Monday of the Eighteenth Week of Ordinary Time
Selected Mass Reading
First Reading — Jeremiah 28:1-17
Feast Days
Saint Eleuterio di Arce is honored in the Church as a pilgrim saint, remembered especially by the people of Arce, where he is venerated as patron. Born in England, he embraced the humble path of pilgrimage, a way of life marked by trust in God, perseverance, and a heart set on the things of heaven. Though the details of his years and the circumstances of his death are not known, his witness endures in the devotion that bears his name and in the faith of those who continue to seek his intercession. His feast is kept on August 3, inviting the faithful to renew their own journey of conversion and to walk with steadiness toward Christ, as Eleuterio once did.
Saint Germanus of Auxerre was born around 378 in Gaul to the noble family of Rusticus and Germanilla. Brilliantly educated at Arles, Lyon, and Rome, he became a celebrated lawyer and imperial official, even serving as a duke governing the Gallic provinces from Auxerre. Yet God redirected his ambitions: after a confrontation with Bishop Amator, Germanus was unexpectedly tonsured and ordained, and in 418 he was chosen bishop of Auxerre. As shepherd, he gave his wealth to the poor, embraced austerity, and founded a monastery dedicated to Saints Cosmas and Damian, strengthening his people in troubled times and even confronting hostile powers for their protection. Around 429 he crossed to Britain with Saint Lupus of Troyes to oppose Pelagianism, defending the Church’s teaching on grace with persuasive preaching and pastoral zeal. Tradition also remembers his encouragement of the Britons and his promotion of devotion to Saint Alban, whose martyrdom he helped make known. He is honored as a patron of Alagna, Neuvy-Grandchamp, San Germano Chisone, San Germano Vercellese, Senna Lodigiana, Sillavengo, and Vigalfo. His feast day is July 31.