St. Paul of the Cross, October 20
An Italian preacher, Paul Danei (1694-1775) founded the Passionists, devoted to preaching the suffering of Christ in missions to the poor. He was known for his long missions and his spiritual letters. He was canonized in 1867.
On the U.S. liturgical calendar, October 20 is an optional memorial: Saint Paul of the Cross, priest.
October 20 on the calendar
October 20 is the 293rd day of the year (the 294th in a leap year), with 72 days left until December 31. Here is the day of the week it falls on in the coming years:
| Year | Day |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | Friday |
| 2029 | Saturday |
| 2030 | Sunday |
Keeping October 20
October 20 falls in October, the month of the rosary. As an optional memorial, each parish or priest may choose whether to celebrate it. Families who keep name days often mark the day with a card, a candle or a favorite meal, and parishes named after the saint may hold a festival.
Saints of the week around October 20
| Date | Saint or feast |
|---|---|
| October 17 | St. Ignatius of Antioch |
| October 18 | St. Luke |
| October 19 | Sts. John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues and Companions |
| October 21 | St. Ursula |
| October 22 | St. John Paul II |
| October 23 | St. John of Capistrano |
The day before, October 19, is the day of Sts. John de Brébeuf, Isaac Jogues and Companions. The day after, October 21, belongs to St. Ursula. Looking for a name? Try the name day calendar or go back to today’s saint.