The life of a generous, hardworking farm laborer who loved God and the land he tended is celebrated around the world as spring planting begins. Though he lived almost 900 years ago and never left his hometown, St. Isidore is called upon as farmers throughout the world pray for a successful growing season.
The saint behind saints, John of Ávila is the little-known influence behind Spanish mystics such as Teresa of Ávila, John of God, and Ignatius of Loyola. He is also a Doctor of the Church.
St. Joseph does not draw attention to himself. He listens, and he acts, exemplifying what a disciple is: the one who hears “the word of God and acts on it” (Lk 8:21). Whenever we turn our attention to Joseph, we are led, by him and through him, to discover the God whom he heeded and the divine mission he served.
These nine quotes from the first year of Pope Leo XIV’s pontificate offer opportunity for reflection as the Church honors St. Joseph the Worker.
As a Dominican Friar devoted to a life of prayer, fasting and poverty, Saint Pius V called the princes of the Church back to a simpler and holier way of life – a message that was not well-received by bishops and priests who had become accustomed to the wealth, power and freedom they enjoyed while collaborating and reveling with the royalty of the day.
As winter gives way to spring, this reflection by Hansol Goo explores how the Church’s prayer and liturgy call believers to deeper hope and responsibility for God’s fragile yet life‑giving creation.
Born on the feast of the Annunciation in 1347, St. Catherine of Siena became a stalwart voice of the Church, a shining light in one of the darkest, most turbulent periods of Christian history.
St. Marie of the Incarnation always trusted in the providence of God, despite all obstacles. She is celebrated as the founder of the Ursuline Order in Canada, and her work in educating young girls in the 17th century is still recognized today as helping to lay the foundations for formal education in Canada.
