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Most Sacred Heart of Jesus

Do not let the past disturb you. Leave everything in the Sacred Heart of Jesus and begin again with joy. St. Teresa of Calcutta

Saint Ephrem the Syrian

Doctor of the Church

306-373

Feast Day: June 9 (New), June 18 (Trad)

Patronage: Spiritual directors and leaders

Saint Ephrem was a deacon, poet, teacher, musician, and defender of the faith. He wrote hundreds of hymns to counteract heresies and was the first to introduce song into public worship to relay the truths of the faith, giving him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit”. His poetry is said to have inspired Dante. He suffered through war, famine, and persecution and died of natural causes as a hermit.

Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Corpus Christi

Saint Kevin of Glendalough

498 - 618

Feast day: June 3

Patronage: blackbirds, Glendalough, Ireland

St. Kevin, also known as Coemgen in Ireland, lived with monks from age 12. After being ordained he came to live a hermit’s life in Glendalough Ireland (meaning glen of two lakes). There are many stories of his connection with animals, a blackbird is even said to have made a nest in his prayerfully outstretched hands. St. Kevin eventually left his life of solitude to build a monastery and teach the people of Ireland about God. His life is surrounded by many extravagant miracles.

Saint Pope Paul VI

1897-1978

Feast Day: May 29

Saint Pope Paul VI, born Giovanni Battista Montini, was elected pope in 1963 during Vatican II and reigned until his death in 1978. He held various positions in the Church and helped political refugees and prisoners of war during WWII. In 1953 he became Archbishop of Milian and was know as “The Archbishop of Workers”. During his papacy he’s famously known for his encyclical “Humanae Vitae” (Of Human Life) but also for social advancements, unity between Christians, reaching out to non-Christians, establishing the Synod of Bishops and promoting world peace. He died on the Feast of the Transfiguration.

Blessed Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński

1901-1981

Feast Day: May 28

Beatified September 12, 2021

Blessed Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski was Polish nobility that heroically stood against the socialist and communist government. He became a priest and chaplain of the Polish underground during WWII, surviving torture and many hardships. In 1946-1948 he was ordained the Bishop of Lubin and in 1953 was made Cardinal. The Communists imprisoned him for 3 years for his outspoken stance for religious freedom. Known for his devotion to Our Lady of Czestochowa, family rights, economic rights for workers and his prudent negotiations with the government, Cardinal Wyszynski was a true hero. He’s given the title “Primate of the Millennium” and “Primate of Poland.”

Saint William of Perth

Died: 1201

Feast Day: May 23

Patronage: Adopted children

Saint William of Perth was born in Scotland and a baker by trade. He set aside every tenth loaf for the poor and he was a daily mass goer. One morning he found an abandoned child, whom he adopted and taught his trade. William took a vow to visit all the holy sights with his son and received a consecrated wallet and staff. While on the journey, his son killed him for his money. He’s buried in the Cathedral in Rochester.

Saint Toribio Romo Gonzalez

1900-1928

Feast Day: May 21

Patronage: Immigrants

Saint Toribio Romo Gonzalez was a young parish priest who died during the Cristero war and was canonized as one of the Martyrs of the Catholic Action Movement in Mexico. He courageously exercised his ministry even when religious persecution intensified and calmly accepted martyrdom, forgiving his persecutors. Today, many people have encountered St. Toribio’s miraculous help along their journey.