To begin the new year, we are looking at five amazing saints whose Feast Days we celebrate in January, some of whom even hold the title of Doctor of the Church.
1st – Saint Basil the Great
Saint Basil is known as one of the most important leaders of the early Church and is recognised as a Doctor of the Church. He was well educated and initially pursued a career as an academic and lawyer. He later founded what is believed to be the first monastery in Asia Minor and wrote a monastic rule which was to become the foundation of Eastern monastic life.
Saint Basil wrote many works on theology, canon law and monasticism, and played a major role in defending the Church’s teachings. His writings helped clearly explain and protect core Christian beliefs. He also had a strong concern for the poor and needy, establishing a large complex that included hospices, hospitals, a school and other services for those in need.
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21st – Saint Agnes
Saint Agnes is known as the patron saint of young girls. She was martyred at around twelve years old for her strong belief in God and for refusing to marry the son of a Roman official. Her martyrdom occurred during the final waves of Christian persecution in the Roman Empire.
She is often depicted with a lamb, as her name is associated with the Latin word agnus, meaning “lamb”, which represents innocence, modesty and purity. On her feast day, two lambs are traditionally blessed by the pope. On Holy Thursday, the lamb’s wool is removed and woven into the pallium that the pope presents to newly consecrated archbishops.
24th – Saint Francis de Sales
Saint Francis de Sales was a bishop and Doctor of the Church. From an early age, he knew he desired to serve God. Despite knowing he had a vocation for priesthood, he initially kept this from his family. After many discussions and disagreements with his father, Saint Francis entered the priesthood and was elected provost of the Diocese of Geneva.
As a priest during the Protestant reformation, Saint Francis worked to evangelise in areas that were hostile to the catholic faith. After many unsuccessful attempts to preach publicly, he began writing pamphlets and slipping them under people’s doors. This saw 40,000 people convert to the catholic faith.
He is the patron saint of writers and journalists as a result of his clear and thoughtful way of communicating the faith. Known for teaching that “a spoonful of honey attracts more flies than a barrel of vinegar”, Saint Francis reminds us that compassion and gentleness are powerful tools for evangelising.
28th – Saint Thomas Aquinas
Saint Thomas Aquinas was offered to the Benedictines as an oblate at a very young age, in the hope that he would one day become an abbot. As a young adult, he studied at the University of Naples where he became interested in the Dominican friars. He dedicated his life to studying, teaching and explaining the Catholic faith through reason and theology.
Saint Thomas wrote and preached extensively and is considered one of the greatest and most influential theologians of all time. He is one of the Doctors of the Church, and his theology continues to form part of the official teaching of the Catholic Church today. His work is so highly regarded that it has been given special authority within the Code of Canon Law.
To read more about Saint Thomas Aquinas, visit:
31st – Saint John Bosco
Saint John Bosco was a Roman Catholic priest and a pioneer in education of the poor. He spent his early life helping to support his family by working as a shepherd and farmhand after the death of his father.
At a young age, he had the first of several vivid dreams. During the first vision he was told “Be strong, humble and robust. When the time comes, you will understand everything.” This message strongly influenced the direction of his life.Saint John Bosco believed that young people needed guidance, care and education. He devoted his life to helping boys who were living on the streets or working in dangerous conditions. He established schools and workshops where they would learn practical skills while growing in faith.
For some learning activities on Saint Thomas Aquinas, visit:
