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🗓 Sunday, August 17 – St. Hyacinth
A Dominican friar from Poland in the 13th century, Hyacinth traveled across Poland, Russia, and the Baltic lands, preaching the Gospel with tireless zeal. Known as the “Apostle of the North,” he founded monasteries, converted thousands, and was credited with miracles—among them saving the Blessed Sacrament and a statue of Our Lady from invading Tartars by carrying both across a river.
🗓 Monday, August 18 – St. Helena
The mother of Emperor Constantine, Helena converted to Christianity in her later years and became one of the Church’s great patrons. On her pilgrimage to the Holy Land she located many sites connected with Christ’s Passion and, according to tradition, discovered the True Cross itself. She built churches in Jerusalem and Bethlehem, and her devotion and influence helped make the faith flourish in the Roman Empire.
🗓 Tuesday, August 19 – St. John Eudes
A 17th-century French priest and missionary, John Eudes founded the Congregation of Jesus and Mary to form holy priests and the Sisters of Our Lady of Charity to serve women in need. He spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, emphasizing God’s tender mercy and calling the faithful to renewal in an age of turmoil. His writings and missions helped shape the spiritual life of France for generations.
🗓 Wednesday, August 20 – St. Bernard of Clairvaux
A fiery preacher and Cistercian abbot of the 12th century, Bernard guided kings, counseled popes, and inspired crusaders with his eloquence and zeal. Yet he was also a profound mystic, leaving behind sermons and treatises—especially on the Song of Songs—that remain masterpieces of contemplative theology. A tireless promoter of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he is remembered for his deep love of Christ and for shaping the course of medieval spirituality.
🗓 Thursday, August 21 – St. Pius X
Elected pope in 1903, Pius X is remembered for his motto “Restore all things in Christ.” He encouraged frequent, even daily, Communion—especially for children—making the Eucharist the center of Catholic life. He also reformed Church music, promoted active participation in the liturgy, and fought vigorously against modernist errors that threatened the faith. His Catechism of Pius X remains a classic of clear Catholic teaching, and his simplicity and pastoral heart made him beloved by the faithful.
🗓 Friday, August 22 – Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Established by Pope Pius XII in 1954, this feast celebrates Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth, crowned by Christ Himself. Flowing directly from the Assumption, the Queenship honors Mary’s unique role in salvation history and her maternal intercession for the faithful. She is revered not only as the Mother of God but as a Queen who reigns with gentleness and love, guiding her children to her Son.
In his encyclical Ad Caeli Reginam, the Pope proclaimed:
"We are instituting a feast so that all may recognize more clearly and venerate more devoutly the merciful and maternal sway of the Mother of God. We are convinced that this feast will help to preserve, strengthen and prolong that peace among nations which daily is almost destroyed by recurring crises. Is she not a rainbow in the clouds reaching towards God, the pledge of a covenant of peace?"
🗓 Saturday, August 23 – St. Rose of Lima
St. Rose was very beautiful in features and in form. But she looked upon beauty as a dangerous gift, as it easily leads to vanity. When misfortune suddenly befell her parents her devotion to them led her to try to think of means to help out. She planted her garden with flowers, made bouquets, and sent a servant out to sell them on the market-place. The proceeds she gave to her mother. An offer of marriage that would give her high position and wealth was made to her. But Rose had early vowed her heart to the heavenly Bride groom and she refused to comply with the worldly wishes of her parents. She took particular delight in working for the decoration of churches and altars. The poor and sick of the city she visited diligently, but she scorned to make worldly calls merely for social pleasure. — Lives Of The Saints For Children, Berthold, 1900
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