Saint of the day

"Although the Eucharist is solemnly celebrated every day, we deem it fitting that, at least once a year, a more honored and solemn remembrance be observed. The other things we commemorate, we grasp with the spirit and the mind, but do not for that reason obtain their real presence. However, in this sacramental commemoration of Christ, even though under a different form, Jesus Christ is truly present among us in His own substance. Indeed, as He was about to ascend into heaven, He said: 'And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age (Mt 28:20)."

Bishop, Reformer, Man of Charity and Dialogue 

“The greatest imitator of Saint Charles [Borromeo] was Saint Gregory Barbarigo in Padua, where, thanks to his virtue, the Seminary became a monument and through three centuries it still remains in aedificationem gentium [for the edification of the nations].”

With these words, Pope John XXIII described Saint Gregory Barbarigo during the homily for his canonization, on May 26, 1960, in the Basilica of Saint John Lateran.

Witnesses to Christ unto giving their lives

Blaise (or Blastus) and Diogen (or Diogenes)  are two saints who have been venerated in Rome since antiquity and throughout the Middle Ages. Their commemoration is recorded in the Martyrologium Hieronymianum under the date of June 17.

Regarding Saint Blaise, some texts — including the Acts of the Martyr Saint Valentine — refer to a Roman Tribune named Blastus, who was condemned to death in 269 AD by Emperor Claudius Gothicus for his Christian faith. However, there is no conclusive evidence to confirm that this Blastus is the same saint remembered on this date.

Mother and son united in faithfulness to Christ

Quiricus and Julita were two martyrs of the 4th century: a mother and her three-year-old son, killed together in Tarsus, in what is now Turkey. Julita was a noblewoman of royal lineage from Iconium in Lycaonia, a central region of present-day Turkey.

Charity and support for travelers and the needy

He is known for founding the famous hospices on the alpine passes of the Great St. Bernard and the Little St. Bernard, which were named after him. These hospices, located at altitudes of 2,469 meters and 2,188 meters respectively, were established to meet the needs of travelers crossing the Alps. They offered shelter, medical assistance, and spiritual support to pilgrims and wayfarers in difficulty. In a short time, the hospices became a symbol of Christian charity and dedication to others.