The 1st of January is the feast day of Saint Giuseppe Maria Tomasi, also known as Saint Joseph Mary Tomasi. He is the patron saint of the Catholic liturgy.
Saint Joseph Mary Tomasi lived between 1649 till 1713 and was born in Sicily to noble parents. He was drawn to God at an early age and was given a good Christian education. He entered the religious life in the Order of the Cleric Regular Treatine which was founded by Saint Cajetan, renouncing his inheritance and titles giving them to his brother. His parents also entered the religious life after their children grew up. Saint Joseph Tomasi was well known for his sanctity and became widely sought after. He was also well versed in multiple languages including Hebrew and converted his teacher, who was a Jewish Rabbi, to Christianity. He wrote on theology and his love for the Roman liturgy gained him the title of “Liturgical Doctor.” Some of his liturgical reforms he sought after were adopted in the 20th century. He taught catechisms to the children of his church and the congregants Gregorian chant. He died soon after being appointed a cardinal from pneumonia.
