| 31 January |
• yesterday • tomorrow |
| Memorial of Saint John Bosco |
• Don Bosco
• Giovanni Bosco
• Giovanni Melchior Bosco
• John Melchoir Bosco
Son of Venerable Margaret Bosco. John's father died when the boy was two years old; and as soon as he was old enough to do odd jobs, John did so to helps support his family. Bosco would go to circuses, fairs and carnivals, practice the tricks that he saw magicians perform, and then put on one-boy shows. After his performance, while he still had an audience of boys, he would repeat the homily he had heard earlier that day in church.
He worked as a tailor, baker, shoemaker, and carpenter while attending college and seminary. Ordained in 1841. A teacher, he worked constantly with young people, finding places where they could meet, play and pray, teaching catechism to orphans and apprentices. Chaplain in a hospice for girls. Wrote short treatises aimed at explaining the faith to children, and then taught children how to print them. Friend of Saint Joseph Cafasso, whose biography he wrote, and confessor to Blessed Joseph Allamano. Founded the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) in 1859, priests who work with and educate boys, under the protection of Our Lady, Help of Chistians, and Saint Francis de Sales. Founded the Daughters of Mary, Help of Christians in 1872, and Union of Cooperator Salesians in 1875.
16 August 1815 at Becchi, Castelnuovo d'Asti, Piedmont, Italy as Giovanni Melchior Bosco
31 January 1888 at Turin, Italy of natural causes
1 April 1934 by Pope Pius XI
• apprentices
• boys
• editors
• Mexican young people
• laborers
• students, school children
• young people
Fly from bad companions as from the bite of a poisonous snake. If you keep good companions, I can assure you that you will one day rejoice with the blessed in Heaven; whereas if you keep with those who are bad, you will become bad yourself, and you will be in danger of losing your soul. - Saint John Bosco
Do you want our Lord to give you many graces? Visit him often. Do you want him to give you few graces? Visit him seldom. Visits to the Blessed Sacrament are powerful and indispensable means of overcoming the attacks of the devil. Make frequent visits to Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and the devil will be powerless against you. - Saint John Bosco
My sons, in my long experience very often I had to be convinced of this great truth. It is easier to become angry than to restrain oneself, and to threaten a boy than to persuade him. Yes, indeed, it is more fitting to be persistent in punishing our own impatience and pride than to correct the boys. We must be firm but kind, and be patient with them. See that no one finds you motivated by impetuosity or willfulness. It is difficult to keep calm when administering punishment, but this must be done if we are to keep ourselves from showing off our authority or spilling out our anger. Let us regard those boys over whom we have some authority as our own sons. Let us place ourselves in their service. Let us be ashamed to assume an attitude of superiority. Let us not rule over them except for the purpose of serving them better. This was the method that Jesus used with the apostles. He put up with their ignorance and roughness and even their infidelity. He treated sinners with a kindness and affection that caused some to be shocked, others to be scandalized and still others to hope for God's mercy. And so he bade us to be gentle and humble of heart. - from a letter by Saint John Bosco
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-john-bosco/
• Cyrus of Alexandria
• Cyrus of Canopus
• Abba Cyrus
• Abbacyrus
• Abukir
• Cher the Physician
• Father Cyrus
28 June (translation of relics)
Physician in Alexandria, Egypt. His ministry to the sick, and the Christian example he set, brought many others to the faith. He, Saint John, Saint Athanasia, and her three daughters were tortured and martyred for their faith. Their story was told by Saint Sophronius and others.
• beheaded in Canope, Egypt
• buried outside Canope
• relics taken to the Basilica of Saint Mark in Alexandria, Egypt by Saint Cyril of Alexandria and enshrined as part of his campaign against the cult of Isis in that region
• relics translated to Manutha, Egypt
• relics translated to Saint Appassara church in Rome, Italy
Portici, Italy
• man with a small cross in his hand
• man with a box of oils or herbs (common for physicians at the time)
• man driving away or holding off a wild boar
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-cyrus-the-physician/
• Apostle of Naples
• Francis Xavier Bianchi
Studied in Naples, Italy. Joined the Barnabite at age 14 over the objections of his family. Ordained in 1767. Served as the president of two colleges. Noted for his endless ministry to the poor and neglected, his work to prevent girls from turning to prostitution, for his personal austerities, his gift of prophecy, and as a miracle worker. Reported to have stopped the flow of lava from Mount Vesuvius in 1805. His health destroyed by overwork, late in life he lost the use of his legs, but continued to work with those whom he felt were worse off than himself. When the Barnabites were expelled from Naples, his health was so poor that he had to be left behind, and he died separated from his brothers.
2 December 1743 in Arpino, Frosinone, Italy
31 January 1815 in Naples, Italy of natural causes
21 October 1951 by Pope Pius XII
When you hear that I cannot celebrate Mass any more, count me as dead. - Saint Francis Xavier Bianchi
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-francesco-saverio-maria-bianchi/
• Aeddan Foeddog
• Mo-Aedh-og (= my dear Aedh)
• Aedh-og, Aidan, Aidus, Edan, Hugh, Maedoc, Maidoc, Maodhóg, Moedhog, Mogue
Son of Eithne and Sedna, chief of Connaught. A widespread reputation for sanctity brought him potential disciples in his youth; he fled to Kilmuine, Wales to escape them. He became one of Saint David's most faithful disciples. He returned to Ireland in 580 with a band of disciples, including Saint Caillan and settled at Brentrocht, Leinster. Founded 30 churches and several monasteries in that district, the best known being Ferns in Wexford, built on land given him by Brandubh, King of Leinster. First bishop of Ferns c.598; the episcopal seat of Ferns is now at Enniscorthy, where there is a beautiful cathedral dedicated to Aedan. Miracle worker. Late in life he retired to live as a prayerful monk.
c.550 at Inisbrefny, Templeport, County Cavan, Ireland
31 January 632 at Ferns, Ireland of natural causes
• Ferns, Ireland, diocese of
• Wexford, Ireland
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-aedan-of-ferns/
Maria Cristina of Savoy
Born a princess, the youngest daughter of King Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia and Archduchess Maria Teresa of Austria-Este; grand-daughter of Archduke Ferdinand of Austria-Este and Maria Beatrice Ricciarda d'Este. Married to Ferdinand II of the Two Sicilies on 21 November 1832; it was not a happy marriage as she was very shy and uncomfortable at the royal court, and Ferdinand had no patience for it. Queen of the Two Sicilies. Mother of Francesco d'Assisi Maria Leopoldo who grew up to be the last king of the Two Sicilies.
14 November 1812 in Cagliari, Italy as Maria Cristina Carlotta Giuseppina Gaetana Elisa
31 January 1836 in Naples, Italy of complications from childbirth
• 25 January 2014 by Pope Francis
• recognition celebrated at the Basilica of Santa Chiara, Naples, Italy, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-maria-cristina-di-savoia/
Geminiano, Geminianus, Gimignano
Deacon and later bishop of Modena, Italy. Sheltered Saint Athanasius of Alexandria and Saint John Chrystostom in their exiles. Opposed Jovinianism and other heresies. The people of Modena believe his intercession saved them from the invading Huns.
• 348 of natural causes
• buried in the Cathedral of Modena, Italy
• Modena, Italy
• Pontremoli, Italy
• Sacrofano, Italy
• San Gimignano, Italy
• bishop holding a mirror in which the Virgin Mary is reflected
• bishop holding the town of San Gimignano
• man calming a storm at sea
• man exorcising the emperor's daughter
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-geminian-of-modena/
Wealthy married imperial Roman noble woman. Widowed young after only seven months of marriage. Declined a wedding proposal from the consul Cerealis. Organized a group of religious women at her mansion on the Aventine Hill, one of which was Saint Lea of Rome. They were under the spiritual direction of Saint Jerome, though she was never afraid to stand against him in arguments. Marcella spent most of her time reading, praying, and visiting the shrines of martyrs. Captured by the Goths who looted Rome, Italy in 410, she was tortured to give up her treasure, but was released when they realized she had given away everything to the poor. She died soon after from the affects of the abuse.
325 at Rome, Italy
August 410 at Rome, Italy
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-marcella/
• Julius of Orta
• Giulio
Priest. Missionary to northern Italy. Sent by Emperor Theodosius I to destroy pagan altars and woods, and convert pagan temples into Christian churches. Received financial and spiritual support from Saint Audentius of Milan.
• c.390 of natural causes
• relics in the basilica of San Giulio on Isola San Giulio, Italy
Orta San Giulio, Italy
old priest holding a staff and sailing on his cloak to Isola Giulio over Lake Maggiore, which is full of serpents, symbolic of him riding over pagan demons to bring Christianity to the area
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-julius-of-novara/
• Louisa Albertoni
• Ludovica Albertoni Cetera
Born to a wealthy and prominent family. Married to James de Citara. Mother of three. Widowed in 1506. Franciscan tertiary. She spent her fortune and ruined her health in caring for the poor. Given to religious ecstasies, she was known as a miracle worker, and had the gift of levitation.
1474 in Rome, Italy
31 January 1533 in Rome, Italy of natural causes
28 January 1671 by Pope Clement X (cultus confirmed)
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-louise-degli-albertoni/
Aedan, Aedh, Aidan, Edan, Maedoc, Modoc, Moedoc, Mogue
Known for his piety even as a small child. Studied scripture at the monastery of Saint David in Wales. Reported to have saved the house on several occasions by miraculously turning back Saxon invasions He returned to Ireland in 580 and built a monastery at Ferns, Wexford. Bishop. Miracle worker. Once saved a hunted stag by making it invisible to the hounds chasing it.
• c.550 in Connaught, Ireland
• miraculous portents were reported at his birth
626 of natural causes
with a stag
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-aiden/
Olfe, Ulpha, Ulphe, Wulfe, Wulfia
Hermitess near Amiens, France. Spiritual student of Saint Domitius at Saint Acheul abbey. Her reputation for holiness attracted students who built hermitage nearby. Ulphia organized them into a community, then resumed her solitary life.
• c.750 of natural causes
• a convent was later built on the site of her tomb
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-ulphia-of-amiens/
Potamio, Pouange
A sixth century gentleman who, after committing a serious but unspecified sin, made a pilgrimage to Rome, Italy to ask the Pope for absolution. We have no information on what happened in Rome, but when he returned to Troyes he retired from the world and became a hermit outside the city.
Troyes, Gaul (in modern France)
buried near the San Marco oratory around which the village of St-Pouange, France later developed
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-potamius-of-troyes/
Arab physician. Friend of Saint Cyrus the Physician. May have been a monk, and certainly lived a lot like one. Tortured and martyred with Cyrus, Saint Athanasia and her three daughters during the persecutions of Diocletian.
Syria
• beheaded in 312 in Alexandria, Egypt
• relics moved to Rome, Italy
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-john-the-physician/
Lay woman and mother, married to Saint Franciscus Ch'oe Kyong-Hwan. Upon witnessing the martyrdom of Saint Franciscus, Maria renounced her faith, but soon after repented, returned to the Church, and was soon after martyred herself.
1801 in Hongju, South Korea
beheaded on 31 January 1840 in Danggogae, South Korea
16 August 2014 by Pope Francis at Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, South Korea
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-maria-yi-seong/
Priest in the archdiocese of Milan, Italy. Founder of the Suore Misericordine di San Gerardo (Congregation of the Merciful Sisters of Saint Gerard).
3 October 1848 at Monza, Milan, Italy
31 January 1926 in Milan, Italy of natural causes
21 March 2004 by Pope John Paul II
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-luigi-talamoni/
• Abraham of Arbela
• Abraham the Persian
• Abraham Persianus
• Abrahán, Abraamios, Abraämius, Abramius
Bishop of Abela, Assyria (in modern Iraq). Martyred in the persecutions of King Sapor II of Persia for refusing to worship the sun.
beheaded c.345 at Telman, Persia
bishop with a sword
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-abraham-of-abela/
Gaud, Gaudo, Valdo, Waldus
Seventh century bishop of Evreux, France. In late life he retired to live as a hermit.
• Coutances, Neustria (in modern France) of natural causes
• relics re-discovered in 1311 in a sarcophagus in Saint-Pair-sur-Mer, diocese of Coutances, France
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-waldo-of-evreux/
Metras, Metrano
Tortured and murdered in the persecutions of Decius for refusing to sacrifice to idols. Saint Dionysius of Alexandria wrote about his martyrdom.
stoned to death c.250 outside the city walls of Alexandria, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-metranus-of-alexandria/
Pilgrim. Monk at the monastery of Coldingham, Scotland under the direction of Saint Ebba. Known for the austerity of his life. Had the gift of prophecy.
Ireland
c.680 of natural causes
1898 by Pope Leo XIII
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-adamnan-of-coldingham/
Monk of Saint Gall Abbey in Switzerland. Hermit on Mount Saint Victor in the Vorarlberg region of modern Austria. Killed while preaching against godlessness. Martyr.
Ireland
hit with a scythe in 884
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-eusebius-of-saint-gall/
When the Saracens invaded Sicily, Athanasius was forced to flee to Greece. Basilian monk. Bishop of Modon (modern Methoni).
in Catania, Sicily
c.885 of natural causes
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-athanasius-of-modon/
Monk at the Monastery of the Caves. Hermit. Tormented by demons in his solitude, he returned to the monastery. Bishop of Novgorod in 1095. Known as a miracle worker.
in Kiev, Ukraine
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-nicetas-of-novgorod/
Madianus
Though there are guesses and legends associated with this name, nothing is known about him except that he appears on ancient calendars, and he is honoured in the Carse of Gowrie, Scotland.
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-madoes/
Theodota
Daughter of Saint Athanasia of Canope. Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.
c.303 outside Canope, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-theodotia-of-canope/
Wilgis, Hilgis
Father of Saint Willibrord of Echternach. Retired to live as a hermit on the banks of the River Humber in northeast England.
Northumbria, England
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-wilgils/
Benedictine monk at Pomposa, diocese of Ferrara, Italy. Spiritual student of Saint Guy of Pomposa.
in Venice, Italy
c.1050 of natural causes
https://catholicsaints.info/blessed-john-angelus/
Benedictine monk at Moulier-la-Celle. Bishop of Troyes, France in 760.
in Aquitaine, France
c.766 of natural causes
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-bobinus-of-troyes/
Priest in Siure, Portugal. Captured by Saracens. Martyr.
in Auranca, Portugal
1156 in prison in Cordoba, Spain of ill-treatment
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-martin-manuel/
Son of Corun; cousin of Saint David of Wales. Founded a church in Llandysul, Wales; the church and it's ancient altar survive today.
462
544 of natural causes
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-tysul/
Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.
c.250 in Alexandria, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-saturninus-of-alexandria-31-january/
Daughter of Saint Athanasia of Canope. Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.
c.303 outside Canope, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-theoctista-of-canope/
Married Christian lay woman and mother. Tortured and martyred with her three daughters.
beheaded in Canope, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-athanasia-of-canope/
Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.
c.250 in Alexandria, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-victor-of-alexandria-31-january/
Daughter of Saint Athanasia of Canope. Martyred in the persecutions of Diocletian.
c.303 outside Canope, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-eudoxia-of-canope/
Martyr.
tortured, then gored to death by a bull at Cyzicus (in modern Turkey)
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-tryphaena-of-cyzicus/
Martyr.
martyred in Alexandria, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-zoticus-of-alexandria/
Martyr.
Alexandria, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-cyriacus-of-alexandria/
Martyr.
Alexandria, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-tarskius-of-alexandria/
Martyred in the persecutions of Decius.
c.250 in Alexandria, Egypt
https://catholicsaints.info/saint-thrysus/
A group of Christians tortured and martyred together in Corinth, Greece in the persecutions of Decius. We know nothing about them except some names - Anectus, Claudius, Codratus, Crescens, Cyprian, Diodorus, Dionysius, Nicephorus, Papias, Paul, Serapion, Theodora, Victor and Victorinus.
https://catholicsaints.info/martyrs-of-corinth-31-january/
Thousands of people were murdered in the anti-Catholic persecutions in Korea. I have pages on each of them, but in most cases I have only found very minimal information. They are available on the CatholicSaints.Info site through these links:
• Blessed Maria Yi Seong
• Saint Agatha Kwon Chin-i
• Saint Agatha Yi Kyong-I
• Saint Augustinus Park Chong-Won
• Saint Magdalena Son So-Byok
• Saint Maria Yi In-Dok
• Saint Petrus Hong Pyong-Ju
Thousands of people were murdered in the anti-Catholic persecutions of the Spanish Civil War from 1934 to 1939. I have pages on each of them, but in most cases I have only found very minimal information. They are available on the CatholicSaints.Info site through these links:
• José Acosta Alem&aacite;n
• Juan José Martínez Romero
• Pedro José Rodríguez Cabrera
• Candelarija of Saint Joseph
• Lutgarda Yi Sun-i
• Matthaeus Yu Jung-seong
CatholicSaints.Info Portable Edition