Saints and Feast Days in February
1 February
St Brigid, Abbess
Renowned for hospitality, almsgiving, and care of the sick, Brigid chose to consecrate her virginity to God despite her father’s wishes for her to marry. She likely received her veil and spiritual formation from Mel and went on to found a double monastery at Kildare with Bishop Conleth’s help. She died in 524, and her cult spread widely across Ireland and parts of Europe.
2 February
Presentation of the Lord
Forty days after Christ’s birth, this feast recalls his presentation in the temple, fulfilling Mosaic law. Led by the Spirit, Simeon and Anna recognized Christ and joyfully proclaimed him. United by the Spirit, we are called to welcome Christ in God’s house.
3 February
St Blaise, Bishop and Martyr
Died in the early 4th century, likely martyred under Emperor Licinius’s persecution. Bishop in Armenia, known as a healer and invoked since the 8th century for protection against throat diseases.
St Ansgar, Bishop
Born in Amiens, France, in 801 and died in Bremen, Germany, in 865. A monk-turned-bishop known for eloquent preaching and austere living. Opposed slavery and persevered in evangelizing Denmark and Sweden despite setbacks.
5 February
St Agatha, Virgin and Martyr
Died in Sicily, possibly during 3rd-century persecutions. Venerated in Rome since the 6th century, included in the Roman Canon. Known for her steadfast faith under torture.
6 February
Ss Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
Crucified in Nagasaki, Japan, in 1597, this group of 26 martyrs were mostly Japanese laypeople and youths. Paul Miki, a Jesuit scholastic and inspiring preacher, became a symbol of strength in faith amid persecution.
8 February
St Jerome Emiliani, Priest
Born in Venice in 1486; died near Bergamo of the plague in 1537. Former army officer turned servant of the sick and homeless. Founded the Somaschi order, focusing on caring for orphaned and homeless children.
St Josephine Bakhita, Religious
Born in Sudan in 1869; died in Italy in 1947. Kidnapped and enslaved as a child, she was eventually freed, baptized, and joined the Canossan Sisters. Remembered for her humility, faith, and charity.
10 February
St Scholastica, Virgin
Born around 480 in Norcia and died near Monte Cassino in the 540s. Twin sister of St Benedict, she dedicated her life to God and helped establish Benedictine monasticism.
11 February
Our Lady of Lourdes
Observed since 1907, this memorial honors Mary as she appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France, in 1858. Lourdes is a place of prayer, pilgrimage, conversion, and healing.
14 February
Ss Cyril and Methodius, Missionaries
Cyril (born c. 826 in Thessalonica) and Methodius (born c. 815) preached the gospel in Moravia using Slavonic translations of Scripture and liturgy, based on an alphabet they created (Cyrillic). They faced opposition but are honored as apostles of the Slavic peoples and bridge builders between East and West.
17 February
St Fintan, Abbot
Born in Leinster, formed under Abbot Colum at Terryglass. Known for his penitential practices and strict rule. Founded a monastery at Clonenagh, County Laois. Died in 603.
Seven Founders of the Order of Servites, Religious
In 1233, seven businessmen from Florence withdrew for prayer and penance, becoming the Servants of Mary, noted for their radical gospel commitment.
21 February
St Peter Damian, Bishop, Doctor of the Church
Born in Ravenna in 1007; died in 1072. A former professor turned hermit monk, known for energetic Church reforms. Served as cardinal-bishop of Ostia, diplomat, and scholar devoted to Christ.
22 February
Chair of Peter
This feast celebrates the teaching authority and pastoral leadership of St Peter, founder of the See of Rome, observed since the 4th century as a symbol of unity in the Church.
23 February
St Polycarp, Bishop and Martyr
Born around 69; died circa 155 in Smyrna (Turkey). A disciple of St John the Apostle, he strengthened early Christians and defended the Church from heresy. Remembered as an apostolic father.
St Gabriel, Religious
Born Francesco Possenti in Assisi (1838-1862), he joined the Passionists and was known for his devotion to Mary’s sorrows and Christ’s Passion. Died of tuberculosis at 23, canonized in 1920 as patron of Catholic youth and students.
