April Saints

The Feast of St. Francis of Paola

St. Francis of Paola was an Italian mendicant friar and the founder of the Roman Catholic Order of Minims.

Even at a young age, St. Francis of Paola sought to revive the practices of early monks like St. Anthony of Egypt. Many regarded him as a faithful spiritual leader in a corrupt age, and others sought him for his gifts of healing and prophecy.

St. Francis of Paola, please pray for us! 

The Feast of Saint Isidore of Seville, a bishop and scholar who helped preserve the traditions of the Church in the early middle ages

In 653, St. Isidore was described by a council of bishops as “an illustrious teacher of our time and the glory of the Catholic Church.” He is one of the last of the early Church Fathers, a preserver of the wisdom and knowledge of the past and also the patron saint of the internet.

St. Isidore, please pray for us! 

The Feast of St. Vincent Ferrer

The Church celebrates the missionary efforts of St. Vincent Ferrer, a Dominican preacher who brought thousands into the Catholic Church during a political and spiritual crisis in Western Europe in the 14th century. St. Vincent committed much of the Bible to memory and was known for his preaching and his gift of prophecy.

He denounced greed, blasphemy, sexual immorality, and a trending disbelief in the faith. His preaching often drew crowds of thousands and led to many conversions.

St. Vincent Ferrer, thank you for your passion. Please pray for us! 

The Feast of St. Stanislaus of Krakow

On April 11, the Catholic Church honors St. Stanislaus of Krakow, an 11th century bishop and martyr and the patron saint of Poland.

St. Stanislaus boldly taught the gospel and even challenged the King of Poland, Boleslaus II, who was known for his violent and depraved lifestyle. After several failed attempts to reform the king, Boleslaus II was excommunicated. In his anger, the king ambushed St. Stanislaus during Mass and struck him down with a sword.
St. Stanislaus, thank you for giving your life for the faith. Please pray for us! 

The Feast of St. Martin I, pope, martyr and defender of the faith

During the seventh century, St. Martin I suffered exile and humiliation for defending orthodoxy amidst disagreements over the relationship between Christ's human and divine natures.

He died in exile. Later, he was vindicated by the Third Ecumenical Council of Constantinople. St. Martin I, thank you for your courage. Please, pray for us! 

The Feast of St. Mark, author of the Second Gospel

Most of our knowledge about St. Mark comes from the New Testament and early traditions of the Christians. Mark the Evangelist is also believed to be the 'John Mark' in the Acts of the Apostles

According to Christian tradition, Mark had a close relationship with St. Peter. St. Peter even referred to St. Mark as “his son” in the letter he addressed to a number of churches located throughout Asia Minor.

St. Mark died as a martyr while being dragged through the streets of Alexandria.

St. Mark, please pray for us! 

The Feast of St. Louis Grignion de Montfort

Born near France, in the village of Montfort, Louis identified himself by the place of his baptism instead of Grignion, his family name. He was ordained a diocesan priest in 1700 after being educated by the Sulpicians.

After his ordination, he began preaching parish missions throughout western France. He found himself getting into trouble with authorities of the Church due to his simple lifestyle, a decision he made due to travel and ministering to the poor. His words attracted thousands of people back into the faith. In his preaching, he recommended daily Holy Communion, which was an untraditional custom at that time, and to also adopt the Virgin Mary’s ongoing acceptance of God’s will for her life.

The Feast of St. Catherine of Siena

St. Catherine was a third-order Dominican, peacemaker and counselor to Pope Gregory XI and his successor, Pope Urban VI.

She was known for her efforts in ending the Avignon exile, for helping to bring peace between the Holy See and Florence, and for her care of the sick, poor, and marginalized, especially lepers.

St. Catherine of Siena, thank you for your dedication, compassion and courage. Please, pray for us! 

The Feast of St. Pius V

​​​​​​​On this day we commemorate St. Pius V, a defender of Catholic doctrine and faith during the turbulent war-torn 16th century.

Once elected Pope in 1566, St. Pius V immediately began his plans for reform: removing extravagant luxuries in his court, raising the standard of morality, reforming the clergy and supporting foreign missions. He personally cared for the poor, washing their feet and tending to the lepers and the sick.

St. Pius V, thank you for your compassion and resolve. Please, pray for us!