Saint Cajetan, Priest
Saint Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs

Saint Cajetan was born in October 1480 at Thiene, near Vicenza in the Veneto region of Italy, into a noble family. Quiet by nature and formed in faith by his mother, he studied civil and canon law at Padua and later served Pope Julius II as a diplomat, helping foster peace between Venice and the papacy. Though successful in public life, he was drawn to deeper service of Christ and was ordained a priest in 1516. After leaving the papal court, Cajetan poured himself into works of mercy, founding hospitals for the sick and “incurables” in Vicenza and Venice. In Rome he joined the Oratory of Divine Love, longing to unite prayerful holiness with active ministry. In 1524 he co-founded the Theatines, a reforming community of clerics dedicated to renewing the Church through humble preaching, sacramental life, and trust in divine providence. During the sack of Rome he suffered torture, yet continued his mission, aiding other founders and establishing charitable works, including a bank to protect the poor from usury. He died in Naples on August 7, 1547. His feast day is August 7.

Saint Sixtus II was likely born in Greece, though the details of his early life are uncertain. Elected Bishop of Rome on August 31, 257, he guided the Church during a tense and dangerous hour. With pastoral wisdom, he worked to restore communion with the African and Eastern churches, healing divisions that had arisen in disputes over the baptism of those coming from heretical groups. His brief pontificate became a witness to unity, charity, and steadfast faith. In 258, Emperor Valerian unleashed a fierce persecution against Christian leaders. Sixtus was among its first victims. Seized while serving the Church, he was beheaded on August 6, 258, offering his life as a shepherd who would not abandon his flock. He died with several deacons—among them those later honored as his companions in martyrdom—and his beloved deacon Saint Lawrence followed him in sacrifice a few days later. Saint Sixtus II is named in the Roman Canon and is venerated as patron of Bellegra, Caldonazzo, Castelpoggio, Colle d’Anchise, Joppolo, Morbello, Pomezzana, and Villa Collemandina. His feast day is August 6.

Saint Albert of Trapani was born around 1240 in Trapani, Sicily, the only child of noble parents who had vowed to consecrate him to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Educated by the Carmelites, Albert entered the Order in 1258 and was ordained a priest in his hometown. Embracing a life of poverty and strict self-denial, he became a tireless preacher and shepherd to the people of Sicily, serving for many years as provincial superior of the Carmelites. Albert was especially remembered for his charity and spiritual power. He worked peaceably with Jewish communities, caring for their needs, rescuing some from danger, and being credited with healings, including the cure of a boy afflicted by epilepsy. Tradition also attributes to his intercession the saving of Messina in 1301, when, after he offered Mass and prayed for deliverance, ships bearing grain broke through a blockade and the siege was lifted. He died in Messina on August 7, 1307, revered immediately as a holy confessor. He is honored as patron of Trapani and Milo. His feast day is August 7.

Saint Donatus of Arezzo was born in Nicomedia and, according to ancient tradition, came to Rome as a child. Orphaned during times of persecution, he was formed in the faith under the priest Pymenius and grew in devotion alongside a boy named Julian, who would later be remembered as the emperor Julian the Apostate. Donatus served the Church as a lector and, when hostility toward Christians intensified, he fled to Arezzo. There he preached with the monk Hilarinus, living a life marked by penance, pastoral zeal, and wonders attributed to his prayers—healings, deliverance from evil, and the protection of the local people. Ordained deacon and priest, Donatus was later chosen as bishop of Arezzo. One beloved story tells how, after pagans shattered a glass chalice during Mass, his prayer restored it so that the Precious Blood was not spilled, leading many to conversion. Arrested with Hilarinus, Donatus was beheaded at Arezzo and is honored as the city’s patron, also venerated in places such as Acerno and Biccari. His feast day is August 7.