Saint of the Day

Blessed Luke Belludi

Was Blessed Luke Belludi just at the right place at the right time, or was there something more at work in his happening to meet Saint Anthony and become his protégé? We would all agree that this is how the Lord works─through convenient happenstances.

February 24

Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Franciscan Media December 8

Under the title of the Immaculate Conception, the Blessed Virgin is the patron of the United States. Thus this is a major feast—in fact a Holy Day of Obligation—for the Church in the United States of America.

Saint Ambrose

Franciscan Media December 7

One of Ambrose’s historical claims to fame is that he was instrumental in the conversion of Saint Augustine, and also baptized him. Known for his lively preaching and writing, Saint Ambrose must have been a force to be reckoned with. ...

Saint Nicholas

Franciscan Media December 6

The absence of “hard historical facts” is not necessarily an obstacle to the popularity of saints, as the devotion to Saint Nicholas shows. Both the Eastern and Western Churches honor him, and it is claimed that after the Blessed Virgin, ...

Saint Sabas

Franciscan Media December 5

After an abusive childhood, Saint Sabas found refuge in a monastery, where he also found his vocation to the monastic life. Permitted to live as a hermit, Saint Sabas soon found others attracted to his way of life, and he ...

Saint John Damascene

Franciscan Media December 4

Saint John Damascene was born in Damascus, but spent most of his life in a monastery near Jerusalem. Little is known about his life, but John is remembered as the last of the Eastern Church Fathers. He gained fame as ...

Saint Francis Xavier

Franciscan Media December 3

Saint Francis Xavier was won over to Christ by the gentle persuasion of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. He then joined the Jesuits and soon after set off for the East, where he labored the rest of his life. Xavier was ...

Blessed Rafal Chylinski

Franciscan Media December 2

This Polish Conventual Franciscan served in the military, but felt the call to the vowed religious life. Rafal Chylinski was known for his simple and candid sermons, for his generosity, as well as for his ministry in the confessional.