May 19

On May 19, the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and Anglican traditions commemorate a number of saints, including Calocerus, Crispin of Viterbo, and Dunstan. These saints are remembered for their piety, leadership, and miracles recorded in church history. Calocerus, an early martyr, is honored in the Eastern Orthodox liturgics. Crispin of Viterbo was a 16th-century Italian Capuchin known for humility and charitable work. Saint Dunstan, Archbishop of Canterbury, played a key role in monastic reform in the 10th century. Ivo of Kermartin, the patron of lawyers, is celebrated for his devotion to justice. Other figures remembered include Joaquina Vedruna de Mas, Maria Bernarda Bütler, Peter Celestine, and Pudentiana. The day offers believers an opportunity to reflect on the spiritual legacy of these saints and to seek their intercession in prayer.

Pontian Greek Genocide Remembrance Day is observed on May 19 in Greece to commemorate the mass atrocities committed against the Pontic Greek population by the Ottoman Empire between 1914 and 1923. The genocide saw hundreds of thousands of ethnic Greeks forcibly deported, subjected to massacres, and driven from their ancestral homelands along the Black Sea coast. Memorial services, educational events, and cultural programs take place across Greece to honor the victims and preserve their heritage. Survivors and descendants gather at monuments and cemeteries to lay wreaths and share testimonies of loss and resilience. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing historical injustices and promoting human rights. Pontic Greek communities worldwide participate in ceremonies to strengthen their cultural identity and solidarity.

Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth and Sports Day is celebrated on May 19 in Turkey and Northern Cyprus to mark the beginning of the Turkish War of Independence in 1919. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk landed in Samsun on this day, inspiring the national movement that led to the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic. The holiday honors the vital role of youth as the guarantors of the nation’s future and encourages participation in athletic activities. Official ceremonies include flag-raising, speeches, and wreath-laying at monuments dedicated to Atatürk. Sporting events such as track and field competitions, football matches, and school games are organized throughout the country. Young people take center stage in parades and cultural performances, showcasing Turkey’s diverse heritage and talent. Atatürk himself dedicated this day to the youth of Turkey, famously stating, “The future is in the skies.” Each year, millions of students across the nation renew their commitment to the values of independence, unity, and athletic excellence.

Remembrance Day in Sri Lanka falls on May 19 and commemorates the official end of the country’s long civil war in 2009. The government and families of fallen service members hold ceremonies at war memorials to pay tribute to soldiers and civilians who died in the conflict. Wreath-laying, moment of silence, and religious rituals are conducted across the island to honor the memory of the fallen. Media outlets broadcast special programs featuring eyewitness accounts, historical retrospectives, and interviews with veterans. The day offers an opportunity for national healing and reconciliation by acknowledging past suffering and promoting unity. Civil society organizations and peace advocates host events highlighting the importance of dialogue and the prevention of future conflicts.

Hồ Chí Minh’s Birthday on May 19 is a national celebration in Vietnam honoring the birth of the country’s founding father, born in 1890. Official ceremonies are held at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and other monuments, where leaders lay wreaths and pay homage to his legacy. Schools, government offices, and cultural institutions organize educational programs and exhibitions about his life and contributions to Vietnamese independence. Street decorations, parades, and public speeches highlight his ideals of national unity, socialism, and self-determination. Citizens participate in volunteer activities and charitable initiatives inspired by Ho Chi Minh’s emphasis on community service. The day reinforces national pride and encourages reflection on the principles that guided Vietnam’s path to sovereignty.

Malcolm X Day is observed annually on May 19 in the United States to celebrate the life and legacy of the influential civil rights activist. Born Malcolm Little in 1925, he became a prominent voice for African American empowerment and human rights during the 1950s and 1960s. While not a federal holiday, it is officially recognized in states like California and cities such as Berkeley and Washington, D.C. Commemorative events include lectures, panel discussions, and community service projects that reflect on his teachings and activism. Educational programs explore his philosophy, speeches, and impact on the broader struggle for equality. Malcolm X Day encourages ongoing dialogue about racial justice, activism, and the pursuit of social change.

National Asian & Pacific Islander HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is held each year on May 19 in the United States. The observance aims to raise awareness about the impact of HIV/AIDS within Asian and Pacific Islander populations. Community organizations and health agencies host testing events, educational workshops, and outreach programs. Advocates work to reduce stigma, improve access to care, and promote culturally sensitive prevention strategies. Social media campaigns and storytelling initiatives share personal experiences to foster empathy and solidarity. The day underscores the importance of early detection, treatment, and support for affected individuals and their families.

Hepatitis Testing Day is observed on May 19 in the United States to promote early detection of hepatitis B and C. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and partner organizations encourage adults to undergo screening. Free and low-cost testing events are organized at clinics, community centers, and mobile health units. Educational materials inform the public about symptoms, modes of transmission, and treatment options. Early diagnosis can prevent serious liver disease and improve treatment outcomes. Hepatitis Testing Day emphasizes the importance of knowing one’s status and maintaining liver health.

In Kyrgyzstan, Mother’s Day is celebrated on May 19 to recognize the sacrifices and contributions of mothers. Families express gratitude by presenting flowers, cards, and small gifts to mothers and grandmothers. Schools and cultural centers hold concerts, poetry readings, and art exhibitions dedicated to motherhood. Media outlets broadcast programs honoring exemplary mothers and their stories of resilience. The holiday strengthens family bonds and highlights the cultural importance of maternal care in Kyrgyz society. Community events often include charitable activities supporting women’s health and family welfare.

Saint Calocerus was an early Christian martyr venerated in the Eastern Orthodox tradition. He is commemorated on May 19 for his unwavering faith and witness to the Gospel. According to tradition, Calocerus was a soldier who refused to renounce Christianity and suffered martyrdom. Liturgical services include hymns and readings highlighting his courage and spiritual devotion. Icons depicting Saint Calocerus are displayed in churches, and believers offer prayers seeking his intercession. Observance of his feast day connects worshippers with the early Christian heritage and inspires steadfast faith.

Saint Crispin of Viterbo (1668–1750) was an Italian Capuchin lay brother admired for his simple lifestyle, devotion to the poor, and attributed miracles. Born in Viterbo, he joined the Capuchin order as a baker and later as a porter. Devoted to prayer and service, he spent hours in contemplation and caring for the marginalized. Numerous healings and supernatural signs were reported at his intercession. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982, his feast day on May 19 invites the faithful to reflect on virtues of charity and humility. Observances include Masses, prayers, and community service projects in his honor.

Saint Dunstan (909–988) served as Archbishop of Canterbury and was a key figure in the religious and cultural revival of Anglo-Saxon England. A skilled metalsmith, he enriched ecclesiastical art and architecture. Known for his reform of monasticism and opposition to royal injustice, he became a trusted adviser to kings Edmund I and Edgar the Peaceful. His legendary exploits include mythical tales of exorcising demons and forging royal seals. Canonized in 1029, his feast day on May 19 honors his contributions to church reform and the spiritual life of medieval England. Celebrations feature liturgical services, historical reenactments, and veneration in churches dedicated to his name.