house in Paris, France. Martyred in the persecutions of the Paris Commune.

Born

8 May 1823 in Saint-Patrice-du-Désert, Orne, France

Died

shot on 26 May 1871 in Paris, France

Venerated

25 November 2021 by Pope Francis (decree of martyrdom)

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-armand-radigue/

Saint Iosephus Chang Song-Jib

Also known as

• Joseph Chang Song-jib
• Giuseppe Chang Song-jib
• Yosep Jang Seong-jib

Additional Memorial

20 September as one of the Martyrs of Korea

Profile

Married layman in the apostolic vicariate of Korea. Pharmacist. Convert. Imprisoned, tortured and left to die in prison for his faith. Martyr.

Born

1786 in Seoul, South Korea

Died

27 May 1839 in Seoul Prison, South Korea

Canonized

6 May 1984 by Pope John Paul II

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-iosephus-chang-song-jib/

Saint Gioan Doàn Trinh Hoan

Also known as

John Hoan

Additional Memorial

24 November as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam

Profile

Priest in the apostolic vicariate of North Cochinchina (in modern Vietnam) who worked to evanglize his countrymen. Martyred in the persecutions of Emperor Tu-Duc.

Born

c.1798 at Kim-Long, Thùa Thiên, Vietnam

Died

beheaded on 26 May 1861 near Dong Hoi, Quang Bình, Vietnam

Canonized

19 June 1988 by Pope John Paul II

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-gioan-doan-trinh-hoan/

Pope Saint Eleuterus

Also known as

Eleuterius, Eleutherius, Eleutheros

Profile

Son of Habundius. Deacon under Pope Anicetus and Pope Saint Soter. Chosen 13th Pope c.174. Declared opposition to Gnostics and the Montanists. Sent Fugatius and Damjan to convert the Britons. Abolished some Jewish dietary customs for Christians. Martyr.

Born

at Nicopolis, Epirus, Greece

Papal Ascension

c.174

Died

• 24 May 189 in Rome, Italy
• buried in the Vatican near Saint Peter the Apostle

https://catholicsaints.info/pope-saint-eleuterus/

Saint Quadratus the Apologist

Also known as

• Disciple of the Apostles
• Quadratus of Athens

Profile

Bishop of Athens, Greece; his background in Greek literature helped him become quickly accepted even by the pagans in his diocese. First person to write an apology for Christianity, addressed to Emperor Hadrian c.124. He is quoted in works by Saint Eusebius and Saint Jerome, and he is mentioned in early martyrologies.

Died

2nd century

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-quadratus-the-apologist/

Saint Ponsiano Ngondwe

Also known as

Pontian Ngondwe

Memorial

3 June as one of the Martyrs of Uganda

Profile

Born to the Nnyonyi Nnyange clan. Soldier. Convert. One of the Martyrs of Uganda who died in the Mwangan persecutions.

Born

at Buganda, Uganda

Died

beheaded and dismembered on 26 May 1886 at Ttakajjunge, Uganda

Canonized

18 October 1964 by Pope Paul VI at Rome, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ponsiano-ngondwe/

Saint Desiderius of Vienne

Also known as

Didier

Profile

Educated in Vienne, France and a noted classics scholar, he became an Archdeacon and then Bishop of Vienne. Exiled and deposed for his defense of orthodox Christianity, he returned only to be assassinated. Martyr.

Born

Autun, France

Died

• 608 at Saint-Didier-sur-Chalaronne, France
• relics enshrined in Vienne, France

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-desiderius-of-vienne/

Saint Anderea Kaggwa

Also known as

Andreas, Andrew

Additional Memorial

3 June as one of the Martyrs of Uganda

Profile

Convert, joining the Church in 1881. One of the Martyrs of Uganda who died in the Mwangan persecutions.

Born

at Bunyoro, Uganda

Died

beheaded in 26 May 1886 at Munyonyo, Uganda

Canonized

18 October 1964 by Pope Paul VI at Rome, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-anderea-kaggwa/

Blessed Berengar of Saint-Papoul

Also known as

Berenger, Berencardus, Berengary

Profile

Benedictine monk at the monastery of Saint-Papoul, Toulouse, France. A model of the monastic life, and miracle worker.

Died

26 May 1093 of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-berengar-of-saint-papoul/

Saint Fugatius the Missionary

Also known as

Phaganu, Fagan, Ffager, Phaganus

Profile

Second century missionary from Rome, Italy to the British Isles, sent by Pope Saint Eleutherius at the request of King Lucius. Apparently worked in south Wales to judge by the churches dedicated to him.

Died

relics enshrined at Glastonbury Abbey

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-fugatius-the-missionary/

Saint Damian the Missionary

Also known as

Derivianus, Diruvianus, Deruvian, Dyfan

Profile

Died

relics enshrined at Glastonbury Abbey

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-damian-the-missionary/

Saint Simitrius of Rome

Also known as

Simitrio, Simetrio

Profile

Simitrius and 22 fellow parishioners, whose names have not come down to us, were grabbed and summarily executed for their faith while at prayers. Martyrs.