Christianfeast day:
Abundius of Como, Amphianus of Lycia, Æbbe the Younger, Bronach of Glen-Seichis(Irish martyrology), Francis of Paola, Francisco Coll Guitart, Henry Budd(Anglican Church of Canada), Nicetius of Lyon, Pedro Calungsod, Theodosia of Tyre, Urban of Langres, April 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A day in the Christian calendar honoring a diverse group of saints and martyrs commemorated on April 2.
On April 2, Christian communities remember a collection of saints from different eras and regions. The feast spans figures such as Abundius of Como, Amphianus of Lycia, Æbbe the Younger, and Pedro Calungsod among others. Eastern Orthodox liturgies include special hymns and readings that reflect the virtues of each saint. Many Anglican and Catholic congregations also mark individual saints like Henry Budd and Francis of Paola with prayers or reflections. The observance brings together historical traditions and local customs to celebrate the legacy of these holy figures.
feast day
Abundius of Como
Amphianus of Lycia
Æbbe the Younger
Bronach of Glen-Seichis
Irish martyrology
Francis of Paola
Francisco Coll Guitart
Henry Budd
Anglican Church of Canada
Nicetius of Lyon
Pedro Calungsod
Theodosia of Tyre
Urban of Langres
April 2 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
International Children's Book Day(International)
A global celebration promoting children's literature and the joy of reading on Hans Christian Andersen’s birthday.
International Children's Book Day is observed every April 2 in honor of the Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Established by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), it aims to inspire a love of reading among young people worldwide. Book fairs, storytelling sessions, and author events take place in schools and libraries. Each year features a different theme and a prominent author as the international ambassador. The day highlights the importance of literacy, education, and cultural exchange through children’s books.
International Children's Book Day
International
Thai Heritage Conservation Day(Thailand)
An annual Thai observance dedicated to preserving and celebrating the nation's cultural heritage.
Thai Heritage Conservation Day honors efforts to safeguard Thailand's rich cultural legacy, including historic sites, architectural treasures, and traditional arts. Government agencies and local communities organize restoration projects, exhibitions, and educational programs. The day raises public awareness about the importance of conserving temples, palaces, and archaeological ruins. Workshops in traditional crafts and performances of classical dance highlight the living heritage of the Thai people. Through these activities, the observance fosters national pride and supports sustainable heritage tourism.
Thai Heritage Conservation Day
Thailand
Unity of Peoples of Russia and Belarus Day(Belarus)
A Belarusian public holiday celebrating the close ties between the peoples of Russia and Belarus.
Unity of Peoples of Russia and Belarus Day commemorates the signing of the Treaty on the Creation of a Union State on April 2, 1996. The holiday underscores shared history, culture, and economic cooperation between the two nations. Ceremonies, cultural festivals, and diplomatic events take place in Minsk and other cities. Schools and community groups host programs highlighting language, music, and traditions common to both countries. The observance reinforces political partnerships and regional unity in Eastern Europe.
Unity of Peoples of Russia and Belarus Day
Belarus
World Autism Awareness Day(International)
A global day to raise awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people on the autism spectrum.
Acknowledged by the United Nations, World Autism Awareness Day takes place annually on April 2. It seeks to promote inclusivity and support for individuals with autism and their families. Landmarks around the world are lit up in blue as part of the Light It Up Blue campaign. Educational seminars, community events, and advocacy programs highlight research and best practices. The observance encourages societies to create supportive environments where autistic people can thrive and contribute fully.
World Autism Awareness Day
Malvinas Day(Argentina)
An Argentine public holiday honoring veterans and fallen soldiers of the 1982 Falklands War.
Malvinas Day is observed on April 2 to mark the beginning of Argentina's 1982 campaign to reclaim the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). The day pays tribute to those who served and sacrificed during the conflict. Memorial ceremonies feature wreath-laying at national monuments and military cemeteries. Educational events and broadcasts share stories of veterans and the historical context of the war. The observance reflects on national identity and the enduring impact of the Malvinas on Argentine society.
Malvinas Day
Argentina
Abundius of Como
Feast day of Saint Abundius of Como, a 5th-century bishop revered for his leadership in the early Church.
Saint Abundius served as bishop of Como in northern Italy during the 5th century. He was known for defending orthodox Christian teachings and supporting the local community. His leadership helped shape the early medieval Church in the region. Each April 2, faithful remember his commitment through liturgical prayers and reflections. Local parishes may hold special services honoring his legacy and spiritual contributions.
Abundius of Como
Amphianus of Lycia
Feast day of Saint Amphianus of Lycia, an early Christian martyr celebrated in Eastern traditions.
Saint Amphianus is honored for his steadfast faith and martyrdom in the region of Lycia (modern-day Turkey). According to tradition, he endured persecution rather than renounce his beliefs. Eastern Orthodox communities commemorate his sacrifice with special hymns and readings. April 2 services often highlight his courage and the early history of Christianity. Devotees pray for strength and perseverance inspired by his example.
Amphianus of Lycia
Æbbe the Younger
Feast day of Saint Æbbe the Younger, a 7th-century Northumbrian abbess known for her piety and leadership.
Saint Æbbe the Younger founded the monastery at Coldingham in what is now Scotland, dedicating her life to monastic service. She became renowned for her devout spirituality and guidance of fellow nuns. April 2 marks her feast in calendars of the Anglican and Orthodox traditions. Celebrations include readings about her life and prayers for humility and devotion. Communities honor her influence on female monasticism and Christian hospitality.
Æbbe the Younger
Bronach of Glen-Seichis(Irish martyrology)
Feast day of Saint Bronach of Glen-Seichis, commemorated in the Irish martyrologies.
Saint Bronach is remembered in early Irish martyrological texts as a holy woman associated with Glen-Seichis. Her life is intertwined with local legends of faith and perseverance in medieval Ireland. On April 2, interest in her story is revived through liturgical readings and cultural presentations. Pilgrimages to her traditional sites may accompany church services. The observance highlights Ireland’s rich tapestry of early Christian heritage and female sanctity.
Bronach of Glen-Seichis
Irish martyrology
Francis of Paola
Saint Francis of Paola was a 15th-century Italian hermit and founder of the Order of Minims, revered for his humility and reported miracles.
Born in Paola, Italy, Francis embraced a life of austerity and penance, establishing the Order of Minims devoted to humility. He gained fame for miraculous healings and was invited to France by King Louis XI. His gentle reforms and solitary devotion influenced spiritual practices across Europe. Canonized by Pope Leo X in 1519, he remains the patron saint of boatmen. His feast day is celebrated on April 2 in the Catholic Church.
Francis of Paola
Francisco Coll Guitart
Saint Francisco Coll Guitart was a 19th-century Spanish Dominican priest known for his missionary zeal and founding the Congregation of Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation.
Born in Catalonia in 1812, Francisco entered the Dominican Order and was ordained in 1838. He devoted his life to preaching and catechetical work among rural communities in Catalonia. In 1856, he founded the Dominican Sisters of the Annunciation to educate and support the poor. Canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009, he is honored for his compassion and educational mission. His feast day is observed on April 2.
Francisco Coll Guitart