Memorial of Saints (August 16)

Stephen (died 1038 A.D.): as the first Christian king of Hungary he united and Christianized the Magyar people; received the "holy crown" from Pope Sylvester II in 1000 A.D.; renowned for his charity to beggars; known as the "apostolic king and apostle of Hungary."

also on August 16:

• Arsacius;
• Armel, abbot;
• Roch

Arsacius (d. 358 A.D.) was a Persian in the Roman army. He was persecuted as a Christian during the reign of Emperor Licinius, but was soon released. Upon his release, he became a hermit, and was known for his miracles and gift of prevision. His prediction of an earthquake happened, but he died during that calamity.

Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary, Memorial of Saints (August 15)

on August 15:

• Assumption of Mary,
• Tarsicius, martyr;
• Arnulf or Arnoul of Soissons, bishop

More blog posts on the Assumtionn of Mary: The Blessed Virgin Mary, Four Marian Dogmas in the Catholic Church

Tarsicius (3rd century A.D.) was an acolyte at Rome. He was carrying the Eucharist to bring it to some Christians in prison, when he was accosted by a mob and beaten to death. This story is included in the novel "Fabiola", and Pope Damasus wrote a poem about it. St. Tarcisius is the patron of first communicants.

Feasts, Obligatory, and Optional Memorial of Saints (August 14)

Maximilian Kolbe became a Franciscan in 1907 A.D. and devoted his life to fostering devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary as a priest, a publisher and the founder of the "City of the Immaculate." Sentenced to hard manual labor at Auschwitz, he offered his life in exchange for that of an innocent man. He is remembered for his prophetic words, "Hatred is not a creative force. Only love is a creative power."

A new concept of martyrdom: Martyr of charity

The tradition of martyrdom has been clear since Jesus and the early Christian martyrs. But when we look to modern times, a new model of martyrdom bloomed and came to fruition through the example and witness of St. Maximillian Kolbe. Learn more about the story of St. Maximillian. Additional details of his story can be found towards the last part of the blog post, "Jesus, Strength of Martyrs".

also on August 14: Marcellus of Apamea, bishop and martyr; Fachanan, bishop; Athanasia, matron

Learn more.