Saint of the Day for 21 April
Saint of the Day 21 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!
For more than 40 years — from his profession of solemn vows in 1852 to his death in 1894 — Conrad of Parzham was doorkeeper at the convent of St Anne, in Altötting, Bavaria. Many people turned to the “holy porter” for a word of comfort or advice, or for a piece of bread.
Liturgical Calendar
21 April: Monday in the Octave of Easter
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading 1 :
Acts 2:14, 22-33
Sequence-- optional:
Victimae paschali laudes
Alleluia:
Psalm 118:24
Gospel :
Matthew 28:8-15
Liturgical vestments: White
“O what wonderful good news! He who for our sake became like us in order to make us his brothers, now presents to his true Father his own humanity in order to draw all his kindred up after him.” (Saint Gregory of Nyssa)
“Today, more than ever before, veneration is necessary. One of the greatest perversions of our time is that we are asked to worship the human leaving aside the divine. Idols causing death do not deserve any worshipping; only the God of life deserves worship and glory.” (Francis)
“Mary Magdalene and the holy women (…) were the first to encounter the Risen One (Mk 16:1; Lk 24:1; Jn 19:31,42). Thus the women were the first messengers of Christ's Resurrection for the apostles themselves (Cf Lk 24:9-10). They were the next to whom Jesus appears: first Peter, then the Twelve. Peter had been called to strengthen the faith of his brothers, (Cf I Cor 15:5-; Lk 22:31-32) and so sees the Risen One before them; it is on the basis of his testimony that the community exclaims: ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!’ (Lk 24;34).” (Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Nº 641)