September 23

Feast days in Christianity honor the memory and virtues of saints, serving as focal points for liturgical celebrations and personal reflection. On September 23, both Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions commemorate figures such as Adomnán of Iona, Cissa of Crowland, and Pope Linus. These observances highlight the historical impact and spiritual example of the saints. Churches may hold special services, prayers, and readings to mark the occasion. Believers use this day to draw inspiration from the lives of those who demonstrated faith and dedication. The celebration fosters a sense of continuity in the Christian faith and connects communities across centuries.

Saint Adomnán served as abbot of the monastery on the island of Iona during the late 7th century. He is renowned for composing the biography of Saint Columba, known as the Vita Columbae, which offers insight into early medieval monastic life. Adomnán also instituted the Cáin Adomnáin, or Law of Innocents, a groundbreaking legal code aimed at protecting non-combatants in warfare. His feast day on September 23 celebrates his intellectual contributions and commitment to peace. Churches in Scotland and Ireland often hold liturgical services and readings from his works. Scholars study Adomnán’s writings to understand Celtic Christianity and the transmission of knowledge in the early Middle Ages. This commemoration invites reflection on his legacy as a religious leader and legal innovator.

Saint Cissa of Crowland, also known as Cissa of Northumbria, served as abbot at Crowland Abbey in the 7th century. He was a successor to Saint Guthlac and known for his strict adherence to monastic rules and humble service. His feast day on September 23 honors his contributions to early Anglo-Saxon monastic life. Though historical records are scarce, his legacy survives in English ecclesiastical tradition and local veneration. Pilgrims and history enthusiasts remember him by reflecting on his devotion to faith and communal living.

Born in 1827, Francisco de Paula Victor was an Afro-Brazilian religious brother known for his unwavering faith and pastoral care. He served the poor and marginalized communities in Minas Gerais, earning respect for his humility and compassion. After his death in 1905, his life became a symbol of dignity and service among Brazil's faithful. Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2002, his feast on September 23 inspires reflection on social justice and brotherhood. Pilgrims honor his memory by engaging in acts of charity and promoting equality within their communities.

Born Francesco Forgione in 1887, Padre Pio was a Capuchin friar celebrated for his deep spirituality and mystical experiences. He is best known for bearing the stigmata for most of his life and reporting visions of Jesus and Mary. Padre Pio founded the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza hospital in San Giovanni Rotondo, offering care to the sick and needy. Canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2002, his feast on September 23 invites the faithful to seek comfort in prayer and compassion. Pilgrims to his shrine share testimonies of healing and spiritual renewal attributed to his intercession. His enduring legacy continues to inspire devotion worldwide, drawing millions to his tomb each year.

Pope Linus, traditionally considered the immediate successor to Saint Peter, led the early Roman community in the 1st century. His papacy marked the consolidation of church structures and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire. He is credited with establishing the pastoral tradition and reinforcing apostolic authority in Rome. His feast day on September 23 honors his role in guiding the fledgling church through its formative years. Believers venerate him as a model of faithful leadership and a link to the apostolic foundations of the papacy.

Saint Sossius served as a deacon in the city of Pozzuoli, near Naples, during the early 4th century. He was martyred under Diocletian's persecution for his unwavering commitment to the Christian faith. According to tradition, he refused to renounce his beliefs and suffered martyrdom by beheading. His feast on September 23 commemorates his sacrifice and courage in the face of persecution. Devotees honor his memory through prayer vigils and visits to his shrine in the Diocese of Pozzuoli.

Saint Thecla was a noblewoman from Iconium who became a follower of Saint Paul in the 1st century. Legend describes her renouncing marriage to embrace a life of chastity, preaching, and missionary work. She faced persecution and miraculous deliverance from execution, inspiring early Christian women. Her feast on September 23 celebrates her courage, devotion, and pioneering role in the early church. Faithful recall her example by studying her life in the apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla.

Xanthippe and Polyxena were sisters who embraced Christianity in the early centuries of the church. They endured persecution for refusing to renounce their faith, ultimately becoming martyrs. Their steadfast witness is commemorated on September 23 in both Eastern and Western traditions. Devotees remember their sacrifice as an example of sisterly solidarity and unwavering belief. Their story encourages reflections on courage and the bonds of family in faith communities.

On September 23, the Eastern Orthodox Church honors a roster of saints and martyrs who shaped its spiritual heritage. Among those celebrated are veteran figures like Apostle Linus and virgin-martyr Thecla. The liturgy includes hymns, Scripture readings, and prayers reflecting their lives and testimonies. This daily commemoration connects believers with the apostolic and early church traditions. Orthodox faithful around the world observe the day through chapel services, icon veneration, and community prayer.