Holyblog
Contents1 The story of Saint Cecilia2 Why is Saint Cecilia the patron saint of music?3 Saint Cecilia in Trastevere Saint Cecilia, patron saint of music, was a Christian virgin and martyr who was killed for her faith. Here is how her special connection with music…
Contents1 Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute2 Feast of Our Lady of Health3 Prayer to Our Lady of Health Every year, on 21 November, Venetians gather to honour Our Lady of Health, an event that combines religious devotion, tradition and a profound sense of historical…
Between fairy tale and legend, the little bell of Capri is a much-loved lucky charm on the splendid island, and beyond. Here is how Saint Michael made it a special gift for the first time It often happens that forms of worship and devotional practices…
Contents1 History of Saint Philomena2 What does Saint Philomena protect?3 The Shrine of Saint Philomena The remains of Saint Philomena the virgin and martyr were discovered in the catacombs of Rome, but they are kept in the Shrine of Mugnano del Cardinale. Here is the…
Contents1 Saint Lawrence the Deacon2 The Martyrdom of Saint Lawrence3 The Connection with the Shooting Stars Saint Lawrence the Deacon dedicated his life to serving the poorest and those most in need. On the night of the shooting stars, the Church commemorates his martyrdom and…
Contents1 The Stages of the Way of Saint Benedict2 When to Walk the Way of Saint Benedict3 How Many Days for the Way of Saint Benedict Let us discover the Way of Saint Benedict, a journey steeped in history and spirituality through the places touched…
Contents1 2 The Story of the Martyrs of Otranto3 The Relics of the 800 Martyrs of Otranto4 5 The Canonisation of the Martyrs by Pope Francis Can an entire town be canonised? That is what happened to the Martyrs of Otranto – 800 martyrs in…
Saint John of God made charity and the care of the sick and destitute his life’s mission. Here is how his vocation lives on today through the Hospitaller Order of the Fatebenefratelli. Saint John of God (born João Duarte Cidade) was a Portuguese friar who…
On 17 February, the Church commemorates the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary, who renounced everything to consecrate their lives to the Virgin and to charity. The Seven Holy Founders of the Order of the Servants of Mary were seven…
Contents1 The Second Apostle of Rome2 The Congregation of the Oratory3 The Saint of Joy4 Prayer to Saint Philip Neri Saint Philip Neri served God and man with devotion, joy, and extraordinary warmth. The Apostle of Rome and the Saint of Joy, he created the…
Contents1 The Basilica-Sanctuary of Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani2 Devotion to the Immaculate Conception3 Patron Saints for Rain Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani, a theologian and a man of great heart and charity, is also remembered for several miracles related to water and rain. That’s why he…
Contents1 Who was Saint Florian?2 Iconography of Saint Florian3 The Cult of Saint Florian in Northern Italy and Austria Saint Florian of Lorch is a much-loved saint in Austria and the neighbouring regions. The protector of firefighters, in life he was a Roman veteran who…
Saint Efisio the Martyr saved the city of Cagliari from the plague, and since then he has been commemorated on 1 May with a solemn procession, one of the oldest and longest in Europe. On 1 May, Cagliari and the whole of Sardinia celebrate Saint…
Contents1 800 years since the death of Saint Francis2 Saint Francis National Holiday3 Celebrations and initiatives In 2026, the feast of Saint Francis will coincide with the Eighth Centenary of the Saint of Assisi. On this occasion, it will once again be recognised as an…
Contents1 Saint Valentine of Terni2 Saint Augustine of Hippo3 Saint Rita of Cascia4 Pier Giorgio Frassati5 Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Since the origins of Christianity, there have been stories of saints in love that constitute examples of love, humanity, and fragility. Here are just a…
On 28 January, the liturgical memory of St. Thomas Aquinas, ‘angelic doctor’ and author of the most famous treatise on medieval theology, is celebrated. Thomas Aquinas lived in the 12th century. He was a Dominican friar, but he is remembered above all for his merits…
The Holy Helpers are invoked in situations of illness and serious danger. Between medieval beliefs and faith, here is who they are and how their cult developed. Invoking God, the Virgin Mary, Angels, or Saints to obtain help and comfort in times of danger, serious…
Contents1 The Life of Saint Sebastian2 The Martyrdom of Saint Sebastian3 What Does Saint Sebastian Protect? Saint Sebastian was an upright Roman soldier before becoming a Christian martyr. His story remains today an example of courage and honour. From high-ranking officer of the Roman army…