Saint of the Day for 20 April
Saint of the Day 20 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!
Born to a noble family, Agnes entered religious life when she was only nine years old. By age 15, Agnes was the superior of a new community in Viterbo. She returned to her home in Montepulciano where she founded a Dominican convent in 1306. She was canonized by Benedict XIII in 1726.
Originally from Syria, Anicetus became Pope around 155. As Pope he invited St Polycarp, the Bishop of Smyrna, to Rome to discuss the controversy over the date of Easter. The two parted amicably, but the question remained open. Pope Anicetus died during the reign of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Liturgical Calendar
20 April: The Resurrection of the Lord The Mass of Easter Day
Solemnity
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading 1 :
Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Reading 2 :
Colossians 3:1-4
Or :
1 Corinthians 5:6b-8
Sequence - Victimæ paschali laudes:
Alleluia :
cf. 1 Corinthians 5:7
Gospel :
John 20:1-9
Liturgical vestments: White
“This is what should make us measure the strength of love that inflamed the soul of this woman. The disciples went away, but she did not go away from the tomb of the Lord. So it happened that she was then alone to see him, she who remained to look for him. For it is perseverance that gives effectiveness to the good work.” (Saint Gregory the Great)
“Jesus has not returned to a normal human life in this world like Lazarus and the others whom Jesus raised from the dead. He has entered upon a different life, a new life — the vast breadth of God himself.” (Benedict XVI)
“The mystery of Christ's resurrection is a real event, with manifestations that were historically verified, as the New Testament bears witness. In about A.D. 56 St. Paul could already write to the Corinthians: ‘I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, then to the Twelve.. ’ (I Cor 15:3-4). The Apostle speaks here of the living tradition of the Resurrection which he had learned after his conversion at the gates of Damascus (Cf. Acts 9:3-18).” (Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Nº 639)