Saints

‘God put his hope in us’

From Morning Prayer to reflections on the saints and the Sacred Heart, this week’s ‘Magnificat’ offers a rich guide to prayer and meditation throughout the liturgical week

‘Attend to them with the ear of your heart’

The saints of this week’s ‘Magnificat’ remind us that God's word never returns empty, and that hearts shaped by prayer become instruments of His compassion in the world

The most underrated saint

A new book explores the Baptist’s role as prophet, martyr and herald of Christ, reminding modern Christians of his enduring significance

Clement Harrold

The stolen head of St John the Baptist

Acquired during the Fourth Crusade and preserved through revolution, the relic venerated at Amiens Cathedral is among the most extraordinary survivals of the medieval Christian world

Melanie McDonagh

“Bright champions and the glory of their nation”

In the homily delivered at the canonisation of St Thomas More and St John Fisher, Pope Pius XI reflected on martyrdom, fidelity to the Church and the witness of England’s great saints

‘The Church, mother and virgin’

St Augustine of Hippo reflects on Mary’s blessedness in hearing and keeping the word of God

St Augustine of Hippo

Following Christ in the company of the saints

The feasts of great English saints, the Nativity of St John the Baptist and the solemnity of Ss Peter and Paul invite reflection on discipleship and perseverance in the Christian life

Saint Alban: “First of Britain’s sons to die”

England’s first martyr left behind no writings or foundations, yet his witness of faith and sacrifice has endured for more than sixteen centuries

The witness of the saints and martyrs

As the Church celebrates the new feast of All Saints of Scotland, this week’s Magnificat reflects on the witness of saints and martyrs who remained faithful amid suffering and injustice

Saturday Read: The young priest who would not abandon his flock

The life and death of Blessed János Brenner reveal the quiet courage of a young priest whose fidelity to his vocation outlasted the regime that sought to silence him