Christianfeast day:
BlessedCeferino Giménez Malla, BlessedMichał Giedroyć, English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era(Church of England), F. C. D. Wyneken(Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod), Florian, José María Rubio, Judas Cyriacus, Monica of Hippo(1960 Roman Catholic Calendar), Sacerdos of Limoges, Venerius of Milan, May 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Various Christian denominations commemorate a host of saints and martyrs with feast days on May 4.
May 4 is observed in Christian liturgical calendars as a day to honor numerous saints and blesseds.
Roman Catholics remember figures such as Blessed Ceferino Giménez Malla, Blessed Michał Giedroyć, and José María Rubio.
The Church of England celebrates English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era, while Lutherans honor F.C.D. Wyneken.
Eastern Orthodox communities mark commemorations for Judas Cyriacus, Sacerdos of Limoges, and Venerius of Milan.
Monica of Hippo and Saint Florian are also among those remembered, reflecting the rich diversity of Christian spirituality.
feast day
Ceferino Giménez Malla
Michał Giedroyć
English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era
Church of England
F. C. D. Wyneken
Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
Florian
José María Rubio
Judas Cyriacus
Monica of Hippo
1960 Roman Catholic Calendar
Sacerdos of Limoges
Venerius of Milan
May 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
BlessedCeferino Giménez Malla
A feast day in the Catholic Church honoring Blessed Ceferino Giménez Malla, a Spanish Romani catechist and martyr.
Blessed Ceferino Giménez Malla is commemorated on May 4th in the Catholic liturgical calendar. He was the first Romani person to be beatified by the Church, recognized for his faith and martyrdom during the Spanish Civil War. Born in 1861, he dedicated his life to educating and defending the rights of the Romani community. Arrested and imprisoned for opposing anti-Catholic persecution, he was executed on August 9, 1936. His beatification by Pope Benedict XVI in 1997 honored his courage and witness. The feast day includes Masses, prayers for marginalized communities, and reflections on social justice. Churches and Romani associations celebrate his legacy of compassion and perseverance. The observance highlights the universal call to defend human dignity and faith under persecution.
Ceferino Giménez Malla
BlessedMichał Giedroyć
A religious feast day honoring Blessed Michał Giedroyć, a 15th-century Lithuanian lay priest known for his piety and miracles.
Blessed Michał Giedroyć is remembered on May 4th in the Catholic Church. A lay hermit and priest from the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, he lived in the 15th century and was known for his ascetic lifestyle and reported miracles. Born around 1420, he devoted himself to contemplation, prayer, and caring for the poor. After his death in 1485, many miracles were attributed to his intercession at his grave. Pope Benedict XVI confirmed his veneration by the faithful in 2018, formally beatifying him. The feast day features liturgical celebrations, devotional prayers, and pilgrimages to sites associated with his life. Devotees reflect on his example of humility, charity, and faith. His legacy inspires laypeople to seek holiness in everyday life.
Michał Giedroyć
English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era(Church of England)
A commemorative day in the Church of England honoring those who suffered for the faith during the Reformation.
English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era are commemorated on May 4th by the Church of England. The observance honors clergy and laypeople who were executed or persecuted for their beliefs between 1530 and 1558. It includes figures such as Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, Bishops Ridley and Latimer, and numerous other faithful witnesses. The day features special services with readings highlighting their courage and witness. Liturgical prayers invoke their intercession for the Church today. Sermons often emphasize themes of religious freedom and conscience. Every year, churches display portraits or symbols of the martyrs to educate congregations. The commemoration reminds believers of the cost of faith and the importance of standing firm under persecution.
English Saints and Martyrs of the Reformation Era
Church of England
F. C. D. Wyneken(Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod)
A feast day in the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod honoring F. C. D. Wyneken, a pioneer missionary to German immigrants in the United States.
F. C. D. Wyneken is celebrated on May 4th by the Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod. Born in Germany in 1810, he emigrated to the United States to serve German immigrant communities. He established congregations, provided pastoral care, and defended the spiritual needs of settlers in the Midwest. His 1843 report on the dire conditions of German Lutherans in America led to the formation of the Missouri Synod. Wyneken also translated hymns and catechisms from German to English, promoting congregational worship. The feast day includes worship services with readings about his missionary zeal. Churches may hold community outreach events in his honor. The observance celebrates his contributions to American Lutheranism and the legacy of cross-cultural ministry.
F. C. D. Wyneken
Lutheran Church–Missouri Synod
Florian
The feast day of Saint Florian, the patron saint of firefighters and chimney sweeps.
Florian is celebrated on May 4th as the feast day of Saint Florian, a Roman soldier and martyr. He is revered as the patron saint of firefighters, chimney sweeps, and brewers. According to tradition, Florian was executed around 304 AD for his Christian faith. Churches and fire departments hold ceremonies, blessings, and parades in his honor. Firefighters often display his image on plaques, badges, and station insignia. In some regions, water is symbolically blessed to commemorate his protection against fire. The day highlights themes of courage, sacrifice, and community service. Celebrations often include prayers for safety and the dedication of new firehouses.
Florian
José María Rubio
Saint José María Rubio Day honors the Spanish Jesuit priest celebrated for his compassionate ministry and profound spiritual teachings.
Saint José María Rubio (1864–1929) was a Spanish Jesuit priest known for his deep commitment to the poor, his gift of spiritual direction, and popular devotion that led to his canonization in 2003. Each year on May 4, the faithful commemorate his life of humility, charity, and mystical prayer. Pilgrimages to his former residence, prayer services, and charitable activities are held in his memory. The anniversary highlights his work establishing sodalities and caring for marginalized communities in Madrid. Devotees reflect on his teachings, renew their own commitment to service, and celebrate the model of holiness he embodied.
José María Rubio
Judas Cyriacus
Feast of Saint Judas Cyriacus commemorates one of the early followers of Christ, venerated for his apostolic missionary work.
Saint Judas Cyriacus, also called Cyriacus of Jerusalem, was one of the Seventy disciples in the early Church. Celebrated on May 4, his feast honors his missionary journeys and martyrdom for the Christian faith. Tradition holds he served as bishop and evangelist, bringing the Gospel to diverse regions. Services often include scripture readings recounting his missionary zeal and prayers for steadfast faith. Communities remember his example of courage and dedication, inspiring believers to share their own faith with compassion and conviction.
Judas Cyriacus
Monica of Hippo(1960 Roman Catholic Calendar)
Commemorates Saint Monica of Hippo, mother of Augustine, renowned for her unwavering faith and persistent prayers.
Saint Monica of Hippo (331–387) is honored for her devoted motherhood, patience, and fervent prayers that led to the conversion of her son, Augustine, to Christianity. Under the 1960 Roman Catholic liturgical calendar, her feast was observed on May 4. Monica's life exemplified perseverance, charity, and deep trust in God's providence amidst personal trials. Each year on this date, the faithful reflect on the power of intercessory prayer and the role of family in spiritual growth. Many parishes hold memorial Masses and prayer gatherings to celebrate her legacy of hope and maternal care.
Monica of Hippo
1960 Roman Catholic Calendar
Sacerdos of Limoges
Honors Saint Sacerdos of Limoges, a 7th-century bishop celebrated for his piety and care for the poor.
Saint Sacerdos served as bishop of Limoges in the 7th century, dedicating his life to pastoral care and monastic reform. Remembered on May 4, his feast day commemorates his holiness, generosity towards the needy, and miracles attributed to his intercession. He played a key role in strengthening Christian communities in medieval France and founding monastic institutions. Devotees mark this day with prayer services, charitable works, and reflections on his spiritual legacy. His example continues to inspire acts of compassion and devotion in the Limousin region and beyond.
Sacerdos of Limoges
Venerius of Milan
Feast of Saint Venerius of Milan, a 5th-century bishop known for his leadership and charity.
Saint Venerius, who served as bishop of Milan in the early 5th century, is venerated for his steadfast faith amidst social and political upheaval. His feast on May 4 honors his efforts to support the poor, defend orthodox Christian teaching, and guide his flock during tumultuous times. Tradition credits him with miraculous healings and protection of the city against invasions. Commemorative Masses and liturgies celebrate his pastoral care and theological wisdom. Believers invoke his intercession for spiritual renewal and courage in the face of adversity.
Venerius of Milan
May 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Observance of saints and liturgical commemorations in the Eastern Orthodox Church on May 4.
In the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar, May 4 is a day rich with commemorations of saints, martyrs, and holy events. Depending on local tradition, the faithful may honor figures such as Apostle Jason and his companions, Martyr Pelagia of Tarsus, and others whose lives exemplify Christian virtue. Services often include the Divine Liturgy, veneration of icons, and readings of hagiographies. Monasteries and parishes may hold processions and special prayers asking for the intercession of the saints. This day invites Orthodox Christians to reflect on the spiritual heritage of the Church and draw inspiration from the examples of holy men and women.
May 4 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)