March 24

On March 24, Christians around the world commemorate the feast days of several notable saints and religious figures. Saint Catherine of Vadstena, a 14th-century Swedish mystic and abbess, is celebrated for her spiritual writings and leadership of the Bridgettine order. Saint Hildelith of Barking, an Anglo-Saxon abbess, is remembered for her piety and role in the early English church. Saint Mac Cairthinn of Clogher, an early Irish bishop, is venerated for his missionary work in Ulster and contributions to the Church of Ireland. Archbishop Óscar Romero of El Salvador is honored for his advocacy for human rights and martyrdom. Father Paul Couturier is celebrated for his pioneering efforts in the modern ecumenical movement. Mystic Walter Hilton is commemorated in the Church of England for his influential devotional writings. In Eastern Orthodox traditions, this date also features specific liturgical commemorations and readings.

Saint Catherine of Vadstena, daughter of Saint Bridget of Sweden, became abbess of Vadstena Abbey and one of the most influential spiritual writers of the Middle Ages. Renowned for her mystical visions and leadership of the Bridgettine order, she advocated for reform within the Church. Her devotional writings inspired religious communities across Europe. Canonized in 1484, she is venerated by the Catholic Church and commemorated in Anglican and Lutheran calendars. Her feast day on March 24 invites reflection on her life of prayer, humility, and service to others.

Saint Hildelith of Barking was a 7th-century abbess who led Barking Abbey, one of the earliest monastic communities for women in Anglo-Saxon England. She succeeded Saint Æthelburh and helped establish the abbey as a center of learning, charity, and religious life. Though few of her own writings survive, she is remembered through accounts by contemporaries who praised her devotion and governance. Under her guidance, the community cared for the poor and sick and fostered intellectual activity in the region. Commemorated on March 24, her feast day sheds light on the role of women in the spread of Christianity during the early medieval period.

Saint Mac Cairthinn of Clogher is traditionally regarded as one of the earliest bishops in Ireland, active during the 5th century. Working alongside Saint Patrick's mission, he established the diocesan seat at Clogher and evangelized communities across modern-day Northern Ireland. He is credited with founding monastic settlements and promoting Christian teachings among Gaelic tribes. Venerated for his pastoral care and dedication to spreading the Gospel, his influence helped lay the foundation for Ireland's ecclesiastical structure. His feast on March 24 celebrates his contributions to the growth of the early Irish Church and its enduring legacy.

Archbishop Óscar Romero of San Salvador became a global symbol of social justice when he denounced violence and human rights abuses during El Salvador's civil conflict. After witnessing the assassination of his friend Father Rutilio Grande, he used his sermons to speak out against oppression and to defend the poor. Romero was assassinated while celebrating Mass on March 24, solidifying his legacy as a martyr for the oppressed. Beatified in 2015 and canonized in 2018, he is honored by the Catholic Church, Anglican Communion, and Lutheran churches. His feast day invites reflection on faith, courage, and the Church's role in advocacy for human rights and peace.

Father Paul Couturier was a Catholic priest known as the 'apostle of Christian unity' for his tireless work promoting ecumenism. He initiated the World Day of Prayer for the Unity of Christians in 1908, encouraging Christians to pray for unity across denominational lines without compromising doctrinal beliefs. His vision laid the groundwork for later dialogues between denominations and inspired generations of church leaders. Recognized by the Catholic Church and the Church of England, his writings and initiatives continue to influence the quest for unity among Christian communities. His feast on March 24 celebrates his legacy of prayer, dialogue, and mutual respect in the pursuit of reconciliation.

Walter Hilton (c.1340–1396) was a Carthusian monk and renowned English mystic whose writings guided medieval devotional life. His most influential work, The Scale of Perfection, explores the soul’s journey toward divine union through prayer and contemplation. The Church of England commemorates him on March 24 each year, celebrating his enduring spiritual legacy. Services and readings from his texts are held in churches to reflect on his teachings. Believers are encouraged to seek inner transformation and deepen their relationship with God as Hilton advocated. The feast day invites Christians to revisit the rich tradition of medieval spirituality and apply its insights to modern devotional practice.

On March 24 in the Eastern Orthodox Church, faithful commemorate a range of saints, martyrs, and venerable figures whose feast days fall on this date. The liturgical services include the Divine Liturgy, hymns, and readings that recount the lives and virtues of the honored saints. Observances vary by jurisdiction but often feature processions, prayer services, and veneration of icons. This day offers Orthodox believers an opportunity to reflect on the exemplary faith and sacrifices of early Christians. Parish communities gather to receive blessings, partake in the Eucharist, and share communal meals. The liturgical texts emphasize themes of perseverance, holiness, and the call to imitation of Christ’s humility and love. Participating in these observances deepens spiritual unity and continuity with centuries of Orthodox tradition.