Sixty-three years ago, on October 11, 1962, Pope John XXIII opened the historic Second Vatican Council, fully convinced that it was time to “throw open the windows of the Church and let the fresh air of the Spirit blow through.”
Each year on September 29, the Church celebrates the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, heaven’s messengers who remind us that God is near, guiding, guarding, and healing His people.
What would you say if you knew your life was about to end for your faith? This was the question faced by Saint Andrew Kim Tae-gon, the first native-born Korean Catholic priest, who was executed at the age of 25. His final words, written from prison, echo as an inspiration for Christians across Asia.
In most of the photos available online, Mother Teresa of Calcutta is seen beaming with a smile. Whether hunched beside the poor or standing alongside her fellow Missionaries of Charity, she always appeared with a bright face. Who would have thought that in her 87 years on earth, 50 were spent in the so-called “dark night of the soul”?
Monica, “There was only one reason why I wanted to remain a little longer in this life that I might see you a Catholic Christian before I died. God has granted me this in superabundance.”
On August 19, the Church commemorates Saint Ezekiel Moreno (1848–1906), the patron saint of cancer patients and a shining example of missionary zeal, pastoral care, and unwavering faith.
In 2009, during the Year for Priests, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed St. John Vianney as the patron saint of all priests worldwide, not just parish priests.
For hundreds of years, Catholics have pictured St. Dominic kneeling in prayer while the Blessed Virgin Mary gives him a string of beads, which we now call the Rosary.
In the quiet village of Bethany, just outside Jerusalem, lived three siblings whose friendship with Jesus has echoed across centuries. Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus were not just hosts to the Son of God in their home—they became living witnesses to the essence of faith, friendship, and hospitality.
On July 25, the Church celebrates the feast of St. James the Greater, one of the original twelve apostles of Jesus. Known for his fiery spirit and missionary zeal, James is the patron of pilgrims and of Spain.
Born and named Francesco Possenti on March 1, 1838 to a big family in Italy, his mother Agnes passed away when he was four years old. There are thirteen of them siblings and he was the eleventh.
