Tuesday 29th, St. Catherine of Siena, Virgin and Doctor of the Church, Patron of Europe, 1347-1380, was a Dominican tertiary, who brought peace to her native Siena, to Italy, and to Europe. She was able to achieve the pope’s return from Avignon to Rome. A mystic and reformer of religious life, she was declared a doctor of the Church in 1970 and patron of Europe in 2000.
Thursday May 1st, St. Joseph the Worker. This memorial was instituted by Pope Pius XII in 1955 and proposes the example and intercession of St. Joseph as worked and provider.
Friday, 2nd May, St. Athanasius, bishop and doctor of the Church. Born at Alexandria 295, he fought ceaselessly against heresy. As a result, he was sent into exile several times.
Saturday May 3rd, Ss. Philip and James, Apostles. St. Philip was born at Bethsaida. Formerly a disciple of John the Baptist, he became a follower of Christ. St. James, the son of Alphaeus and a cousin of the Lord, ruled the Church at Jerusalem, wrote an Epistle and led a life of penance. He converted many of the people of Jerusalem to the faith. Was martyred in the year 62.