Saint of the Day

November 22. Although there is little historical evidence concerning the life of Saint Cecilia, she is one of the famous martyrs of the Church in Rome. She is mentioned in the list of saints in the first Eucharistic Prayer--Roman Canon. Cecilia is often depicted playing an organ.

November 23. Faced with persecution and possible death, Blessed Miguel Pro returned to his native Mexico after his ordination to minister to the people of God. Within a couple of years, he was arrested on trumped-up charges and executed.

November 24. Saint Andrew Dung-Lac was one of the 117 people martyred in Vietnam between 1820 and 1862. While members of this group were beatified on four different occasions between 1900 and 1951, all were canonized by Pope John Paul II.

November 25. According to the Legend of St. Catherine, this saint was instrumental in the conversion of 50 pagan philosophers as well as over 200 soldiers and royal family members.

November 26. Saint Columban was an Irish missionary who worked on the European continent. He and 12 companions traveled to Gaul where they won the respect of the people. Columnban established several monasteries in Europe.

November 27. Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani was a Conventual Franciscan who taught the younger members of his community and served in administration. He was recognized as a great preacher and confessor. In the minds of the local people Francesco was considered a saint at his death.

November 28. Saint James was born in the Marche of Ancona. Before joining the Friars Minor, he earned doctorates in canon and civil law at the University of Perugia. He lived a very austere life, and was an extremely popular preacher, who spread devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus.

November 29. Saint Clement was the fourth pope of the Church, living toward the end of the first century. He is known for his letter to the Church at Corinth, in which he tried to reestablish peace between the clergy and the faithful.

November 30. Saint Andrew was Saint Peter’s brother, and was called by Jesus along with Peter. We know very little about Andrew except that he too was a fisherman, and a disciple of Saint John the Baptist.

December 1. Orphaned at the age of six, Charles was raised by his devout grandfather. He rejected the Catholic faith as a teenager, but resumed its practice around age 30. He then became a Trappist monk. After leaving the monastery, Charles traveled extensively, living a peaceful and somewhat hidden life.