July 26

July 26 is observed as a Christian feast day celebrating a diverse group of saints across Western and Eastern traditions. In Western Christianity, the day honors Saint Anne, the mother of the Virgin Mary, and Saint Bartolomea Capitanio, noted for her work in founding the Sisters of Charity. Also commemorated is Saint Andrew of Phú Yên, a Vietnamese martyr who died for his faith in the 17th century. The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers Saints Paraskevi of Rome and Venera, along with Saint Joachim and Blessed Maria Pierina, for their devotion and miracles. Liturgical services, prayer, and reflections on the virtues of these holy figures are customary. This feast invites believers to remember the legacy of sacrifice, charity, and unwavering faith embodied by these saints.

Saint Andrew of Phú Yên was a young Vietnamese catechist who was executed for his faith on July 26, 1644, at the age of 17. Born in South Vietnam, he embraced Catholicism and assisted French missionaries in teaching and baptizing local converts. He was arrested by authorities seeking to curb foreign religious influence and suffered torture before his martyrdom. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988, he is venerated as a symbol of steadfast faith and courage. The Catholic Church commemorates his feast with Mass, prayer vigils, and educational events about the history of Christianity in Vietnam. Pilgrims often visit his shrine to seek inspiration and intercession.

Saint Anne, traditionally recognized as the mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus, is honored on July 26 in Western Christianity. Though not mentioned by name in the canonical gospels, her story is preserved in apocryphal writings that highlight her faithful upbringing of Mary. Devotion to Saint Anne grew throughout the Middle Ages, with churches and monasteries dedicated to her under her patronage of mothers, women in labour, and educators. Pilgrims travel to sites such as Sainte-Anne-d’Auray in France and Loreto in Italy to venerate her relics. Liturgical celebrations include special Masses, processions, and prayers seeking her intercession for family and domestic harmony. The feast honors her exemplary virtues of faith, patience, and maternal care.

Saint Bartolomea Capitanio was an Italian nun who co-founded the Sisters of Charity of Lovere in the early 19th century to serve the sick and poor. Born in Lombardy in 1807, she devoted her life to healthcare, education, and spiritual guidance despite suffering from ill health. Her congregation grew rapidly, establishing schools, hospitals, and orphanages across Italy. She was canonized by Pope Pius XII in 1950 in recognition of her charitable works and deep spirituality. On July 26, communities worldwide commemorate her legacy through charitable activities, prayer services, and visits to institutions founded by her order. Her feast day inspires acts of compassion and solidarity with marginalized groups.

Blessed Maria Pierina De Micheli (1890-1945) was an Italian nun known for her deep devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus. She reported visions of Christ's face impressed on the Shroud of Turin and promoted devotional prayers centered on it. Her advocacy contributed to the establishment of the Feast of the Holy Face in the liturgical calendar. Beatified on May 30, 2010 by Pope Benedict XVI, she is venerated for her mystical experiences and piety. Her feast day on July 26 invites the faithful to reflect on Christ's passion and the power of contemplative prayer.

Saint Joachim is venerated in Western Christianity as the husband of Saint Anne and father of the Virgin Mary. Although absent from the New Testament, apocryphal traditions celebrate him for his righteousness and faith. His feast day on July 26 is shared with Saint Anne and commemorates his role in salvation history. He symbolizes the fulfillment of God's promise to the elderly couple who conceived Mary against natural odds. Western churches observe the day with special liturgies, prayers, and reflections on family and divine providence.

Saint Paraskevi of Rome was a 2nd-century Christian martyr renowned for her faith and gift of healing. According to tradition, she was beheaded under Emperor Antoninus Pius for refusing to renounce Christianity. She is especially invoked for healing eye ailments and other illnesses, earning widespread devotion. Eastern Orthodox churches commemorate her feast with hymns and prayers emphasizing compassion and divine grace. Her legacy endures in churches and icons dedicated to her across the Orthodox world.

Saint Venera is celebrated as a martyr of the early Christian Church who endured Roman persecutions with unwavering faith. Though historical details are scarce, tradition holds that she suffered torture rather than renounce her beliefs. She is invoked by the faithful seeking strength and perseverance in trials of faith. Her feast on July 26 is observed with prayers and remembrance in both Eastern and Western Christian communities. Venera’s story continues to inspire believers with its testament to steadfast devotion under persecution.

On July 26, the Eastern Orthodox Church honors multiple saints, martyrs, and events according to its liturgical calendar. Commemorations may include figures such as Paraskevi of Rome, Venera, and others whose lives exemplify faith and sacrifice. The day’s services feature special troparia and kontakia reflecting the virtues of the commemorated saints. Fasting rules may be relaxed depending on the liturgical season, allowing for celebratory meals. Lay faithful participate in divine liturgies, prayers, and veneration of icons associated with the day's saints. Monastic communities often hold vigils and processions to honor the day's commemorations.