On the 17th of September, members of the Franciscan Order celebrate a feast in honor of the day on which St. Francis received the Stigmata, the marks of the crucifixion, on his body. He had been spending a time of solitary prayer atop Mt. Alverna in Italy. During his prayer he asked God to show him a sign that he had been forgiven the sins of his youth when he had led a rather hedonistic...

Saint Abundius The Priest, also known as Abundius of Rome, was a revered figure in the early Christian Church. He served as a priest in Rome, Italy, during a time of intense persecution of Christians under the Roman Empire. Alongside another faithful servant, Saint Abundantius, Saint Abundius faced great trials and ultimately laid down his life for his steadfast commitment to his Christian...

Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows became widespread in the Church around the 14th century. It was revealed to St. Bridget of Sweden (1303-1373) that devotion to Our Lady's Seven Sorrows would bring great graces. Mary, in a unique way, willingly suffered alongside her Divine Son as he gave his life to save the world, and she felt the bitterness of his passion as only a mother can. This...

Saint Jean-Gabriel Taurin Dufresse was born on 8 December 1750 in Ville-de-Lezoux, in the diocese of Clermont, Puy-de-Dôme, France. He entered the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris seminary in 1774, dedicating his life to the priesthood. After completing his studies, he was ordained on 17 September and embarked on a mission to Szechuan, China in 1775. Saint Dufresse's encounter with...

Saint Venerius of Tino, also known as Venerio, was a notable hermit, monk, and abbot on the Island of Tino near Genoa, Italy. He developed a holy reputation due to his pious lifestyle and contributions to the spiritual well-being of the community. Born in the year 560, little is known about Venerius's early life and family background. However, it is believed that he had a deep conviction...