In a recent edition of Relevant in Rome, Rome Correspondent Ashley Noronha joined host Mark Swartzberg to discuss Pope Leo XIV’s latest catechesis, the Roman roots of St. Maximilian Kolbe, and an Italian tradition surrounding the Feast of St. Lawrence. Together, the topics offered a reminder that the Church’s calendar is meant to shape how Catholics live their faith throughout the year.

Noronha explained that during his Wednesday audience, Pope Leo encouraged Catholics to reconsider the meaning of the liturgical year. Rather than viewing it merely as a calendar of seasons, readings, and feast days, the Holy Father presented it as a means by which the faithful encounter the mysteries of Christ and His saving work.

At the center of this Christian understanding of time is Sunday. Each Sunday recalls the Resurrection and directs the faithful toward Christ’s return and the resurrection of the dead. It is therefore more than the conclusion of one week or preparation for another. Sunday gives the entire week its proper orientation toward God.

The Eucharist remains central to sanctifying the Lord’s Day. Pope Leo encouraged Catholics to consider whether their schedules and habits allow Sunday to retain its proper place for worship, rest, family, and communion with God. Noronha reflected that ordinary necessities remain part of Sunday, but Catholics can still ask whether the activities filling the day are truly life-giving and consistent with its sacred character.

The conversation then turned to St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose August 14 feast commemorates one of the great martyrs of the 20th century. While Kolbe is widely remembered for offering his life in place of another prisoner at Auschwitz, Noronha highlighted his important connection to Rome.

Kolbe arrived in the Eternal City as a young Franciscan in 1912, pursuing studies in philosophy and theology. During these formative years, his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary deepened considerably. In 1917, he founded the Militia of the Immaculata in Rome, an apostolate dedicated to bringing souls to Christ through consecration to Mary.

Kolbe was ordained a priest in Rome in 1918 and celebrated his first Mass the following day at Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, a church closely associated with the Marian conversion of Alphonse Ratisbonne. Noronha described how Catholics visiting Rome can still make a pilgrimage to sites associated with Kolbe’s priesthood and Marian apostolate.

Finally, Noronha and Swartzberg discussed the Italian observance of St. Lawrence’s August 10th feast. The date falls near the annual Perseid meteor shower, and Italians have traditionally called the shooting stars the “Tears of St. Lawrence,” recalling the martyrdom of the Roman deacon.

From Sunday Mass to saints’ feasts, Catholic life can transform the passage of time. Days and seasons become opportunities to remember Christ, honor His saints, and order daily life toward eternity.