Today, September 18, we celebrate the feast of: Saint Ferreolus, martyr; Saint Joseph of Cupertino, priest; and Saint Ariadne, virgin.


Saint Ferreolus, Martyr 

He was a military tribune in Vienne (Dauphiné) in the 3rd century. During the persecution of Christians, he refused to obey the order to arrest them and publicly professed his faith: "I am a Christian and I cannot worship your gods. I can fight against enemies, but never against Christians." According to tradition, he also helped Saint Julian of Brioude flee persecution, but he was arrested, flogged, and imprisoned. He managed to escape, but was recaptured and ultimately beheaded. His cult is very ancient in the region of Vienne, where his relics were venerated together with the head of Saint Julian. In Catalonia, a folk dance performed by many esbarts (traditional dance groups) named The Dance of Saint Ferreolus (El ball de Sant Ferriol) is well known, born from the legend according to which a group of drunkards drank from the same wine porrón and, the more they drank, the more wine flowed. The drinkers attributed this miracle to Saint Ferreolus and, full of joy and gratitude, dedicated a dance to him.


Saint Joseph of Cupertino, Priest 

He was born in 1603 in Cupertino, southern Italy, into a humble family. He joined the Conventual Franciscans with great difficulty due to his poor capacity for study, calling himself "Brother Ass." He was ordained a priest. His life was marked by intense prayer and numerous mystical phenomena, especially ecstasies and levitations, which earned him a reputation for sanctity while also bringing him misunderstanding. At times he fell into ecstasy during Mass or even in the midst of daily chores and, according to witnesses recorded in the canonization process, rose off the ground. For this reason, he was relocated several times and kept away from crowds. Despite these extraordinary gifts, he was above all distinguished by humility, obedience, and a deep prayer life. He died in Osimo on September 18, 1663, and was canonized in 1767. He is especially venerated as the patron saint of students, who invoke his help during exams, and is popularly known as the "Flying Saint."


Saint Ariadne, Virgin 

She is a martyr from the early centuries, venerated in Prymnessos, Phrygia, in present-day Turkey. According to tradition, she was the slave of a Phrygian prince and, during the reign of Emperor Hadrian, refused to participate in pagan rites. She was imprisoned and tortured to renounce her Christian faith, but remained steadfast. Finally released, she fled the city while being pursued and, upon reaching a rock, it opened up and protected her. Her cult is ancient and her feast day is celebrated on September 18.