Catholic Saints & Feasts of the Liturgical Year
Religion & Spirituality
About
If a list were made of the greatest human beings who have ever lived, the Catholic saints would be at the top. Though historians often attempt to judge greatness from a subjective perspective, there must be objective criteria by which human greatness is judged. The only Being capable of establishing that criteria is God. The criteria that God has established are the virtues, as identified by Jesus and revealed by Him through the holy Gospels. The goal of this podcast is to present each saint found on the Catholic liturgical calendar in such a way so as to identify the Godly virtues that place each one on that list. The Church has already confirmed the saints’ greatness and their heroic virtues. Importantly, God chose the men and women found in these pages, not only for greatness in their lifetimes, but also as models of holiness in ours. These men and women are gifts to you, given by God through the Church. Each podecast reflection comes from the four-volume series Saints and Feasts of the Liturgical Year . These reflections can be read at our website for free: mycatholic.life . They are also available for purchase in eBook and paperback.
Episodes
- May 12- Saint Pancras, Martyr—Optional Memorial
This episode discusses Saint Pancras, a martyr from 289-304, who is the patron saint of children, jobs, and health. He was martyred by decapitation under Diocletian.
- May 12- Saints Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs—Optional Memorial
This episode commemorates Saints Nereus and Achilleus, martyrs celebrated on May 12. It discusses their conversion, martyrdom, and their inspiration in the early Church.
- May 10- Saint John of Ávila, Priest and Doctor of the Church—Optional Memorial
This episode focuses on Saint John of Ávila, Priest and Doctor of the Church, commemorated on May 10th. It covers his life, his recognition as a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI, and includes a quote and prayer attributed to him.
- May 10- Saint Damien de Veuster of Molokai, Priest—USA Optional Memorial
This episode from Catholic Saints & Feasts of the Liturgical Year discusses Saint Damien de Veuster of Molokai, a priest and patron saint of outcasts. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 11, 2009. The episode also includes a q…
- May 3- Saints Philip and James, Apostles—Feast
The May 3 feast day honors Saints Philip and James, Apostles. St. Philip, patron of hatmakers and pastry chefs, and St. James, patron of pharmacists and the dying, were companions of Jesus. The reflection includes scripture from John 1:43–…
- May 2- Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor—Memorial
This episode covers the memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor, patron saint of theologians. It includes a quote from Athanasius regarding the condemnation of Arius and his followers, and a prayer asking for his intercession to im…
- May 1- Saint Joseph the Worker—Optional Memorial
This episode discusses Saint Joseph the Worker, an optional memorial observed on May 1st. He is the patron saint of workers. The reflection highlights his work as a carpenter and Jesus
- April 30- Saint Pius V, Pope—Optional Memorial
This episode focuses on Saint Pius V, Pope, who lived from 1504–1572. He is the patron saint of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith and is invoked for the reform and defense of the Church. The episode mentions his canonization by P…
- April 29- Saint Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church - Memorial
This episode covers the Memorial of Saint Catherine of Siena, a Virgin and Doctor of the Church who lived from 1347–1380. She is the Patron Saint of Europe, Italy, nurses, and the sick, and invoked against fires and temptations. Saint Cath…
- April 28- Saint Peter Chanel, Priest and Martyr—Optional Memorial
This episode focuses on Saint Peter Chanel, a priest and martyr from 1803–1841, who is the patron saint of Oceania. Canonized in 1954, his optional memorial is on April 28. His words emphasize the divine origin of faith, and the prayer ask…
- April 28- Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, Priest—Optional Memorial
April 28 features Saint Louis Grignion de Montfort, a priest and patron saint of preachers, canonized in 1947. His writings, such as 'True Devotion,' highlight a profound devotion to Mary, whom he called the earthly paradise of Jesus Chris…
- April 25- Saint Mark the Evangelist—Feast
The episode discusses Saint Mark the Evangelist, whose feast day is April 25. He is the patron saint of attorneys, Venice, and others. The reflection includes a prayer asking for imitation of his fidelity and hard work for Christ.
- April 24- Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, Priest and Martyr—Optional Memorial
The episode discusses Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen, a priest and martyr who lived from c. 1577–1622. He is the patron saint of lawyers and the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, canonized by Pope Benedict XIV in 1746. The refl…
- April 23- Saint George, Martyr—Optional Memorial
April 23rd honors Saint George, a martyr who died around 303 AD. He is the patron saint of many groups and places, invoked against certain illnesses, and known for his pre-Congregation canonization.
- April 23- Saint Adalbert, Bishop and Martyr—Optional Memorial
The episode discusses Saint Adalbert, Bishop and Martyr, whose feast day is April 23. He is the patron saint of Poland, Hungary, and the Czech Republic and was canonized in 999. The reflection highlights his missionary work and martyrdom,…
- April 21- Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Bishop and Doctor of the Church—Optional Memorial
This episode focuses on Saint Anselm of Canterbury, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, whose optional memorial is on April 21. It details his life dates (c. 1033–1109), his invocation by scholastic philosophers, and his eventual canonization…
- April 13: Saint Martin I, Pope and Martyr—Optional Memorial
The episode discusses Saint Martin I, Pope and Martyr, whose optional memorial is on April 13. He lived from c. 595–655 and is invoked by those persecuted by the state. The reflection includes words attributed to him and a prayer asking fo…
- Divine Mercy Sunday—Solemnity
This episode focuses on Divine Mercy Sunday, the Eighth Day of the Octave of Easter. It includes a prayer to Divine Mercy and information about the first image of Merciful Jesus in Vilnius, Lithuania.
- April 11- Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr—Memorial
The episode commemorates Saint Stanislaus, Bishop and Martyr, the patron saint of Poland, who lived from 1030–1079. Canonized in 1253, his life and martyrdom are highlighted as a symbol of national confirmation in faith.
- April 7: Saint John Baptist de La Salle, Priest—Memorial
The memorial for April 7th honors Saint John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of educators. A reflection shares his quote about the unexpected path God led him on and a prayer asks for openness to God's plan.
- April 5: Saint Vincent Ferrer, Priest—Optional Memorial
This episode discusses Saint Vincent Ferrer, a priest canonized in 1455, known as the patron saint of builders, plumbers, fishermen, and prisoners. It includes his reflections on divine mercy and a prayer inspired by his dedication to pray…
- Easter Sunday—Solemnity
This episode reflects on Easter Sunday—Solemnity, celebrated circa 33 A.D. with the liturgical color white. It includes an excerpt from The Exsultet Prayer and a prayer of devotion.
- April 4- Saint Isidore, Bishop and Doctor of the Church—Optional Memorial
This episode focuses on the Optional Memorial of Saint Isidore of Seville, Bishop and Doctor of the Church, who lived from c. 560–636. Known as the patron saint of computer technicians and the Internet, he was proclaimed a Doctor of the Ch…
- Good Friday of the Lord’s Passion
This episode reflects on Good Friday and the Passion of the Lord, noting the liturgical color is red. It includes a quote from Matthew 27:22-23 and a prayer for commemorating the sacrificial act of Christ.
- April 2- Saint Francis of Paola, Hermit—Optional Memorial
The episode focuses on Saint Francis of Paola, a hermit canonized in 1519, who is the patron saint of boatmen, mariners, and naval officers. A reflection and prayer are included.
- Holy Thursday
This episode reflects on Holy Thursday, referencing the Last Supper narrative from Luke 22:19-20 and including a prayer that asks for the grace to unite personal sufferings with Jesus' and embrace them with love for others.
- March 25- Annunciation of the Lord—Solemnity
The episode focuses on the Annunciation of the Lord, celebrated on March 25. It includes a reflection, a quote from Luke 1:38, and a prayer asking for Mary's intercession to consent to God's will.
- March 23- Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop—Optional Memorial
The episode commemorates Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo, Bishop of Peru, on his optional memorial. Known as the patron saint of Peru, Latin American bishops, and native people’s rights, he is remembered for his intense devotion to saving soul…
- March 19- Saint Joseph, Husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary—Solemnity
This episode focuses on the Solemnity of Saint Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary. It covers his patronage of the Universal Church, fathers, and carpenters, and includes a prayer and a quote from Matthew 1:24–25.
- March 18- Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor—Optional Memorial
March 18th commemorates Saint Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor. He was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1883 and is remembered for his defense of Christ's divinity and his encouragement to confess sins for God's forgiveness.
- March 17- Saint Patrick, Bishop—Optional Memorial
This episode discusses Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, whose life dates are uncertain but lived between the 5th century. He is invoked against snake bites and was canonized pre-Congregation.
- March 9 - Saint Frances of Rome
The episode discusses Saint Frances of Rome, a religious figure from 1495-1550, whose memorial is observed on March 9. She is the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, firefighters, booksellers, alcoholics, and the sick, and was canonized in…
- March 8- Saint John of God, Religious—Optional Memorial
The episode discusses Saint John of God (1495-1550), patron saint of hospitals, nurses, firefighters, booksellers, alcoholics, and the sick. It covers his life story, including his childhood abduction, military service, and eventual conver…
- March 7- Saints Perpetua and Felicity, Martyrs—Memorial
This episode discusses Saints Perpetua and Felicity, martyrs from the Roman city of Carthage in 203 AD. Perpetua, a young mother, and Felicity faced persecution under Emperor Septimius Severus. The episode references their passion and lega…
- March 4- Saint Casimir—Optional Memorial
The episode discusses Saint Casimir (1458–1484), the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania, known for his piety and devotion to the Virgin Mary. It touches upon his royal upbringing, education, and penitential practices, highlighting his vi…
- March 3-Saint Katharine Drexel, Virgin—USA Optional Memorial
This episode discusses Saint Katharine Drexel (1858-1955), patron saint of racial justice and philanthropists, who was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. Her early life, devout Catholic upbringing, and charitable family background are…
- February 27: Saint Gregory of Narek, Abbot and Doctor of the Church—Optional Memorial
The episode focuses on Saint Gregory of Narek, an Abbot and Doctor of the Church honored on February 27. It details his birth in 951, his veneration in the Armenian Church, and his recognition by the Roman Church, including his declaration…
- February 23: Saint Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr—Memorial
This episode discusses Saint Polycarp, a bishop and martyr who lived from c. 65–c. 155. He is believed to have known Jesus personally through the Apostle John and is considered an Apostolic Father due to his direct link to the apostles.
- February 22: Chair of Saint Peter, Apostle—Feast
The Feast of the Chair of Saint Peter on February 22 celebrates the Apostle Peter and the authority of the Bishop of Rome. It references the Chair of Saint Peter in Rome, encased in bronze by Bernini, and its symbolism representing the uni…
- February 21: Saint Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church—Optional Memorial
February 21 features Saint Peter Damian, Bishop and Doctor of the Church. His life included periods as an orphan, laborer, and monk, before he became a reformer, writer, and influential theologian.
- Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a penitential season rooted in ancient practices of public penance and fasting. The distribution of ashes, a tradition dating back before the first millennium, symbolizes repentance and mortality,…
- February 17: Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order—Optional Memorial
The episode discusses the Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order, who were canonized in 1888. These seven men from 13th century Florence, originally merchants, founded the order after an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They embrac…
- February 14- Saints Cyril, Monk, and Methodius, Bishop—Memorial
This episode covers the memorial of Saints Cyril and Methodius, co-patrons of Europe and the Slavic peoples. It details their lives, their mission to evangelize the Slavic peoples by creating an alphabet and translating the scriptures, and…
- February 11: Our Lady of Lourdes—Optional Memorial
The episode discusses the Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11, referencing the apparitions to Saint Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. It includes a quote from Bernadette and a prayer to Our Lady and Saint Bernadette.
- February 10: Saint Scholastica, Virgin—Memorial
The episode commemorates Saint Scholastica (c. 480–543), virgin, patron saint of nuns and school. It recounts a story where she prayed for a storm to keep her brother, Saint Benedict, with her, highlighting their deep spiritual bond.
- February 8: Saint Josephine Bakhita, Virgin—Optional Memorial
This episode focuses on Saint Josephine Bakhita, a Virgin, born in 1869 and died in 1947. She is the patron saint of Sudan and survivors of human trafficking and was canonized on October 1, 2000. The reflection includes her prayer and a qu…
- February 8: Saint Jerome Emiliani, Founder—Optional Memorial
February 8 commemorates Saint Jerome Emiliani, founder and patron saint of orphans and abandoned children. The reflection includes an eyewitness account of his faith and a prayer asking for his intercession in serving God and those in need.
- February 6: Saints Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs—Memorial
This episode memorializes Saints Paul Miki and Companions, the patron saints of Japan, who were martyred on February 5, 1597. They were canonized by Pope Pius IX on June 8, 1862.
- February 5: Saint Agatha, Virgin and Martyr—Memorial
This episode focuses on Saint Agatha, a virgin and martyr venerated on February 5th. She is known as the patron saint of breast cancer patients, martyrs, rape victims, bellfounders, and bakers, and is invoked against natural disasters and…
- February 3: Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr—Optional Memorial
This episode focuses on Saint Blaise, Bishop and Martyr, observed on February 3rd. He is the patron saint of throat illnesses and wool workers. The reflection includes a prayer for protection from illness and for the courage to witness to…