Today we learn about St. Adelaide of Italy, a queen and empress who lived heroic holiness in the midst of power, suffering, and political turmoil. Widowed at a young age and unjustly imprisoned, she trusted completely in God and emerged as a peacemaker who used her authority to serve the poor and defend the Church.

In this episode, Saul shares 7 cool facts about St. Adelaide. You will learn how she became queen while still young, how she endured captivity for refusing an immoral marriage, and how God provided a miraculous escape. We also explore her role as Empress of the Holy Roman Empire, her commitment to charity and justice, her choice of forgiveness over vengeance, and how she ended her life in prayer and humility.

St. Adelaide’s witness reminds us that true power is found in mercy and that holiness is possible even in positions of great responsibility. Her life offers a powerful Advent message of trust, peace, and surrender to God’s will.

💬 Thought to Remember

“True power is found in mercy.”

✝️ Reflection Verse

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.”

Matthew 5:9

🙏 Prayer to St. Adelaide of Italy

St. Adelaide,

faithful servant of Christ and humble peacemaker,

teach us to trust God in times of suffering and uncertainty.

Help us choose mercy over anger, peace over power,

and faith over fear.

St. Adelaide, pray for us.

Amen.

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Today we learn about St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli, a wife, mother, widow, and founder whose life shows that holiness is lived in ordinary circumstances through extraordinary love. After experiencing deep personal loss, she entrusted herself completely to God and dedicated her life to serving the poor, the sick, and the forgotten.

In this episode, Saul shares 7 cool facts about St. Virginia. You will learn how she embraced an arranged marriage with humility, how she became a widow at a young age, and how she chose a life of charity rather than comfort or remarriage. We also explore her work founding shelters and religious communities, the opposition she faced for her radical generosity, and how her quiet faith transformed the city of Genoa.

St. Virginia’s witness reminds us that Advent is not only a time of waiting, but a time of preparation through love. By welcoming Christ in the poor, she teaches us how to make room for Jesus in our own lives.

💬 Thought to Remember

“Christ is waiting to be welcomed in the poor.”

✝️ Reflection Verse

“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40

🙏 Prayer to St. Virginia Centurione Bracelli

St. Virginia,

faithful servant of Christ and mother to the poor,

teach us to welcome Jesus through acts of love and mercy.

Help us serve generously, trust God in times of loss,

and recognize Christ in those most in need.

St. Virginia, pray for us.

Amen.

📅 Follow Saints in a Year daily as we walk through the liturgical year and learn from the saints who guide us to Christ.

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Today we learn about St. John of the Cross, one of the greatest mystics and Doctors of the Catholic Church. Through his life of suffering, prayer, and deep trust in God, he taught the Church how faith grows in the darkness and how God draws souls closer through purification and love. His teachings speak powerfully during Advent, a season of waiting, trust, and hope.

In this episode, Saul shares 7 cool facts about St. John of the Cross. You will learn about his work alongside St. Teresa of Ávila to reform the Carmelite Order, his unjust imprisonment by fellow religious, and how some of his most famous spiritual writings were born in complete darkness. We also explore what the “dark night of the soul” truly means, why detachment leads to freedom, and how his teachings earned him the title Doctor of the Church.

St. John of the Cross reminds us that when God seems silent, He is often working most deeply within us. The darkness is not abandonment, but preparation for greater union with Christ.

💬 Thought to Remember

“In the dark night of the soul, God is closer than ever.”

✝️ Reflection Verse

“We walk by faith, not by sight.”

2 Corinthians 5:7

🙏 Prayer to St. John of the Cross

St. John of the Cross,

faithful teacher of souls,

help us trust God in times of darkness and uncertainty.

Teach us to surrender our fears, detach from what holds us back,

and walk by faith toward deeper union with Christ.

St. John of the Cross, pray for us.

Amen.

📅 Follow Saints in a Year daily as we walk through the liturgical year and learn from the saints who guide us to Christ.

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📖 #TheRoadToDamascus #SaintsInAYear #StJohnoftheCross #DoctorOfTheChurch #Advent #CatholicSaints #Mysticism