Saint of the Day for 16 April
Saint of the Day 16 April: 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!
Benedict, a French man, was given the nickname “the vagabond of God,” having chosen the streets as his monastery. With a crucifix and a breviary he made pilgrimages throughout France and Italy, living on charity that he shared with others. He died in Rome in 1783, and was canonized by Pope Leo XIII.
Liturgical Calendar
16 April: Wednesday of Holy Week
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading 1 :
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Verse Before the Gospel:
Or:
Gospel :
Matthew 26:14-25
Liturgical vestments: Purple
“Blessed be thou, my Lord Jesus Christ, who didst foretell thy death before the time, and in the last supper didst wonderfully consecrate thy precious body of material bread, and also charitably gave it to thy Apostles, in memory of thy most worthy passion, and by washing their feet with thy sacred and precious hand, didst humbly show thy very great humility.” (Saint Bridget)
“What we shall be commemorating in the coming days is the supreme battle between Light and Darkness. We must also put ourselves in this context aware of our own ‘night’, of our sins and our responsibility if we want to benefit spiritually from the Paschal Mystery.” (Benedict XVI)
“Jesus chose the time of Passover to fulfill what he had announced at Capernaum: giving his disciples his Body and his Blood.” (Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Nº 1339)