St. Mark the Evangelist

1AD-68

Feast Day: April 25

Patronage: notaries, secretaries, pharmacists, lawyers, lions, prisoners, glaziers, Venice

Saint Mark is one of the Gospel writers and a member of the tribe of Levi. He is believed to be "John Mark” in the Acts of the Apostles and the cousin of St. Barnabas. They joined St. Paul on the first mission to Antioch in 44AD. Mark was St. Paul’s “trusted companion” especially when Paul was imprisoned in Rome. St. Mark died a martyr in Alexandria and his relics are enshrined at the Cathedral of St. Mark in Venice.

Saint Gemma Galgani

1878-1903

Feast day: April 11

Patronage: students, pharmacists, tuberculosis patients, love, hope, spinal injury

Throughout her life, St. Gemma was to be favored with many mystical experiences and special graces. She wished to become a nun, but her poor health prevented her from being accepted. On June 8, 1899, Gemma received the stigmata. Gemma often saw her guardian angel, with whom she was on familiar terms and sent on errands. In January of 1903, Gemma was diagnosed as having tuberculosis. She died quietly in the company of the parish priest, on April 11 at age twenty-five.

CANADIAN AFFAIRS -- New study points to impact of pharmacist prescribing rules

Pharmacists play a critical role in modern healthcare, extending far beyond dispensing medications. As medication experts, they serve as essential connectors between patients, physicians, and health systems, ensuring safe, effective, and appropriate drug therapy.

One of their primary responsibilities is patient counseling. Pharmacists educate patients on dosages, side effects, interactions, and lifestyle considerations that influence medication performance. This guidance empowers patients to manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma more effectively.

Pharmacists also provide preventive care services. In community settings, they administer vaccinations, conduct blood pressure and glucose screenings, assist with smoking cessation, and recommend over-the-counter products for minor ailments. These services reduce strain on primary care clinics and improve community health outcomes.

Medication therapy management (MTM) is another key area where pharmacists contribute. By reviewing complete medication profiles, pharmacists detect duplications, harmful interactions, and inappropriate prescribing—especially important for elderly patients taking multiple medications.

Collaboration within healthcare teams is increasingly important. Pharmacists work alongside physicians, nurses, and specialists in hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities. Their input is vital in adjusting drug regimens, monitoring therapeutic levels, and supporting transitions of care.

Specialized pharmacy roles are also expanding. Oncology, critical care, infectious disease, and psychiatric pharmacists provide expert consultation in complex therapeutic areas. The growth of pharmacogenomics, personalized medicine, and digital tools continues to elevate pharmacy’s value.

Saint Artemide Zatti

October 12,1880 - March 15,1951

Feast Day: November 13

Patronage: Pharmacists, Immigrants

Canonized by Pope Francis October 9, 2022

Saint Artemide Zatti was born to a poor farming family in Italy that immigrated to Argentina. He joined a Salesian parish and became a helper to the priest, desiring also to become a Salesian.

While in the Salesian community, he contracted tuberculosis. He was healed through the intercession of Our Lady and promised to serve the sick. He made a perpetual profession as a Salesian Coadjutor, then ran the hospital pharmacy in Viedma and eventually got his nursing degree. He traveled day and night to care for the sick of the country for 40 years and died of cancer in 1951.