Taking up Pope Francis’ desire “that all Christians come to appreciate the close connection between Christ’s love and His summons to care for the poor,” Pope Leo XIV issues his first Apostolic Exhortation, “Dilexi te,” as a call to Christ’s disciples “to recognize him in the poor and the suffering.”
Blessed Marie Rose Durocher, Virgin—USA Optional Memorial
1811–1849
Patron Saint of sick people and those who have lost a parent
Beatified by Pope John Paul II May 23, 1982
Liturgical Color: White
Saint Bruno, Priest—Optional Memorial
1030–1101
Patron Saint of possessed people
Equivalent canonization by Pope Leo X in 1514
Liturgical Color: White
Saint Faustina Kowalska, Virgin—Optional Memorial
1905–1938
Patron Saint of The Divine Mercy devotion
Canonized by Pope John Paul II on April 30, 2000
Liturgical Color: White
Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos, Priest—USA Optional Memorial
1819–1867
Invoked against cancer
Beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 9, 2000
Liturgical Color: White
Pope Leo XIV invites the faithful to join in praying the Rosary every day during October to invoke God’s gift of peace, and announces a Rosary in St. Peter’s Square on October 11 as part of the Jubilee of Marian Spirituality.
Saint Francis of Assisi—Memorial
1182–1226
Patron Saint of animals, ecologists, families, lacemakers, merchants, needleworkers, peace, and zoos
Invoked against dying alone and fire
Canonized by Pope Gregory IX on July 16, 1228
Liturgical Color: White
Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, Virgin and Doctor—Memorial
1873–1897
Patron Saint of foreign missions and missionaries, AIDS patients, air crews, florists, flower growers, and sick people
Invoked against illness, tuberculosis, and loss of parents
Canonized by Pope Pius XI on May 17, 1925
Liturgical Color: White
