Saint Pius V (1504–1572) was pope from 1566 until his death, known for his strong leadership and efforts to reform the Catholic Church following the Council of Trent. A Dominican friar, he was committed to combating corruption and restoring discipline within the clergy. He implemented the reforms of the Council of Trent, including standardizing the […]

St. Joseph the Worker, celebrated on May 1, honors the patronage of St. Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus and the husband of the Virgin Mary. This feast day was instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955 to emphasize the dignity of human labor and to offer a Christian perspective on work. It highlights Joseph's […]

International Workers' Day, celebrated on May 1, is a global observance that honours the contributions and rights of workers. While not directly rooted in Catholic tradition, it has relevance to the Church's teachings on the dignity of labour, justice, and the rights of workers. The Catholic Church emphasizes the sanctity of work and the importance […]

Saint Athanasius (c. 296–373) was a renowned Christian theologian and Bishop of Alexandria, best known for his staunch defence of the Nicene Creed and his opposition to Arianism, a heresy that denied the full divinity of Jesus Christ. As a key figure in the early Church, he played a crucial role in preserving orthodox Christian […]

Saints Philip and James are two of the twelve apostles of Jesus, celebrated together on May 3. Philip, originally from Bethsaida, is known for bringing Nathanael to Jesus and for his question during the Last Supper about showing the Father. James, son of Alphaeus, is sometimes referred to as "James the Less" to distinguish him […]

The 3rd Sunday of Easter, observed in the Christian liturgical calendar, celebrates the continued resurrection of Jesus Christ. The readings typically focus on the post-resurrection appearances of Christ, where He reassures and strengthens His disciples. In the Gospel, Jesus often reveals Himself in familiar ways, such as through the breaking of bread or sharing a […]

Saint François de Laval (1623–1708) was the first bishop of Quebec and a key figure in the early Catholic Church in Canada. Born in France, he was ordained a priest and later appointed to lead the fledgling church in New France (Canada). Known for his deep faith and dedication, he worked tirelessly to evangelize Indigenous […]

Blessed Catherine de Saint-Augustin (1632–1668) was a French-born nun who became a key figure in the early Catholic mission in Canada. She entered the Congregation of the Ursulines in Quebec and devoted her life to education and care for others. Known for her deep spirituality, humility, and dedication, Catherine played an essential role in the […]

Saint John of Avila (1500–1569) was a Spanish priest, mystic, and theologian, known for his deep spirituality and influence during the Catholic Reformation. He was a passionate preacher, emphasizing personal holiness and the importance of the sacraments. Often referred to as the "Apostle of Andalusia," he worked to revive and reform the clergy, urging them […]

Mother’s Day, while not a liturgical feast in the Catholic Church, holds significant spiritual and cultural relevance. The Church honours motherhood as a reflection of God’s love and care, with Mary, the mother of Jesus, being the ultimate example of maternal devotion and faith. On Mother’s Day, Catholics often reflect on the importance of mothers […]

World Day of Prayer for Vocations, observed on the 4th Sunday of Easter, is a global event focused on praying for vocations to the priesthood, religious life, and lay ministries within the Church. Established by Pope Paul VI in 1964, this day encourages the faithful to reflect on God's call to service and to support […]

The 4th Sunday of Easter, often referred to as "Good Shepherd Sunday," focuses on the image of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, a symbol of His care, protection, and guidance for His followers. The Gospel reading typically features Jesus describing Himself as the Shepherd who knows His sheep and gives His life for them (John […]

Saints Nereus and Achilleus were early Christian martyrs who are commemorated together on May 12. According to tradition, they were soldiers in the Roman army who converted to Christianity during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. Nereus and Achilleus, along with a third Christian, St. Pancras, were arrested for refusing to renounce their faith. They were […]

Saint Pancras (d. 304) was a young Christian martyr who is venerated as one of the saints of the early Church. He was just 14 years old when he was arrested during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. Pancras, originally from Phrygia (modern-day Turkey), had moved to Rome with his guardian. When he refused […]

Our Lady of Fatima refers to the title given to the Virgin Mary following her apparitions to three shepherd children—Lucia, Francisco, and Jacinta—in Fatima, Portugal, in 1917. Over six months, Mary appeared to the children, delivering messages of prayer, repentance, and the need for devotion to her Immaculate Heart. She urged the faithful to pray […]

Saint Matthias was the apostle chosen to replace Judas Iscariot after his betrayal and death. According to the Acts of the Apostles, Matthias was selected by the remaining eleven apostles through prayer and the casting of lots. He had been a follower of Jesus from His baptism by John the Baptist until the Ascension, ensuring […]

The 5th Sunday of Easter focuses on themes of growth, unity, and Christ as the true Vine. In the Gospel (John 15:1-8), Jesus teaches that He is the Vine, and His followers are the branches. To bear fruit, they must remain united to Him, drawing life from His presence. The readings emphasize the importance of […]

Saint Bernardine of Siena (1380–1444) was an Italian Franciscan friar, preacher, and theologian known for his fervent evangelization and devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus. A prolific preacher, Bernardine traveled extensively across Italy, promoting moral reform and religious devotion, particularly among the laity. He is credited with popularizing the use of the "IHS" monogram, […]

Saint Eugène de Mazenod (1782–1861) was a French bishop and founder of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, a religious congregation dedicated to evangelization and serving the poor. Born into a noble family, Eugène experienced a turbulent childhood, marked by exile during the French Revolution. He later studied for the priesthood and became deeply committed […]

Saint Christopher Magallanes and his companions were a group of 25 Mexican martyrs who were killed during the Cristero War, a period of violent persecution against the Catholic Church in Mexico in the 1920s. Christopher Magallanes, a priest, and his fellow martyrs were executed for their staunch defense of religious freedom and their refusal to […]

Blessed Louis-Zéphirin Moreau (1824–1901) was a Canadian priest and the founder of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary in Quebec. Deeply committed to education and the spiritual formation of young women, he worked to establish schools and religious communities in Quebec and beyond. Known for his holiness and dedication to the […]

World Day of Prayer for the Church in China, observed annually on May 24, is a day of solidarity and intercession for the Catholic Church in China. It was established by Pope Benedict XVI in 2007, coinciding with the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, a title especially revered in China. This day encourages […]

The 6th Sunday of Easter, falling just before Ascension Thursday, highlights themes of love, the Holy Spirit, and the peace of Christ. The readings often focus on Jesus’ promise to send the Holy Spirit as an Advocate to guide, strengthen, and teach His followers. In the Gospel, Jesus speaks about loving one another and abiding […]

Saint Philip Neri (1515–1595) was an Italian priest and founder of the Congregation of the Oratory, a religious community dedicated to prayer, education, and charitable work. Known for his joyful spirit, humor, and deep spirituality, Philip was a beloved figure in Rome, attracting many followers with his warmth and devotion. He emphasized the importance of […]

Saint Augustine of Canterbury (c. 540–604) was an Italian Benedictine monk and the first Archbishop of Canterbury. Sent by Pope Gregory the Great to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons in England, Augustine played a pivotal role in the Christianization of Britain. Despite initial challenges, he successfully established the Christian faith in southern England, founding the Church in […]

The Vigil of the Ascension of the Lord, observed on the evening before Ascension Thursday, marks the moment when Jesus ascended into heaven, as described in Acts 1:9-11. This vigil prepares the faithful to celebrate Christ’s triumphant return to the Father, completing His earthly mission and commissioning His disciples to spread the Gospel. The liturgy […]

Saint Paul VI (1897–1978), born Giovanni Battista Montini, was the Pope from 1963 to 1978. He is best known for his leadership during the final stages of the Second Vatican Council, guiding the Church through its profound reforms. Paul VI continued the work of the Council, emphasizing ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, and the renewal of liturgy. […]

The Ascension of the Lord, celebrated 40 days after Easter, commemorates the moment when Jesus ascended into heaven in the presence of His disciples, as described in Acts 1:9-11. This event marks the conclusion of Jesus’ earthly ministry and His return to the Father, signifying His triumph over sin and death. The Ascension also symbolizes […]

The Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on May 31, honours the moment when Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was pregnant with John the Baptist. In this encounter, Elizabeth’s baby leapt in her womb, recognizing the presence of the Saviour. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth praised Mary as the […]