September 10

Several Christian traditions observe a collective feast day on September 10th to honor notable figures such as Alexander Crummell, St. Aubert, Blessed Thomas Tsugi, Charles Spinola, the Great Martyrs of Nagasaki, Edmund James Peck, Nicholas of Tolentino, and Theodard of Maastricht. This day appears in Episcopal, Anglican, Roman Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendars. The commemorations include special services, prayers, and readings reflecting each saint's history and legacy. Alexander Crummell is remembered for his pioneering ministry and advocacy for racial equality. The Martyrs of Nagasaki and Jesuit missionaries like Tsugi and Spinola are honored for their steadfast faith under persecution. The feast fosters ecumenical appreciation of these diverse figures who shaped Christian history.

The Episcopal Church commemorates the life and ministry of Alexander Crummell on September 10th. Crummell was a pioneering African-American priest, scholar, and advocate for racial equality in the 19th century. He founded the American Negro Academy and worked tirelessly to promote education and civil rights. Services on his feast day include special liturgies, readings, and reflections on social justice. The commemoration honors his legacy of faith, scholarship, and advocacy for marginalized communities.

Saint Aubert is honored on his feast day of September 10th in various Christian denominations. Aubert, also known as Audebert, was a seventh-century bishop of Avranches credited with founding Mont Saint-Michel Abbey. He is celebrated for his devout leadership and contributions to monastic life in medieval Europe. Liturgical observances include prayers, readings of his hagiography, and reflections on spiritual dedication. The feast highlights the enduring influence of early medieval saints on Christian heritage.

The Catholic Church remembers Blessed Thomas Tsugi, Charles Spinola, and the Great Martyrs of Nagasaki on September 10th. These Jesuit missionaries and local converts were persecuted and executed in Japan between 1597 and 1627 for their Christian faith. Liturgies include Mass, devotional prayers, and reflections on their courage and witness under severe hardship. The feast fosters remembrance of religious freedom and the historical legacy of Christian missions in Asia. Observances often include educational talks, pilgrimage events to related shrines, and community prayer services.

Edmund James Peck (1850–1924) was an Anglican missionary known for his dedication to Inuit communities in the Canadian Arctic. Celebrated on September 10 by the Anglican Church of Canada, this day honors his work translating religious texts into Inuktitut and establishing local congregations across the North. Peck’s efforts not only spread the Anglican faith but also helped preserve Inuit language and cultural heritage. Parishes observe the day with special liturgies, educational presentations, and community outreach activities reflecting on his legacy. His life inspires those committed to cross-cultural ministry and service in remote regions.

Nicholas of Tolentino (1246–1305) was an Italian Augustinian monk celebrated for his deep piety, devotion to the souls in purgatory, and numerous miraculous healings attributed to his intercession. His feast day on September 10 is observed by Roman Catholics around the world, especially in Italy and Spain. Devotees attend Mass, pray the Divine Office, and participate in processions or novenas in his honor. Nicholas is often invoked as a patron of souls in purgatory, sick children, and boatmen. Artistic depictions portray him holding a crucifix, a lily, or a star, reminding the faithful of his purity and guidance through spiritual darkness. Communities may also host charitable events, reflecting Nicholas’s lifelong commitment to the poor and suffering.

Theodard of Maastricht, also known as Thiat, served as the bishop of Maastricht–Tongeren in the 7th century. Revered for his compassion, he defended the rights of the poor and intervened on their behalf with secular authorities. According to tradition, Theodard was murdered while traveling on pilgrimage, becoming a martyr for the faith. His feast on September 10 is marked by prayers and remembrances in parts of Belgium and the Netherlands. Local churches may celebrate with special liturgies and readings recounting his life and witness. The commemoration invites the faithful to emulate Theodard’s pastoral charity and courage in defending justice.

On September 10, Eastern Orthodox Churches honor a diverse roster of prophets, martyrs, and hierarchs who have shaped the life of the Church. The day’s services include the Divine Liturgy, psalm readings, and hymns specific to the commemorated saints. Although the precise list varies across jurisdictions, the faithful often reflect on the examples of steadfast faith and sacrifice embodied by these holy men and women. In many Orthodox communities, vesper services or processions may be held to venerate icons of the saints. The observance fosters a sense of continuity with the historical Church and deepens personal devotion through prayer and intercession. Parishioners are encouraged to read the lives of the saints, offer charity, and attend communal meals following the liturgy as a sign of fellowship.