6 Religious brothers who are saints
May 1 is the feast of St. Joseph the Worker. It is also Religious Brothers Day, which honors and celebrates those laymen who have professed vows and dedicated their lives to serving the Church. There are more than 48,000 religious brothers worldwide.
Historically, religious brothers have had a major impact on the life and tradition of the Catholic Church, with many founders of religious institutions counted among their number, many of whom became saints.
In honor of Religious Brothers Day, here are 6 saints who continue to inspire and influence us through their lives of devotion to God and service to others as religious brothers.
Saint Benedict
A 5th-century reformer who founded the Benedictine Order, Saint Benedict taught his followers the importance of obedience and humility for spiritual life. His Rule influenced the formation of many religious communities and continues to be a source of wisdom and guidance.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Always one of the Church’s most popular saints, Saint Francis was tasked by God to “rebuild my Church” at a time of confusion and disarray. Known for his humility, charity, and his love for nature, Saint Francis is the patron saint of ecology and animals. “For me, Francis of Assisi is the man of poverty, the man of peace, the man who loves and protects creation,” Pope Francis said.
Saint Martin de Porres
Born in Peru, Saint Martin de Porres grew up in deep poverty after his father abandoned the family. While a teenager, he was accepted by the Dominicans as a servant. Due to his mixed heritage, he was sometimes mocked by other members of the order; in time, however, he became deeply respected for his loving care for the sick and the many miracles he performed.
Saint Gerard Majella
A Redemptorist brother, Saint Gerard Majella was known for his great humility, his willing service to others, and his mystical gifts that included bi-location and the ability to read souls. One of the miracles attributed to him after his death involved saving a baby when the mother had complications in labor. In time, many women who had difficult pregnancies or problems conceiving turned to St. Gerard for assistance. He became the patron saint of the unborn, expectant moms, and women in childbirth.
Saint Ricardo Pampuri
As a young man, Saint Ricardo Pampuri assisted in field hospitals during World War I. He later became a doctor and provided free medical care to the poor. Called to the religious life, Saint Ricardo became a brother with the Hospitallers of Saint John of God at the age of 29. His feast day is May 1, coinciding with the feast of St. Joseph the Worker and National Religious Brothers Day.
Blessed Fra Angelico
Blessed Fra Angelico (a.k.a. Blessed John of Fiesole) is widely recognized as one of the greatest painters of the Renaissance. He was also a Dominican brother known for his piety. Three of his paintings are exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1982, he is the patron of artists.
You can find a longer list of Brother Saints HERE. To learn more about Religious Brothers Day, CLICK HERE.
