Michael Brooks
May 10th is a day of celebration for many saints in the Catholic Church. It is the feast day of St Solange of Bourges, St Thecla, St Quintus of Capua, St Cyrinus of Lentini, St Damien de Veuster, and St John of Avila. It is also the day that St Damien first left for Molokai in 1873, where he brought hope to those suffering from leprosy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | May 10, 2025 |
| Day of the Week | Saturday |
| Week | Third Week of Easter |
| Prayer of the Day | Prayer to St. Gabriel, for Others |
| Saint of the Day | St. Damien of Molokai |
| Optional Memory of | St. Damien de Veuster, Priest |
| Optional Memory of | St. John of Avila |
| Feast Day | St. Solange of Bourges |
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What You'll Learn
St. Damien of Molokai
On May 10th, the Catholic Church commemorates the life and work of Saint Damien of Molokai, a Belgian priest who dedicated his life to serving those afflicted with leprosy, now known as Hansen's disease. St. Damien's Day honours his selfless devotion and the impact he had on the lives of those suffering from this disease.
Born Jozef De Veuster in Belgium in 1840, he joined the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, taking the name Damien. He volunteered to go to Hawaii to work with leprosy patients who, at that time, were forced to live in isolated colonies due to the highly contagious and debilitating nature of the disease. Damien arrived on the island of Molokai in 1873 and immediately set about improving the living conditions of the colony, building homes, beds, and proper sanitary facilities. He provided medical care, dressed wounds, and offered spiritual comfort and hope to those who had been cast out by society.
St. Damien lived among the patients, sharing in their struggles and isolation. He advocated for better treatment and worked tirelessly to improve their quality of life. Despite contracting the disease himself, he continued his work, writing, "I make myself a leper with the lepers to gain all to Jesus Christ." His self-sacrifice and dedication earned him the respect and love of the patients, who saw him as a true friend and brother.
Saint Damien of Molokai died on April 15, 1889, from leprosy-related complications. He was beatified in 1995 by Pope John Paul II and canonized on October 11, 2009, by Pope Benedict XVI, who praised his "charity and heroic apostolate." St. Damien's Day serves as a reminder of the power of compassion and self-sacrifice in the face of suffering and marginalization, and he is an inspiration to all who strive to serve the sick and outcast.
On this day, Catholics may attend Mass and offer prayers to St. Damien, seeking his intercession for those affected by leprosy and other diseases that cause isolation and stigma. His example inspires efforts to eradicate leprosy and to treat all people, regardless of their illness or social status, with dignity and compassion.
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St. Solange of Bourges
St. Solange came from a poor but devout family of vineyard workers. She was deeply religious and is said to have consecrated her virginity or taken a vow of chastity at the age of seven. She was also known for her affinity for and power over animals, as she was tasked with looking after her family's sheep. St. Solange was believed to have the power of healing and was credited with curing the sick and exorcizing devils.
According to her legend, her beauty and popularity attracted the attention of one of the sons of the Count of Poitiers, named Bernard. When he approached her and made advances, she resisted, which only inflamed him further. He attempted to abduct her by force, but she struggled and fell from his horse while crossing a stream. Enraged, her abductor beheaded her, and she died from her injuries.
The story of St. Solange gave rise to a cult following. Many miraculous cures were attributed to her intercession. In 1281, an altar was erected in her honour, preserving her severed head as a relic. The church where the altar was located began to be called the Church of St. Solange. A nearby field where she had prayed was also named the "Field of St. Solange". It became a tradition for the locals to form a procession through Bourges with the reliquary head, invoking her against drought.
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St. John of Avila
On May 10th, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. John of Avila, a 16th-century priest and theologian who is revered as a saint and Doctor of the Church. Known for his profound spiritual writings and his dedication to religious reform, St. John of Avila left a significant impact on the Catholic Church in Spain and beyond.
John was born in 1499 or 1500 in Almodóvar del Campo, Spain, to a family of conversos, descendants of Jews who had converted to Christianity. From an early age, he showed a strong inclination towards piety and scholarship. He studied at the University of Salamanca and the University of Alcalá, where he excelled in theology and law. However, a profound spiritual crisis led him to abandon his studies and retreat to a monastery for several years, where he dedicated himself to prayer and ascetic practices.
After his ordination as a priest, St. John of Avila became a renowned preacher and spiritual director, known for his powerful sermons and his ability to explain complex theological concepts in a simple and accessible manner. He traveled throughout Spain, preaching and teaching, and gained a reputation as a passionate and charismatic orator. He was particularly devoted to promoting the spiritual welfare of priests, the moral reform of the clergy, and the proper education of the laity.
In addition to his preaching, St. John of Avila left a lasting legacy through his writings. His most famous work, "Audi, filia" ("Listen, My Daughter"), is a spiritual treatise on the path to perfection, written as a guide for a community of nuns but applicable to a wide audience. Other works include "The Treatise on the Love of God" and "Solicitudes," which offer insights into his spiritual teachings and his thoughts on the importance of virtue and the active life.
The influence of St. John of Avila extended beyond his own lifetime. He played a pivotal role in the spiritual formation of several prominent saints, including St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of God. He was also a key figure in the Counter-Reformation, working closely with ecclesiastical authorities to implement the reforms mandated by the Council of Trent. For his contributions to theology and his holy life, he was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012, one of only 37 individuals to receive this title.
Today, Catholics honor St. John of Avila as a model of piety, wisdom, and reform. His feast day offers an opportunity to reflect on his teachings and their continued relevance in the modern world. His writings continue to inspire and guide those seeking a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and a more intimate relationship with God.
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St. Quintus of Capua
May 10th is the feast day of St. Quintus of Capua, also known as St. Quartus of Capua. St. Quintus was born in Capua, Italy, and martyred in Rome, where his relics are enshrined. He is one of three martyrs who were put to death in Capua.
St. Quintus's canonization occurred before the establishment of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, which is why it is classified as pre-Congregation. While his specific patronage is not specified, as a martyr, St. Quintus is often considered a patron for those who face persecution, especially for their religious beliefs. Those who are persecuted for their faith may seek St. Quintus's intercession, asking for his guidance and strength to remain steadfast in their beliefs.
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St. Cyrinus of Lentini
May 10th is the feast day of St. Cyrinus of Lentini in the Catholic Church. St. Cyrinus of Lentini was the brother of Saint Alphius and Saint Philadelphus. He was born in the 3rd century in Sicily, Italy, and was martyred in 251 AD in Lentini, Sicily, alongside his brothers and mother, Benedicta.
The three brothers, aged between nineteen and twenty-two, were arrested with other Christians during the persecutions under Decius and taken to Pozzuoli, near Naples. One of the Christians, Onesimus, was executed. The brothers were then taken to Sicily, where they were martyred. St. Alphius had his tongue torn out before his death.
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Frequently asked questions
May 10th is the feast day of St Solange of Bourges, St Thecla, St Quintus of Capua, and St Cyrinus of Lentini in the Catholic calendar.
St Solange of Bourges was born in the 9th century near Bourges, France, and died in 880 AD.
St Cyrinus of Lentini was the brother of Saint Alphius and Saint Philadelphus. He was born in the 3rd century in Sicily, Italy, and died as a martyr in 251 AD in Lentini, Sicily, Italy.
St Quintus of Capua was martyred in Rome, Italy. His relics are enshrined at Capua, Italy.
A feast day is a day to celebrate the life of a saint.
