The Decollation of St. John the Baptist

Salome with the Head of John the Baptist,
ca. 1876, Gustave Moreau (1826-1898)

On August 29th, the Church commemorates the Passion of St. John the Baptist, the beheading of the voice that cried out in the wilderness.

John had rebuked Herod Antipas for his unlawful union with his niece and sister-in-law, Herodias, and for this he was cast into prison. At Herod’s birthday feast, Salome, the daughter of Herodias, danced before the court and so pleased the ruler that he rashly promised to grant whatever she desired. Prompted by her mother, she asked for the head of John the Baptist upon a platter.

I have always been struck by the terrible contrast of the scene: the revelry of the palace and the solitude of the prison, the weakness of Herod and the steadfastness of John. One man possessed a kingdom yet could not master himself. The other possessed nothing, not even his freedom, yet remained unafraid to speak the truth.

The sword silenced the herald of Christ, but it could not silence what he had proclaimed. Evviva San Giovanni! 
 
~ By Giovanni di Napoli, August 28th, Feast of Sant’Agostino di Ippona

Feast of Sant'Ermete di Roma

Sant'Ermete di Roma, ora pro nobis

August 28th is the Feast of St. Hermes of Rome, Martyr. Although few details of his life can now be established with certainty, the antiquity of his cult is well attested. According to the testimony of Pope St. Damasus, Hermes came from Greece and became a Roman citizen, where he suffered martyrdom for the name of Christ.

His body was buried in the Cemetery of Basilla along the Via Salaria Vetus. A basilica was later built over his tomb, which became a place of pilgrimage for the Christians of Rome. St. Hermes is invoked against possession and mental illness.

The accompanying photo comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella. The holy card is part of Father Carrella’s impressive collection of religious artifacts. Evviva Sant'Ermete di Roma!

In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:

O God, who didst give to blessed Hermes, thy martyr, strength and constancy in his sufferings: grant, by his example, that we may despise, for the love of thee, all that this world esteems great, and be afraid of none of its terrors. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. Amen.

My Beloved Patroness

Santa Patrizia di Constantinopoli, ora pro nobis

Among the many saints who have accompanied me since my reversion, few have affected my life as profoundly as Santa Patrizia di Constantinopoli.

Years ago, on the night of her feast, Santa Patrizia appeared to me in a vivid dream, urging me to return to the Church. I have never doubted that it was through her intercession that I found the courage to take those first steps.

Each year, her feast reminds me that God’s grace often comes through the guidance of the saints. We do not always recognize their presence until we look back and discern how faithfully they have accompanied us. For that reason, Santa Patrizia will always remain, for me, the saint who led me home. Evviva Santa Patrizia!

Prayer to St. Patrizia

O wondrous Virgin, St. Patricia, mine advocate and protectress, who in the last moments of thy life didst obtain from Jesus counsel and divine protection for all who seek refuge in thee: obtain for me from Almighty God health of soul and body, victory over the Devil and over the passions. Drive away the adversities that surround me on all sides; in this present tribulation, console me. Obtain for me the pardon of sins and entrance into the heavenly kingdom. Be thou a haven of safety unto sailors and a safeguard unto our city. Spread forth thy special patronage over me and over all thy devoted children, that the most holy Name of God may be ever blessed, glorified, exalted, and praised by all unto the ages of ages. Amen.

~ By Giovanni di Napoli, August 24th, Feasts of Sant’Audeno, San Bartolomeo, and Santa Giovanna Antida Thouret

Feast of San Panteno di Alessandria

San Panteno di Alessandria, ora pro nobis

July 7th is the Feast of St. Pantaenus of Alexandria, a Sicilian-born second-century philosopher, theologian, and missionary who played an important role in the intellectual life of the early Church. Formerly a Stoic philosopher, he became head of the renowned Catechetical School of Alexandria, where he sought to demonstrate that faith and reason were not enemies, but allies in the pursuit of truth. Among his most distinguished pupils was St. Clement of Alexandria, who would continue his master’s work and help shape Christian thought for generations.

According to ancient tradition, Pantaenus also undertook missionary journeys to the East, possibly reaching India, where he reportedly found a community of Christians already in possession of the Gospel of St. Matthew in Hebrew. Although many details of his life remain uncertain, his reputation for learning, holiness, and zeal earned him lasting esteem in both the Eastern and Western Christian traditions.

St. Pantaenus stands as one of the earliest models of the Christian scholar: a man who united philosophical learning with fidelity to the Gospel, helping lay the intellectual foundations upon which later Fathers of the Church would build.

Evviva San Panteno di Alessandria!

In celebration of the feast, we offer this prayer:

Lord God, you counted Saint Pantaenus among your holy pastors, renowned for faith and love which conquered evil in this world. With the help of his prayers, keep us strong in faith and love, and let us come to share his glory. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Feast of San Piergiorgio Frassati

San Piergiorgio Frassati, ora pro nobis

July 4 is the feast of Pier Giorgio Frassati, a Dominican tertiary whose brief life of holiness continues to inspire Catholics around the world. Born on April 6, 1901, into a wealthy and influential family in Turin, Pier Giorgio studied mechanical engineering with a specialization in mining. Yet he was far more interested in serving the poor—especially miners and laborers—than in pursuing academic success, much to his father's frustration.

A man of deep prayer and active charity, Pier Giorgio devoted himself to numerous Catholic organizations, including the Conferenza di San Vincenzo and l’Azione Cattolica. As a professed member of the Third Order of St. Dominic, he took the religious name Girolamo in honor of Girolamo Savonarola. In 1924, together with a circle of close friends, he founded the society known as Tipi Loschi (“Shady Characters”), a group dedicated to mountaineering, spiritual growth, friendship, and service to those in need.

Pier Giorgio died unexpectedly on July 4, 1925, after contracting poliomyelitis, at just twenty-four years of age. Thousands of mourners—many of them poor, sick, and otherwise unknown to his family—attended his funeral. The remarkable turnout revealed the extent of his hidden works of mercy. Deeply moved by the testimony of those whose lives his son had touched, his grieving father came to recognize who Pier Giorgio truly was and returned to the practice of the faith.

Long venerated as a model of youthful sanctity, Pier Giorgio was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1990 and is scheduled to be canonized by Pope Leo XIV on September 7, 2025, together with Carlo Acutis. His canonization is a powerful reminder that holiness is attainable in every age and state of life.

In celebration of his feast, we are sharing a prayer to St. Pier Giorgio Frassati written by Cardinal Giovanni Saldarini, Archbishop Emeritus of Turin. The photograph of the relic made from wood taken from Saint Pier Giorgio’s coffin comes courtesy of Father Eugene Carrella and is part of his remarkable collection of religious artifacts.

Evviva San Pier Giorgio Frassati!

Prayer to St. Pier Giorgio Frassati

O Father, you gave to the young Pier Giorgio Frassati the joy of meeting Christ and of living his faith in the service of the poor and the sick; through his intercession, may we, too, walk the path of the Beatitudes and follow the example of his generosity, spreading the spirit of the Gospel in society. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Saints of the Day for July

(L-R) Sant'Enrico II, Madonna delle Grazie, and Santa Veronica Giuliani

July is the month traditionally dedicated by the Church to the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ, whose feast is celebrated on July 1st.

• First Sunday in July is the Feast of the Madonna Immacolata
• Second Sunday in July is the Feast of the Madonna Degli Infermi
• Last Sunday in July is the Feast of San Leucio d’Alessandria
• July 1 — Feast of the Most Precious Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ
• July 1 — Feast of St. Junipero Serra
• July 1 — Feast of San Nicasio Camuto de Burgio
• July 2 — Feast of the Madonna della Visitazione
• July 2 — Feast of the Madonna delle Grazie
• July 4 — Feast of Sant’Ulrico di Augusta
• July 4 — Feast of Beato Piergiorgio Frassati
• July 5 — Feast of Sant’Antonio Maria Zaccaria
• July 6 — Feast of Santa Domenica di Tropea
• July 7 — Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel
• July 7 — Feast of San Panteno di Alessandria

• July 8 — Feast of San Procopio di Cesarea di Palestina
• July 8 — Feast of Santa Elisabetta of Portugal
• July 9 — Feast of San Pancrazio di Taormina
• July 9 — Feast of Santa Veronica Giuliani
• July 10 — Feast of Santa Rufina and Santa Seconda
• July 11 — Feast of St. Oliver Plunket
• July 12 — Feast of Santa Veronica
• July 13 — Feast of Santa Trofimena di Minori
• July 13 — Feast of St. Mildred of Thanet
• July 14 — Feast of San Marciano di Frigento
• July 15 — Feast of San Pompilio Maria Pirrotti
• July 15 — Feast of Santa Rosalia (Il Festino)
• July 15 — Feast of Sant’Enrico II
• July 15 — Feast of Beato Bernardo II di Baden, Il Cavaliere Angelico
• July 16 — Feast of the Madonna del Carmine
• July 17 — Feast of the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Compiègne
• July 18 — Feast of San Camillo de Lellis
• July 18 — Novena to San Pantaleone Martire
• July 19 — Feast of San Vincenzo de’ Paoli
• July 19 — Feast of Sant’Arsenio il Grande
• July 19 — Feast of Saints Giusta and Rufina
• July 20 — Feast of Santa Margherita di Antiochia
• July 20 — Feast of Sant’Elia Profeta
• July 21 — Feast of San Lorenzo da Brindisi
• July 21 — Feast of Sant’Alberico Crescitelli
• July 22 — Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena
• July 24 — Feast of Blessed Martyrs of Daimiel
• July 24 — Feast of the Blessed Carmelite Martyrs of Guadalajara
• July 24 — Feast of Beata Mercedes del Sacro Cuore
• July 24 — Feast of Beato Saverio Bordas Piferer
• July 24 — Novena to Sant'Alfonso Maria de Liguori
• July 25 — Feast of San Giacomo il Maggiore
• July 25 — Feast of San Cristoforo Martire
• July 26 — Feast of Sant’Anna
• July 26 — A Prayer in Memory of Blessed Fr. Jacques Hamel
• July 27 — Feast of San Pantaleone

• July 28 — Novena in Honor of the Transfiguration of Our Lord
• July 28 — Feast of Santi Martiri Nazario and Celso
• July 29 — Feast of San Lupo di Troyes
• July 30 — Novena to the Fourteen Holy Helpers
• July 30 — Novena to San Ciriaco di Roma
• July 31 — Feast of Sant’Ignazio di Loyola
• July 31 — Portiuncula Indulgence for the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels

Novena to Sant’Agrippina di Mineo

Sant'Agrippina, ora pro nobis

Pray the Novena to Sant’Agrippina di Mineo for nine consecutive days, from June 14th to June 22nd, in preparation for the Feast Day on June 23rd. Evviva Sant’Agrippina di Mineo!

Novena Prayer

Glorious Sant’Agrippina di Mineo, beloved Patroness, you served God in humility and confidence on earth. Now you enjoy His Beatific Vision in heaven. You persevered unto death and gained the crown of eternal life. Remember now the dangers, confusion, and anguish that surround me, and intercede for me in my needs and troubles, especially...

[Mention your intention(s) here...]

Amen.

Sant’Agrippina di Mineo, pray for us.

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 Glory Be...

Sant’Agrippina, pray for us. (3x)

Novena to San Paolino di Nola

San Paolino di Nola, ora pro nobis

Pray the Novena to San Paolino di Nola for nine consecutive days, from June 13th to June 21st, in preparation for the Feast Day on June 22nd. Evviva San Paolino di Nola!

Novena Prayer

O God, who made the Bishop Saint Paulinus of Nola outstanding in love of poverty and pastoral care, graciously grant that, as we celebrate his merits, we may imitate the example of his charity. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

Almighty ever-living God, who chose blessed Paulinus to preside as Bishop over your holy people, we pray that, through his merits, you may bestow upon us the grace of your loving kindness. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

[Mention your intention(s) here...]

Say 1 Our Father...
Say 1 Hail Mary...
Say 1 Glory Be...

Saint Paulinus of Nola, pray for us. (3x)

The Feast of St. Peter of Córdoba and Companions

Silver ark housing the relics of the Holy Martyrs of Córdoba in the Church of San Pedro de Córdoba. Photo by Lancastermerrin88 via Wikimedia Commons

June 7th is the Feast of St. Peter of Córdoba (San Pedro de Écija) and Companions (Valabonso, Sabiniano, Vistremondo, Abenzio, and Jeremiah), a group of Christian martyrs who died under Muslim rule in Al-Andalus during the ninth century. St. Peter, a priest known for his steadfast faith and learning, was arrested during the persecutions of Emir Abderrahman II that afflicted the Mozarabic Christians of Islamic Spain. Refusing to renounce Christ or remain silent in the face of persecution, he was condemned to death alongside several companions, including monks, priests, and laymen who likewise chose fidelity over safety.

Their martyrdom formed part of the broader persecution remembered as the Martyrs of Córdoba, whose sacrifices revealed the endurance of Christianity in a land undergoing profound religious and civilizational transformation. Remembered for their courage, constancy, and refusal to abandon the Faith of their fathers, St. Peter of Córdoba and his companions remain enduring symbols of perseverance amid persecution and cultural upheaval.

Evviva Santi Pietro, Valabonso, Sabiniano, Vistremondo, Abenzio e Geremia, Martiri di Córdoba.

In celebration of the feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to St. Peter of Córdoba and Companions

Lord, hear the prayers of the martyrs Pietro, Valabonso, Sabiniano, Vistremondo, Abenzio, and Geremia, and grant us the courage to bear witness to the Faith.

Grant this through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen.

Saints of the Day for June

(L-R) San Paolino di Nola, the Madonna della Lettera, and San Vito

June is the month the Church dedicates to the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, whose feast is celebrated nineteen days after Pentecost Sunday.

• First Sunday in June is the Feast of San Liberato Martire a Roccamandolfi
• June 1 — Feast of Sant'Annibale Maria di Francia
• June 2 — Feast of Sant’Erasmo Martire
• June 3 — Feast of San Cono da Teggiano
• June 3 — Feast of Santa Clotilde
• June 3 — Feast of the Madonna della Lettera
• June 4 — Feast of San Francesco Caracciolo
• June 4 — Feast of San Filippo Smaldone
• June 5 — Feast of St. Boniface
• June 6 — Novena to San Vito Martire
• June 6 — Feast of San Norberto

• June 7 — St. Peter of Córdoba and Companions
• June 10 — Feast of Santa Margherita di Scozia
• June 11 — Feast of San Barnaba
• June 12 — Feast of Sant'Onofrio
• June 13 — Novena to San Paolino di Nola
• June 13 — Feast of Sant'Antonio di Padova
• June 14 — Novena to Sant'Agrippina di Mineo 
• June 14 — Feast of San Marciano di Siracusa, Vescovo e Martire
• June 15 — Feast of San Vito Martire
• June 17 — Feast of Beata Teresa del Portogallo
• June 18 — Feast of Sant’Efrem di Nisibi
• June 18 — Feast of Santa Marina Vergine
• June 18 — Feast of San Calogero
• June 19 — Feast of Beata Elena Aiello
• June 20 — Feast of San Silverio
• June 20 — Feast of San Giovanni da Matera
• June 21 — Novena to Blessed Gennaro Maria Sarnelli
• June 21 — Feast of San Luigi Gonzaga
• June 22 — Feast of San Paolino di Nola
• June 23 — Feast of Sant'Agrippina di Mineo
• June 23 — The Vigil of the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist
• June 24 — Feast of San Giovanni Battista
• June 25 — Feast of San Guglielmo di Montevergine
• June 25 — Feast of Santa Febronia
• June 25 — Feast of Beato Guido Maramaldi
• June 26 — Feast of San Pelagio di Cordova
• June 27 — Feast of the Madonna del Perpetuo Soccorso
• June 27 — Feast of Sant’Andrea Apostolo
• June 27 — Feast of San Ladislao I d'Ungheria
• June 29 — Feast of San Pietro and San Paolo
• June 30 — Feast of Beato Gennaro Maria Sarnelli

Prayer for the Beatification of Madame Élisabeth of France

Servant of God Princess Élisabeth of France,

sister of King Louis XVI by Élisabeth Louise

Vigée le Brun (circa 1782)

God our Father In your great mercy You called Élisabeth of France to the offering of her life for her loved ones in the heart of the tumults of the Revolution. Driven by an unwavering faith in eternal life she supported her family in their ordeals and brought hope to those who were going to die with her.

Unmarried, she helped the poor and the sick, supported by fervent prayer.

Through her intercession grant us, according to Your will, the graces that we implore.

In Your great kindness, make the Church recognize soon in her an authentic witness to the Gospel, a model of celibacy, diligent in prayer and attentive to the most fragile.

We ask You through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Prière pour la béatification d'Elisabeth de France

Dieu notre Père Dans Ta grande miséricorde Tu as appelé Elisabeth de France à l'offrande de sa vie pour les siens au coeur des tumultes de la Révolution. Animée d'une foi inébranlable en la vie éternelle elle a soutenu les siens dans l'épreuve et apporté l'espérance à ceux qui allaient mourir avec elle.

Célibataire, elle a secouru les pauvres et les malades, portée par une prière fervente.

Par son intercession accorde nous selon Ta volonté les grâces que nous implorons.

En Ta grande bonté, fais que l'Eglise reconnaisse bientôt en elle un authentique témoin de l'Evangile, modèle de célibataire, assidue la prière et attentive aux plus fragiles.

Nous Te le demandons par Jésus le Christ notre Seigneur. Amen

* Prayer courtesy of hozana.org

Feast of San Gregorio Nazianzeno

San Gregorio Nazianzeno, ora pro nobis

May 9th is the Feast of St. Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329–390), also called Gregory the Theologian, one of the Cappadocian Fathers and a central figure in early Christian theology. Born at Arianzus, near Nazianzus in Cappadocia, he was the son of a bishop and received a classical education in Athens, where he formed a lasting friendship with St. Basil of Caesarea.

Gregory played a decisive role in defending the doctrine of the Most Holy Trinity against Arianism. His renowned Theological Orations, delivered in Constantinople, proclaimed with clarity the divinity of Christ and of the Holy Spirit, earning him the title “Theologian” in the Eastern Church.

He briefly served as Archbishop of Constantinople, but, amid ongoing ecclesiastical disputes and challenges to his authority, he voluntarily resigned his office, choosing peace and unity over contention and preferring a life of prayer and contemplation. He spent his final years in retirement, devoted to writing sacred poetry and theological works. He is venerated as a saint and Doctor of the Church.

Evviva San Gregorio Nazianzeno!

In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to St. Gregory of Nazianzus

O glorious St. Gregory, zealous defender of the true faith, lover of the sacred liturgy, and faithful shepherd of souls, obtain for us, we beseech thee, a share in thy virtues. Intercede for us, that we may grow in faith, hope, and charity, and bring Christ into the hearts of our families and of all whom we encounter.

Look with favor upon our parish, our priests, and our deacons, and obtain for them strength and holiness in their sacred duties.

Deign also to intercede for me before the throne of God, that I may receive the graces I seek, persevere in faithful service, and at last attain the eternal joys of heaven.

St. Gregory of Nazianzus, pray for us.

*Pictured: San Gregorio Nazianzeno by Domenichino (1609-12), Cappella dei Santi Fondatori, Abbazia di Santa Maria, Grottaferrata, Italy

Feast of Beata Sandra Sabattini

Beata Sandra Sabattini, ora pro nobis

May 4th is the Feast of Blessed Sandra Sabattini, a young Italian laywoman whose brief life reflected extraordinary faith, charity, and moral clarity. Sandra Sabattini was born on August 19, 1961, in Riccione, Emilia-Romagna, and raised in a devout Catholic family closely connected to the Community of Pope John XXIII, founded by her uncle, Father Oreste Benzi.

From an early age, she demonstrated a deep concern for the poor, the disabled, and those on the margins of society. She volunteered tirelessly, especially among individuals struggling with addiction and hardship, approaching each person with dignity and compassion. Though she pursued studies in medicine, her true vocation lay in service—living out the Gospel not in grand gestures, but in daily acts of self-giving.

Sandra kept a spiritual journal that revealed both her interior struggles and her unwavering desire for holiness. She sought not recognition, but transformation, striving to conform her life entirely to Christ.

On October 2, 1984, at just 23 years old, she was struck by a car while on her way to a community gathering and died a few days later. Her example endured, and she was beatified by the Church in 2021.

Blessed Sandra Sabattini remains a powerful example of holiness in ordinary life: a young woman who proved that sanctity is not reserved for the extraordinary but is forged in fidelity, humility, and love.

Evviva Beata Sandra Sabattini!

In celebration of her feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to Blessed Sandra Sabattini

We thank You, O God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, for the gift of Blessed Sandra Sabattini to Your Holy Church. Sandra deeply welcomed the joy of Your revelation and the loving gaze of Mary; she recognized Your presence in the poor and needy; she shared her life with those You placed in her path with humility and kindness; she constantly sought You in prayer and contemplation and allowed herself to be guided with confidence by the Holy Spirit; and she rejoiced in building fraternal and loving relationships.

Grant us, Father, through the intercession of Sandra, according to Your will, the grace we implore (here mention your request).

May Sandra always remain a model of holiness in Your Church and in the Communion of Saints, helping us to carry out Your loving plan. Amen.

Blessed Sandra Sabattini, pray for us!

Saints of the Day for May

(L-R) St. Joseph the Worker, the Madonna Incoronata, and St. Joan of Arc 

May is the month the Church dedicates to the Blessed Virgin Mary, setting it apart as a season of particular devotion, when the faithful turn with greater attention to honor her, seek her intercession, and contemplate her role in the mystery of redemption.

• The first Sunday in May is the Feast of Santissimo Crocifisso Padre di Grazia
• The first Sunday in May is the Feast of the Madonna di Setteporte
• The second Sunday in May is the Feast of San Liberato Martire
• The last Saturday of May is the Feast of the Madonna delle Milizie di Scicli
• The Monday following Pentecost Feast of the Madonna Avvocata
• May 1 — Festa dei Serpari — Feast of the Snake Handlers
• May 1 — Feast of St. Joseph the Worker
• May 2 — Feast of Sant’Atanasio il Grande
• May 3 — Feast of the Finding of the Holy Cross
• May 3 — La Festa di I Tri da Cruci — The Feast of the Three Crosses
• May 3 — Feast of the Madonna di Castello
• May 4 — Feast of Beata Sandra Sabattini

• May 4 — Feast of Santa Monica
• May 4 — Feast of San Floriano di Lorch
• May 4 — Novena to Our Lady of Fátima
• May 5 — Feast Day Sant'Angelo Martire
• May 5 — Feast of the Blessed Martyrs of Motril
• May 5 — Feast of San Nunzio Sulprizio
• May 6 — Feast of San Giovanni a Porta Latina
• May 8 — Feast of the Apparition of San Michele Arcangelo
• May 8 — Feast of Blessed Luigi Rabatà
• May 8 — Feast of Sant’Agazio Martire
• May 8 — Traditional May 8th Supplica — Petition to the Virgin of the Rosary of Pompeii
• May 9 — Feast of San Gregorio Nazianzeno

• May 10 — Feast of the Three Saints: Sant'Alfio, San Filadelfo and San Cirino
• May 10 — Feast of San Cataldo
• May 11 — Feast of San Francesco de Geronimo

• May 12 — Feast of San Filippo d’Agira
• May 13 — Feast of the Madonna di Fátima
• May 14 — Feast of San Bonosio
• May 14 — Feast of the Beato Simeon Maria Cardon
• May 15 — Feast of San Liberatore
• May 16 — Feast of St. Simon Stock
• May 17 — Feast of Santa Restituta
• May 17 — Feast of San Pasquale Baylon
• May 18 — Feast of San Venanzio di Camerino, Martire
• May 19 — Feast of Santa Pudenziana di Roma
• May 20 — Feast of San Bernardino da Siena
• May 21 — Feast of the Madonna Della Fontana
• May 21 — Novena to Santa Giovanna d’Arco
• May 21 — Feast of San Costantino il Grande
• May 22 — Feast of Santa Rita da Cascia
• May 23 — Feast of Sant’Eframo di Napoli
• May 23 — Feast of Beata Maria Crocifissa del Divino Amore
• May 24 — Feast of Blessed Mario Vergara
• May 24 — Feast of Santa Maria Ausiliatrice
• May 25 — Feast of San Gregorio VII
• May 26 — Feast of San Filippo Neri
• May 26 — Feast of the Madonna dei Miracoli
• May 27 — Feast of St. Bede the Venerable
• May 28 — Feast of St. Augustine of Canterbury
• May 29 — Feast of Saints Cuono and Conello
• May 29 — Feast of Santa Maria Maddalena dei Pazzi
• May 30 — Feast of Santa Giovanna d’Arco
• May 30 — Sfilata dei Turchi e Festa di San Gerardo La Porta — Parade of the Turks and the Feast of Saint Gerard
• May 30 — Feast of San Ferdinando III, King of Castile and León
• May 31 — Feast of Santa Maria Mater Domini
• May 31 — The Queenship of Mary

Novena to Blessed Luigi Rabatà

Beato Luigi Rabatà, ora pro nobis

Recite this novena for nine consecutive days, from April 29th to May 7th, in preparation for the Feast of Blessed Luigi Rabatà on May 8th. Evviva Beato Luigi Rabatà!

Blessed Luigi Rabatà, beloved patron, you served God with humility and trust on earth and now behold Him in the glory of heaven. You persevered faithfully until death and received the crown of eternal life.

Remember the dangers, confusion, and trials that surround me, and intercede for me in my needs and troubles, especially…

(mention your intention here)

Amen.

Blessed Luigi Rabatà, pray for us.

Our Father…
Hail Mary…
Glory Be…

*The accompanying photo of Blessed Luigi Rabatà comes courtesy of the Santuario Maria SS. Annunziata di Trapani. 

Feast of San Vitale

Martyrdom of St. Vitalis, ca. 1581,
Federico Barocci (1535-1612)

April 28th marks the Feast of St. Vitalis, an early Christian martyr celebrated for his bravery during the persecutions of the Roman Empire. He is recognized as a citizen of Milan, the husband of St. Valeria, and the father of Saints Gervasius and Protasius.

According to ancient accounts, Vitalis was a soldier who supported persecuted Christians and encouraged others to stay strong in the face of death. When his faith was discovered, he refused to sacrifice to pagan gods and openly professed Christ.

He was sentenced to death and is said to have been buried alive. His martyrdom stands as a testament to courage and unwavering loyalty during times of trial.

Evviva San Vitale!

In honor of his feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to St. Vitalis

Loving God, we thank you for the witness of your martyr, St. Vitalis, who did not back down in the face of personal danger and persecution. Through his brave example, may we carry the message of Jesus Christ to those around us. O St. Vitalis, crowned as a glorious martyr of our faith, pray for us. Amen.

Feast of Sant’Aniceto

Sant'Aniceto, ora pro nobis

April 17th is the Feast of St. Anicetus, a 2nd-century Pope and Martyr, who guided the Church through a time of doctrinal uncertainty and external pressure. Born in Syria, he is remembered for his steady leadership and defense of apostolic tradition.

His papacy is most notable for his meeting with St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, over the date of Easter (the Quartodeciman controversy). Though they disagreed—each following different traditions—they remained united in charity, offering an early example of peace without compromising conscience.

He also opposed early heresies associated with Marcion, defending the continuity of Christian teaching. Honored in both the Eastern and Western Churches, tradition holds that he died a martyr, remembered for preserving unity and faith in a fragile age. He is invoked as a model of unity and fidelity to apostolic tradition.

Evviva Sant'Aniceto!

In celebration of his feast, we offer this prayer:

Prayer to St. Anicetus

O Eternal Shepherd, look favorably upon Thy flock, and deign to guard and keep it forever through blessed Anicetus, Thy Martyr and Supreme Pontiff, whom Thou didst appoint shepherd of Thy whole Church. Through our Lord.

Buona Pasquetta!

Frittata di maccheroni

In honor of the risen Christ's meeting and subsequent meal with his disciples along the road to Emmaus, a small town near Jerusalem, faithful Duosiciliani celebrate Pasquetta, or Little Easter. It is customary for families and friends to prepare a picnic and enjoy a brief outing to the coast or countryside to commemorate Christ’s journey. Also known as Lunedi dell’Angelo, or “Monday of the Angel,” the holiday is inspired by the Gospel story (Mark 16) in which an angel informs the women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome—visiting Jesus' tomb that He has risen.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer by Pope St. John Paul II. Buona Pasquetta!

Blessed are you, O Mary, silent witness of Easter! You, O Mother of the Crucified One now risen, who at the hour of pain and death kept the flame of hope burning, teach us also to be, amongst the incongruities of passing time, convinced and joyful witnesses of the eternal message of life and love brought to the world by the Risen Redeemer.

Remembering Blessed Emperor Karl I of Austria

Blessed Karl I of Austria, ora pro nobis

On April 1, 1922, Blessed Karl I of Austria, By the Grace of God Emperor of Austria, King of Hungary, and the rest, died in exile on the Isle of Madeira at the age of 34.

O God, through the adversities of this world You led Blessed Karl from this earthly realm to the crown reserved for him in Heaven. Grant through his intercession that we may so serve Your Son and our brothers and sisters, that we may become worthy of eternal life. Through Our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen

Saints of the Day for April

(L-R) San Giorgio, Madonna Incoronata, Our Lady of Montserrat

April is traditionally the month the Church dedicates to the Blessed Sacrament, inviting the faithful to deepen their devotion to the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist through prayer, adoration, and reverence.

• The last Saturday in April is the Feast of the Madonna Incoronata
• April 1 — Feast of San Lodovico Pavoni
• April 2 — Novena to San Leone Magno
• April 2 — Feast of San Francesco di Paola
• April 3 — Feast of Santa Fara (Burgundofara)
• April 4 — Feast of San Benedetto il Moro
• April 5 — Feast of San Vincenzo Ferreri
• April 8 — Prayer for Servant of God Maria Rosa Zangara
• April 9 — Feast of San Demetrio di Tessalonica
• April 10 — Feast of San Michele dei Santi
• April 11 — Feast of San Leone Magno
• April 12 — Feast of San Giuseppe Moscati
• April 12 — Feast of San Giulio I Papa
• April 14 — Novena to San Giorgio Martire
• April 15 — Feast of San Cesare de Bus
• April 16 — Feast of San Benedetto Giuseppe Labre
• April 17 — Feast of Sant'Aniceto

• April 18 — Novena to Our Lady of Montserrat
• April 19 — Feast of Sant’Espedito di Melitene
• April 20 — Feast of Sant’Agnese di Montepulciano
• April 21 — Feast of Sant’Anselmo d’Aosta
• April 23 — Feast of San Giorgio Martire
• April 25 — Feast of the Madonna delle Armi
• April 25 — Feast of San Marco Evangelista
• April 25 — The Greater Rogations

• April 26 — Feast of Santi Cleto e Marcellino
• April 26 — Feast of Santa Franca Visalta
• April 27 — Feast of the Madonna di Monserrato
• April 27 — Feast of Santa Zita
• April 28 — Feast of San Vitale
• April 29 — Novina to Blessed Luigi Rabatà
• April 29 — Novena and Consecration to San Michele Arcangelo
• April 29 — Feast of San Severo di Napoli
• April 30 — Feast of Santa Caterina da Siena
• April 30 — Feast of Beato Benedetto da Urbino