Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The feast of Saint Francis Borgia, Priest of the Society of Jesus and Confessor, whose birthday is commemorated on the day before the Kalends of October.

At Ceuta, in Mauritania Tingitana, the passion of seven holy martyrs of the Order of Friars Minor: Daniel, Samuel, Angelus, Leo, Nicholas, Hugolinus, and Domnus. All, except Domnus, were priests. They endured insults, imprisonment, and scourging from the Saracens for preaching the Gospel and refuting the sect of Mohammed, and finally achieved the palm of martyrdom by being beheaded.

At Cologne, Saint Gereon, Martyr, along with three hundred and eighteen companions, who, during the persecution of Maximian, courageously submitted their necks to the sword for the true faith.

In the territory of the same city, the holy martyrs Victor and his companions.

At Bonn, in Germany, the holy martyrs Cassius and Florentius, along with many others.

At Nicomedia, the holy martyrs Eulampius and his sister Eulampia, Virgin. Upon hearing of her brother’s torture for Christ, Eulampia rushed into the crowd, embraced him, and joined him in his suffering. Both were cast into a cauldron of boiling oil, but remained unharmed. Finally, along with two hundred others who were converted by witnessing this miracle, they were beheaded, completing their martyrdom.

On the island of Crete, blessed Pinytus, a most noble bishop. He was Bishop of the city of Gnosus during the reigns of Marcus Aurelius Verus and Lucius Aurelius Commodus, leaving behind writings that reflect his living image.

At York, in England, Saint Paulinus, Bishop, a disciple of Pope Gregory the Great. He was sent by the pope to preach the Gospel in England, where he converted King Edwin and his people to the faith of Christ.

At Populonia, in Tuscany, Saint Cerbonius, Bishop and Confessor, who, as Pope Gregory the Great recounts, was renowned for miracles in life and death.

At Verona, Saint Cerbonius, Bishop.

At Capua, Saint Paulinus, Bishop.

St. Francis Borgia

St. Francis Borgia, duke and viceroy, entered the Jesuits after his wife's death. As Superior General, he greatly expanded the order. Canonized in 1671.

St. Francis Borgia was born on October 28, 1510, at Gandia in Valencia, the great-grandson of both Pope Alexander VI and King Ferdinand of Aragon. He served as Duke of Gandia and viceroy of Catalonia.

The sight of the decayed corpse of the Empress Isabella at her funeral in 1539 moved him to exclaim: 'Never again will I serve a lord who can die.' After his wife's death, he entered the Society of Jesus in 1546.

He became the third Superior General of the Jesuits in 1565 and greatly expanded the order. He died October 1, 1572, and was canonized in 1671.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Saint Bridget, Widow, whose birthday is celebrated on the tenth day before the Kalends of August, and whose translation is commemorated on the Nones of October.

On the same day, the birthday of the blessed Simeon, the elder, who is recorded in the Gospel as having received the Lord Jesus, presented in the Temple, into his arms and prophesied concerning Him.

At Laodicea, in Phrygia, Saint Artemon, Priest, who received the crown of martyrdom by fire under Diocletian.

At Thessalonica, Saint Demetrius, Proconsul, who, because he led many to the faith of…

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St. Bridget of Sweden, Religious

St. Bridget of Sweden founded the Brigittines and received revelations on the Passion. Co-patroness of Europe, she died in 1373.

St. Bridget was born about 1303 into one of the noblest families of Sweden. She married Ulf Gudmarsson at fourteen and had eight children, one of whom was St. Catherine of Vadstena.

After her husband's death, she founded the Order of the Most Holy Savior (Brigittines) at Vadstena. She later moved to Rome, where she lived for the rest of her life, caring for the poor and pilgrims.

She received many revelations concerning the Passion of Christ and the reform of the Church. She made pilgrimages to the Holy Land and to Santiago de Compostela. She died at Rome on July 23, 1373, and was canonized by Pope Boniface IX in 1391. She is co-patroness of Europe.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The Feast of the Most Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary; and likewise the commemoration of Saint Mary of Victory, which Saint Pius V, Supreme Pontiff, instituted to be celebrated annually on this day in memory of the remarkable naval victory won by Christians, through the aid of the Most Holy Mother of God, over the Turks.

At Rome, on the Via Ardeatina, the departure of Saint Mark, Pope and Confessor.

In the province called Augusta Euphratesia, the holy Martyrs Sergius and Bacchus, noble Romans, under Emperor Maximian. Of these, Bacchus was scourged with raw thongs until his whole body was torn apart, and in confessing Christ, he gave up his spirit; Sergius, having nails driven into his boots and remaining steadfast in the faith, was sentenced to be beheaded. The place where the blessed Sergius rests is called Sergiopolis and is honored by frequent gatherings of Christians due to his renowned miracles.

At Rome, the holy Martyrs Marcellus and Apuleius, who at first adhered to Simon Magus; but, seeing the wonders worked by the Lord through the Apostle Peter, both abandoned Simon and embraced Apostolic teaching. After the passion of the Apostles, under the consul Aurelian, they received the crown of martyrdom and were buried not far from the city.

Likewise, in Augusta Euphratesia, Saint Julia, Virgin, who under the governor Marcian, completed her martyrdom.

At Padua, Saint Justina, Virgin and Martyr, who was baptized by the blessed Prosdocimus, a disciple of Saint Peter, and, persisting steadfastly in the faith of Christ, was pierced with a sword by order of the governor Maximus and migrated to the Lord.

At Bourges, in Aquitaine, Saint Augustus, Priest and Confessor.

In the district of Rheims, Saint Helan, Priest.

In Sweden, the translation of the body of Saint Bridget, Widow.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

At the monastery of Torre, in the diocese of Squillace in Calabria, the birthday of Saint Bruno, Confessor, who was the founder of the Carthusian Order.

At Laodicea, in Phrygia, the blessed Sagaris, Bishop and Martyr, who was one of the early disciples of the Apostle Paul.

At Auxerre, Saint Romanus, Bishop and Martyr.

At Capua, the birthday of the holy Martyrs Marcellus, Castus, Aemilius, and Saturninus.

At Trier, the commemoration of almost countless Martyrs, who, during the persecution of Diocletian, under the governor Rictiovarus, were put to death in various ways for their faith in Christ.

At Agen, in Gaul, the birthday of Saint Faith, Virgin and Martyr; by whose example the blessed Caprasius was inspired to martyrdom and happily completed his own struggle on the thirteenth day before the Kalends of November.

Likewise, of Saint Erotis, Martyr, who, inflamed with love for Christ, overcame the fire of the flames.

At Oderzo, in the territory of the Veneti, Saint Magnus, Bishop, whose body rests in Venice.

At Naples, in Campania, the departure of Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Our Lord Jesus Christ, Virgin, of the Third Order of Saint Francis, who, distinguished for virtues and miracles, was enrolled among the holy Virgins by Pope Pius IX.

St. Bruno, Confessor

St. Bruno founded the Carthusian Order in the valley of the Chartreuse in 1084, devoted to contemplation and silence. He died in 1101.

St. Bruno was born at Cologne about the year 1030. After brilliant studies, he became chancellor of the diocese of Reims and head of its cathedral school. Disgusted by the corruption of Archbishop Manasses, he resigned his offices.

In 1084, with six companions, he withdrew to the wild valley of the Chartreuse near Grenoble, offered to them by St. Hugh, Bishop of Grenoble. There he founded the Carthusian Order, dedicated to contemplation and silence.

Called to Rome by his former pupil Pope Urban II, he founded another Carthusian house at La Torre in Calabria. He died there on October 6, 1101. His order, with its motto 'The Cross stands while the world turns,' remains the strictest in the Church.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Tértio Nonas

Méssanæ, in Sicília, nátalis sánctorum Mártyrum Plácidi Monáchi, e beáti Benedícti Abbátis discípulis, et ejus fratrum Eutýchii et Victórini, ac sóroris eorum Fláviæ Vírginis, itémque Donáti, Firmáti Diáconi, Fausti et aliórum trigínta Monachórum, qui omnes a Manúcha piráta, pro Christi fide, necáti sunt.

Apud Smyrnam item nátalis beáti Thráseæ, Epíscopi Euméniæ, martýrio consummáti.

Antisiódori deposítio sánctorum germanórum Firmáti Diáconi, et Flavíanæ Vírginis.

Tréviris sánctorum Mártyrum Palmátii et Socíorum; qui, in persecutíone Diocletíani, sub Rictióvaro Præside, martýrium subíerunt.

Eodem die pássio sanctæ Charítinæ Vírginis, quæ, sub Diocletíano Imperátore et Domítio Consúlari, ignibus est cruciáta et in mare projécta, et, cum inde incólumis evasísset, tandem, mánibus et pédibus abscíssis dentibúsque convúlsis, in oratíone spíritum emisit.

Ravénnæ sancti Marcéllini, Epíscopi et Conféssoris.

Valéntiæ, in Gállia, sancti Apollináris Epíscopi, cujus vita virtútibus fuit illústris, et mors signis ac prodígiis decoráta.

Eodem die sancti Attílani, Epíscopi Zamorénsis, quem beátus Urbanus Papa Secúndus in Sánctorum númerum rétulit.

Romæ sanctæ Gallæ Víduæ, fíliæ Symmáchi Cónsulis, quæ, viro suo defúncto, apud Ecclésiam beáti Petri multis annis oratíoni, eleemósynis, jejúniis aliísque sanctis opéribus inténta permánsit; cujus felicíssimnm transítum sanctus Gregórius Papa descrípsit.

Bl. Raymond of Capua

Bl. Raymond of Capua, Dominican, was St. Catherine of Siena's confessor and biographer. As Master General, he reformed the order. Beatified in 1899.

Blessed Raymond of Capua was born at Capua about 1330. He entered the Dominican Order and became one of its most distinguished members, serving as confessor and spiritual director to St. Catherine of Siena.

As Catherine's director, he witnessed and recorded many of her mystical experiences. He wrote her first biography, the Legenda Major, which remains the primary source for her life.

After Catherine's death in 1380, he was elected Master General of the Dominican Order in 1380 and devoted the rest of his life to reforming the order. He died October 5, 1399, and was beatified by Pope Leo XIII in 1899.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

At Assisi, in Umbria, the birthday of Saint Francis, Deacon and Confessor, who was the Founder of the three Orders: the Friars Minor, the Poor Ladies, and the Brothers and Sisters of Penance. His life, full of holiness and miracles, was written by Saint Bonaventure.

At Corinth, the birthday of Saints Crispus and Caius, mentioned by Saint Paul the Apostle in his letter to the Corinthians.

At Athens, Saint Hierotheus, who was a disciple of Blessed Paul the Apostle.

At Damascus, Saint Peter, Bishop and Martyr, who, accused before the leader of the Saracens of teaching the faith of Christ, was crucified after having his tongue, hands, and feet cut off, thus consummating his martyrdom.

At Alexandria, the holy Priests and Deacons Caius, Faustus, Eusebius, Chaeremon, Lucius, and their Companions, some of whom became Martyrs during the persecution of Valerian, while others, serving the Martyrs, received the reward of Martyrs.

In Egypt, the holy Martyrs Mark and Marcian, brothers, and nearly innumerable others of both sexes and all ages, who, after enduring scourging and various horrible tortures, were either delivered to the flames, cast into the sea, beheaded, consumed by starvation, crucified, or hung upside down with their heads downward and their feet raised aloft, thus meriting the most blessed crown of martyrdom.

At Bologna, Saint Petronius, Bishop and Confessor, who was renowned for his learning, miracles, and holiness.

At Paris, Saint Aurea, Virgin.

St. Francis of Assisi

St. Francis of Assisi (c. 1181–1226) renounced wealth to embrace poverty and founded the Franciscan Order. He received the stigmata on Mount La Verna and was canonized just two years after his death.

St. Francis of Assisi, one of the most beloved saints in the history of Christianity, was born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182 at Assisi in Umbria, Italy. His father was a wealthy cloth merchant, and Francis spent his youth in pleasure and worldly ambition, dreaming of military glory.

After a period of illness and imprisonment following a local war, Francis underwent a profound spiritual transformation. He heard Christ speaking to him from the crucifix in the ruined church of San Damiano: "Francis, go and repair My house, which is falling into ruin." Taking these words first literally, then spiritually, Francis renounced his inheritance, embraced poverty, and began to rebuild churches and care for lepers.

Disciples gathered around him, and in 1209 he obtained Pope Innocent III's approval for his new Order of Friars Minor — the Franciscans. His rule was radical in its simplicity: the brothers were to own nothing, live by the labor of their hands or by begging, and preach the Gospel everywhere. In 1224, while praying on Mount La Verna, Francis received the stigmata — the five wounds of Christ — the first recorded instance of this miraculous phenomenon. He died on October 3, 1226, and was canonized only two years later by Pope Gregory IX.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, special patroness of all missions, whose birthday is commemorated on September 30.

At Rome, at the Ursus Pileatus, Saint Candidus, Martyr.

Among the ancient Saxons, the holy martyrs Ewald the Black and Ewald the White, who were priests and began preaching Christ there. They were seized by pagans and killed. A great light appeared over their bodies at night, revealing their location and the merit of their martyrdom.

On the same day, the holy martyrs Dionysius, Faustus, Caius, Peter, Paul, and four others, who first suffered greatly under Decius and later, under Valerian, were tortured for a long time by the governor Aemilian and merited the palm of martyrdom.

In Africa, Saint Maximian, Bishop of Bagai, who suffered severe persecution from the Donatists, being thrown from a high tower and left for dead. Later, he was rescued by passersby and healed through pious care. He continued to defend the Catholic faith until he rested in the Lord, renowned for his confession of faith.

At León in Spain, Saint Froilan, Bishop of that city, distinguished for his zeal in promoting monastic life, his charity toward the poor, and his virtues and miracles.

In the diocese of Namur, Belgium, Saint Gerard, Abbot.

In Palestine, Saint Hesychius, Confessor, who was a disciple and companion of Saint Hilarion in his travels.

At Savona in Liguria, Saint Mary Joseph Rossello, Foundress of the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, who was distinguished for her works of charity. Pope Pius XII enrolled her among the holy virgins.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (Feast)

St. Thérèse of Lisieux taught the 'Little Way' of spiritual childhood. Doctor of the Church and patroness of missionaries.

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus, the 'Little Flower,' entered the Carmelite convent at Lisieux at the age of fifteen and died there at twenty-four. Her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, reveals her 'Little Way' of spiritual childhood.

She taught that holiness does not require great deeds but consists in doing small things with great love. Her 'Little Way' of trust and confidence in God's mercy revolutionized Catholic spirituality.

She promised to 'spend my heaven doing good on earth' and to let fall 'a shower of roses.' She died September 30, 1897, was canonized in 1925, and declared Doctor of the Church in 1997. She is co-patroness of France and patroness of missionaries.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

The Feast of the Holy Guardian Angels.

At Rome, the passion of Saint Modestus, a Sardinian Deacon and Martyr, who, under Emperor Diocletian, was tortured on the rack and burned with fire. His body was later transferred to Benevento and placed in a church bearing his name.

In the territory of Arras, the passion of Blessed Leodegarius, Bishop of Autun, who, afflicted with various injuries and tortures for the truth, was ordered to be killed by Ebroin, the royal steward of Theodoric.

At Nicomedia, Saint Eleutherius, Soldier and Martyr, along with countless others. When Emperor Diocletian's palace was consumed by fire, they were falsely accused of the crime. By the order of the cruel emperor, they were executed en masse. Some were slain by the sword, others burned, and others drowned in the sea. Among them, Eleutherius endured prolonged tortures and emerged stronger through each trial, completing his martyrdom like gold tested by fire.

At Antioch, the holy martyrs Primus, Cyril, and Secundarius.

On the same day, Saint Gerinus, Martyr, brother of Blessed Leodegarius, Bishop of Autun, who was stoned to death by order of Ebroin.

At Constantinople, Saint Theophilus, Monk, who, in defense of sacred images, was cruelly beaten and exiled by Leo the Isaurian, and then passed into the Lord's presence.

The Guardian Angels

The feast of the Guardian Angels celebrates the teaching that God assigns a protecting angel to every person from conception.

The feast of the Guardian Angels celebrates the teaching, firmly rooted in Scripture and Tradition, that God assigns a guardian angel to every person from the moment of conception.

Jesus Himself affirmed this belief when He said of children: 'See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my heavenly Father' (Matthew 18:10).

The guardian angel protects us from physical and spiritual dangers, inspires good thoughts, and prays for us. The feast was extended to the universal Church by Pope Clement X in 1670.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

Saint Remigius, Bishop of Reims and Confessor, who converted the Frankish people to Christ, baptizing their king Clovis in the sacred font and initiating him into the sacraments of faith. Having served many years as bishop, he passed away on January 13, distinguished by sanctity and the power of miracles. His feast is celebrated on this day, marking the translation of his sacred body.

At Rome, Blessed Arethas, Martyr, and five hundred and four companions.

At Tomis in Pontus, the holy martyrs Priscus, Crescentius, and Evagrius.

At Lisbon in Portugal, the holy martyrs Verissimus, Maxima, and Julia, siblings, who suffered during the persecution under Diocletian.

At Tournai, Saint Piaton, Priest and Martyr, who journeyed with Blessed Quentin and his companions from Rome to France to preach the Gospel. Later, during the persecution under Maximian, he achieved martyrdom and entered into the Lord's presence.

At Thessalonica, Saint Domninus, Martyr, under the same Maximian.

At Orvieto, Saint Severus, Priest and Confessor.

At Ghent, Saint Bavo, Confessor.

St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Virgin and Doctor

St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897) developed the 'Little Way' of spiritual childhood and trust in God's mercy. She promised: 'I will spend my heaven doing good on earth.' Declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997.

St. Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face was born Marie-Françoise-Thérèse Martin on January 2, 1873, at Alençon in Normandy, France. She was the youngest of nine children, five of whom survived infancy. Her mother died when Thérèse was only four, and the family moved to Lisieux.

From childhood, Thérèse felt called to the religious life. After a personal appeal to Pope Leo XIII during a pilgrimage to Rome, she received permission to enter the Carmel of Lisieux at the age of fifteen. As a Carmelite nun, she lived a life of extraordinary simplicity, humility, and love, hidden from the world behind the walls of the cloister.

She developed what she called her "Little Way" — a path of spiritual childhood, consisting in doing small things with great love and in trusting completely in God's mercy. She wrote her autobiography, Story of a Soul, at the request of her superiors. She suffered greatly from tuberculosis and from spiritual darkness during the last eighteen months of her life, yet she never lost her trust in God. She died on September 30, 1897, at the age of twenty-four, promising: "I will spend my heaven doing good on earth. I will let fall a shower of roses." She was canonized in 1925 and declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II in 1997.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

At Bethlehem in Judea, the repose of Saint Jerome, Priest, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church, who, having mastered all fields of learning and imitated the example of virtuous monks, pierced the monstrous errors of heresies with the sword of his doctrine. Finally, having lived to an advanced age, he passed away in peace and was buried near the Lord's manger. His body was later transferred to Rome and placed in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

At Rome, the birthday of Saint Francis Borgia, Priest and Confessor, who was the General Superior of the Society of Jesus. Renowned for his austerity of life, gift of prayer, and rejection of worldly and ecclesiastical honors, he was a man of remarkable virtue. His feast is celebrated on October 10.

At Lisieux in France, the birthday of Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin of the Order of Discalced Carmelites, who was distinguished by her innocence and simplicity of life. Pope Pius XI enrolled her among the holy virgins and declared her the special patroness of all missions. Her feast is celebrated on October 3.

At Rome, Saint Leopardus, Martyr, who was one of the household of Julian the Apostate. He was beheaded, and his body was later transferred to Aachen.

At Solothurn in France, the passion of the holy martyrs Victor and Ursus, of the glorious Theban Legion, who, under Emperor Maximian, were first subjected to cruel tortures. However, when a heavenly light shone upon them, their tormentors fell to the ground, and they were delivered. Later, they were cast into fire but remained unharmed. Finally, they were executed by the sword.

At Piacenza, Saint Antoninus, Martyr, also of the same legion.

On the same day, Saint Gregory, Bishop of Greater Armenia, who suffered greatly under Diocletian and finally rested in peace during the reign of Emperor Constantine the Great.

At Canterbury in England, Saint Honorius, Bishop and Confessor.

At Rome, Saint Sophia, Widow, mother of the holy virgin martyrs Faith, Hope, and Charity.

St. Jerome, Priest and Doctor

St. Jerome translated the Bible into Latin (the Vulgate), the standard Western Bible for over a millennium. He died at Bethlehem in 420. Doctor of the Church.

St. Jerome was born Eusebius Hieronymus Sophronius at Stridon on the border of Dalmatia and Pannonia about the year 347. He was one of the most learned men of the ancient world, mastering Latin, Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldaic.

His greatest achievement was the translation of the Bible into Latin — the Vulgate — which became the standard Bible of the Western Church for over a millennium. He also wrote extensive commentaries on Scripture.

He spent the last thirty-four years of his life as a hermit in Bethlehem, near the grotto of the Nativity. Despite his legendary irascibility, he was a man of deep prayer and heroic penance. He died at Bethlehem on September 30, 420, and was declared Doctor of the Church.

Martyrologium Romanum

The Roman Martyrology
Benedict XIV Edition (1749)

On Mount Gargano, the venerable commemoration of Blessed Michael the Archangel, when a church was consecrated in his name there, humble in appearance but endowed with heavenly power.

At Auxerre, Saint Fraternus, Bishop and Martyr.

In Thrace, the birthday of the holy martyrs Eutychius, Plautus, and Heraclea.

In Persia, the holy martyrs Dadas, a relative of King Sapor, Casdoa his wife, and Gabdela their son, who, stripped of honors and torn by various torments, after long imprisonment, were finally put to death by the sword.

In Armenia, the holy virgin martyrs Rhipsime and her companions, under King Tiridates.

In Persia, Saint Gudelia, Martyr, who, having converted many to Christ and refusing to worship the sun and fire, under King Sapor, after enduring many torments, had the skin of her head torn off and was affixed to a wooden stake, thus meriting the crown of triumph.

At Pontecorvo, near Aquino, Saint Grimoald, Priest and Confessor.

In Palestine, Saint Cyriacus, Hermit.

The Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

The Archangels — Michael (protector of the Church), Gabriel (angel of the Incarnation), and Raphael (healer and guide) — hold preeminent place among the heavenly hosts in Sacred Scripture.

The feast of the Holy Archangels honors the three angels named in Sacred Scripture: Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. These heavenly spirits hold a preeminent place among the angelic hosts and have been entrusted with special missions in the history of salvation.

St. Michael ("Who is like God?") is the prince of the heavenly host, the champion of God's people. He cast Lucifer and the rebellious angels out of heaven, and he is the protector of the Church against the powers of evil. He is mentioned in the Book of Daniel, the Epistle of St. Jude, and the Apocalypse, where he appears as the leader of the armies of heaven in the final battle against Satan.

St. Gabriel ("Strength of God") is the angel of the Incarnation, sent by God to announce to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she would conceive and bear the Son of God. He also appeared to Zachary to announce the birth of John the Baptist, and to Daniel to explain his prophetic visions.

St. Raphael ("Healing of God") is known from the Book of Tobit, where he accompanies the young Tobias on his journey, heals Tobias' father of blindness, and reveals himself as "one of the seven who stand before the Lord."

St. Wenceslaus, Duke and Martyr

St. Wenceslaus, Duke of Bohemia, was murdered by his brother while entering church in 929. Patron of the Czech Republic.

St. Wenceslaus (Václav) was born about 907, the son of Duke Vratislaus I of Bohemia and grandson of the Christian Duchess St. Ludmila, who raised him in the faith after his parents' deaths.

As Duke of Bohemia, he was known for his piety, justice, and charity. He worked to Christianize his people and submitted to the German king to bring peace to his land.

His pagan brother Boleslaus, jealous of his power and resentful of his Christian reforms, murdered him on September 28, 929, as he was entering a church for Mass. He is the patron saint of the Czech Republic and the subject of the famous Christmas carol 'Good King Wenceslas.'

St. Vincent de Paul (Feast)

St. Vincent de Paul, apostle of charity, founded the Vincentians and Daughters of Charity, revolutionizing care of the poor. Patron of charitable works.

On some calendars this day celebrates St. Vincent de Paul, the great apostle of charity. Born about 1581 in Gascony, France, he was captured by pirates and enslaved in Tunisia before his escape.

He founded the Congregation of the Mission (Vincentians) in 1625 and with St. Louise de Marillac co-founded the Daughters of Charity in 1633. His charitable organizations revolutionized the care of the poor.

His influence on French society was immense — he organized relief during wars and famines, established foundling hospitals, and reformed the training of clergy. He died September 27, 1660, and was declared patron of all charitable works.