The Most Holy Name of Mary

Saint Guy of Anderlecht, also called Guidon, was born around 950 to poor parents in the region of Brabant, and from his youth embraced a humble, hardworking life. At fourteen he became assistant sacristan at the Sanctuary of Our Lady in Laeken, quietly serving God by caring for the church, preparing the altars, and ringing the bells for Mass and Vespers. Though his wages were small, he shared them generously with the needy, earning the name “the Poor Man of Anderlecht.” Hoping to give even more, Guy tried his hand at trade along the river Senne. When a boat carrying his cargo sank, he took the loss as a call to repentance and set out as a pilgrim—first to Rome, then to Jerusalem, where he spent seven years visiting the holy places. Later, he guided a second pilgrimage, but returned alone, weakened by illness. He died in Anderlecht on September 12, 1012. Venerated in both the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, he is patron of Anderlecht and of draft horses. His feast day is September 12.

Saint John Chrysostom was born around 347 in Antioch of Roman Syria, in today’s Antakya, Turkey. Raised by his widowed mother, he received a superb education in rhetoric and law, yet his heart was drawn to Christ. After baptism he pursued theology and embraced a demanding ascetic life as a hermit, a zeal that damaged his health and brought him back to the city. Ordained a deacon and later a priest, he became famous in Antioch for preaching that joined clear Scripture teaching to urgent calls for repentance, mercy, and care for the poor. In 397 he was chosen, without seeking it, as Archbishop of Constantinople. There he reformed clergy, refused lavish courtly living, and founded hospitals, winning the love of ordinary people while provoking resistance from the powerful. His fearless denunciation of corruption and extravagance led to political and ecclesiastical enemies, and he was deposed and sent into exile, suffering for the Gospel he proclaimed. Revered as a Doctor of the Church and “golden-mouthed” preacher, he is also patron of Giuliano di Lecce and the Saint John the Evangelist parish of Lévis. His feast day is January 27.

Saint Leontius of Alexandria is honored by the Church as a witness to Christ from the ancient Christian community of Alexandria. Little is known about the details of his life—his birthplace, work, and the circumstances of his witness have not been preserved—but his memory endures as part of the early Church’s steadfast faith. He is traditionally associated with the year 300, a time when Christians often faced hardship and danger for the Gospel. Celebrated each year on September 12, Saint Leontius invites the faithful to trust that even hidden lives, offered to God with courage and fidelity, bear lasting fruit. He is remembered in a special way as patron of Colomers.