Saint of the Day for 21 July
Saint of the Day 21 July: 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!
Lawrence entered the Capuchin order when he was only 16. He was entrusted with important missions by Popes as well as secular princes. He died in Lisbon in 1619, and was canonized by Leo XIII in 1881. In 1959, St John XXIII declared St Lawrence a Doctor of the Church.
Liturgical Calendar
21 July: Monday of the Sixteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading 1 :
Exodus 14:5-18
Alleluia :
Psalm 95:8
Gospel :
Matthew 12:38-42
Liturgical vestments: Green
“God [the Son] did not impede death from separating his soul from his body according to the necessary order of nature, but has reunited them to one another in the Resurrection, so that he himself might be, in his person, the meeting point for death and life.” (Gregory of Nyssa)
“The sign which Jesus promises is his forgiveness, through his death and resurrection. The sign which Jesus promises is his mercy. The true sign of Jonah is the one that gives us confidence in being saved by the blood of Christ." (Francis)
“Baptism, the original and full sign of which is immersion, efficaciously signifies the descent into the tomb by the Christian who dies to sin with Christ in order to live a new life (...)” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, Nº 628)