Catholic Saint of the Day

Saint Anthony of Padua, Doctor of the Church, patron saint of lost and stolen articles, was a powerful Franciscan preacher and teacher.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus goes back at least to the 11th century, but through the 16th century, it remained a private devotion, often tied to devotion to the Five Wounds of Christ. The first feast of the Sacred Heart was celebrated on August 31, 1670, in Rennes, France, through the efforts of Fr. Jean Eudes (1602-1680). From Rennes, the devotion spread, but it took the visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690) for the devotion to become universal.

The 108 Polish Martyrs of World War II, known also as 108 Blessed Polish Martyrs, were Roman Catholics from Poland killed during World War II by the Nazis.

Saint Barnabas was one of the Seventy Apostles and the companion of the Apostle Paul on some of his missionary voyages.

Saint Olivia was described as a ravishing beauty when captured by Saracens at 13. When she died, her soul was seen to fly to heaven in the form of a dove.

Saint Ephrem the Syrian, a deacon and doctor of the Church, is best known for his prolific hymn-writing and defense of orthodox trinitarianism against the Arians. His many hymns have earned him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.”

Saint William of York, born around the year 1110, was the son of Count Herbert, treasurer to Henry I. He was elected archbishop of York in 1140. William's election was challenged on the grounds of simony and unchastity. He was cleared by Rome, but later a new Pope suspended William, and in 1147 he was deposed as archbishop of York. William then retired to Winchester where he led the austere life of a monk, practicing much prayer and mortification. Upon the death of his accusers, Pope Anastastius IV restored William his See and made him archbishop. William died in the year 1154. After his death miracles were reported at his tomb, and in 1227 he was declared a saint. His Feast Day is June 8.

Saint Paul, Bishop of Constantinople, during the period of bitter controversy in the Church over the Arian heresy. Elected in 336 to succeed Alexander of Constantinople, the following year he was exiled to Pontus by Emperor Constantius II. Here he was deliberately starved and finally strangled by Arian supporters. He is considered a martyr for the orthodox cause and was a close friend St. Athanasius.

The Feast of Corpus Christi celebrates the institution of Holy Communion, originating in the 13th century, distinct from Holy Thursday's solemn Holy Week focus.

Saint Norbert was born at Xanten in the Rhineland, about the year 1080. He is the founder of the Premonstratensians, also known as the Norbertines.