Saint Justin de Jacobis commemorated on July 30

The Vincentian Family observes July 30 as the feast day of Saint Justin de Jacobis, the 19th‑century Italian bishop who spent two decades evangelising in Ethiopia. Liturgical texts for the celebration—including antiphons, prayers, readings and a responsorial psalm—have been released for use by the faithful.

Born in San Fele, Italy, in 1800, de Jacobis entered the Congregation of the Mission in 1818 and was ordained in 1824. Sent by the Holy See to Ethiopia in 1839, he served as apostolic prefect and later bishop, fostering the local clergy and seeking dialogue with the Coptic Church despite persistent persecution. He died in the desert of Aligadé in 1860 and was canonised by Pope Paul VI on 26 October 1975. The commemoration highlights his humility, missionary zeal and commitment to the Ethiopian Catholic community.