Friday of the Twenty-fourth Week of Ordinary Time

Saint Constantius, traditionally believed to have been born in Egypt, is venerated as a courageous survivor of the legendary Theban Legion. After the decimation of his fellow Christian soldiers, he is said to have fled with other survivors into the Val Maira in what is now the province of Cuneo, Italy. There they devoted themselves to preaching the Gospel, but one by one his companions were seized and killed by Roman authorities. Constantius remained to bury them, honoring their witness with a shepherd’s care and a martyr’s fidelity. Local tradition also tells of a miracle at the strange stone columns known as the Ciciu del Villar: soldiers sent to capture him were miraculously turned to stone before they could harm him. In the end, Constantius himself was beheaded on Monte San Bernardo, and a sanctuary arose there in his honor, drawing generations of pilgrims to seek grace through his intercession. He is especially honored as patron of Villar San Costanzo, and is also revered in the Coptic Church. His feast day is September 18.

Saint Eumenio of Gortina is remembered in the Church as a presbyter, a humble minister of Christ whose life, though largely hidden from history, continues to speak through faith and devotion. Little is known of the details of his birth, labors, or death, yet his very remembrance points to a priestly witness that nourished the faithful and strengthened the Church. Honored under the title “of Gortina,” he invites us to reverence the countless servants of God whose quiet fidelity bears lasting fruit. Saint Eumenio is especially venerated in Ficulle, where he is regarded as a patron and intercessor. His feast is celebrated on September 18, a day to ask for the grace of steadfast service, love for the sacraments, and perseverance in prayer.

Eustorgius I, traditionally said to have been a noble Greek, came to Milan as an imperial legate and was chosen as bishop there after the death of Protasius in 343. Seeking confirmation of his election, he traveled to Constantinople, where the emperor entrusted him with treasured relics associated with the Three Magi. Eustorgius brought these relics to Milan, a gift that helped kindle devotion to Christ’s Epiphany and left a lasting mark on the city’s Christian memory, especially at the basilica later known as Sant’Eustorgio. As bishop from 343 to about 349, he strengthened the Church through pastoral governance and public witness. He convened synods, encouraged the building of churches and basilicas, and stood firmly for orthodox faith in a time of controversy. Saint Athanasius praised him as a defender of the faith against Arianism, and Saint Ambrose honored him as a confessor. Venerated in both the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, he is remembered as patron of Arcore. His feast day is September 18.

Saint Joseph of Cupertino was born on June 17, 1603, in the village of Cupertino in Apulia, Italy. His father had died before his birth, and family poverty was so severe that Joseph was born in a stable. From childhood he experienced ecstatic visions, and his simplicity and struggles with learning often drew ridicule. Longing to belong wholly to God, he sought religious life; after being rejected for lack of education and briefly dismissed from the Capuchins, he humbly begged the Conventual Franciscans to let him serve in their stables. His quiet devotion won their hearts, and he was admitted in 1625. Though he found studies painfully difficult, providence guided his examinations, and he was ordained a priest on March 28, 1628. In prayer—especially at Mass and the Divine Office—he was often overcome by ecstasy, with reports of miraculous levitation that spread his reputation for holiness even as they led to confinement and transfers under scrutiny. He practiced severe asceticism and deep humility until his death at Osimo on September 18, 1663. He is invoked especially by students, exam takers, and those with learning difficulties, as well as pilots and air travelers, and is patron of Copertino and Santa Rosa Department. His feast day is September 18.

Stanislaus Kostka was born on October 28, 1550, at Rostkowo in Poland, into a noble family marked by firm discipline and deep Catholic faith. As a teenager he was sent with his older brother to study at the Jesuit college in Vienna, where his cheerful kindness and intense devotion quickly stood out. During a grave illness he longed for the Eucharist and later spoke of being consoled by Saint Barbara and angels who brought him Holy Communion, a sign of his childlike trust in God. Feeling called to the Society of Jesus yet facing strong family opposition, Stanislaus quietly left Vienna and walked hundreds of miles in poverty and disguise to seek admission. Tested by Saint Peter Canisius and finally received in Rome, he spent his short novitiate as a radiant example of prayer, humility, and penance despite fragile health. He foretold his death, asked the Blessed Virgin to call him home on the Assumption, and died praying in Rome on August 15, 1568. Canonized in 1726, he is cherished as a patron for youth and Catholic schools. His feast day is August 15.