Catholic Saint of the Day

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 Justin Martyr (c.100-165) is the patron of Philosophers and Apologists and is a Father of the Church. He wrote many works, some of which are still extant. After giving a defense of the Faith, he was martyred under the Roman Prefect Rusticus in the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.

Saint Agnes of Montepulciano, a visionary Dominican abbess, performed miracles, experienced mystical phenomena, and was noted for her profound spiritual gifts.

Leo IX, born Bruno of Egisheim, was a reformative pope known for combating simony and clerical immorality and influencing the East-West Schism's onset.

Saint Apollonius, a Roman senator and Christian martyr, was executed for his faith after a notable defense before the praetorian prefect.

Pope Saint Anicetus, the 11th pope, succeeded St. Pius towards the year c. 153, and reigned till about 168. He condemned Montanism, conferred with St. Polycarp on the Paschal date controversy, and forbade priests from growing their hair. He was martyred and is venerated on April 17.

Saint Dismas, crucified with Jesus, is revered as the Good Thief and patron saint of the condemned.

Saint Oswald, revered for his sanctity and charity, revived English monasticism, dying on Leap Year Day after a final act of humility and love.

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.

Saints Cyril & Methodius were brothers and are considered the Apostles of the Slavs. Pope John Paul II named them Co-Patrons of Europe (along with St. Benedict). They conducted tireless missionary work and composed a slavic liturgy. St. Cyril create the Cyrillic Alphabet.