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🗓 Sunday, October 12 – St. Wilfrid & St. Edwin of Northumbria
Wilfrid was a 7th-century bishop who championed Roman unity in England, helping settle disputes over the date of Easter and strengthen Church discipline. King Edwin, converted through Wilfrid’s mission, ruled Northumbria wisely and was martyred defending his faith. Together they symbolize the planting of Christianity in early England.
🗓 Monday, October 13 – St. Edward the Confessor
King of England in the 11th century, Edward governed with gentleness and piety, earning the title “Confessor.” Known for justice, charity to the poor, and devotion to prayer, he built Westminster Abbey, where his relics still rest. He is patron of kings and difficult marriages.
🗓 Tuesday, October 14 – St. Callistus I, Pope & Martyr
A freed slave who became pope around 217 AD, Callistus is remembered for extending mercy to repentant sinners and upholding the dignity of all the baptized. His generosity in forgiveness caused controversy, yet his witness as shepherd and martyr shaped the Church’s understanding of divine mercy.
🗓 Wednesday, October 15 – St. Teresa of Ávila, Virgin & Doctor of the Church
The great Spanish Carmelite reformer, Teresa (1515–1582) founded new convents and renewed her order through prayer and poverty. Her writings—The Interior Castle and The Way of Perfection—remain spiritual masterpieces. Declared a Doctor of the Church, she taught that contemplative prayer leads the soul to friendship with God.
🗓 Thursday, October 16 – St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
A 17th-century Visitation nun of France, Margaret Mary received visions of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, calling the faithful to reparation, love, and devotion to His Heart. Her message inspired the spread of the First Friday devotions and the image of Christ’s burning Heart of mercy.
🗓 Friday, October 17 – St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop & Martyr
Successor of St. Peter as bishop of Antioch, Ignatius was condemned to death under Trajan and wrote seven letters on his way to Rome. His words—longing to be “God’s wheat, ground by the teeth of beasts”—show fearless faith. He gave the Church early testimony to the Eucharist, unity under the bishop, and love in martyrdom.
🗓 Saturday, October 18 – St. Luke, Evangelist
Author of the third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles, Luke was a physician and companion of St. Paul. His writings reveal a tender heart for the poor, sinners, and the Blessed Virgin. Patron of artists, doctors, and writers, he reminds us that faith and reason together proclaim God’s mercy.
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