Twenty-sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Elzéar of Sabran was born in 1285 in the castle of Saint-Jean-de-Robians near Cabrières-d’Aigues in Provence, southern France. Formed in faith and learning under his uncle, the abbot of Saint Victor in Marseille, he grew into a nobleman whose heart was set on Christ. Betrothed as a child to Delphine of Glandèves, he married her at fifteen; on their wedding night she revealed a private vow of chastity, and Elzéar, honoring her consecration, embraced the same vow. Together they entered the Third Order of Saint Francis and made their household at Ansouis a school of prayer, penance, and generous care for the poor. As Count of Ariano in Italy, a soldier and diplomat in the service of the kings of Naples, he governed with kindness and won the trust of his people. In 1323 he was sent to the French court as ambassador, where his humility and virtue shone amid worldly splendor. He died in Paris on September 27, 1323, and is venerated as a model of holy leadership and faithful chastity. His feast day is September 27.

Saints Cosmas and Damian were twin brothers born in Arabia in the third century. Embracing the Christian faith, they became skilled physicians and surgeons and practiced in the seaport of Aegeae in Cilicia, serving the sick without accepting payment. Because they healed freely, they were called the “unmercenaries,” and their charity drew many hearts toward Christ. Christian tradition remembers them as compassionate healers, credited with remarkable cures and with bringing hope to those who suffered. During the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian, their fame and faith made them targets. Arrested by the governor Lysias, they were pressured to renounce Christ, yet they remained steadfast through severe torments. At last they were put to death, sealing their witness with martyrdom; tradition also associates their younger brothers with their suffering. Devotion to Cosmas and Damian spread rapidly across East and West, and churches were raised in their honor. They are venerated as patrons of physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, barbers, medical workers, and as protectors against plague. Their feast day is September 27.

Vincent de Paul was born on April 24, 1581, in the village of Pouy in Gascony, France, to a poor farming family. Gifted and hardworking, he studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1600, later continuing his formation in theology and canon law. After years of searching and struggle—including a period of captivity in North Africa from which he returned to France in 1607—Vincent’s heart was gradually converted from ambition to compassion. Serving in parishes and as chaplain to the Gondi family, he was awakened to the spiritual and material misery of rural people and began organizing missions for the poor. Appointed chaplain to the galleys, he also labored for imprisoned galley slaves. He co-founded the Congregation of the Mission (the Vincentians), dedicated to evangelizing neglected villages, renewing the clergy through retreats, and strengthening seminary education. With Saint Louise de Marillac, he founded the Daughters of Charity, bringing practical mercy to the sick and destitute. Renowned for humility and generosity, he is honored as a patron of works of charity and is associated with places such as San Vicente de Paúl Nursing Home, San Vicente del Condado, and Sangalhos. His feast day is September 27.