Saints and blessed

The Fragrances of Padre Pio: Between Faith and Suggestion

The Fragrances of Padre Pio: Between Faith and Suggestion

The fragrances of Padre Pio represent just one of the most evocative aspects of the veneration surrounding this unique Saint. Let us discover what they are and how science has attempted to explain them. Much has always been said about the fragrances of Padre Pio,…

The little bell of Saint Michael, the lucky charm of the island of Capri

The little bell of Saint Michael, the lucky charm of the island of Capri

Between fairy tale and legend, the little bell of Capri is a much-loved lucky charm on the splendid island, and beyond. Here is how Saint Michael made it a special gift for the first time It often happens that forms of worship and devotional practices…

Saint Philomena: the story of the virgin and martyr

Saint Philomena: the story of the virgin and martyr

Contents1 History of Saint Philomena2 What does Saint Philomena protect?3 The Shrine of Saint Philomena The remains of Saint Philomena the virgin and martyr were discovered in the catacombs of Rome, but they are kept in the Shrine of Mugnano del Cardinale. Here is the…

Saint Lawrence, Patron Saint of Permanent Deacons

Saint Lawrence, Patron Saint of Permanent Deacons

Contents1 Saint Lawrence the Deacon2 The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence3 The Connection with the Shooting Stars Saint Lawrence the Deacon dedicated his life to serving the poorest and those most in need. On the night of the shooting stars, the Church commemorates his martyrdom and…

The Way of Saint Benedict: Discovering the Places Touched by the Saint

The Way of Saint Benedict: Discovering the Places Touched by the Saint

Contents1 The Stages of the Way of Saint Benedict2 When to Walk the Way of Saint Benedict3 How Many Days for the Way of Saint Benedict Let us discover the Way of Saint Benedict, a journey steeped in history and spirituality through the places touched…

Saint Andrew the apostle: the story of the saint and his connection to the city of Amalfi

Saint Andrew the apostle: the story of the saint and his connection to the city of Amalfi

Contents1 The Story of Saint Andrew2 The Miracle of the Manna3 The Feast of Saint Andrew in Amalfi Saint Andrew was one of Jesus’s apostles. The brother of Peter, he spread the Word of God to distant lands and died a martyr in Patras. Today…

The Martyrs of Otranto: The Sacrifice of the 813 Inhabitants in the Name of Faith

The Martyrs of Otranto: The Sacrifice of the 813 Inhabitants in the Name of Faith

Contents1 The Story of the Martyrs of Otranto2 The Relics of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto3 The Canonisation of the Martyrs by Pope Francis Can an entire town be canonised? That is what happened to the Martyrs of Otranto – 800 martyrs in the name…

History and Works of Saint John of God

History and Works of Saint John of God

Saint John of God made charity and the care of the sick and destitute his life’s mission. Here is how his vocation lives on today through the Hospitaller Order of the Fatebenefratelli. Saint John of God (born João Duarte Cidade) was a Portuguese friar who…

Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary

Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary

On 17 February, the Church commemorates the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary, who renounced everything to consecrate their lives to the Virgin and to charity. The Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary were seven…

Saint Philip Neri and the Birth of the Oratory

Saint Philip Neri and the Birth of the Oratory

Contents1 The Second Apostle of Rome2 The Congregation of the Oratory3 The Saint of Joy4 Prayer to Saint Philip Neri Saint Philip Neri served God and man with devotion, joy, and extraordinary warmth. The Apostle of Rome and the Saint of Joy, he created the…

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani, the Saint to Invoke for Rain

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani, the Saint to Invoke for Rain

Contents1 The Basilica-Sanctuary of Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani2 Devotion to the Immaculate Conception3 Patron Saints for Rain Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani, a theologian and a man of great heart and charity, is also remembered for several miracles related to water and rain. That’s why he…

The History of Saint Florian of Lorch, the Patron Saint of Firefighters

The History of Saint Florian of Lorch, the Patron Saint of Firefighters

Contents1 Who was Saint Florian?2 Iconography of Saint Florian3 The Cult of Saint Florian in Northern Italy and Austria Saint Florian of Lorch is a much-loved saint in Austria and the neighbouring regions. The protector of firefighters, in life he was a Roman veteran who…

Saint Efisio and the Most Famous Festival in Sardinia

Saint Efisio and the Most Famous Festival in Sardinia

Saint Efisio the Martyr saved the city of Cagliari from the plague, and since then he has been commemorated on 1 May with a solemn procession, one of the oldest and longest in Europe. On 1 May, Cagliari and the whole of Sardinia celebrate Saint…

Feast of Saint Francis: the Eighth Centenary and its recognition as a national holiday in Italy

Feast of Saint Francis: the Eighth Centenary and its recognition as a national holiday in Italy

Contents1 800 years since the death of Saint Francis2 Saint Francis National Holiday3 Celebrations and initiatives In 2026, the feast of Saint Francis will coincide with the Eighth Centenary of the Saint of Assisi. On this occasion, it will once again be recognised as an…

Five saints who suffered for love

Contents1 Saint Valentine of Terni2 Saint Augustine of Hippo3 Saint Rita of Cascia4 Pier Giorgio Frassati5 Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Since the origins of Christianity, there have been stories of saints in love that constitute examples of love, humanity, and fragility. Here are just a…

Thomas Aquinas and the Hierarchy of Angels

Thomas Aquinas and the Hierarchy of Angels

On 28 January, the liturgical memory of St. Thomas Aquinas, ‘angelic doctor’ and author of the most famous treatise on medieval theology, is celebrated. Thomas Aquinas lived in the 12th century. He was a Dominican friar, but he is remembered above all for his merits…

Who Are the 14 Holy Helpers

Who Are the 14 Holy Helpers

The Holy Helpers are invoked in situations of illness and serious danger. Between medieval beliefs and faith, here is who they are and how their cult developed. Invoking God, the Virgin Mary, Angels, or Saints to obtain help and comfort in times of danger, serious…

Saint Sebastian and His Martyrdom to Help Persecuted Christians

Saint Sebastian and His Martyrdom to Help Persecuted Christians

Contents1 The Life of Saint Sebastian2 The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian3 What Does Saint Sebastian Protect? Saint Sebastian was an upright Roman soldier before becoming a Christian martyr. His story remains today an example of courage and honour. From high-ranking officer of the Roman army…