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🗓 Sunday, September 21 – St. Matthew, Apostle & Evangelist
Once a tax collector despised by his people, Matthew was called by Christ to become both disciple and evangelist. Author of the first Gospel, he proclaimed Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament and gave the Church a treasured witness to the life of Christ. His conversion shows the power of grace to transform even the most unlikely.
🗓 Monday, September 22 – Sts. Maurice & Companions, Martyrs
Maurice was commander of the Theban Legion, a Roman unit of Christian soldiers from Egypt in the 3rd century. Ordered to sacrifice to idols, they refused and were executed en masse for their fidelity to Christ. Their witness shows the cost of discipleship and the courage of soldiers who served Christ above Caesar.
🗓 Tuesday, September 23 – St. Thomas of Villanova
An Augustinian friar and later Archbishop of Valencia, Thomas became known as the “Father of the Poor” for his tireless charity. He lived simply, gave generously, and reformed both clergy and laity through example and preaching. His motto was that wealth is only truly possessed when shared with those in need.
🗓 Wednesday, September 24 – Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians)
This feast honors the Blessed Virgin Mary as patroness of the Order of Mercy, founded in 1218 to ransom Christians enslaved by Moors. The devotion recalls Mary’s maternal protection and the call to works of mercy, both spiritual and corporal, in every age.
🗓 Thursday, September 25 – St. Fermin
First bishop of Pamplona, Spain, Fermin preached the Gospel with zeal in the 3rd century. Tradition holds that he was martyred in Amiens, France, where his relics became a source of devotion. In Spain he is remembered as patron of Pamplona, honored especially during the famous festival of San Fermín.
🗓 Friday, September 26 – Sts. Cosmas & Damian
Twin brothers and physicians of Syria, Cosmas and Damian treated the sick without charge, earning the title “unmercenary” healers. Martyred in the 4th century, they are honored as patrons of doctors, pharmacists, and all who care for the sick with generosity.
🗓 Saturday, September 27 – St. Vincent de Paul
A French priest of the 17th century, Vincent dedicated his life to serving the poor, founding the Vincentians and co-founding the Daughters of Charity with St. Louise de Marillac. Tireless in charity, he combined practical works of mercy with a vision of systemic reform, leaving a legacy that still flourishes in countless works of service today.
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