Saint of the Day
Today’s Saint
- Perhaps best known in philosophical circles for his rational proof of the existence of God, Saint Anselm was a great theologian as well. A Benedictine monk and scholar, Saint Anselm earned the title “Father of Scholasticism,” a school of philosophy/theology prominent in the middle ages, especially among Catholic philosophers and theologians.
- Saint Conrad of Parzham served as friary porter for 41 years. Anyone who came to the friary in Altoetting would have met Saint Conrad as he greeted them at the door. Such a role may not sound like much, but Saint Conrad turned it into a true ministry of love and service.
- Saint Gianna Beretta Molla was a wife, mother, and pediatrician. During her last pregnancy Saint Gianna was found to have a noncancerous uterine fibroid. While she allowed the doctors to remove the tumor, she made sure that her pregnancy was protected. Saint Gianna Molla died of complications shortly after her daughter’s birth.
- Blessed James Oldo was a wealthy married man who shared the “good life” with his wife. Circumstances, however, changed his attitude and he began to see the futility of his lifestyle. He and his wife became Secular Franciscans and, upon her death, Blessed James became a priest.
- Saint Benedict Joseph Labre lived a poor life in the ruins of the Colosseum. To the uneducated eye, he appeared to be a pitiable figure, but the people of Rome saw him as a saint. He was known as the beggar of Rome.
About the Saint of the Day
The Saint of the Day is a tradition that dates back centuries, in which Catholics honor a particular saint on the day of their feast. This tradition helps to focus the faithful on the virtues and examples of the saints, and to inspire them to imitate those virtues in their own lives.
There are hundreds of saints to choose from, each with their own unique story and message. Some, like St. Peter and St. Paul, are well-known figures in the Bible who played key roles in the early spread of Christianity. Others, like St. Therese of Lisieux, are lesser-known but no less important figures in the history of the Church.
Regardless of their fame or obscurity, all the saints have something to teach us about living a life of faith. They faced their own struggles and challenges, but through their trust in God and their dedication to living a life of service, they were able to overcome them and become sources of inspiration for generations to come.
In honoring the Saint of the Day, Catholics can learn more about the lives of these holy men and women, and can reflect on the ways in which their own lives might be more closely aligned with the values of the faith. Whether it’s through prayer, reading about the saint’s life, or simply taking a moment to reflect on their example, the Saint of the Day is a powerful reminder of the endless possibilities that come with living a life of faith.