John B. Manos

A Catholic bishop in ceremonial robes blesses a seated man with a group of robed figures in an ornate, ancient-style room. The scene is depicted in black and white with detailed architectural elements.

FEBRUARY 25, 2026 – LENT DAY 8 – ST. TARASIUS.

By John B. Manos | February 25, 2026

Court superstar Tarasius gets elected patriarch only if icons get a council. Convenes Nicaea II, crushes iconoclasm, then blocks emperor’s divorce plot. Legend.

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A bearded man in robes and a halo walks with a staff through a rugged, mountainous landscape. The scene is depicted in black and white, evoking a biblical or religious theme.

FEBRUARY 24, 2026 – LENT DAY 7 – ST. MATTHIAS, APOSTLE.

By John B. Manos | February 24, 2026

Upper-room prayer huddle: 120 waiting for Pentecost. Peter calls the shot — replace Judas via holy lots. Matthias hits the jackpot and becomes Apostle #12.

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A black and white illustration of a saint in religious attire holding a shield, standing with a woman near a garden. The scene includes gardening tools and a cross in the background, suggesting themes of faith and labor.

FEBRUARY 23, 2026 – LENT DAY 6 – ST. PETER DAMIAN & ST. SERENUS

By John B. Manos | February 23, 2026

Orphan Peter survives cruel brother, monks up, becomes Cardinal who slaps simony and antipopes. Plus gardener Serenus: tells ladies “wrong hour, ladies,” gets falsely accused, then beheaded for Christ.

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A black and white illustration of a religious gathering with people in traditional robes around an altar. A priest, holding a staff, leads the group in prayer before a stone slab inscribed with "Altare Donum." People are kneeling and standing, engaged in worship."

FEBRUARY 22, 2026 – FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT – ST. PETER’S CHAIR AT ANTIOCH.

By John B. Manos | February 22, 2026

Peter skips straight to Antioch, plants the first big see, coins the word “Christians.” Today we celebrate that very Chair with the same joy as his martyrdom.

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A black and white illustration of Roman soldiers harassing a kneeling, robed man with a halo. The scene depicts the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, a Catholic saint, surrounded by armed men in ancient attire.

FEBRUARY 21, 2026 – LENT DAY 4 – ST. SEVERIANUS, MARTYR, BISHOP.

By John B. Manos | February 21, 2026

Empress-backed heretic floods Palestine with blood. Bishop Severianus alone refuses to kneel. Result? Hauled outside the city and butchered for loving two natures.

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A black and white illustration of a Catholic scene with people in medieval attire. A man carries an infant while others gather around a kneeling woman, possibly receiving blessings or aid. The setting appears to be an ancient church with columns and arches.

FEBRUARY 20, 2026 – LENT DAY 3 – ST. EUCHERIUS, BISHOP.

By John B. Manos | February 20, 2026

Born rich, dedicated to God at birth, ditches palace for abbey penance. Forced into bishop’s chair, tells off Charles Martel for robbing churches—gets exiled twice. Dies happy in prayer.

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A black and white illustration of a medieval Catholic lecture hall. A robed scholar stands at a podium, gesturing while speaking to an attentive audience of similarly dressed individuals. The room features ornate architecture with arches and columns, evoking a sense of historical academia and religious study.

FEBRUARY 19, 2026 – LENT DAY 2 – ST. BARBATUS, BISHOP.

By John B. Manos | February 19, 2026

Young priest Barbatus preaches to stubborn sinners who slander him out. Back in Benevento, he battles golden vipers and pagan trees—then becomes bishop and crushes them all.

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A black and white illustration of a biblical scene with several robed figures in an ancient city setting. A man points towards the sky, while others observe. The scene appears to depict a religious or prophetic moment in Catholic tradition.

FEBRUARY 18, 2026 – ASH WEDNESDAY – ST. SIMEON, BISHOP, MARTYR.

By John B. Manos | February 18, 2026

Dust to dust: Ash Wednesday smacks us with our end—empires crumble, beauty fades. Lent begins; repent or rust. St. Simeon at 120 crucified for Christ. Face facts.

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A black and white illustration of four religious figures in robes, one holding a cross, standing in an ancient architectural setting. One figure is pointing towards another who holds a book and staff. The scene appears to depict a religious or biblical event, likely from Catholic tradition.

FEBRUARY 17, 2026 – ST. FLAVIAN, BISHOP, MARTYR.

By John B. Manos | February 17, 2026

Elected patriarch, Flavian snubs the emperor’s bribe, condemns heresy—then gets beaten bloody by rivals at a rigged council. Dies in exile, faithful to Rome.

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A black and white illustration of a kneeling woman in ancient attire, arms outstretched, facing an open doorway. A robed figure stands nearby, holding a scroll. The scene appears to be set in an ancient Roman or early Christian context.

FEBRUARY 16, 2026 – BLESSED JOHN DE BRITTO, MARTYR. & ST. ONESIMUS, DISCIPLE OF ST. PAUL.

By John B. Manos | February 16, 2026

From royal page boy mocked for piety to Jesuit rebel who outran family drama and exile to convert Madura’s masses, until a vengeful queen’s fury beheaded him.

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