United before men and before God, they were able to go further and share the journey of Faith all the way to holiness. Here are the Married Saints of the Church.

In a previous article we focused on the stories of brothers and sisters who became saints together. On that occasion we could see how, for many men and women of the past, the journey towards holiness began within the family, thanks to particularly devout parents — Saint Monica, mother of Saint Augustine, being a prime example — but also brothers and sisters who were models and encouragement for them in life as in Faith, as happened with Saints Cyril and Methodius, co-patrons of Europe, or with Saint Benedict and Saint Scholastica. Still focusing on examples of holiness born within the family, we cannot fail to mention the many examples of married saints. Indeed: the history of the Church counts a considerable number of saints who were married to each other. The first example that comes to mind when speaking of holy spouses is certainly that of Saint Joseph and the Virgin Mary, who with the Child Jesus form the Holy Family, always the point of reference to which every Christian family should look.

After all, the Catholic Church has always held the Sacrament of Marriage in high regard, a sacred bond that unites a man and a woman before Christ, the beginning of a shared path of life, but also of Faith. It is therefore inevitable that there should be couples of married saints, men and women who transcended the simple experience of Christian union, raising their souls to an even higher, solemn, indeed holy, level. And the meaning of that union they naturally passed on to their children too, from Saint Anne and Joachim, parents of the Virgin Mary, to Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux and also the first married couple of saints canonised together.

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Oval shape Holy Family statue in white porcelain 8 in

The statue shows Joseph, Mary and Baby Jesus on a black base.

Joseph and Mary

We all know the story of the marriage of Mary and Joseph, remembered on 23 January and immortalised by many great artists of the past, Raphael among them. In the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:18–25) we read that Mary was betrothed to Joseph when she revealed to him that she was with child. We must remember that for the Jews marriage was structured in two stages: the official betrothal, which was already a marriage in every respect, and a year later the bride’s entry into the house of the groom. So in fact Mary and Joseph were already married. Saint Joseph first decided to dismiss her quietly, so as not to expose her to scandal, but then, visited in a dream by the Archangel Gabriel, who informed him of the true nature of the child, he chose to remain by her side and to fulfil his duties as husband and putative father of the little Jesus. “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took his wife home. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus” (Mt 1:24–25).

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Marriage of the Virgin Mary and St Joseph tapestry 23.4×15

Jacquard woven tapestry finished by hand and entirely made in Italy.

Thus Joseph and Mary were married, and together they gave life to the first iconic representation of a family unit: a loving and protective husband and father, a young and very gentle mother, later joined by the child Jesus. This is the model of the Christian family that we all know, and it is interesting to note how it began with the risk of abandonment by Saint Joseph, a risk prevented only by divine intervention and by the great faith of this meek and good man. After all, God chose Joseph of Nazareth, just as He chose Mary, destined for one another, descendants of King David’s lineage, destined to live in chastity and purity.

Saint Anne and Saint Joachim

Joachim and Anne were in all likelihood both members of the Jewish priestly class. Unfortunately, despite repeated attempts, they were unable to have a child, as was the case with Ismeria, Anne’s sister, and her husband. Joachim, weighed down by the dishonour of not being able to be a father, withdrew into the desert, among the shepherds, and it was here that an Angel appeared to him, announcing that soon a child would be born. Anne had received the same revelation, and the two met under the Golden Gate of Jerusalem, where they kissed, strengthening their union. According to legend, it was from that infinitely consoling kiss that the Virgin Mary was conceived without sin.

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Immaculate Conception by Murillo wooden statue painted

Statue in maple wood completely hand carved and painted by Italian craftsmen.

Saints Elizabeth and Zechariah

Saint Elizabeth, cousin of Mary (she was the daughter of Ismeria), and Saint Zechariah also could not have children. By then both were elderly, and while Zechariah was serving in the Temple he had a vision: the Archangel Gabriel announced to him the birth of a son. Zechariah, however, did not believe him, and Gabriel made him mute. Only after the birth of the child, who was named John as the Angel had commanded, did Zechariah speak again. That child would one day become John the Baptist. Famous too is the story of Mary’s visit to her cousin Elizabeth, when the latter was six months pregnant. At Mary’s greeting, the child leapt in her womb, recognising the future mother of Jesus. Elizabeth greeted Mary as “blessed among women.” This is the famous Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorated by the Church on 31 May.

Aquila and Priscilla

Saint Priscilla and her husband Saint Aquila were two Jews converted to Christianity by Saint Paul, who was their guest during his visit to Corinth. To follow the Saint they travelled to Ephesus and then to Rome, where they became apostles of the Gospel and probably suffered martyrdom by beheading.

Louis and Zélie Martin

Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie (Zélie) Guérin met at the Saint Leonard Bridge in Alençon in April 1858, and from then on they joined their human and religious experience, marrying and remaining together until death. Deeply devout, devoted to charity and a daily domestic liturgy made up of prayer, charity and pious practices, they were parents to nine children. The five daughters survived and became religious, among them Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus, or Thérèse of the Child Jesus and the Holy Face, that is, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, canonised in 1925 and proclaimed Doctor of the Church in 1997. Zélie died in 1877, Louis in 1894, and they were beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in 2008 at Lisieux, the first among the married saints. The Church commemorates them on 12 July.

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Saint Therese of Lisieux(S.Therese of Child Jesus) wood painted Val Gardena

The statue is craved in Val Gardena,Italy and depicts St. Therese of Lisieux with a crucifix and colored roses in hand.

Saint Isidore and Saint Maria Toribia

Saint Isidore of Madrid, also known as Saint Isidore the Farmer, and his wife Maria Toribia were both very poor peasants. They lived around the year 1000 in Spain and shared a life of hard work, but also of devotion, piety and charity towards the poorest. Both illiterate, they often put dialogue with God before work, earning envy and jealousy from others. A model of faith and mercy for one another, they shared every sorrow and every joy, united in a grace of spirit that transcended their humble condition.

Saint Silvia and Saint Gordian

Saint Silvia was the mother of Pope Gregory the Great, Saint and Doctor of the Church. She and her husband Gordian lived in Rome in the 6th century AD, she a noblewoman, he a senator. United by love for God, they lived in two families renowned for their devotion and spirituality. Gordian’s two sisters also lived an almost monastic life, between penance and prayer. When Silvia was widowed she embraced the Benedictine rule and lived the rest of her life divided between prayer and works of charity, always taking care of her son, who was frail in health.

Meta description: Married men and women saints. Here are the couples remembered by the Church. When love and faith unite in the sacred bond of marriage blessed by Christ.

The Most Holy Name of Jesus, between worship, symbolic meaning, and profession of faith

To understand the importance that Catholic Christians attribute to the Most Holy Name of Jesus, it is enough to think about how his disciples and followers chose to call themselves: Christians. The very identity of the person and the community to which they belong is expressed with this attribute, which derives its root from Jesus Christ.

Let us also think about the sign of the Cross, by which the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is invoked. In this simple and powerful sign, in this invocation to the Most Holy Trinity, the Creed of every Christian is summarised: their will to dedicate every breath, every action, every day of their earthly existence to the Name of that Father, that Son, and that Holy Spirit, who are three and one, in the first Mystery of Faith.

We must bear in mind that in ancient times, names had an intrinsic meaning, which expressed the essence of the one who bore them, their mission, their destiny, but also a dynamic content, a kind of intimate power that, if known, could allow one to understand the thing or person to whom it belonged. “Whoever knows the name, knows the things too,” said the Greek philosopher Plato. To know the name of something means to know the thing itself, and thus knowing the name of a man allows one to grasp his essence, to place him in a correct and defined dimension. It is no coincidence that for the ancients, it was essential to know the name of a person in order to direct a spell upon them.

The Jews also gave children names that, through composition and etymology, had the power to place the newborn under the protection of God (Theophoric names, like Isaiah, “Yahweh saves,” or Joshua, “Yahweh is salvation”), or alternatively, names that expressed an event or condition linked to the child’s birth, such as Ben-Oni, the son of Rachel, whose name means “son of my sorrow.” So it was also for Jesus, as we shall see.

Devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus belongs to the Church even before the name could be spoken. Let us recall how the first Christians referred to Jesus Christ with the acronym ichthys, the transliteration in Latin characters of the Greek word ἰχθύς, ichthýs, meaning fish, and used the symbol of the fish to identify Him. This appellation came from the Gospel, and it was Peter who first used it when Jesus entrusted him with His Church:

“Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, ‘Who do people say that the Son of Man is?’ And they said, ‘Some say John the Baptist, others say Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.’ He said to them, ‘But who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’ And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.'” (Matthew 16:13-18)

The acronym ichthys indeed stands for Iesùs CHristòs THeù HYiòs Sotèr, Jesus Christ, Son of God, Saviour.

The Most Holy Name of Jesus: the meaning of the worship

It was between the 14th and 15th centuries that devotion to the Most Holy Name of Jesus was consecrated, thanks to Saint Bernardino of Siena, a theologian and Franciscan preacher, who created the trigram with the letters IHS on a blue background surrounded by a sun with 12 rays. Later, Pope Clement VII recognised the cult (1530) and entrusted the Franciscan Order with the task of reciting the Office of the Most Holy Name of Jesus.

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Chasuble with Gold Embroidery IHS and Cross

The Catholic chasuble is made of polyester, a robust and durable fabric.

The Roman Calendar initially set the liturgical memorial of the Most Holy Name of Jesus on the second Sunday after Epiphany, and later on the Sunday between 2 and 5 January. Removed from the calendar in 1969, the celebration was reinstated at the will of John Paul II and set for 3 January as an optional memorial.

In the Roman Martyrology, the feast of the Name of Jesus is defined by some lines from the Letter to the Philippians: “The Most Holy Name of Jesus, at which every knee should bow, in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, to the glory of the divine majesty.” (Philippians 2:9-11) This phrase encapsulates very well the power of the name of Jesus, before which all must kneel in respect and devotion.

The name of God

For both the Jewish and Christian religions, the name of God is Yhwh. It was with this name that He revealed Himself to Moses in the Old Testament (Exodus 3:14), and this name, known as the tetragrammaton, because composed of the four Hebrew letters יהוה (yod, he, waw, he), was used in the Hebrew Bible, the Tanakh, which for Christians is the Old Testament. In the Bible and Jewish tradition, other appellations are used to refer to God, but the tetragrammaton is used some 6,800 times. For the Jews, it was too sacred to be pronounced, and the exact transliteration has been lost over time. To invoke God in prayers, Halakhah (Jewish Law) prescribes the use of Adonai, or alternatively, the impersonal form HaShem, the Name, or hakadosh baruch hu, the Blessed Holy One. There are other names that the Jews used to invoke or refer to God, such as Elohim, the plural form of Eloah, meaning the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, the God of Jacob. In the Ten Commandments, the phrase “yihyeh lecha elohim acherim al panay” means “You shall have no other gods before me.”

For scholars, the most accurate meaning of Yhwh is “He who brings into existence what exists,” and we see how, by crediting this tradition, the name of God coincides with His work and His will.

The name of Jesus

Let us now focus on the meaning of the name of Jesus. It was the angel of God who suggested to Saint Joseph the name he should give to the child who would be born from the womb of Mary, his wife. A child conceived by the Holy Spirit and made of the same substance as the Father, in a virgin maiden conceived without sin. “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21-25)

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Saint Joseph and Jesus

Marvellous statue of saint Joseph in pyrenian stone.

The name Jesus derives from the Aramaic name יֵשׁוּעַ, Yeshua, later Italianised as Joshua. Its meaning is: “YHWH is salvation” or “YHWH saves”: God saves. Thus, we see that even in the name chosen by the Angel for Jesus, His mission is summarised, the reason for His coming among men. He comes to save, to be the instrument and sacrifice in the name of the Father and for all men.

“In no one else is there salvation; for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved,” we read in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 4:12), and it is extraordinary to think that Jesus was born and immediately defined by a divine name, which was not that of God, but nevertheless indicated a characteristic of God, His very will. For this reason, from the very beginning, the name of Jesus becomes an invocation and a source of salvation, both for those who wish to be freed from sins and for those who suffer bodily pain and afflictions. Only in His holy name can men long for Eternal Life.

According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus is also called Emmanuel, God-with-us, the Son of the living God.

26 December is the feast day of Saint Stephen, the first Christian to give his life in the name of faith in Christ. Here is his story.

For many people, Saint Stephen’s Day is simply another holiday — less hectic than Christmas Eve, less demanding than Christmas Day. It’s a time to meet up with friends and relatives and to enjoy the leftovers from the festivities, perhaps taking the opportunity to relax a little. However, for Christians, it is not just an ordinary holiday. It is the day dedicated to the liturgical commemoration of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, the first Christian who sacrificed his life to bear witness to his faith in Jesus and the Gospel.

But who was Saint Stephen, and why was he so important?

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Saint Steven in coloured wood of Valgardena

Statue in maple wood, hand painted by the artisans of Val Gardena.

Because he was the first to endure the accusations and anger of those who, hearing the words of the Gospel, were not ready to accept them. Before him, the Word spread by Jesus’ disciples had not yet claimed victims, nor had it been the cause of death for those who proclaimed it. Stephen was a young man full of faith and enthusiasm, to such an extent that the apostles asked him to help them organise the Christian community in Jerusalem. He accepted with joy and became the first of the seven deacons elected so that the apostles could focus solely on preaching the Gospel.

In the Acts of the Apostles, we read that although they were chosen by men and not by the Holy Spirit — as was the case with Jesus’ disciples present on the day of Pentecost — nevertheless, these seven deacons were no less “full of the Spirit and of wisdom” (Acts 6:3). Along with Stephen, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolaus of Antioch were also chosen. The Apostles laid their hands upon them all and blessed them.

Stephen paid dearly for his choice of faith. We know little about him: he was probably Greek (his name in Greek means “crowned”), or perhaps a Jew educated within Hellenistic culture. A man of learning, then, and of wisdom, who after being appointed deacon not only relieved the apostles of administrative duties, but also dedicated himself to evangelising and converting those who arrived in the city. Many miracles are also attributed to him.

It was the Jews, angered by these conversions, who accused Stephen of blasphemy and stirred up the people against him. Dragged before the Sanhedrin, the young deacon replied to the false accusations made against him with a long speech in which he condemned those Jews who had been unable to recognise Jesus for who He was, despite the patriarchs and prophets having foretold and prepared His coming. This further inflamed their tempers, and Stephen was seized by the furious crowd and stoned to death.

Among those who witnessed the lynching was Saul, who would later become one of the fiercest persecutors of Christians and, subsequently, Saint Paul of Tarsus — the Apostle to the Gentiles. Saul himself took an active part in the ruthless persecution unleashed against the Christians in Jerusalem immediately after Stephen’s death.

The story of Stephen — his example of courage and self-sacrifice — shows how, from the very beginning, believing in the Gospel meant far more than simply trusting the words of a prophet, as had been the case with many who came before Jesus. The power of Jesus’ message is so revolutionary that it inspires fear in those who are not ready to embrace it, even arousing murderous hatred. Thus was born the concept of the martyr — a man or woman willing to endure unspeakable suffering and torment, and even death itself, to bear witness to their faith.

The Meaning of Protomartyr

The term Protomartyr, attributed to Saint Stephen, indicates that he was the first among Christians to face martyrdom. The word unites two Greek terms: πρῶτος (prōtos, “first”) and μάρτυς (martys, “witness [of faith]”).

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Saint Stephen painted icon, made in Romania

Made by Rumanian craftsmen and hand painted with tempera and gold leaf.

Why Is Saint Stephen’s Day Celebrated?

It is no coincidence that the feast of Saint Stephen falls so close to Christmas. In ancient times, it was decided that the day dedicated to celebrating the birth of Jesus should be followed by other feast days commemorating men who were especially close to Him — either because they knew Him personally, or because they played a role in spreading His word. These were the Comites Christi, the “Companions of Christ”, for in the Middle Ages it was imagined that this group of Saints formed the honour guard come to celebrate the Christ Child. This tradition had a strong appeal in popular devotion.

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Christmas candles

Christmas candles is the category dedicated to candles for Christmas to scent your home.

The Comites Christi are remembered during the so-called Octave of Christmas, the eight days between 25 December and 1 January. In particular, the three days immediately following Christmas are dedicated to:

• Saint Stephen the Protomartyr (26 December)
• Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist, the beloved disciple of Christ (27 December)
• The Holy Innocents, Martyrs, the children killed by order of Herod (28 December)

In ancient times, the feast of Saints Peter and Paul, Apostles, also took place during the week after Christmas, but it was later moved to 29 June.

Why Is Saint Stephen’s Day a Public Holiday?

Since 1947, 26 December has been a public holiday in Italy. This was established to extend the Christmas celebrations by one day. The fact that this date coincides with the liturgical commemoration of Saint Stephen the Martyr is unrelated to this decision — though devotion to the young deacon has been deeply felt since ancient times.

Saint Barbara, patroness of firefighters, sailors, and miners, protects those who risk their lives every day in the fulfilment of their work

On 4 December, the liturgical memory of Saint Barbara is celebrated, recognising her as the protector of firefighters, sailors, and miners. Originally from Turkey, she was martyred in the 3rd century AD for her faith at the hands of her own father, Dioscurus, an associate of Emperor Maximian Hercules.

On the occasion of Saint Barbara’s feast on 4 December, when the faithful commemorate her martyrdom, processions, prayers, and, in many communities, fireworks are held to honour the saint, who is also the patroness of pyrotechnicians. In particular, in Paternò, in the province of Catania, of which Saint Barbara is patron, solemn celebrations take place every year from 3 to 11 December, as well as on 27 May, the date of Saint Barbara’s patronage after she halted the eruption of Mount Etna in 1780, and on 27 July, the day of the translation of her relics.

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St Barbara stole leaning on a tower

Deacon stole dedicated to the martyr Santa Barbara embroidered on an ivory stole and depicted with a palm branch in her arms and resting on a tower…

The Santa Barbara Mining Trail is among the most evocative routes in Italy. It forms a roughly circular path of about 500 kilometres in the western area of southern Sardinia, covering the regions of Sulcis, Iglesiente, and Guspinese, and follows the ancient paths of miners, the routes connecting mines to each other and to settlements. It is a journey through breathtaking landscapes and historical trails, but also through other eras, discovering the stories of countless men who dedicated their lives to those mines, helping to shape their land.

Inside the San Giovanni di Bindua mine, near Iglesias, lies the Santa Barbara Cave, discovered by chance only in 1952. It is accessed via a small train, which traverses a labyrinth of underground galleries for over 700 metres. The Santa Barbara Cave is not only a fascinating subterranean complex but also a testimony to the geological past and the millennial work of nature, with its walls lined with dark brown tabular barite crystals, and stalactites and stalagmites forming columns that can reach up to 25 metres in height.

In Rome, near Campo de’ Fiori, stands the church of Santa Barbara de’ Librari, also known as Santa Barbara alla Regola, a small church dating back to the early 1300s, entrusted to the confraternity of de’ Librari until its dissolution, and enriched over the centuries with Baroque decorations and splendid frescoes.

The Story of Saint Barbara and Her Martyrdom

Originally from present-day Turkey, Saint Barbara was the daughter of a wealthy pagan named Dioscurus, who worked for the Roman emperor. Jealous of her beauty, her father raised her in absolute isolation, in a high tower inaccessible to external influences. However, the young woman nurtured a fervent Christian faith and, defying her father’s wishes, secretly embraced Christianity. Her beauty and intelligence attracted many suitors, but she refused them all, steadfast in her desire to dedicate herself entirely to God.

When her father discovered her conversion, he first tried to persuade her to renounce her faith, but Barbara burned the pagan idols and fled into the forest. Dioscurus then invoked the intervention of the Roman authorities against his rebellious daughter. Barbara was dragged before Prefect Marcian and subjected to terrifying tortures. Her body was scourged with rough, stinging cloths until her skin was flayed, and her flesh was burnt with red-hot metal, yet she miraculously emerged unharmed from each torment, growing ever stronger in faith. Eventually, it was Dioscurus himself who raised the sword and beheaded his daughter, but a moment later, according to legend, the sky split open, and a lightning bolt struck him dead.

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St Barbara statue with tower, in resin 15 cm

This Catholic statue depicts Saint Barbara with the chalice of Communion and the sword in her hand, while next to her there’s a tower…

In the 6th century, the relics of the martyred Saint Barbara were transferred from Egypt to Constantinople, and subsequently to Venice, in the church of San Giovanni Evangelista in Torcello in 1009. The veneration of this martyr spread widely between East and West, acquiring over the centuries a profound symbolic meaning, becoming a beacon of protection and courage for those who work in dangerous conditions and face sudden risks and imminent peril.

Who Saint Barbara Protects

Saint Barbara is remembered not only among the Holy Martyrs, men and women who sacrificed their lives, often young, for the sake of faith. She is also one of the fourteen helper saints to whom remedies for various diseases and health problems were historically associated, with a collective feast originally on 8 August, later suppressed. Among them are Saint Blaise of Sebaste, protector against sore throats, Saint Christopher, who protected against plague, hurricanes, and travel accidents, and Saint Barbara, who offered protection against fever, lightning, and sudden death.

The patronage against sudden death likely stems from the legendary death of her father, but over time, Saint Barbara has become the saint invoked for the protection of all those who, through their work or way of life, face the danger of instant death every day, such as pyrotechnicians, firefighters, artillerymen, carpenters, and miners. Ammunition depots on warships are named “Santa Barbara” in her honour.

Symbols of Saint Barbara

Common depictions of the saint show her as a beautiful young woman elegantly dressed, often captured at the moment of her beheading, the final act of her long path of martyrdom.

Saint Barbara is often depicted with the symbols of her martyrdom, a torch or the sword with which her father executed her. In many statues and paintings, she holds only the palm of martyrdom and wears a crown, or the chalice and host, symbols of her unwavering faith. Other times, she is shown holding the tower in which her father imprisoned her — a three-windowed tower, as she had requested, one for each Person of the Holy Trinity.

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Saint Barbara

Saint Barbara became the patron saint of artillerymen. She is also traditionally the patron of armourers, military engineers, gunsmiths…

Another of the oldest symbols associated with Saint Barbara is the peacock feather, evoking immortality and apotheosis, as well as beauty. Some versions of the legend recount that during her torture, the rods used by her executioners turned into peacock feathers. Other recurring symbols linked to Saint Barbara include cannons and catapults, recalling her patronage of artillery, and the book, representing her scholarly life.

Last-minute Christmas gifts: unique gift ideas that bring joy both to those who give and to those who receive, for a truly special Christmas

Christmas should be a time of celebration and peace for everyone, yet the hectic world we live in, with its fast pace and endless commitments, often forces us to rush around trying to meet everyone’s needs, making us lose sight of the true spirit of the season. Very often, we find ourselves on the eve of Christmas still searching for the perfect gift for our loved ones—but there’s no need to worry. Even when time is short, there are still plenty of options to surprise and bring a smile to those we love. There are, in fact, many creative ideas for last-minute Christmas gifts, with suggestions for him and for her, as well as charity gifts to bring a little happiness to those spending a less fortunate Christmas than ours.

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Christmas gifts

Christmas gift ideas for him, for her, for the home…

On our blog, we have published several articles to help you choose your presents and also about the origin of the custom of giving gifts and the meaning behind exchanging presents at Christmas. This is a deeply rooted tradition that dates far back in time, long before Father Christmas and the consumerist frenzy of today. The custom of exchanging gifts among adults has ancient roots, dating back to the Romans, who, on New Year’s Day (1st January), would exchange consecrated twigs as a sign of good wishes for prosperity and abundance—these were called strenae.

Today, Christmas is a universal celebration of love and hope, and the exchange of gifts carries a profound meaning that often goes beyond the material value of the object itself. Presents symbolise the wishes of love and hope we want to share with those dear to us—an expression from the heart, a gesture that brings joy both to giver and receiver.

Let’s look at some ideas for last-minute Christmas gifts.

Customisable Bracelets

A lovely idea could be to give a customisable, modular bracelet. What are they? These are bracelets made of silver and rubber to which charms—usually in silver or thermo-ceramic, but also small dangling crosses, decorated links, or Murano glass beads—can be added.

These modular bracelets are suitable gifts for any occasion, and in our online store you’ll find a wide selection of charms, including those with symbols of faith. Personalised modular bracelets combine the beauty of jewellery with the meaning of the charms chosen, creating something unique that reflects the recipient’s personal taste. They are versatile, original pieces that allow the wearer to express their personality and style in a distinctive way.

The defining feature of these bracelets is that you can add or remove charms or pendants according to your taste and the meaningful events of your life. This flexibility makes them a perfect gift, as they can be personalised over time to match the recipient’s preferences and interests.

800 silver drop filigree cross pendant Buy on Holyart Green speckled Murano glass bracelet loop in 925 silver Buy on Holyart 925 silver shell bracelet charm loop Buy on Holyart 925 silver snake chain bracelet 16-19cm Buy on Holyart

Charitable Christmas Gifts

Choosing charity gifts for Christmas is an act of love and generosity—for both the giver and the receiver. Because Christmas should be a season of joy, sharing, and love, there is no better way to celebrate the Christmas spirit than by choosing gifts that give back. This ethical choice will not only bring happiness to those who receive the presents but will also have a positive impact on those who benefit from them.

At the heart of Christmas, we should think of giving not merely as a way to fulfil wishes or surprise friends and family, but as an act inspired by deep feelings of love, compassion, peace, respect for those who suffer, and care for our precious planet. Love for those closest to us is what drives us to search for the perfect gift—but it should also extend to love for humanity as a whole. This season offers us the opportunity to show affection and care not only to our loved ones but also to those in difficulty, those struggling to survive, and the less fortunate.

Caring for the environment is also an important part of choosing charity gifts. By selecting sustainable, handmade, or eco-friendly products, we help to protect our planet—a tangible sign of respect for the Earth we share with all living beings.

Monastery Product Hampers

Among Christmas gift ideas, gourmet treats are a must. In this case too, we recommend something original—such as a hamper composed by you with monastery products. You can choose from a wide variety of sweets, such as chocolate, jams, and candies, as well as olive oil, liqueurs and digestifs, herbal infusions, and teas—all made following ancient recipes passed down through monastic wisdom and using only natural ingredients.

In monasteries, tradition and dedication come together to create a wide range of high-quality products. Our store offers a selection of unique items from monasteries around the world—from beekeeping products such as honey, to liqueurs and wines, to essential oils, sweets, brandies, herbal remedies, and much more, each crafted with care.

As you may know, monasteries are renowned for producing exceptionally high-quality honey and beekeeping products. Honey, with its natural sweetness and health benefits, is just one of the treasures you can find. What could be a sweeter gift?

Monasteries are also famous for producing fine liqueurs, wines, brandies, and spirits. These drinks, often made according to ancient recipes handed down through generations, offer a taste of tradition and craftsmanship—perfect for convivial moments or as special gifts for a warm, flavourful Christmas shared with others.

For centuries, monastic herbalists have created herbal teas, preparations, and natural remedies to promote physical and mental wellbeing. These products offer a natural approach to health and can make a thoughtful gift for those we love.

And let’s not forget that monks and nuns carefully prepare handmade sweets, confections, and delicacies, often following secret ancient recipes. These delightful treats are the fruit of tradition, patience, and dedication.

Agios Jewellery

Giving religious jewellery at Christmas? An excellent choice! Whether you’re looking for gift ideas for her or for him, a religious gift can be both original and meaningful.

Agios religious jewellery, for example, represents outstanding Italian craftsmanship and makes a wonderful Christmas gift idea. The use of high-quality materials is one of the company’s pillars, resulting in the creation of unique religious pieces in silver and gold.

The deep roots of Italian artisanal tradition combine with religious faith, giving life to extraordinary creations that carry the meaning of the prayers engraved upon them. The wide collection of Agios religious jewellery includes gold, silver, and rose gold rings, each engraved in Latin with moving prayers. These pieces represent a perfect fusion of faith and fashion, allowing the wearer to express their spirituality with elegance and style.

Agios religious jewellery is designed to be worn in everyday life. Thanks to their versatile design, you can carry your faith with you at all times.

Sacred Heart pendant necklace Agios rose ruby ​​zircons Buy on Holyart Sacred Heart rosary necklace pave zircons purple Agios Buy on Holyart Agios rosary ring gold-plated 925 silver black zircons Buy on Holyart Agios cubic zirconia rose infinity bracelet Buy on Holyart

In the Nativity, Mary rests while Saint Joseph keeps watch. Here is the original depiction of the Nativity that moved Pope Francis and shows us a new face of the Holy Family.

Every year, the Nativity scene, with Mary holding the Baby Jesus in her arms or lovingly watching over him as he lies in the manger, while Saint Joseph stands slightly aside, watching over them, nurtures the spirituality and devotion of millions of people around the world during the Christmas season and beyond. But what happens if in the Nativity Mary is resting, and it is instead Saint Joseph who takes care of the little Jesus?

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Nativity sets

Nativity in wood, stone, cotton, porcelain…

A few years ago, Pope Francis recounted that he received, as a birthday gift, an original reproduction of the Nativity called Let’s Let Mum Rest. In this particular Nativity, unique in its kind, the Virgin Mary is peacefully asleep, with her head resting on a sack that serves as a pillow, while nearby Joseph cradles the Baby Jesus, who stretches sleepily, reaching his little hands into the air. In short, in this Nativity Mary rests, and Joseph plays the role of mum!

The Pope was deeply impressed and moved by this alternative Nativity and spoke about it during his catechesis. In particular, he focused on the simplicity and humanity of this representation, which, as much as or even more than many traditional Nativity scenes, expresses tenderness, as well as the everyday challenges within a family and marriage. Who, among those with children, does not remember how exhausting it can be to care for a newborn during the night, when mum and dad must take turns soothing the baby and getting some rest?

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Pope Francis

Pope Francis: a category dedicated to Pope Jorge Mario Bergoglio…

Thus, Let’s Let Mum Rest shows not only an alternative Nativity but also a new way of conceiving the Holy Family — not as frozen in roles defined and codified over the centuries, but as it truly was and is: a family, the family of all families. Made of roles, certainly, but roles that can be reversed, and made of domestic sweetness and harmony. These are the same sweetness and harmony that the Pope wished for everyone to bring into their own homes, during the Festive season and beyond. For Pope Francis, the Nativity is a domestic Gospel, an inspiration, an invitation to welcome the example of the Holy Family and bring into one’s home joy, closeness, shared daily concerns, and a deep, loving union in everyday life.

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Icon of the Holy Family with relief

A hand-painted icon depicting the Holy Family from Rumenia. The three people form a triangle, the symbol of perfection…

The Nativity is more important than ever today, in the hectic pace of everyday life, when it is difficult to find time for spirituality and what is truly important, essential. Setting up the Nativity in one’s home is therefore a way to open the door to Jesus, to let him enter our lives.

The image of the Virgin Mary resting while Joseph cares for Jesus gives us an extraordinarily modern image, as unusual as it is striking. If in this particular Nativity Mary is resting, this does not mean that her thoughts and heart are not entirely directed towards the Child she has just given life to. On the contrary, it was precisely that constant devotion, that effort of love, that exhausted her energy and forced her to seek rest. And it is beautiful to imagine Saint Joseph gently taking the little Jesus from her arms and, smiling tenderly at her, saying: “Go, rest a little, I will take care of everything.”

A man and a woman, a husband and wife, sharing the experience of the birth of their first child, and with it the immense, ineffable mystery of which God wanted them to be a part. After all, we must remember that Joseph and Mary could not have known anything about what would follow: the sermons, the miracles, the crowds praising and following Jesus throughout Judea. They lived a normal life, a daily routine made up of hard work, good moments and bad moments, but always shared, day after day, step by step. A daily life waiting for just one child to be complete.

In this married couple, who choose to reverse their roles and exchange responsibilities, the Pope, and we with him, cannot help but recognise a contemporary and human interpretation of the deeper meaning of the Nativity.

In our online store, several models of this splendid alternative Nativity are available, with Mary resting and Saint Joseph watching over Jesus.

Holy Family lying 20 cm composition in painted resin
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Holy Family set Navel colored porcelain 18 cm
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Holy Family statue Mary sleeping hand painted 10x15x10 cm
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