St. Joseph Calasanz

Saint Joseph Calasanctius

Confessor

Joseph Calasanz was born in the Castle of Calasanz to a minor Spanish noble family in the year of Our Lord 1556. He was an excellent student, and his father hoped that the young man would marry and continue the family name as the only surviving son. Joseph providentially fell ill, however, and discerned his vocation to the priesthood. He concluded his theological studies, was ordained a priest, and served his bishop loyally until the bishop’s death. Fr. Joseph soon made his way to Rome, and became tutor to a cardinal’s nephew. Aside from these teaching duties, the priest dedicated himself to aiding poor, orphaned or homeless children. No other teachers would instruct these children for free, however, so with the help of some fellow volunteer priests, Fr. Joseph began the first ever European public free school, in the year of Our Lord 1597. These efforts grew into the Order of Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools, more commonly called the Piarists. Despite opposition and some controversies, Fr. Joseph persevered, and the order continues to serve to this day. Fr. Joseph died in the year of Our Lord 1648.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for August 27th

AT Rome, the demise of St. Joseph, confessor, illustrious by the innocence of his life and miracles, who, to instruct youth in piety and letters, founded the Order of the Poor Clerks Regular of the pious Schools of the Mother of God.

At Capua, in Campania, the birthday of St. Rufus, bishop and martyr, a patrician, who was baptized with all his family by blessed Apollinaris, disciple of St. Peter.

In the same place, the holy martyrs Rufus and Carpophorus, who suffered under Diocletian and Maximian.

At Tomis, in Pontus, the holy martyrs Marcellinus, tribune, and Mannea, his wife, and his sons John, Serapion, and Peter.

At Lentini, in Sicily, St. Euthalia, virgin. Because she was a Christian she was put to the sword by her brother Sermilian, and went to her spouse.

The same day, the martyrdom of St. Anthusa the Younger, who was made a martyr by being cast into a well for the faith of Christ.

At Bergamo, St. Narnus, who was baptized by blessed Barnabas, and consecrated by him first bishop of that city.

At Arles, the holy bishop Caesarius, a man of great sanctity and piety.

At Autun, St. Syagrius, bishop and confessor.

At Pavia, St. John, bishop.

At Lerida, in Spain, St. Licerius, bishop.

In Thebais, St. Poemon, anchoret.

At San Severino, in the March of Ancona, St. Margaret, widow.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.