Saints are those who are recognised as having an exceptional degree of holiness or likeness to God. It comes from the Greek work ‘hagious’ which means “consecrated to God”. October is a great month to reflect on the Saints of the Catholic Church as we celebrate many of the Churches greatest.
See below for some information about 7 Saints who celebrate their feast days in October.
St Therese of Lisieux –
- Feast: 1st of October
- Patron Saint of: Missions and florists
- Facts: One of the Doctors of the Church
- Entered the Carmelite convent at the age of 15
- One of the most popular Saints in history
- Died at the age of 24 from Tuberculosis
- Canonised only 5 years after her favourite Saint – St Joan of Arc
St Francis of Assisi –
- Feast: 4th of October
- Patron Saint of: Italy, ecology and animals
- Facts: Founder of Franciscan orders
- Leader of the movement of evangelical poverty
- Lived a life of ascetic poverty and was dedicated to Christian charity
- One of the most venerated religious figures in history
St Faustina Kowalska –
- Feast: 5th of October
- Patron Saint of: Mercy
- Facts: Was chosen by Jesus to be his missionary of the powerful message of Divine Mercy
- She didn’t initially plan to become a nun
- She had a vision of Hell
- Her last words were “Today Jesus is going to take me with Him.”
Our Lady of the Rosary (Marian Title) –
- Feast: 7th of October
- Patron Saint of: Several places around the world
- Facts: Focuses the intercessory power of Mary and acknowledging that Christians can turn to her in times of danger
- Formally known as Our Lady of Victory
Bl Carlo Acutis –
- Feast: 12th of October
- Patron Saint of: Computer Programmers and Youth
- Facts: He never missed Daily Mass since being confirmed at the age of 7
- Designed a website and documented Eucharistic Miracles from around the world
- He began this project at the age of 11
- Died at the age of 15 from Leukemia
- Will become the first millennial Saint
St Teresa of Avila –
- Feast: 15th of October
- Patron Saint of: Headache sufferers
- Facts: One of the greatest mystics and religious women of the Church
- Originator of the Carmelite Nuns
- First woman to be elevated to Doctor of the Church
- Her three main teachings were: 1 – First prayer, then action. 2 – Surround yourself with good friends and mentors. 3 – Take life, and yourself, lightly.
St John Paul II –
- Feast: 22nd of October
- Patron Saint of: World Youth Day
- Facts: Elected as Pope in 1978 at the age of 58
- Only a few years later was shot in an attempted assassination
- He was the first non-Italian pope in 455 years
- Died in 2005 due to health complications
