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🗓 Sunday, October 26 – St. Demetrius of Thessalonica, Martyr
A Christian officer in the Roman army during the early 4th century, Demetrius boldly proclaimed his faith despite the emperor’s persecution. Arrested and executed in Thessalonica, he became one of the city’s most beloved patrons. Miracles were reported at his tomb, and devotion to him spread throughout the Byzantine world. He is honored as a model of courage, purity, and steadfast witness to Christ amid worldly power.
🗓 Monday, October 27 – St. Frumentius, Apostle of Ethiopia
A 4th-century missionary shipwrecked on the Red Sea coast, Frumentius introduced Christianity to the kingdom of Aksum. Ordained bishop by St. Athanasius of Alexandria, he spread the faith across Ethiopia, where the Church he founded still endures.
🗓 Tuesday, October 28 – Sts. Simon & Jude, Apostles
Simon the Zealot and Jude Thaddeus were among the Twelve chosen by Christ. Tradition holds they evangelized Persia together and were martyred there. St. Jude, often invoked as the patron of hopeless causes, reminds us that no one is beyond the reach of divine grace.
🗓 Wednesday, October 29 – St. Narcissus of Jerusalem
The 30th bishop of Jerusalem, Narcissus served in the late 2nd century and was renowned for his sanctity and miracles. Despite slander and exile, he returned to lead the Church with humility in old age, a model of perseverance under trial.
🗓 Thursday, October 30 – St. Alphonsus Rodriguez
Born in 1532 in Segovia, Spain, Alphonsus was a successful wool merchant, husband, and father before tragedy struck with the death of his wife, his three children, and his mother. After selling his business and seeking God’s will anew, he entered the Society of Jesus as a lay brother. Assigned as porter at the college in Majorca, he spent over forty years welcoming students and visitors with humility and prayer. Hidden in a life of service, he became a spiritual guide to many—including St. Peter Claver—and showed that every door opened in love is a door to Christ.
🗓 Friday, October 31 – Vigil of All Saints (All Hallows’ Eve)
“All Hallows’ Eve” is the ancient Christian vigil that prepares for the Solemnity of All Saints. The word Hallow means “holy,” and the evening before All Hallows’ Day became known as Hallowe’en. In the early centuries, Christians kept vigils with prayer and fasting before great feasts, and this night was no different—an anticipation of heaven’s joy. Over time, local customs—bonfires, bell-ringing, and “souling” (children going door to door asking prayers for the departed)—grew around the celebration. Though many modern observances have lost their sacred meaning, the Church still sees this night as one of gratitude and preparation, reminding us that holiness, not fear, has the final word.
🗓 Saturday, November 1 – Solemnity of All Saints
Today the Church rejoices in the countless souls who now see God face to face—those canonized and those known only to Him. This feast celebrates the fulfillment of our calling to holiness and the unity of the Church in heaven and on earth. “Let us rejoice and be glad in the Lord,” for the glory of the saints is our hope and destiny.
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