Catholic Saint of the Day

Saint Augustine, bishop and Doctor of the Church, is best known for his Confessions (401), his autobiographical account of his conversion. The term augustinianism evolved from his writings that had a profound influence on the church.

Mary's queenship has biblical roots. At the Annunciation, Gabriel said her Son would rule forever. Elizabeth called her “mother of my Lord” at the Visitation. Her queenship reflects Jesus' Kingship, and in the Old Testament, the king's mother held significant influence.

St. Elmo, also known as St. Erasmus, is the patron of sailors and stomach ailments and against storms. He was the bishop of Formiae,...

On September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion, making him the first stigmatized priest in the history of Church. The doctor who examined Padre Pio could not find any natural cause for the wounds. Upon his death in 1968, the wounds were no longer visible. In fact, there was no scaring and the skin was completely renewed. He had predicted 50 years prior that upon his death the wounds would heal. The wounds of the stigmata were not the only mystical phenomenon experienced by Padre Pio.

The blood from the stigmata had an odor described by many as similar to that of perfume or flowers, and the gift of bilocation was attributed to him. Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of the penitents who flocked to him for confession which he heard for ten or twelve hours per day. Padre Pio used the confessional to bring both sinners and devout souls closer to God; he would know just the right word of counsel or encouragement that was needed. Even before his death, people spoke to Padre Pio about his possible canonization. He died on September 23, 1968 at the age of eighty-one. His funeral was attended by about 100,000 people.

Saint Jude, Apostle and martyr, is revered for his epistle and known as the patron saint of desperate cases; his feast day is October 28.

Pope Saint John Paul II, born Karol Józef Wojtyła, served as pope from 1978 until his death in 2005.

Saint Jeanne Jugan (1792–1879) Foundress of the Little Sister of the Poor in 1879, there were 2,400 Little Sisters of the Poor. Jeanne died later that same year, on August 30. Her cause was introduced in Rome in 1970, and she was beatified in 1982 and canonized in 2009.

Saint Euphrasia, a Constantinople-born nun, dedicated her life to Christ, performed miracles, and exemplified humility, compassion, and self-sacrifice.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the Nazi concentration camp of Auschwitz in Poland.

Guardian angels in Catholic tradition serve as protective guides, representing individuals before God.