Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Saint Gerolamo Emiliani was born in Venice in 1486. Orphaned of his father as a teenager, he ran away at fifteen to join the army and later served the Venetian Republic in positions of responsibility. Captured while defending a fortress near Treviso, he experienced a profound conversion, attributing his deliverance to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. In gratitude he made pilgrimage to Our Lady of Treviso, leaving his chains behind as an offering, and began to devote himself to prayer, study, and works of mercy. During years of plague and famine, Gerolamo poured out his life for the suffering, especially abandoned children. He fed the hungry, cared for the sick, and opened homes, hospitals, and orphanages across northern Italy, drawing others into the same compassionate service. In 1532 he founded the Congregation of the Somaschi Fathers at Somasca near Vercurago, entrusting their mission to the Virgin Mary, the Holy Spirit, and Saint Raphael, and embracing evangelical poverty for the sake of the poor. He died of the plague in Somasca on February 8, 1537. He is venerated as patron of orphans and abandoned children, and of Somasca and Vercurago. His feast day is February 8.

Saint Josephine Bakhita was born around 1869 in Olgossa in Darfur, in what is now western Sudan, into a loving and respected family. When she was only seven or eight, she was kidnapped by slave traders and endured years of being bought and sold, suffering harsh cruelty and deep wounds of body and heart. Given the name “Bakhita,” meaning “fortunate,” she was forced into a life she never chose. In time she was taken to Khartoum and came under the care of the Italian vice consul, who treated her with kindness and brought her to Italy. There, while staying with the Canossian Sisters in Venice, she encountered Christ and discovered the God she had long sensed within. In 1889 an Italian court recognized her freedom, and she chose to remain with the sisters. Baptized in 1890, she later became a Canossian Sister, serving for decades in Schio as cook, sacristan, and doorkeeper, radiating gentleness, forgiveness, and steadfast faith. Venerated as a witness to God’s redeeming love after great suffering, she is patroness of Sudan and of slaves. Her feast day is February 8.

Saint Theodore Stratelates was born around AD 281 in Euchaita of Asia Minor, of Greek origin, and grew to be a courageous soldier whose strength was matched by a fearless faith. Tradition remembers how he delivered his homeland by slaying a great serpent that had terrorized the countryside. His valor led to high command, and he became military commander at Heraclea Pontica during the reign of Licinius, when persecution of Christians grew fierce. Rather than hide his devotion to Christ, Theodore bore witness with bold wisdom. He invited the emperor to Heraclea, requested the city’s gold and silver idols under the pretense of offering sacrifice, then shattered them and distributed the precious metal to the poor. Arrested for this holy defiance, he endured torture and crucifixion; yet he was found alive the next morning. Refusing to flee, he freely surrendered himself, desiring to complete his testimony, and was beheaded in 319. Venerated as a warrior-martyr, he is honored as patron of Orestiada. His feast day is February 8.

Zechariah, whose name means “the Lord remembers,” was born among the people of Israel, traditionally identified as the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo. He rose as a prophet in the years after the exile, beginning his ministry around 520 BC during the reign of Darius the Great. In a time when God’s people were weary and the work of restoration seemed daunting, Zechariah was sent to rekindle hope and call hearts back to the Lord. His prophetic mission was closely tied to the rebuilding of the Second Temple in Jerusalem. Through vivid visions and stirring exhortations, he urged the community to persevere, reminding them that true renewal requires both faithful worship and sincere conversion. Zechariah’s words strengthened those laboring to restore the house of God and lifted their eyes toward the Lord’s enduring promises. Venerated as one of the Twelve Minor Prophets, Saint Zechariah is honored as patron of Codevigo. His feast day is celebrated on February 8.