Thursday of the Thirtieth Week of Ordinary Time

Saint Anastasia of Rome was born in Rome, though the year of her birth is unknown. Orphaned at only three years old, she was taken in and raised within a convent, where the love of Christ became the center of her life. As she grew, Anastasia embraced a strict and joyful asceticism, gaining a reputation for purity of heart, prayer, and steadfast devotion. In the mid-third century, when Emperor Decius unleashed a fierce persecution against Christians, Anastasia’s hidden life of consecration was brought into the open. She was arrested for her faith and handed over to a city administrator named Probus. Refusing to renounce Christ, she endured harsh tortures with remarkable courage. At last, she sealed her witness with the ultimate offering, being beheaded around the year 250. Venerated as a virgin and martyr, Saint Anastasia is honored as a patron of Buddusò and Santa Severina. Her feast day is celebrated on October 29.

Saint Narcissus of Girona was a Catholic priest born around the year 300 in the city of Girona. Remembered with special devotion in his native place, he is honored as a patron of Girona and of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Girona. Though few details of his earthly life are preserved here, his witness as a priest in the early centuries of the Church continues to mark the faith of the local Christian community. Saint Narcissus died in 307, leaving behind a legacy rooted in pastoral service and steadfast belonging to Christ. The Church commemorates him each year on October 29, inviting the faithful to seek his intercession and to renew their love for the Church he served in Girona.

Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem was born around AD 99, likely of Greek origin. In an age when the Church in the Holy Land endured frequent trials and short episcopal reigns, he was chosen—already an elderly man—as the 30th bishop of Jerusalem. He also presided over a council of the bishops of Palestine at Caesarea, where it was decreed that Easter should always be celebrated on a Sunday, strengthening unity in Christian worship. Ancient testimony remembers Narcissus as a man of prayer and signs. During an Easter Vigil, when the church’s lamps lacked oil, he is said to have changed water into oil so the celebration could continue in reverence and light. Yet his holiness was tested by false accusations from within the community. Narcissus forgave his accusers and withdrew into solitude for years. When the truth became clear, the faithful sought him out and begged him to return. Because of his great age, he accepted Saint Alexander as coadjutor, continuing to guide the Church by prayer and exhortations to peace. He is patron of Saint-Laurent-de-la-Moraine Parish and Serbariu. His feast day is October 29.

Saint Stefano Minicillo (935–1023) was a Catholic priest born in Macerata Campania, whose memory endures in the Church with quiet reverence. Though few details of his life have come down to us, his long years suggest a steady fidelity to the priestly vocation, offered in service to God and His people. Honored as patron of Caiazzo, Stefano is remembered there as a spiritual father whose witness helped shape the faith of the local community. His feast is celebrated on October 29, inviting the faithful to give thanks for the hidden holiness that often marks the Church’s truest servants. In turning to Saint Stefano, we are encouraged to seek humility, perseverance, and love for Christ in the ordinary duties of daily life.