Saint of the Day for 19 December
Saint of the Day 19 December: 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!
Guillaume de Grimoard, later Urban V, was a French Benedictine monk, elected Pope in Avignon (1362-1370). He tried in vain to bring the Apostolic See back to Rome and to heal the rift that had developed between West and East. An austere man, he helped the poor and fought corruption in the clergy.
Anastasius of the noble Roman Maximi family was elected Pope in 399. He had a profound spirituality and lived a lifestyle of poverty. He courageously defended the Catholic faith, opposing the heresy of Donatism. He died in 401.
Liturgical Calendar
19 December: Friday of the Third Week of Advent
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading 1 :
Judges 13:2-7, 24-25a
Alleluia:
Gospel :
Luke 1:5-25
Liturgical vestments: Purple
“For he who holds, without pride and boasting, the true glory from him who created it, he shall receive from Him the greater glory, looking forward to the time when he shall become like Him who died for him.” (Saint Irenaeus)
“From barrenness the Lord is capable of reopening a new lineage, a new life: this is today’s message. When humanity is exhausted, it can no longer go onward, grace comes and the Son comes, and salvation comes.” (Francis)
“‘There was a man sent from God, whose name was John’ (Jn 1:6). John was ‘filled with the Holy Spirit even from his mother's womb’ (Lk 1:15:41) by Christ himself, whom the Virgin Mary had just conceived by the Holy Spirit. Mary's visitation to Elizabeth thus became a visit from God to his people.” (Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Nº 717)