Saints of 5 January

The Vigil of the Epiphany

The vigil of the Epiphany of our Lord.

St Telesphorus, pope (Rome)

At Rome, in the time of Antoninus Pius, St. Telesphorus, pope, who, after many sufferings for the confession of Christ, underwent a glorious martyrdom.

Many holy martyrs of Thebais under Diocletian

In Egypt, during the persecution of Diocletian, the commemoration of many holy martyrs, who were put to death in Thebais by various kinds of torments.

St Simeon of Antioch

At Antioch, St. Simeon, monk, who lived many years, standing on a pillar, and was, for that reason, called Stylites. His whole life was an unbroken series of wonders.

St Edward, king (England)

In England, St. Edward, king, illustrious by the virtue of chastity and the gift of miracles. His feast, by order of Pope Innocent XI., is celebrated on the 13th of October, when his sacred body was translated.

St Syncletica of Alexandria

At Alexandria, St. Syncletica, whose noble deeds have been recorded by St. Athanasius.

St Emiliana of Rome

At Rome, the holy virgin Emiliana, aunt of pope St. Gregory. Being called to God by her sister Tharsilla, who had preceded her, she departed for heaven on this day.

St Apollinaris, virgin

The same day, St. Apollinaris, virgin.

St John Neumann

At Philadelphia, St John Neumann, bishop, of the Redemptorist congregation, tireless founder of parishes and schools. Canonised 1977.