Saint of the Day for 1 February
Saint of the Day 1 February: Celebrating the Lives of the Church’s Saints
Every day, the Catholic Church honors a saint or blessed who stood out for their faith, dedication, and love for God. The Saint of the Day is an opportunity for the faithful to learn more about the history of the Church and be inspired by the witness of these men and women who lived according to Christ’s teachings.
The Meaning of the Saint of the Day
The celebration of the Saint of the Day is a Church tradition that helps us remember those who were examples of faith and holiness. Saints may have been martyrs who gave their lives defending their faith, missionaries who spread the Gospel, or ordinary people who lived in deep communion with God through simplicity.
Learning about each saint’s story inspires us to live with more love, patience, and hope. It also reminds us that we are all called to holiness.
Why Do We Celebrate the Saints?
Saints serve as models of Christian life. Their stories show us that, despite challenges, it is possible to live according to God’s will. Moreover, the faithful often seek the intercession of saints, believing that they are close to God and can pray for our needs.
Following the Saint of the Day is a way to strengthen our spiritual journey and learn from those who dedicated their lives to serving God. May we follow their examples and strive each day to live with greater love, faith, and hope!
🙏 May today’s Saint of the Day intercede for us and inspire us to live according to God’s will!
Liturgical Calendar
1 February: Saturday of the Third Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading I:
Hebrews 11:1-2, 8-19
Alleluia:
John 3:16
Gospel:
Mark 4:35-41
Liturgical vestments: Green
“When we pray properly, sorrows disappear like snow before the sun.” (Saint John Mary Vianney)
“The Apostles should not fear threats: Christ —although silent— is in the boat and, for that very reason, it has never sunk.” (Benedict XVI)
“The first and last point of reference of this catechesis will always be Jesus Christ himself, who is ‘the way, and the truth, and the life’ (Jn 14:6). It is by looking to him in faith that Christ's faithful can hope that he himself fulfills his promises in them, and that, by loving him with the same love with which he has loved them, they may perform works in keeping with their dignity.” (Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Nº 1698)
Today the Gospel presents us with Jesus on the boat with the disciples, on Lake Tiberias. A strong storm arrives unexpectedly, and the boat is in danger of sinking. Jesus, who was asleep, wakes up, threatens the wind and everything becomes calm again. (…) Why does Jesus act this way?
To strengthen the faith of the disciples and to make them more courageous. Indeed, they emerge from this experience with more awareness of Jesus’ power and of his presence in their midst, and therefore stronger and readier to face obstacles and difficulties, including the fear of venturing out to proclaim the Gospel. Having overcome this trial with him, they will know how to face many others, even to the cross and martyrdom, to bring the Gospel to all peoples.
And Jesus does the same with us too, in particular in the Eucharist: He gathers us around him, he gives us his Word, he nourishes us with his Body and his Blood, and then he invites us to set sail, to transmit everything we have heard and to share what we have received with everyone, in everyday life, even when it is difficult. Jesus does not spare us from trials and tribulations, but, he helps us confront them, without ever abandoning us. He makes us courageous. (Angelus, 23 June 2024)