Saint of the Day for 9 January
Saint of the Day 9 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!
Born of a noble family, Antonio studied in Bologna to become a priest. Returning to his home, he engaged in various pastoral ministries, ultimately being named Bishop of Ancona in 1463. He was a prudent pastor, generous to the poor and severe towards himself. He was beatified in 1765.
Liturgical Calendar
9 January: Thursday after Epiphany
Today's Readings and Gospel
Reading I:
1 John 4:19–5:4
Alleluia:
Luke 4:18
Gospel:
Luke 4:14-22
Liturgical vestments: White
“Our Savior having in very truth become Man, the salvation of the whole man was brought about. But truly our salvation is not merely apparent, nor does it extend to the body only, but the whole man has truly obtained salvation in the Word Himself.” (Saint Athanasius)
“There are many Christians with a watered down hope. To be Christian victors we must believe by confessing the faith, and also keeping watch over our faith, and trusting in God, in the Lord. And this is the victory that overcomes the world: our faith.” (Francis)
“We believe and confess that Jesus of Nazareth, born a Jew of a daughter of Israel, (…) is the eternal Son of God made man. He ‘came from God’ (Jn 13:3), ‘descended from heaven’ (Jn 3:13; 6:33) and ‘came in the flesh’ (1 Jn 4:2) (…). ‘From his fullness have we all received, grace upon grace’ (Jn 1:14,16).” (Catechism Of The Catholic Church, Nº 423)
Brothers and sisters, this Gospel passage tells us that Jesus is not a “ghost”, but a living Person; that when Jesus draws near to us he fills us with joy, to the point of disbelief, and he leaves us bewildered, with that astonishment that only God’s presence gives, because Jesus is a living Person. Being Christian is not first of all a doctrine or a moral ideal; it is a living relationship with him, with the Risen Lord: we look at him, we touch him, we are nourished by him and, transformed by his Love, we look at, touch and nourish others as brothers and sisters. May the Virgin Mary help us to live this experience of grace. (Angelus, 18 April 2021)