Saint Padre Pio
Feast Day: September 23
Born Francesco Forgione in 1887, Padre Pio was an Italian Franciscan Capuchin friar known for his profound spirituality and the miraculous stigmata he bore for 50 years. He was known for his ability to read souls in confession, bilocation, and healing powers. Despite facing much scrutiny and skepticism, he remained devoted to serving God through hearing confessions and celebrating Mass.
Patron Saint of: Civil defense volunteers, adolescents, stress relief, and January blues
Saint Jude Thaddeus
Feast Day: October 28
One of Jesus' twelve apostles, St. Jude Thaddeus is perhaps the most popular patron of hopeless causes. After Christ's death, he preached the Gospel in Mesopotamia, Libya, and Persia with St. Simon. His attribute is a club, the instrument of his martyrdom. He wrote an epistle that is included in the New Testament.
Patron Saint of: Hopeless causes, desperate situations, and hospitals
Blessed Carlo Acutis
Feast Day: October 12
A modern-day example of holiness, Carlo Acutis (1991-2006) was an Italian teenager known for documenting Eucharistic miracles around the world and creating a website to share them. Despite his young age, he showed remarkable devotion to the Eucharist and used his computer skills to spread the faith. He died of leukemia at age 15, offering his sufferings for the Church.
Patron Saint of: Internet users, computer programmers, and youth
Why Do Catholics Celebrate Feast Days and Pray to Saints?
Feast Days
Feast days are celebrated to honor and remember the special role that saints play in the history of the Church. These celebrations help us to:
- Remember the examples of holy lives lived for Christ
- Draw inspiration from their virtues and dedication
- Mark important moments in the Church's liturgical calendar
- Connect with the universal Church across time and space
Praying to Saints
Catholics don't worship saints but rather ask for their intercession - similar to asking a friend to pray for us. This practice is based on the belief that:
- Saints are alive in Christ and part of the Church Triumphant
- They can intercede for us before God, just as we pray for each other on earth
- Their lives serve as models of holiness and inspiration
- They form part of the "communion of saints" that unites all believers