Memorial of St. Vincent de Pau, 1580-1660; became leader of what is now known as the Congreagation of Mission, or the Vincentians, who devote themselves to people in smaller towns and villages; eventually formed confraternities, from which sprang the Daughters of Charity; patron of all charitable societies
Optional Memorial of Saints Cosmas and Damian; Third Century brothers skilled in the science of medicine; took no money for their services; captured as Christians during the persecution of Diocletian, tortured, and martyred; the patrons of pharmacists
Saint of the Day: St. Rupert of Salzburg, 660-710; as bishop of Worms, he was asked to evangelize Bavaria; he converted Duke Theodo II, and built the abbey of St. Peter and the Nonnberg convent; converted pagan temples into Christian churches, and established the salt-mining industry, from which the city takes its name
Memorial of St. Pio of Pietrelcina (Padre Pio), 1887-1968; grew up in a family of farmers in southern Italy; joined the Capuchins at age 15; received a vision of Jesus in 1918, and when the vision ended, he had the stigmata in his hands, feet, and side; heard confessions up to ten hours per day; cures were reported through his intercession
Saint of the Day: St. Phocas the Gardener; Third and Fourth Century gardener in Sinope, now in Turkey; shared with the poor, and offered lodging to travelers; when pagan Roman authorities found out he was a Christian, they sent soldiers to capture him; they stopped--unknowingly--at his house for the night; in the morning, when Phocas revealed his identity, they were reluctant, but ultimately killed him
Memorial of Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and companions, the Korean martyrs; Pope John Paul II canonized 100 Koreans and three French missionaries who had been martyred between 1839 and 1867, when he visited Korea in 1984
Optional Memorial of St. Januarius; believed to have been martyred in Diocletian's persecution of 305 A.D.; a vial of what is believed to be his blood is kept in the Cathedral in Naples, and liquifies several times per year
Daybreak™ is a fresh, upbeat approach to morning devotions and prayer. Host Paul Sadek leads you in spiritual reflections and meditations from the daily Mass readings, Morning Prayer, the Holy…
Father’s teachings, writing of the saints, and more.