Saint's of the Week

Saint John Chrysostom

Virtue: Honesty

Feast Day: 14th September

People who stand up for what is right and condemn what is evil leave their mark on the world. They also may find themselves with many enemies! John Chrysostom, a great speaker and a courageous man, knew this. He was born in Antioch. His father died when John was a child, so his mother guided his education. As a young man, he studied law and public speaking. 

When John was twenty one his mother died, and he joined a group of monks. Four years later, he lived as a hermit in a cave until he became ill. He returned to Antioch and became a priest at the age of thirty-two.

John is best known for his sermons. John became the bishop of Constantinople, but he continued to live the simple life, giving his money to the poor. He made many enemies, especially among the rich and proud. Eventually, John’s enemies falsely accused him and had him exiled twice and cruelly treated. He was a true prophet.

Joh died praying, “Glory be to God for everything. Amen.”

Saint St Pio of Pietrelcina 

Virtue: Prayer 

Feast Day: 23rd September 

Padre Pio was born Francesco Forgione on May 25, 1887, in Pietrelcina, Italy, into a simple peasant family. At the age of 15, he entered the Capuchin Franciscan Friars, and was ordained a priest in 1910. 

After celebrating morning mass on September 20 1918, during his prayer of thanksgiving before the crucifix, Padre Pio received the “Stigmata”. His hands, feet and side were pierced with the nail marks and the lance wound of the crucified Christ. Doctors estimated that for the next 50 years, he lost a cup of blood every day. His five wounds were deep, bleeding, and painful, but completely free of inflammation and swelling. 

News of his holiness spread rapidly, and millions of people attended his masses. People waited as much as two weeks to have him hear their confessions, for they perceived in Padre Pio the true heart and souls of the Gospels, expressed in a simple and uncomplicated manner. 

Padre Pio was called to his heavenly reward on September 23 1968. Today, his tomb is the most visited shrine in Europe.