Monday, 29th April, St. Catherine of Siena, 1347-1380, virgin and doctor of the Church, patron of Europe, a humble and dauntless Dominican tertiary, who brought peace to her native Siena, to Italy and to fourteenth-century Europe, spent all her energies on the Church, being able to achieve the pope’s return from Avignon to Rome. She is remembered also as a mystic and reformer of religious life. Proclaimed doctor of the Church in 1970 and patron of Europe in 2000.
Wednesday, 1st May, St. Joseph the Worker.
Thursday, 2nd May, St. Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church. Born at Alexandria around 295, he fought ceaselessly against heresy, defending the true and equal divinity of Christ. As a result, he had to endure much tribulation and was several times sent into exile.
Friday, 3rd May, Ss. Philip and James, Apostles. St. Philip asks to see and, having seen, he tells the Good News to others. He was born in Bethsaida. Formerly a disciple of St. John the Baptist, he became a follower of Christ. St. James, the son of Alphaeus and a cousin of the Lord, ruled the Church of Jerusalem, wrote an Epistle, and led a life of penance. He converted many of the people of Jerusalem to the faith and was martyred in the year 62.