Memorial of Saints (September 27)

Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Vincent de Paul, priest
• Elzear

Vincent de Paul (died 1260 A.D.): in Paris; born in Pouy; renewed the clergy and defended the poor and the abandoned; founded (1625 A.D.) the Congregation of the Missions (Vincentians), today numbering some 4,050 members; mission preachers and seminary educators; with St. Louise de Marillac, founded the Daughters of Charity; preached against Jansenism; patron of charities, of hospitals and prisoners, and of the Malagasy Republic (Madagascar).

St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac are part of the French School of Spirituality. This is a spirituality in the Catholic Church that flourished in France during the 17th century. It emphasizes devotion to Jesus Christ, focus on the Gospels, and a practical approach to living the Christian life.

Others proponents in the French School of Spirituality:

• the Sulpicians
• St. John Baptist de la Salle, Learn more
• Cardinal Berulle
• Sts. Francis de Sales and Jane Frances de Chantal, Learn more
• St. John Eudes
• St. Louis-Marie Grignion de Montfort, Learn more
• St. Claude la Colombiere and St. Mary Margaret Alacoque

St. John Eudes promoted devotion to the Hearts of Jesus and Mary. St. Claude la Colombiere and St. Margaret Mary Alacoque promoted devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Learn more about the French School of Spirituality

St. Elzear (1285-1323 A.D.) was of noble ancestry, born at a family castle in Provence, France, educated at St. Victor's monastery and was married when he was sixteen. He inherited his father's estate when he was 23 years old. In 1317 A.D., Elzear and his wife joined the court of King Robert of Naples. He tutored the King's son, Charles and acted on behalf of the King. Elzear was canonized in 1369 A.D. in a ceremony attended by his wife, Delphina.

Memorial of Saints (September 26)

Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Cosmas and Damian
• Colman of Lann Elo, abbot;
• John of Meda;
• Nilus of Rossano, abbot;
• Therese Coudere (Marie Victoire Couderc), virgin

Sts. Cosmas and Damian (died c. 300 A.D.): at Cyrrhus in Syria; brother physicians known as ("moneyless ones") for their gratuitous care of the sick; mentioned in the Roman Canon; patrons of physicians, surgeons, druggists, barbers and the blind.

St. John of Meda (d. ca. 1159) was a secular priest who joined the Humiliati, a penitential order of laymen, who on the advice of St. Bernard, withdrew from the world and established their first monastery at Milan. John of Meda adopted the Rule of St. Benedict to their needs. He was canonized by Pope Alexander III.

St. Benedict of Nursia did not only give the Church a Rule that influenced many religious. He also influenced many people in all walks of life with a spirituality that promotes holiness, wholeness and healing. Anselm Grun, OSB, a Benedictine, uses depth psychology to analyze the life and work of St. Benedict in the way of integration. Learn more.

Memorial of Saints (September 25)

Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Firminus, bishop and martyr;
• Cadoc, abbot;
• Aunacharius or Aunaire, bishop;
• Finbar, bishop;
• Coelfrid, abbot;
• Albert of Jerusalem, bishop;
• Sergius of Radonezh, abbot;
• Vincent Strambi, bishop

St. Albert of Jerusalem (ca. 1150-1214 A.D.) gave a Rule to the hermits of Mt. Carmel. Learn more about Carmelite spirituality