Feast of St. Remigius

St. Remigius Baptizes Clovis I, by the
Master of Saint Gilles, C. 1500.
National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC

October 1st is the Feast of St. Remigius, or Rémi, Bishop and Confessor. Bishop of Reims for over seventy years, he is best remembered as the “Apostle of the Franks.” Born around 437 in northern Gaul to a noble Gallo-Roman family, he was noted for his learning and piety from an early age. At just twenty-two years old, he was elected Bishop of Reims.

His most enduring legacy is his role in the conversion of King Clovis I, the pagan ruler of the Franks. After Clovis’s victory at the Battle of Tolbiac in 496, and under the influence of his Christian wife, St. Clotilde, the king sought baptism. On Christmas Day of that year, Remigius baptized Clovis along with three thousand of his warriors in Reims. This moment is considered the symbolic beginning of Catholic France, earning the nation its title as the “Eldest Daughter of the Church.”

Tradition holds that during the baptism, a holy vial of oil—known as the Sainte Ampoule—was miraculously brought by the dove of the Holy Spirit, and it became the sacred chrism used in the coronation of French kings for centuries.

St. Remigius shepherded his flock with wisdom and zeal, strengthening the Church in Gaul, promoting discipline among the clergy, and fostering the spread of Christianity among the Franks. He died on January 13, 533, at the age of ninety-five. His relics are enshrined at the Basilica of Saint-Remi in Reims. St. Remigius, ora pro nobis.

In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to St. Remigius

Grant, we beseech Thee, almighty God, that the solemn feast of blessed Remigius, Thy Confessor and Bishop, may both increase our devotion and advance our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Happy National Italian American Heritage Month!

October is National Italian American Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the rich history, vibrant culture, and numerous contributions of Italian Americans. From the arts, science, and education to the cherished traditions of food, family, and faith, Italian Americans have left an indelible mark on these United States.

This month is not only about remembering the struggles and sacrifices of earlier generations who came to America seeking a better life, but also about celebrating the ongoing spirit of creativity, resilience, and community that continues to shape our nation today.

May this be a time of gratitude, reflection, and joy as we honor the Italian American experience.

A Prayer to St. Agatha of Sicily for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Saints of the Day for October

(L-R) Guardian Angel, San Placido, and San Giuda

October is traditionally dedicated to the Holy Rosary, with its feast celebrated on October 7th.

• The first Sunday of October is the Feast of Our Lady of Pompeii
• The fourth Sunday of October is the Feast of San Vincenzo di Craco
• The last Sunday of October is the Solemnity of Christ the King
• October 1 — Feast of St. Remigius

• October 2 — Feast of the Guardian Angels
• October 3 — Feast of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
• October 4 — Feast of San Francesco D’Assisi
• October 5 — Feast of Blessed Bartolo Longo
• October 5 — Feast of San Placido and Companions
• October 5 — Feast of Santa Flavia
• October 6 — Feast of San Bruno di Colonia
• October 6 — Feast of Santa Maria Francesca delle Cinque Piaghe
• October 7 — Feast of Our Lady of Victory and the Most Holy Rosary
• October 8 — Feast of Santa Brigida di Svezia
• October 9 — Feast of San Dionigi e Compagni
• October 9 — Feast of the Blessed Martyrs of Turón
• October 11 — Feast of the Maternity of the Blessed Virgin Mary
• October 12 — Feast of San Grammazio di Salerno
• October 12 — Feast of San Carlo Acutis
• October 12 — Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar
• October 13 — Feast of Santa Chelidonia di Subiaco
• October 13 — Feast of Beato Gerardo
• October 13 — Feast of St. Edward the Confessor
• October 14 — Feast of San Callisto I
• October 15 — Feast of Santa Teresa de Ávila
• October 16 — Feast of San Gerardo Maiella
• October 16 — Feast of Sant’Irene di Tessalonica
• October 16 — Novena to San Gavino Martire
• October 17 — Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
• October 18 — Feast of San Luca Evangelista
• October 19 — Feast of Sant’Asterio & Sant’Eusterio di Salerno
• October 19 — Feast of San Pietro d'Alcántara
• October 21 — Feast of Blessed Karl I of Austria
• October 21 — Prayer for Servant of God Empress Zita
• October 23 — Feast of San Vero di Salerno
• October 23 — Feast of the Blessed Martyrs of Valenciennes
• October 24 — Feast of San Raffaele Arcangelo
• October 25 — Feast of San Gavino Martire
• October 25 — Novena to Sant’Uberto di Liegi
• October 26 — Feast of San Gaudioso di Salerno
• October 27 — Feast of San Gaudioso di Napoli
• October 27 — Feast of San Nestore Martire di Tessalonica
• October 28 — Feast of the Holy Apostles Simon and Jude
• October 29 — Feast of San Gaetano Errico
• October 30 — Feast of Sant’Angelo D’Acri
• October 31 — All Hallows Eve
• October 31 — Feast of St. Wolfgang of Regensburg

Our Lady of the Rosary at the Shrine Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in Raritan, New Jersey