Saint of the day

In the context of the early centuries of Christianity, in an era dominated by the Roman Empire and marked by severe persecutions against the disciples of Christ, the figure of Saint Firmin emerges, venerated as both Bishop and martyr. His memory is particularly rooted in Spain and France where his example has nourished the faith of entire generations. The account of his life lies between tradition and historical reality, sketching the portrait of a steadfast man, animated by unshakable faith and a profound missionary spirit.

The Liberation from All Slavery

In the medieval period, the term mercede referred to a concrete form of compassion, directed especially toward those living on the margins of society—in particular, Christians held in captivity in non-Christian societies. Saint Peter Nolasco and his disciples devoted themselves fervently to this cause, founding a religious community dedicated to the liberation of Christian prisoners abroad, in danger of renouncing their faith. For this reason they were called the Friars of Mercy, and their convents were known as “Houses of Mercy.”

Living Image of the Suffering and Risen Christ

“I only want to be a poor friar who prays”, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, in the world Francesco Forgione, would say as he waved aside the thousands of faithful who followed him. Why was a simple Capuchin from a small village on the Gargano so popular? The secret is that everyone who met him, could glimpse a living image of the Suffering and Risen Christ, in him.

A legion of soldiers faithful to Christ

The oldest account of the martyrdom of Saint Maurice and his companions, members of the Theban Legion of Rome, dates back to 450–455 AD and was written by Bishop Eucherius of Lyon. Eucherius says he learned the facts from Isaac, Bishop of Geneva, who in turn had heard them from Theodore, Bishop of Octodurum, who lived in the 4th century.

A sinner saved by God’s Mercy

There is not much historical information on the Apostle Matthew. The origin of his name is an abbreviation of Matthias or Mattaniah, which means “Gift of God”.

According to the Roman Martyrology, he died on 21 September and his body was translated from Ethiopia to Salerno on 6 May, with a stop in Paestum. Tradition says he was killed while he was celebrating Mass.