January Saints

January 21. St. Agnes

Little is known regarding St. Agnes, the wealthy Roman girl, who at the age of 13 refuses to marry a young man of nobility to dedicate herself to Christ. For that, and for being a Christian, she was martyred in the middle of the 4th century. One of the catacombs in Rome carries her name and above it a basilica was erected.

Prayer

We ask, blessed Agnes, that we love Christ just as you did; that we proclaim him with the same courage you did; that we put his love above our own life. Amen.

January 24. St. Francis de Sales

St Francis de Sales was born in 1567. Ordained a priest in 1593, he was sent to Chablais, a region in France with numerous Protestants. Through his charity, evangelical spirit and kindness he brought 72,000 people to the Catholic faith. With St. Jane Frances de Chantal, he founded the religious congregation of the Visitation. He was a great teacher of spiritual life and writer of many great works, foremost among them, An Introduction to the Devout Life. He is the patron saint of journalists.

Prayer

Grant us Lord, the kindness and gentleness of Francis to proclaim your name in an appealing manner that will bring many to find you. Amen.

January 28. St. Thomas Aquinas

St. Thomas Aquinas was born in 1225 in Naples, Italy, and is considered one of the doctors of the Catholic Church. After overcoming the opposition of his parents, he joined the Order of St. Dominic. His superiors decided to send him to universities in Paris and Cologne where he was formed under the direction of St. Albert the Great. He dedicated his life to studying and teaching theology. Hi Summa Theologica is a monument to his genius.

Prayer

Lord, grant us as Thomas, a true love for studying and the wisdom to know you better and love you more. Amen.