Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Feast Day: November 12
About St. Josaphat
Today, the Church honors Saint Josaphat, a bishop and martyr who gave his life for the cause of Christian unity. Born around 1580 in Volhynia (modern-day Ukraine), Josaphat Kuncewycz was raised in the Orthodox Church but later entered into full communion with Rome after the Union of Brest.
As a Basilian monk and later the Archbishop of Polotsk, he worked tirelessly to heal the divisions between Catholics and Orthodox Christians. He was known for his deep prayer life, humility, and dedication to peace within the Church.
However, his efforts for unity stirred opposition among those who rejected communion with Rome. In 1623, while visiting a parish, he was attacked by a mob and brutally martyred — dying with the words of forgiveness on his lips. His death became the seed of reconciliation among many believers.
Pope Pius IX canonized him in 1867, naming him the “Apostle of Unity.”
Prayer:
O Lord, fill us with the spirit of Your martyr Saint Josaphat, who laid down his life for the unity of the Church. May we work with love and courage to bring all Christians together in the one fold of Christ. Amen.
The post Saint of the Day: St. Josaphat appeared first on NOVENA PRAYER.