Saint of the Day for 5 January
Saint of the Day 5 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!
Crowned King of England in 1043, beloved by the people, he was a mild and gentle sovereign of profound prayer: he promoted peace, abolished war taxes to help the poorest of the poor, and built a monastery out of which would grow the Abbey of Westminster.
This Bohemian priest turned American citizen became bishop of Philadelphia, caring for Catholic immigrants and establishing the first diocesan school system in the United States. His feast day is January 5.
Liturgical Calendar
5 January: The Epiphany of the Lord
Solemnity
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading I:
Isaiah 60:1-6
Reading II:
Ephesians 3:2-3a, 5-6
Alleluia:
Matthew 2:2
Gospel:
Matthew 2:1-12
Liturgical vestments: White
“Let the fullness of the nations enter into the family of the patriarchs (…). In the three Magi let all people worship the Author of the universe.” (Saint Leo the Great)
“The mystery of Christmas shines on the earth spreading in concentric circles: the Holy Family of Nazareth, the shepherds of Bethlehem and, finally, the Magi who are the first-fruits of the pagan peoples.” (Benedict XVI)
“The Epiphany is the manifestation of Jesus as Messiah of Israel, Son of God and Savior of the world. The great feast of Epiphany celebrates the adoration of Jesus by the wise men (magi) from the East, together with his baptism in the Jordan and the wedding feast at Cana in Galilee (Mt 2:1). In the magi, representatives of the neighboring pagan religions, the Gospel sees the first-fruits of the nations, who welcome the good news of salvation through the Incarnation (…).” (Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Nº 528)
Brothers and sisters, let us open our hearts to restlessness, let us ask for the courage to continue our journey, and let us finish in worship! Let us not be afraid, for this is the path of the Magi, the path of all the saints throughout history: to welcome our restlessness, to set out and to worship. Brothers and sisters, may we never stop our restless questioning; may we never interrupt our journey by yielding to apathy or convenience; and in our encounter with the Lord, may we abandon ourselves to the wonder of worship. Then we will discover that a light shines even in the darkest nights: the light of Jesus, the radiant morning star, the sun of justice the merciful splendour of God, who loves every man and woman, and all the peoples of the earth. (Homily, Ephiphany, 6 January 2023)