SAINTS SEPT 23

St. Thecla, she was a native of Iconomium who was so impressed by the preaching of St. Paul on virginity that she broke off her engagement to marry Thamyris to live a life of virginity. St. Andrew and Companions, Martyred by the Saracens. Andrew, with John, Peter, and Anthony, were deported from Sicily to Africa by the Saracens (Muslims), who occupied that land at the time. In Africa, they were tortured brutally and martyred for defending the faith. Feastday Sept 23 St. Linus, He succeeded St. Peter as Pope about the year 67. St. Irenaeus says he is the Linus mentioned by St. Paul in the second letter to Timothy, chapter 4, verse 21, and that he was consecrated bishop by St. Paul. Bl. Bernardina Maria Jablonska, Co-foundress of the Sisters of the Third Order of Saint Francis Servants of the Poor. Known as a mystic with a great concern for those who are suffering. As superior of the Sisters she founded hospices for the sick and poor. Saint Pio (Pius) of Pietrelcina, O.F.M. Cap. (May 25, 1887 – September 23, 1968) was a Capuchin Catholic priest from Italy who is venerated as a saint in the Catholic Church.