Calendar of Saints

28 March	• yesterday • tomorrow

Saint Joseph Sebastian Pelczar

Also known as

Jozef Sebastian Pelczar

Profile

Raised in a pious family. Studied in Rzeszów, and entered the seminary at Przemysl in 1860. Ordained on 17 July 1864. Parish priest at Sambor.

Transferred to Rome in 1866, he studied at the Collegium Romanum (Gregorian University) and the Institute of Saint Apollinaris (Lateran University). Doctor of theology and a canon lawyer. Professor at the seminary at Przemysl from 1869 to 1877, and at the University of Krakow from 1877 to 1899, he was known as a great educator who was always available to students. Dean of the Theology Department. Rector of the University of Krakow from 1882 to 1883.

All the while he was teaching Joseph was still involved at the parish level. He worked with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society and was president of the Society for the Education of the People for 16 years. He started hundreds of libraries, delivered free lectures, published over a thousand books, wrote several books of history, theology and canon law himself, and started a school for servants. He founded the Fraternity of Our Lady, Queen of the Polish Crown in 1891; the Fraternity cared for the poor, orphans, apprentices, servants, the sick and unemployed. With Blessed Klara Szczesna, he co-founded the Sister Servants of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus on 15 April 1894 in Krakow to work with the sick and young women, and to spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Bishop of Przemysl in 1900 until his death in 1924. He made frequent visits to the parishes, supported the religious orders, conducted three synods, and worked for the education and religious formation of his priests. He encouraged devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, Eucharistic devotions, the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and the Virgin Mary. He built and restored churches, built nurseries, kitchens, homeless shelters, schools for the poor, and gave tuition assistance to poor seminarians. He worked for the implentation of the social doctrine described in the writings of Pope Leo XIII. He left behind a large body of work including books, pastoral letters, sermons, addresses, prayers and other writings.

Born

17 January 1842 at Korczyn bei Krosno, Poland

Died

• 28 March 1924 at Przemysl, Poland
• relics in Przemysl Cathedral

Canonized

18 May 2003 by Pope John Paul II at the Vatican Basilica

Readings

Earthly ideals are fading away. I see the ideal of life in sacrifice, and the ideal of sacrifice in priesthood. - Saint Joseph as a young man

The late Bishop of Przemysl personified the most beautiful qualities and talents of the episcopate. Witness his tireless pastoral zeal, his spirit of initiative combined with energy manifested in action; witness the splendor of his scholarship, or, even more noteworthy, the sanctity of his virtues; witness above all the shining example of his exceptional work combined with a truly youthful enthusiasm. - Father Antoni Bystrzonowski, Saint Joseph's student and successor

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-joseph-sebastian-pelczar/

Saint Stephen Harding

Also known as

• Esteban Harding
• Etienne Harding
• Stefano Harding
• Stevan Harding

Profile

Born to the English nobility. After a somewhat mis-spent youth, he was drawn to religious life and entered the Benedictine Sherborne Abbey. Following the Norman conquest of England in 1066, Stephen left the monastic life, moved to Scotland and then to Paris, France to study. Pilgrim to Rome, Italy, seeking forgiveness for having abandoned monasticism. Monk at Molesme Abbey. With Saint Robert of Molesme, he helped begin the Cistercian reform by helping found Citeaux Abbey in 1098. Chosen abbot of the house in 1109, he came in with a reformer's zeal and administrative skill. Accepted Saint Bernard of Clairvaux into the Order with all the reform and expansion that he and his brothers brought with them. Helped found a dozen other Cistercian houses. amd gave the statutes that started the Cistician nuns. Worked for a reform to simplify all things including liturgical rites, church decor, monastic dress, and life in the Order.

Born

c.1060 in Meriot, Sherborne, England

Died

• 28 March 1134 at Citeaux, France of natural causes
• buried at Citeaux Abbey

Canonized

1623 by Pope Urban VIII

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-stephen-harding/

Blessed Conon of Naso

Also known as

Cono, Conone

Profile

Born to the wealthy nobility, the son of Count Anselmo Navacita, governor of Naso, Italy, and Claudia Santapau. At age 15 he turned his back on wealth and became a Basilian monk at the nearby monastery. Monk at the Fragala Abbey in Frazzano, Italy. Spiritual student of Saint Lawrence of Frazzano. Priest. Hermit, living in a cave at the Rock of Almo. His reputation for holiness spread, however, and he was recalled to his monastery and chosen abbot. Pilgrim to the Holy Lands. Upon the death of his parents, Conon inherited a large bequest which he immediately distributed to the poor. He then retired to live the rest of his day as a prayerful hermit in the cave of San Michele.

Born

3 June 1139 in Naso, Messina, Italy

Died

• Friday 28 March 1236 in the cave of San Michele near Naso, Italy of natural causes, apparently while in prayer
• that day the bells in the town of Naso began ringing on their own; the locals when to the holy man to ask why it was happening; they found him dead and believed that the bells were ringing to annouce his passing

Beatified

1630 by Pope Urban VIII (cultus confirmation)

Patronage

• against ear problems
• against nose problems
• Naso, Italy
• San Cono, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-conon-of-naso/

Blessed Venturino of Bergamo

Also known as

• Venturinus
• Lorenzo de Apibus

Profile

Joined the Dominicans on 22 January 1319 at the convent of Saint Stephen in Bergamo, . Studied and was ordained at Genoa, Italy. Noted preacher throughout northern Italy, converting many and calling for peace during the struggles between the Guelphs and Ghibellines.

In February 1335 Venturino led a great pilgrimage to Rome, Italy for 30,000 of the faithful. This was during the Avignon papacy, and Pope Benedict XII assumed that Venturino was marching on Rome with a mob to have himself declared pope. Benedict and the Dominican Master General prohibited the pilgrimage, but the news did not reach Venturino until after he and his group and arrived in Rome. He first met with great success, the pilgrims were welcomed, and Venturino preached at several churches. However, twelve days in he learned of the order and left the city. In June 1335 he requested an audience with the pope to clarify things, but was immediately imprisoned for eight years, released in 1343 by Pope Clement VI. Successful preacher of Crusade against the Turks.

Born

9 April 1304 in Bergamo, Italy as Lorenzo de Apibus

Died

28 March 1346 at Smyrna, Asia Minor (in modern Turkey) of natural causes

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-venturino-of-bergamo/

Saint Guntramnus

Also known as

Contran, Gontram, Gontran, Gontrano, Gontranno, Gunthrammus, Gunthramnus, Guntram, Guntrammo

Profile

Grew up without the faith. Son of King Clotaire and Saint Clothildis. Brother of King Charibert and King Sigebert. King of Orleans and Burgundy in 561. Married to Mercatrude. Peacemaker.

He divorced Mercatrude; some time later she became seriously ill, and when her physician could not cure her, he had the doctor murdered. Upon his conversion to Christianity he was so overcome with remorse for the acts of his prior life, he devoted his energy and fortune to building up the Church.

Protector of the oppressed, care-giver to the sick, tender parent to his subjects, open with alms, especially during plague and famine. He strictly and justly enforced the law without respect to person, yet forgave offenses against himself, including two attempted assassinations.

Died

• 28 March 592
• buried in the church of Saint Marcellus, which he had founded
• his skull is now kept in a silver reliquary

Patronage

• divorced people
• guardians
• reformed murderers

Representation

• king finding treasure and giving it to the poor
• king with three treasure chests, one of which has a globe and cross

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

Blessed Jeanne Marie de Maille

Also known as

Jane Mary de Maille

Profile

Married for sixteen years to the Baron de Silly, but remained chaste. The Baron was captured in battle; Jeanne sold everything to raise his ransom, but before she could pay it, the Baron escaped with the help of the Virgin Mary. Widowed, she fell into complete homeless poverty, praying by day, sleeping with dogs by night. Franciscan tertiary, at age 57 she moved into a tiny room in a church at Tours, France. Her humility and holiness attracted visitors, many of whom she helped convert, and who were witness to healing miracles.

Born

14 April 1331 at the castle of La Roche, France

Died

28 March 1414 at ToursFrance of natural causes

Beatified

1871 by Pope Blessed Pius IX (cultus confirmed)

Patronage

• abuse victims
• against in-law problems
• against the death of parents
• exiles
• people ridiculed for their piety
• widows

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-jeanne-marie-de-maille/

Saint Tutilo of Saint Gall

Also known as

• Tutilo von Gallen
• Tutilo of Gall
• Tuathal...

Profile

A large, powerfully built man. Educated at Saint Gall's monastery in Switzerland where he stayed to become a Benedictine monk. Friend of Blessed Notkar Balbulus. A renaissance man before the term was coined. Excellent student, he became a sought after teacher at the abbey school. Noted speaker. Poet and hymnist, though nearly all of his work has been lost. Architect, painter, sculptor, metal worker, and mechanic; some of his art continues to grace galleries and monasteries around Europe. Composer and musician, playing several instruments including the harp. No matter his talents or works, he preferred the solitude and prayers of his beloved monastery.

Born

c.850 in Ireland

Died

c.915 at Saint Gall's monastery, Switzerland

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-tutilo-of-saint-gall/

Saint Proterius of Alexandria

Profile

Ordained by Saint Cyril, Patriarch of Alexandria. Leader of the orthodox Christians in Alexandria. Appointed archpriest of Alexandria by Dioscorus, Patriarch of Alexandria. When Dioscorus began supporting heretical theologians, Proterus opposed him. When Dioscorus was denounced by the Council of Chalcedon in 451, Proterus was elected Patriach of Alexandria. Theologically, this divided Alexandria into two groups, almost like armed camps - supporters of Proterus and supporters of Dioscorus, and later Elurus, his successor. When imperial forces intervened to settle the matter, rioting broke out; Elurus was driven from the city, and Proterius was murdered in a church. Martyr.

Died

stabbed to death on 28 January 457

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-proterius-of-alexandria/

Blessed Dedë Maçaj

Profile

Studied at the Shkodra Pontifical Seminary and then in Rome, Italy. Ordained on 19 March 1944 as a priest in the archdiocese of Shkodrë-Pult, Albania. Under the anti–Catholic Communist regime in Albania, he was ordered into military service, then imprisoned, tortured and executed as a spy for the Vatican. Martyr.

Born

5 February 1920 in Mali Jushit, Shkodrë, Albania

Died

28 March 1947 in Përmet, Albania

Beatified

• 5 November 2016 by Pope Francis
• beatification celebrated at the Square of the Cathedral of Shën Shtjefnit, Shkodër, Albania, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-dede-macaj/

Blessed Antonio Patrizi

Also known as

Antonio of Monticiano

Additional Memorial

9 October (Augustinians)

Profile

Priest in the Order of Hermits of Saint Augustine in Lecceto, Italy.

Born

early 13th century Siena, Italy

Died

• c.1311 in Monticiano, Italy
• relics enshrined in the local church in 1313
• relics re-enshrined in 1616
• relics re-enshrined in 1700

Beatified

1804 by Pope Pius VII (cultus confirmation)

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-antonio-patrizi/

Blessed Renée-Marie Feillatreau épouse Dumont

Additional Memorial

2 January as one of the Martyrs of Anjou

Profile

Married lay woman of the diocese of Angers, France. Martyred in the persecutions of the French Revolution.

Born

8 February 1751 in Angers, Maine-et-Loire, France

Died

28 March 1794 in Angers, Maine-et-Loire, France

Beatified

19 February 1984 by Pope John Paul II at Rome, Italy

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-renee-marie-feillatreau-epouse-dumont/

Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem

Profile

Educated in Jerusalem. Monk. Hermit. Priest. Noted for his learning and Bible scholarship. Worked with Saint Jerome and Saint Cyril of Alexandria. Wrote a commentary on the entire Bible, but only small parts have survived; some sermons have also come down to us.

Born

Jerusalem

Died

c.450 of natural causes

Video

YouTube PlayList

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-hesychius-of-jerusalem/

Blessed Christopher Wharton

Additional Memorials

• 22 November as one of the Martyrs of England, Scotland, and Wales
• 29 October as one of the Martyrs of Douai

Profile

Priest of the apostolic vicariate of England. Martyred in the persecutions of Elizabeth I.

Born

c.1540 in Middleton, West Yorkshire, England

Died

28 March 1600 in York, North Yorkshire, England

Beatified

22 November 1987 by Pope John Paul II

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-christopher-wharton/

Blessed Jean-Baptiste Malo

Profile

Member of the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Priest. Martyr.

Born

2 June 1889 in La Grigonnais, Loire-Atlantique, France

Died

28 March 1954 in Vinh Hoi, Vu Quang, Hà Tinh, Vietnam

Beatified

• 11 December 2016 by Pope Francis
• beatification recognition celebrated in Vientiane, Laos, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-jean-baptiste-malo/

Saint Alkelda of Middleham

Also known as

Alkeld, Athilda

Profile

Saxon princess. Nun. Martyred by Viking raiders. A holy well near her place of death is reported to have healing properties.

Born

England

Died

• strangled to death c.800
• buried in the church at Middleham, Yorkshire, England

Patronage

Yorkshire, England

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-alkelda-of-middleham/

Saint Alexander of Caesarea

Profile

Hermit in the area of Caesarea in Palestine. During a period of persecution in the region, he went into the city and publicly proclaimed himself a Christian. Tortured and executed for his faith and for showing courage in the face of anti-Christian government.

Died

260 in Caesarea, Palestine

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-alexander-of-caesarea-2/

Saint Malchus of Caesarea

Profile

Died

260 in Caesarea, Palestine

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

Saint Priscus of Caesarea

Profile

Died

260 in Caesarea, Palestine

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

Saint Hilarion of Pelecete

Also known as

Ilarione

Profile

Eighth-century hegumen (abbot) of the Pelecete Abbey on Mount Olympus, Bithynia, Greece. Persecuted for defending the use of icons and fighting the iconoclasts.

https://catholicsaints.info/saint-hilarion-of-pelecete/