Memorial of Saints (October 3)

Feasts, Obligatory and Optional Memorials of Saints

• Francis Borgia, priest;
• Hesychius;
• The Two Ewalds, martyr;
• Gerard of Brogne, abbot;
• Froilan and Attilanus, bishop;
• Thomas of Hereford, bishop

St. Francis Borgia (1510-1572 A.D.) was married to Eleanor de Castro in 1529 A.D. When Eleanor died in 1546 A.D., he was left with eight children. In 1548 A.D. Francis decided to join the Jesuits. He went to Rome, returned to Spain the next year to turn over his inheritance to his son, Charles, and was ordained later in the year. Francis Borgia founded numerous monasteries, colleges and foundations. In 1565 A.D., he was elected father general of the Jesuit Order (the third general from St. Ignatius of Loyola). As superior general, he expanded the Society of Jesus greatly. He was so successful in revitalizing and reinvigorating the Jesuit Order that he is often called the second founder. He was canonized in 1671 A.D. (the Dictionary of Saints by John Delaney mentions his feast day on October 10 while the Lives of the Saints by Richard P. McBrien mentions his feast day on October 3).

Related blog posts:

• Eight Days of the Spiritual Exercises
• St. Peter Canisius, Priest and Jesuit
• Hearts on Fire: Praying with Jesuits
• St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Jesuit Scholastic
• St. Ignatius of Loyola, Priest and Founder
• Heroic Leadership

The two Ewalds (d. ca. 695 A.D.) were two brothers from Northumbria. They were educated in Ireland and were sent as missionaries to Germany. They were named "the Dark" and "the Fair" to distinguish them. Both were murdered by barbarians who feared that their friendship with the local chieftain of Aplerbeke, Dortmund, would lead to the adoption of Christianity and the eradication of pagan rites. However, the chieftain put the murderers to death.