Gujranwala – May 30, 2025 — A moment of profound grace unfolded at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Gujranwala, as 100 young faithful received the Sacrament of Confirmation on the Feast of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The solemn Eucharistic celebration was presided over by His Grace Archbishop Benny Mario Travas, Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Lahore.
Addressing a seminar on “Evangelizing with Families of Today and Tomorrow,” Pope Leo XIV calls on the faithful – clergy and laity – to be “fishers of families” by promoting an encounter with God.
Pope Leo XIV celebrates an ordination Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, and urges priests to welcome God’s grace so they might remain close to the people they serve as credible witnesses.
Saint Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor—Optional Memorial
c. 306–373
Patron Saint of spiritual directors and spiritual leaders
Pre-Congregation canonization
Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XV in 1920
I, Ephrem, am dying. With fear, but also with reverence, I entreat you, citizens of Edessa, not to bury me under the altar or elsewhere in the house of God.
c. 1080–1134
Patron Saint of expectant mothers and Bohemia
Canonized by Pope Gregory XIII on July 28, 1582
Liturgical Color: White
c. 675–754
Patron Saint of Great Germania
Pre-Congregation canonization
Gregory, the servant of the servants of God, to Boniface, a holy priest: Your holy purpose, as it has been explained to us, and your well-tried faith lead us to make use of your services in spreading the Gospel
This is the place where Christ’s light shone on your land with a particular splendor. This was the place of darkness, Namugongo, where Christ’s light shone bright in the great fire which consumed Saint Charles Lwanga and his companions.
Mid-Third Century–c. 304
Invoked by those enduring hardships in life
Pre-Congregation canonization
On February 23, 303, Roman Emperor Diocletian issued an edict that mandated the destruction of Christian churches and scriptures, revoked all legal rights of Christians, and called for the confiscation of their property. In 304, Diocletian ordered the arrest of clergy, forcing them to offer sacrifices to the Roman gods or face imprisonment, torture, and death.
June 1: Saint Justin Martyr—Memorial c. 100–c. 165 Patron Saint of philosophers, lecturers, and apologists Pre-Congregation canonization Liturgical Color: Red Quote: And this food is called among us the Eucharist,…
Speaking with participants in last year’s Arena of Peace, Pope Leo says the Gospel and the Church’s social doctrine are a constant source of support for Christians, and a compass for everyone in efforts to build peace.
