Saint of the Day for 25 January
Saint of the Day 25 January: 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!
Liturgical Calendar
25 January: Feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul, Apostle
Feast
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading 1 :
Acts 22:3-16
Alleluia :
John 15:16
Gospel :
Mark 16:15-18
Liturgical vestments: White
“Saul was led to Ananias; the devastating wolf is led to the sheep. But the Shepherd who leads everything from the top of heaven assures him: ‘Do not be afraid.’ Wonderful! The captive wolf is led to the sheep. The Lamb who dies for the sheep teaches him not to fear.” (St. Augustine)
“Paul's conversion matured in his encounter with the Risen Christ; it was this encounter that radically changed his life. In this consists his and our conversion: in believing in Jesus dead and risen” (Benedict XVI)
“Our Lord tied the forgiveness of sins to faith and Baptism: ‘Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to the whole creation. He who believes and is baptized will be saved.’ (Mk 16: 15-16). Baptism is the first and chief sacrament of forgiveness of sins because it unites us with Christ, who died for our sins and rose for our justification, so that ‘we too might walk in newness of life.’ (Rm 6:4)” (Cathechism of the Catholic Church, No. 977)
Paul loved Jesus. Saul — Paul’s first name — was already zealous, but Christ converts his zeal: from the Law to the Gospel. His zeal first wanted to destroy the Church, whereas after, it builds it up. We might ask ourselves: what happened, that passed from destruction to construction? What changed in Paul? In what way was his zeal, his enthusiasm for the glory of God, transformed? (…) In Paul’s case, what changed him is not a simple idea or a conviction: it was the encounter with the risen Lord. Do not forget this: it is the encounter with the Lord that changes a life. It was Saul’s encounter with the risen Lord that transformed his entire being. Paul’s humanity, his passion for God and his glory was not annihilated, but transformed, “converted” by the Holy Spirit. The only one who can change our hearts is the Holy Spirit. And it was so for every aspect of his life. (…) If any one is in Christ, he is a new creation; he changes you from within. (General audience, 29 March 2023)