Saint Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the Church

Saint Columba, also called Colmcille, was born on December 7, 521, in Gartan near Lough Gartan in Tír Chonaill, in today’s County Donegal, Ireland. Raised among the Cenél Conaill, he was formed in holiness and learning under renowned teachers, and became one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland. Ordained a priest, he founded monasteries that became centers of prayer, study, and missionary zeal, including Derry, Durrow, Kells, and Swords. In time, burdened by the turmoil of Irish politics and seeking a penitential pilgrimage, Columba left his homeland. Around 563 he crossed the sea with twelve companions and settled on the island of Iona off Scotland’s western coast. There he founded the great abbey of Iona, which shone for centuries as a beacon of Christian faith, evangelizing the Picts and strengthening the Church among the Gaels. Remembered as an abbot, missionary, and peacemaker, he is honored in places such as the Columbkille Pattern and the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles. His feast day is June 9.

Saint Cyril of Alexandria was born around 376 in Didouseya, Egypt (modern El-Mahalla El-Kubra). Formed in the rich Christian learning of Alexandria and guided by his uncle, Patriarch Theophilus, he studied Scripture and theology deeply and early took part in the wider struggles of the Church, including the Synod of the Oak in Constantinople. In 412, after Theophilus’s death, Cyril became Patriarch of Alexandria amid civic unrest and fierce religious tensions. His long episcopate was marked by vigorous leadership, extensive writing, and a decisive role in the great Christological controversies of his age. Above all, he is remembered for defending the truth of Christ’s person and for his central part at the Council of Ephesus in 431, where Nestorius was deposed and the Church’s confession of Mary as Mother of God was upheld. Though his governance in Alexandria was also entangled in painful conflicts and accusations, the Church venerates him as a Father and Doctor, a “Pillar of Faith.” He is honored as patron of Carpino and of the St. Cyril of Alexandria community in Tucson. His feast day is June 9.

Saint Richard of Andria was an Englishman by birth, though the details of his early life are not known. Called by God to serve the Church far from his homeland, he was appointed Bishop of Andria in southern Italy by his fellow Englishman, Pope Adrian IV. Richard shepherded his diocese with steady faithfulness for more than four decades, guiding the people entrusted to him through the challenges of his age and strengthening the local Church in communion with Rome. His wider service to the Church is seen in his presence among the bishops at the Third Lateran Council in 1179, convened by Pope Alexander III, where important reforms were undertaken for the good of Christian life and governance. Richard remained at his post until his death, remembered as a devoted pastor. Centuries later, his relics were said to be rediscovered beneath the cathedral’s main altar, renewing local devotion. Through the support of Andria’s rulers, his canonization was obtained from Pope Eugene IV. Saint Richard is venerated as a patron of Andria. His feast day is June 9.