Saints

Saint Joseph Cafasso (1811-1860)

Saint Joseph Cafasso was born to peasant parents in Castelnuovo d'Asti, which is in the Piedmont region of Italy. He was ordained to the priesthood and became a popular professor of theology at the Institute of Saint Francis. Saint Joseph …

Saint John Nepomucene (1345-1393)

Saint John Nepomucene was a renowned preacher and a member of the 14th-century Bohemian court of King Wenceslaus IV. While at court, Saint John was a peacemaker and solved many arguments and disagreements. He was also the queen's confessor. When …

Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi (20th Century)

Two of the first people Pope John Paul II beatified in the new millennium were Luigi and Maria (Corsini) Beltrame Quattrocchi. They were an Italian couple who were married for forty-six years. They had four children, three of whom entered …

Blessed Julian of Norwich (c.1342-1420)

Julian of Norwich was an anchoress (from the Greek word for recluse) who lived a life of solitude and contemplation. Julian stepped away from worldly activity to spend her days contemplating God. As part of her daily life, she lived …

Saint Catherine Laboure (1806-1876)

From the time that she was a young child, Saint Catherine Laboure felt called to religious life. However, after her mother passed away, young Catherine was charged with taking care of the household, while her older sister joined a religious …

Saint Junipero Serra (1713-1784)

Junipero Serra was born in Majorca, Spain, in 1713, and was ordained a Franciscan priest in 1737. He spent most of his priestly life as a missionary in Mexico, Texas, and California. During his ministry Father Serra is believed to …

Blessed John Duns Scotus (c.1265-1308)

Blessed John Duns Scotus was part of a well-off family of farmers. He is referred to as "Duns Scotus" to specify where he was born--Scotland. He joined the Friars Minor at Dumfries, and began his studies after novitiate. In those …

Saint Columba (521-597)

Tradition tells us that Saint Columba was born in Donegal, Ireland. After completing his studies, Saint Columba was ordained to the priesthood, and devoted a large portion of his life to preaching throughout Ireland and Scotland. At the age of …

Saint Pothinus (87-177)

Saint Pothinus was the bishop of Lyons, France. When he was at the advanced age of 90 years old, he and his Christian companions were detained by an angry mob and brought to the magistrate for trial based on their …

Saint John of Cassian (360-435)

Saint John of Cassian was a monk and religious writer. He befriended and defended Saint John Chrysostom in Rome. After his defense, Saint John of Cassian was ordained to the priesthood and he established several monasteries in Europe. He is …

Saint Anastasia (d.304)

Saint Anastasia was a Roman of noble lineage. Her father was a pagan, but her mother, a Christian, had Saint Anastasia baptized as a baby and secretly raised in the Christian faith. Saint Anastasia married a man named Publius, who …

Pope Saint Gregory VII (c.1020-1085)

When Saint Gregory VII became pope, the corruption of the clergy had become a serious scandal to the faithful of the Church. Pope Gregory VII saw the need for reform, so he dismissed the members of the clergy who had …

Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon (d.1940)

The Seven Blessed Martyrs of Songkhon were seven Roman Catholics who were martyred in the village of Songkhon in northern Thailand. They were executed in December of 1940, in the midst of the Franco-Thai War, after being falsely accused of …

498 Spanish Martyrs (d.1934; d.1936; d.1937)

The Spanish Civil War began in 1936 and raged on until 1939. It was fought between the Republicans, who were loyal to the Spanish Republic, and the Nationalists, who opposed the Republicans and their persecution of Catholics. This period of …

Saints of the Cristero War (1926-1929)

The Cristero War, which took place between 1926 and 1929, was a rebellion against the anti-Catholic government in Mexico. This oppressive government was set on breaking down the Catholic faith of its people. Catholic institutions were shut down, foreign clergy …

Blessed Martyrs of Nowogrodek (d.1943)

The Blessed Martyrs of Nowogrodek are comprised of a group of Roman Catholic nuns from the Sisters of the Holy Family of Nazareth. These nuns were an important part of the town of Nowogrodek. During the oppressive occupation of Poland …

Saint Theophane Venard (1829-1861)

Saint Theophane Venard was brought up in a devout family. He was ordained to the priesthood and followed God's call to become a missionary to southeast Asia. Saint Theophane spent several months ministering to the faithful in Hong Kong, then …

Saint Pachomius (292-348)

Saint Pachomius joined the army when he was a young man. His unit was stationed in Thebes, Egypt. The Christians at Thebes showed the soldiers such great kindness that Saint Pachomius was inspired to convert to Christianity. After joining the …

Saint Marianne Cope (1838-1918)

Saint Marianne Cope was born in Germany, but emigrated to the United States when she was a young child. Her family settled in Utica, New York. When her father became too ill to work, Saint Marianne went to work in …

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690)

Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque lost her father at the tender age of eight years old. After his death, she was sent to the Poor Clares School. During this time, Saint Margaret Mary was afflicted with rheumatic fever and became confined …

Venerable Catherine McAuley (1778-1841)

Venerable Catherine McAuley was born to devout Catholic parents in Dublin, Ireland. Her parents lived out their faith by ministering to the needs of the poor. Sadly, Catherine's parents passed away, and she was sent to live with relatives. Catherine's …

Saint John Houghton (1486-1535)

Saint John Houghton graduated from the University of Cambridge with degrees in both civil law and canon law. He served as a parish priest for several years and then felt the call to become a Carthusian monk. Saint John became …

Saint Caesaria the Younger (c.465-c.530)

Saint Caesaria the Younger established a convent in 512, and served as its first abbess. Her convent became very popular, especially with women who had been widowed. Saint Caesaria's house soon expanded to include hundreds of sisters. She and her …

Saint Fulgence of Ruspe (c.465-533)

Saint Fulgence of Ruspe was a high-ranking Roman who was born in North Africa. He felt called to become a monk, even though his widowed mother opposed his decision. Saint Fulgence became abbot of his monastery, but had to flee …

Saint Gregory of Nyssa (c.330-c.395)

Saint Gregory of Nyssa was a member of a very holy family. His grandmother was Saint Macrina the Elder, his parents were Saint Basil and Saint Emmilia, his older brother was Saint Basil the Great, and his sister was Saint …

Saint Clement of Rome (d.101)

Saint Clement of Rome was a convert who was brought into the Christian faith by either Saint Peter or Saint Paul. He was selected to serve as bishop of Rome. Saint Clement penned a letter, known as Clement's First Epistle …

Saint Gianna Molla (1922-1962)

Saint Gianna Molla was born into a very devout family. She became involved in the St. Vincent de Paul Society and received degrees in medicine and surgery from the University of Pavia. Gianna opened a clinic where she specialized in …

Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390)

Saint Gregory of Nazianzus was a friend of Saint Basil the Great, and accepted his invitation to join him in monastic life at Basil's newly founded desert monastery. Saint Gregory enjoyed a life of prayerful solitude at the monastery, but …

Blessed Pope Pius IX (1792 - 1878)

Blessed Pope Pius IX was born Giovanni Maria Mastai-Ferretti. He was an intelligent and reverent young man who was afflicted with epilepsy. Giovanni attended Piarist College in Volterra, Italy, and then continued his studies in Rome. He wished to join …

Blessed John Henry Newman (1801-1890)

Blessed John Henry Newman spent the first half of his life as an Anglican. He was an important member of the Oxford Movement, which highlighted the Church's debt to the early Church Fathers, and opposed the complete subjectivity of the …

Saints Cyril and Methodius (d.869; d.884)

Saints Cyril and Methodius were brothers. They were raised in Thessalonica by a well-known Christian family. Because numerous Slavic peoples inhabited Thessalonica, Cyril and Methodius knew the Slavic language. The brothers joined the same monastery, but were summoned to become …

Saint Simeon of Thessalonica (d.1429)

Saint Simeon of Thessalonica is well known for his liturgical writings. His most famous work is "Against All Heresies." This tome is made up of two treatises: one regarding doctrine and another on the liturgy and Sacraments. We celebrate Saint …

Pope Saint John Paul II (1920-2005)

Saint John Paul II was born Karol Wojtyla in Wadowice, Poland. His mother, father, and older brother passed away before he turned 21. Karol attended Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland, but had to abandon his studies when World War II …

Saints Gabriel, Raphael, and Michael, Archangels

Angels are God’s messengers. They appear often in the Bible, but only these three are named. Gabriel is the most well-known, as he is the messenger who asks Mary, the young Jewish girl, to bear the Messiah. In the Scriptures …

Saint Benedict the Moor (1524-1589)

Saint Benedict was not a Moor; his name comes from the Italian phrase "il Moro," or "the Black One." He was granted freedom from slavery at the age of 18. Even though he was free, he continued to work for …

Saint Melito of Sardis (d.180)

Saint Melito of Sardis was a second-century exegete and apologist. He acted as bishop of Sardis, which was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Little is known of Saint Melito's life, but fragments of his ecclesiastical writings remain. …

Saint Clement of Alexandria (150-215)

Saint Clement of Alexandria taught at the famed Catechetical School of Alexandria. One of his students was the famous theologian and teacher, Origen. Saint Clement preached that Christians must live moral lives to attain perfection and, ultimately, God. He also …

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680)

Kateri Tekakwitha, born in present-day Auriesville, New York, to a Christian Algonquin mother and a non-Christian Mohawk chief, was the first Native American to be canonized. When she was four, smallpox killed her parents and younger brother and left her …

Servant of God Dorothy Day (1897-1980)

If changing the world seems impossible, get to know Dorothy Day. She was your age about a century ago, but her legacy of compassion lives on today. An earthquake rocked Dorothy’s family in 1906, and they moved to Chicago’s slums. …

Saint Elizabeth (1st century)

Most everything we know about Saint Elizabeth comes from the beginning of Luke’s Gospel. In it, Elizabeth is married to Zechariah, a priest of the Temple in Jerusalem. She is also the cousin of Mary, the Mother of Jesus. One …

Pope Saint John XXIII (1881-1963)

He was born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli in Italy. Later he became known as "Good Pope John." During his lifetime, the world experienced two World Wars, the rise of communism, and the Holocaust. In the Church, there was fear of the …

Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997)

Saint Mother Teresa was a woman of great faith. She was born Gonxha Agnes Bojaxhiu in 1910 in Skopje, Macedonia. At age 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto and took the name Teresa in honor of Saint Thérèse of …

Saint Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556)

Ignatius of Loyola was the youngest of 11 children of a noble family in Spain. As a young adult, his goal in life was to achieve fame and fortune. At the age of 30, he was seriously injured in a …

Saint Peter Chrysologus (d.450)

Born during the early fifth century, Saint Peter Chrysologus was appointed Bishop of Ravenna, a diocese located in northern Italy. As a young priest, Saint Peter Chrysologus quickly noticed that many of his parishioners unwittingly adhered to remnants of their …

Saint Martha (1st century)

The story of Saint Martha, and her profound friendship with Jesus and trust in his power, is found in the Gospels. Martha is first mentioned as the busy and frustrated hostess of Jesus and his followers. Poor Martha. She was …

Saint Leopold Mandic (1887-1942)

Saint Leopold Mandic, a Capuchin Franciscan, was born in Croatia in 1866. He was a man of unusually small stature, and suffered from numerous disabilities: arthritis, which often made it difficult for him to walk, speech impediments, which inhibited his …

Saint Pantaleon (d.303)

Saint Pantaleon was such a celebrated doctor that the Roman Emperor Galerius appointed him as his personal physician. Pantaleon's excessive involvement in the pagan court influenced him to deny his Christianity. He lived as a pagan for some time before …

Sts. Joachim and Anne (1st century)

According to an ancient Church tradition, Joachim and Anne are the names of Mary’s parents. While we do not know much about them, we do know they raised Mary to practice her faith and to be a strong and courageous …

Saint James (1st century)

Saint James and his brother Saint John the Apostle were two of Jesus' Twelve Apostles. Jesus first encountered James and John while they were fishing with their father. After joining Jesus, James and John were among Jesus' closest disciples. James …

Saint Adele (d.730)

Saint Adele was the daughter of King Dagobert II of Germany. She married and had a son, who would become the father of Saint Gregory of Utrecht. After the passing of her husband, and after she made arrangements to provide …

Saint Bridget (1303-1373)

Saint Bridget of Sweden was born in 1303 and from an early age experienced visions of the nativity, the crucifixion, and purgatory. These visions became well known and inspired artistic depictions. Married at age 14 to Magnus II, the King …

Saint Mary Magdalene (1st century)

Mary of Magdala ("Magdalene" indicates she was from the town of Magdala) is among the first and greatest saints who lived in the company of Jesus. Yet she came from a very troubled past. We are told that Jesus cast …

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi (1559-1619)

Saint Lawrence of Brindisi was born in 1559 in Brindisi, Kingdom of Naples, and died exactly 60 years later, on his birthday in 1619. Born to successful merchants who died while Saint Lawrence was young, he was raised and educated …

Saint Apollinaris (1st century)

Tradition teaches that Saint Apollinaris was sent to Ravenna by Saint Peter to preach the gospel. The pagans of the city were angered at Saint Apollinaris and allegedly attacked him before expelling him from the city. He then preached in …

Saint Justa (d.287)

Saint Justa and her sister, Saint Rufina, earned their living by selling pottery. One day, they received a very large order for pottery from a wealthy customer. The sisters discovered that the pots would be used for pagan rituals, and …

Saint Bruno of Segni (d.1123)

Saint Bruno joined the Benedictines when he was a young man. He was appointed Bishop of Segni by Pope Saint Gregory VII. Saint Bruno was a great defender of orthodox Church wisdom and ardently fought against simony and lay investiture. …

Saint Francis Solano (1549-1610)

Saint Francis Solano was born in Spain in 1549. He came from a prominent family and, as a student, once broke up a deadly duel. At the age of 20, Saint Francis joined the Franciscans, studied philosophy and theology, and …

Saint Marie Magdalen Postel (1756-1846)

Saint Marie Magdalen Postel was born in Barfleur, France. She established a school for young girls in her hometown when she was just 18 years old. When the school closed due to the French Revolution, Marie used the school building …

Saint Bonaventure (1221-1274)

Saint Bonaventure was born in 1221 in Italy. He was a prominent theologian and bishop and is now a Doctor of the Church. As a young child, Bonaventure was cured of a fatal illness through prayers to Saint Francis of …

Saint Camillus of Lellis (1550-1614)

Saint Camillus of Lellis was a big, burly man. He was "hasty of temper," and such a ferocious and bad gambler that he eventually lost everything he owned and had to go to work digging ditches and building houses. From …

Saint Henry II (972-1024)

Saint Henry II was born in 972 and was Holy Roman Emperor, King of the Germans, and King of Italy. He fought many battles and quelled many rebellions, and assisted Pope Benedict XIII in subduing uprisings in Rome. His ultimate …

Sts. John Jones and John Wall (c.1530-1598; 1620-1679)

John Jones was born during the murderous reign of Queen Elizabeth, who despised Catholics and sought to remove all remnants of Catholicism from England. As a young man, Saint John traveled to France to take his vows as a Franciscan. …

Saint Benedict of Nursia (c.480-547)

Much of what we know about Saint Benedict comes from legends, and their accuracy is debated by scholars. Legend holds that he was born in the mountains northeast of Rome, and that he fled the eternal city as a young …

Saint Veronica Giuliani (1660-1727)

Saint Veronica exhibited tremendous holiness and understanding, even as a young child. She regularly set aside portions of her food and clothes to give to the needy, and once, at only 18 months of age, reprimanded a dishonest shop owner. …

Sts. Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions (17th-20th centuries)

Between 1648 and 1930, 87 Chinese-born Catholics and 33 non-Chinese-born Catholics, mostly priests and women religious, were martyred by Chinese authorities. Many died during the Boxer Rebellion, in which Chinese citizens afraid of Catholic influence murdered thousands of Christians. The …

Sts. Gregory Grassi and Companions (d.1900)

In the late 1800s, Russia, France, Britain and Germany forced China to relinquish large portions of its territory. This heightened already powerful xenophobic elements in Chinese culture and resulted in an intense hatred of foreigners. Among others, missionaries became targets …

Saint Odo of Urgell (d.1122)

Saint Odo of Urgell was born into a noble family in Barcelona, Spain. He was a soldier in his early years, but gave his position up when he felt called to religious life. Odo was selected as Bishop of Urgell, …

Saint Maria Goretti (1890-1902)

Saint Maria Goretti was fatally wounded while fending off a rapist at the age of 12. She was born in Italy to a peasant family that was too poor to send the children to school. Maria never had the chance …

Saint Anthony Zaccaria (1502-1539)

Saint Anthony Zaccaria was born in Italy to a wealthy family. His father died when he was only two, and his mother, then only 18 years old, dedicated her life to raising and religiously educating her only son, Anthony. While …

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal (1271-1336)

Saint Elizabeth, born in 1271, is usually pictured with a dove or an olive branch in her hand, both symbols of peace. Elizabeth was the daughter of the king of Aragon. As a young person, she learned self-discipline and acquired …

Saint Thomas the Apostle (1st century)

Saint Thomas was one of Jesus' Twelve Apostles. He is perhaps most known for the following remark: “Unless I see the mark of the nails in his hands and put my finger into the nailmarks and put my hand into …

Saint Oliver Plunkett (1629-1681)

Saint Oliver Plunkett was born in Ireland in 1629 and educated for the priesthood in Rome. Ordained in 1654, Saint Oliver remained in Rome for a few years, working with the poor and teaching. He was then appointed as Archbishop …

Saint Gall (550-646)

Saint Gall was a well-known Irish missionary and a friend of Saint Columban. He was taught by Saints Columban and Comgall, and was one of the 12 who went with Saint Columban to proclaim the Good News in France. He …

Saint Bertrand of Le Mans (d.623)

Saint Bertrand was the Archdeacon of Paris and worked at the city's Cathedral School. He was later appointed Bishop of Le Mans, France. Bertrand was celebrated for the generosity and kindness that he showed to the poor. He established a …

Saint Peter (1st century)

Simon Peter came from obscurity to become one of our greatest saints and our first pope. He came from the village of Bethsaida, in the outback region of Galilee. He and his brother Andrew were humble fishermen when Jesus called …

Saint Irenaeus (c.130-c.202)

Saint Irenaeus was a second-century bishop in what is now Lyons, France. As a prolific writer, he was a key figure in the many controversies that developed as the early Church sought to clarify her Trinitarian faith. His most famous …

Saint Cyril of Alexandria (c.376-444)

Saint Cyril of Alexandria was born around 376 in Egypt. His uncle was the powerful Patriarch of Alexandria. Cyril received an unparalleled education in grammar, rhetoric and theology. After his uncle's death, Cyril became the Patriarch, or Pope, of Alexandria, …

Saint Anthelm (1107-1178)

Saint Anthlem was a priest who got entangled in Church politics. He pursued positions of authority to increase his own power, not to serve his people more effectively. When he visited the Carthusians, his views on what power meant changed, …

Saint William of Vercelli (1085-1142)

Saint William of Vercelli was orphaned as a baby and brought up by relatives. He decided to devote his life to God after he completed a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain at the age of 14. He lived …

Saint Rumold (d.775)

Saint Rumold was a monk in Ireland who was later appointed a bishop of Rome. He was martyred by two men whom he had criticized for their unrepentant sinful ways. Some remember Rumold as a bishop of Dublin and the …

Saint John Fisher (1469-1535)

Saint John Fisher was an academic who was associated with the intellectuals and politicians of his time. He acted as chancellor at the University of Cambridge in England and was elected bishop. John's scholarly background helped mold him into a …

Saint Thomas More (1478-1535)

Saint Thomas More is perhaps the most famous English saint because of the play and subsequent movie based on his life, A Man for All Seasons. Thomas More was an educated man who was also deeply religious. He considered becoming …

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (1568-1591)

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga was born to a wealthy Italian family in the late 1500s. Inspired by the lives of the saints and his love of prayer, Aloysius gave up a life of luxury and comfort to join the Society of …

Saint John of Pulsano (d.1139)

Saint John of Pulsano joined the Benedictines, but was disliked by his brothers because of his rigid severity and discipline. They thought that John was trying to outdo them or make them look bad to others. John left his monastery …

Saint Romuald (c.951-1027)

Saint Romuald felt a calling deep in his heart to live virtuously, but ignored the call in his youth. He spent many years devoted to the world and its pleasures. However, his life changed forever when he witnessed his father …

Saint Elizabeth of Schonau (c.1130-1164)

Saint Elizabeth of Schonau was brought up in a Benedictine monastery from the age of 12. She saw the monastery as her home and took her vows. Elizabeth was gifted with visions, prayerful ecstasies and prophecies, and she waged a …

Saint Teresa of Portugal (d.1250)

Saint Teresa was the daughter of the king of Portugal. She married her cousin and they lived happily, with the blessing of many children. After several years, their marriage was proclaimed invalid because the two were so closely related and …

Saint Lutgardis (1182-1246)

Saint Lutgardis never wanted to enter a convent. However, her supposed vocation in life of marriage and children changed when her dowry was lost in a bad business deal. Since her parents didn't think they could marry her off without …

Saint Germaine of Pibrac (1579-1601)

Saint Germaine of Pibrac was born with a withered hand. She was desperately poor, growing up on a farm in the French countryside. She was mistreated by her stepmother, fed on scraps, and forced to sleep in the stable. She …

Saint Joseph the Hymnographer (810-886)

Saint Joseph the Hymnographer was born in Sicily in 830, but had to flee his homeland due to an Arab invasion. He entered the monastery of Studium in Constantinople, but was again forced to flee when the iconoclast persecution broke …

Saint Anthony of Padua (1195-1231)

“Saint Anthony, Saint Anthony, please come around. Something is lost and needs to be found.” You might hear this rhyme when someone has lost something, like car keys. That’s because Saint Anthony of Padua is the patron saint of searchers …

Saint John of Sahagun (1419-1479)

Saint John of Sahagun was a priest, spiritual advisor, scholar, and preacher. He became an Augustinian friar and had prayerful visions, performed miracles, and had the gift of reading souls. He publicly denounced evil actions, which angered some townsfolk who …

Saint Barnabas (1st century)

Although Saint Barnabas was not one of the original Twelve Apostles, he became friends with Saint Paul and is considered an honorary Apostle. He was originally called Joseph, but was given the name Barnabas by the other Apostles, which means …

Saint Landericus (d.661)

Saint Landericus's deep love for God and the poor guided every action in his life. He was elected Bishop of Paris, and worked very hard to improve the lives of the poor in his diocese. He sold all of his …

Saint Ephrem (c.306-373)

Saint Ephrem was born around the year 306 and died in 373 at Edessa, called Urfa today, in Iraq. He was a famous theologian and writer, but he is best known for his musical writings--hymns, songs, and homilies--written to be …

Saint William of York (d.1154)

Saint William of York was born into a wealthy and powerful family in 12th-century England. It seemed like he would have an easy road to greatness, but family conflicts complicated things. William was appointed Archbishop of York. However, the joy …

Saint Gottschalk (d.1066)

Saint Gottschalk was a Christian prince of Wends, but he turned his back on his religion when his father was murdered by a Christian Saxon. Gottschalk spent some time serving in the army of Canute of Denmark. He became a …

Saint Norbert (1080-1134)

Saint Norbert of the Rhineland was knocked off his horse and had an epiphany. He "became a sincere penitent, gave away all of his property to the poor, established the Order of Premonstratensians, and accepted the dignity of the Archbishop." …

Saint Boniface (c.680-754)

Saint Boniface was a Benedictine monk from England who gave up being an abbot to work to convert the Germanic tribes. He was well-known for his orthodoxy to the Christian faith and his loyalty to the pope of Rome. When …

Saint Francis Caracciolo (1563-1608)

Saint Francis Caracciolo had a rare skin disease that resembled leprosy. When he was ordained a priest, the mysterious condition went away. He joined the White Robes of Justice, who ministered to condemned prisoners. He was mistakenly contacted by John …

Saint Kevin (c.498-618)

Saint Kevin's name in Gaelic was Coemgen, and he founded a monastery in the little valley called Glendalough. There are many stories of Kevin, perhaps the most famous of which is of a blackbird laying eggs in his hand. Kevin's …

Sts. Marcellinus and Peter (d.304)

Saint Marcellinus was a priest and Saint Peter was an exorcist. They were imprisoned for their Christian faith under the persecution of Diocletian, but did not lose their hope or zeal. In fact, they used their time in jail to …

Saint Justin Martyr (c.100-165)

Saint Justin was on a never-ending quest for religious truth. He was a pagan philosopher who converted to Christianity through Scripture study and witnessing the bravery and unwavering faith of martyrs. Justin found that Christianity answered questions about life better …

Saint Mechtildis (d.1160)

Saint Mechtildis was the daughter of a count and countess. Her parents built a monastery on their estate in Bavaria and placed Mechtildis there at the age of five. She became a Benedictine nun and was eventually appointed abbess. The …

Saint Joan of Arc (1412-1431)

Joan of Arc, while still in her teens, was burned at the stake because of her faith in God. She had been born into a peasant family in France, and was a child at the time of the Hundred Years' …

Saint Ursula Ledóchowska (1865-1939)

Today's saint began life as Julia, but took the name Ursula after becoming an Ursuline nun. She founded the Ursulines of the Sacred Heart, or Gray Ursulines, in 1906. Ursula translated and published a Finnish catechism, and relocated to Rome …

Saint Bernard of Montjoux (923-1008)

Saint Bernard of Montjoux was ordained a priest and spent over four decades doing missionary work in the Alps. He constructed schools, churches, and two hospices to help lost travelers. The men who ran the hospices became Augustinian canons regular …

Saint Augustine of Canterbury (d.605)

Saint Augustine of Canterbury and 40 monks were sent by Pope Saint Gregory the Great to spread the Good News to the Anglo-Saxons in England. When they heard of the ferocity of the Anglo-Saxons, they returned to Rome to seek …

Saint Philip Neri (1515-1595)

As a youth, Saint Philip Neri was instructed in the humanities by the Dominicans. When a family member was struggling with his business, Philip moved to San Germano to help him. While there, Philip would often disappear to a Dominican …

Saint Bede the Venerable (672-735)

Saint Bede was raised in the abbey of Saints Peter and Paul at Wearmouth-Jarrow in England. He became a Benedictine monk, and was a famous teacher and author. He was known as one of the most learned men of his …

Saint Vincent of Lerins (d.445)

Saint Vincent of Lerins was a soldier, but felt called to become a monk. He entered a monastery on the coast of southern France and was later ordained. His most famous written work is the Commonitorium, which determined between true …

Saint Julia (fifth century)

Saint Julia was born to a noble family in northern Africa. When she was a young girl, her city was taken over by barbarians. Julia was captured by the conquerors and sold as a slave to a pagan merchant. She …

Saint Rita of Cascia (1381-1457)

Saint Rita of Cascia showed an interest in religious life as a young woman, but was betrothed instead, at the wish of her parents. Rita bore her husband twin sons, but he was a violent and cruel man. Even though …

Saint Cristóbal Magallanes Jara (1869-1927)

Saint Cristóbal Magallanes lived at a time when there was a very anti-Catholic government in Mexico. The government had forced churches, schools, and seminaries to close. They also banished the foreign clergy. Cristóbal established a secret seminary in Jalisco. He …

Saint Bernardino of Siena (1380-1444)

Saint Bernardino was a Franciscan who was a great preacher, traveling from town to town on foot, often preaching for hours to great crowds. He was a leader of his order and established schools of theology for his monks. Even …

Saint Theophilus of Corte (d.1740)

Saint Theophilus was born in Corte, Italy, and given the name Biagio Arrighi. When he as a young man he felt called to enter religious life and joined the Franciscans, taking the name Theophilus. He exhibited a great passion for …

Saint John I (d.526)

Saint John I was elected pope at a time when Italy's ruler, Theodoric the Goth, supported the Arian heresy. However, Theodoric tolerated Catholics during his reign. Theodoric underwent a change though, and became suspicious of everyone, visualizing plots to seize …

Saint Paschal Baylon (1540-1592)

Saint Paschal Baylon was born to humble and pious peasants. From a young age, he showed a great devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. As a lad, he worked as a shepherd. He was extremely honest, even offering to compensate owners …

Saint Brendan (d.577)

Saint Brendan was from Tralee, on the west coast of Ireland. Brendan famously sailed with 60 of his friends in tiny boats to find the Isles of the Blessed in the roaring Atlantic Ocean. Scholars now think that Brendan actually …

Saint Hallvard (c.1020-c.1043)

Saint Hallvard was a brave young man of faith--both faith in God and faith in innocence. One day Hallvard was preparing to cross a fjord in a boat, when a woman falsely accused of theft ran up to him. Hallvard …

Saint Matthias (1st century)

For years Matthias followed Jesus. He was with him from the time John the Baptist baptized Jesus until Jesus ascended into heaven. It wasn’t until after the Ascension that the Apostles selected him to replace Judas. (Taken from "Take Ten: …

Saint John the Silent (454-558)

When Saint John the Silent's parents died, he used his inheritance to construct the Church of the Most Holy Mother of God. By the time he reached 20, he had established a monastery for himself and 10 of his young …

Saint Epiphanius of Salamis (c.310-403)

Saint Epiphanius of Salamis was a man of many and great accomplishments. He was the founder of a Christian monastery while still very young, and served as abbot at that monastery for 30 years. He was then elected bishop in …

Saint Ignatius of Laconi (1701-1781)

Saint Ignatius of Laconi was born to a poor farm family. At 17, he became severely ill. He made a promise to God that, if he was cured, he would devote his life to being a Franciscan. He was cured, …

Saint Damien Joseph de Veuster of Moloka'i (1840-1889)

Damien was a farm boy in Belgium who had to quit school as a teenager. Eventually he became a priest and volunteered to go to a remote island in Hawaii where people with the terrible disease of leprosy were isolated. …

Saint Catherine of Bologna (1413-1463)

Saint Catherine was born in Bologna, Italy. She had a great love for the arts. Her noble lineage allowed her to be educated at court, where she became interested in painting. After her education, Catherine joined the Poor Clares. She …

Saint Peter of Tarentaise (1102-1175)

Saint Peter was the abbot at a Cistercian monastery. He replaced a very corrupt bishop when he was appointed archbishop of Tarentaise. He accepted his new position with enthusiasm and eagerness. Peter reformed his archdiocese, replaced corrupt clergy, and ministered …

Saint Rose Venerini (1656-1728)

Saint Rose Venerini was engaged to be married, but joined a convent upon the death of her fiance. Shortly thereafter, her father also passed away, and Rose returned home to comfort and care for her mother. While at home, Rose …

Saint Eadbert (d.698)

Saint Eadbert lived as a monk at Lindisfarne Abbey in Ireland. The other monks admired his deep personal holiness, vast knowledge of the Bible, and charity towards the poor. In fact, Eadbert gave the poor one-tenth of his possessions each …

Saint Hilary of Arles (d.449)

Saint Hilary of Arles was born into an aristocratic family. He had a tough decision to make: strive for a secular career or enter into religious life. With the persuasion and guidance of a family member, Saint Honoratus, Hilary chose …

Saint Florian (d.304)

Saint Florian was an officer in the Roman army. He was a Christian, but kept his faith a secret for fear of persecution. Even though he kept it hidden, Florian's faith was so strong that he saved an entire town …

Saint Philip (1st century)

Saint Philip was one of the Twelve Apostles. He is said to have been young and shy, but practical as well. He was with Jesus when he performed the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes. He was …

Saint Athanasius (c.297-373)

Saint Athanasius was one of the Church's most dedicated soldiers against Arianism. His strong defense against this heresy did not sit well with some, and he was sent into exile five times. However, Athanasius kept persevering for what he knew …

Saint Joseph the Worker (1st century)

Saint Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Joseph was a just and compassionate man, and protected Mary from shame when he discovered that she was pregnant, even though he did not understand that …

Saint Pius V (1504-1572)

Saint Pius V was elected pope in 1566. During his papacy, he was given the arduous task of reforming and reuniting a shaken and scattered Church. The Church had been badly beaten and bruised by corruption, the Reformation, the threat …

Saint Catherine of Siena (1347-1380)

Catherine of Siena lived during a time of conflict between dozens of Italian city-states as well as a time of leadership problems in the Church. She mediated between warring cities, ministered to sick people, and was a mystic, someone unusually …

Saint Zita (1212-1272)

Saint Zita "showed a marked tendency to do God's will whenever it was pointed out to her by her mother." She was a maid for 50 years in a weaver's house in Lucca, and gave away her food and the …

Saint Richarius (d.645)

Saint Richarius was born a pagan, but converted to Christianity after boarding two Irish missionaries who were in hiding from non-Christian townsfolk. After his conversion, Richarius was ordained a priest and traveled across the country spreading the Good News of …

Saint Mark (1st century)

Mark was a disciple of Saint Peter. An early Church tradition says that Mark wrote the earliest Gospel, a Gospel full of little details that the author may have learned from Peter. Peter’s first epistle reminds us to not be …

Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen (1577-1622)

Today's saint began life as Mark Roy, a philosophy teacher and lawyer. He became disenchanted with the corruption of the legal system and became a priest. He joined the Capuchin branch of the Franciscans and changed his name to Fidelis. …

Saint George (d.303)

Saint George has a very famous and fanciful legend associated with him. The legend goes that Saint George, a Christian knight, came upon the town of Sylene while on a quest for adventure. When he arrived in the town, he …

Saint Opportuna (d.770)

Saint Opportuna was born near Hyesmes, Normandy. Her brother, Saint Chrodegang, became the bishop of Seez. Opportuna felt God's call to enter religious life and joined a Benedictine convent at Monteuil. Opportuna lived a life of great humility, obedience, prayer, …

Saint Anselm (1033-1109)

Even though Saint Anselm brushed religion aside as a young man, he embraced it in his later years. He became one of the Church's most important theologians and leaders. He was named "Father of Scholasticism" for trying to examine and …

Saint Agnes of Montepulciano (1268-1317)

Saint Agnes entered the convent of Montepulciano at the age of nine, after badgering her parents for admittance from the time she was six. When Agnes's spiritual advisor was appointed abbess at Procena, she brought Agnes with her to her …

Saint Leo IX (1002-1054)

Legend tells us that when Saint Leo IX was born he was covered with small red cross markings. It is believed that he had these markings because his mother fervently meditated on the Passion while she was pregnant. Leo was …

Saint Galdinus (d.1176)

Saint Galdinus was the archdeacon to Archbishop Hubert of Milan in the 12th century. Galdinus stood by the pope of Rome during the schism of 1159. He was forced into exile when Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa sacked the city in …

Saint Stephen Harding (d.1134)

Saint Stephen Harding was placed in an abbey when he was a young boy, but left it to pursue the life of a traveling scholar. He believed that God wanted him to establish a monastery, and eventually founded one with …

Saint Bernadette Soubirous (1844-1879)

Most people recognize Saint Bernadette for the 18 apparitions of Mary she witnessed as an adolescent in Lourdes, France, in 1858. The visions are an important part of her faith story, but she was not canonized for seeing apparitions alone. …

Saint Hunna (d.679)

Not much is known about Saint Hunna. In fact, some say that her name is Huva. She was born in the seventh century in Alsace. She was the daughter of a duke, and she married a nobleman. Hunna was an …

Saint Benezet (d.1184)

Saint Benezet was a shepherd by trade, but was called by God to do something very different with his life. During an eclipse, he heard a voice from above requesting that he build a bridge over the Rhone River in …

Saint Martin I (d.655)

Saint Martin I became pope at a time when the emperor and patriarch of Constantinople closely cooperated with each other. This support often fueled the struggles that were going on within the Church. A teaching that enjoyed strong support in …

Saint Teresa of the Andes (1900-1920)

From a young age, Saint Teresa showed a great devotion to Christ. Inspired by the autobiography of Saint Thérèse de Lisieux, she became a Carmelite nun at Los Andes in 1919. Teresa found great joy in her simple lifestyle and …

Saint Stanislaus (1030-1079)

Saint Stanislaus was born into a noble family near Krakow, Poland. When his parents passed away, Stanislaus gave away his inheritance to the poor. Stanislaus soon became a noted preacher and a popular spiritual advisor. He was an effective reformer …

Saint Bademus (d.376)

Saint Bademus was a wealthy Persian noble. He founded a monastery in Bethlapeta, Persia, on his estates. He practiced numerous penances and spent many nights in prayer. Bademus, along with seven other monks of the monastery, were incarcerated for their …

Saint Casilda (d.1050)

Saint Casilda was the daughter of a Muslim leader in Toledo, Spain. Even though she was brought up in the Muslim religion, Casilda showed a special compassion for Christian prisoners. When she became ill, she did not believe that any …

Saint Julie Billiart (1751-1816)

Saint Julie Billiart was poorly educated, compared to other school children, but was highly educated in her Christian faith. She had her catechism memorized by the time she was seven years old. Instead of running around and playing, Julie spent …

Saint John Baptist de La Salle (1651-1719)

Saint John Baptist de La Salle was born to a wealthy family in northern France at a time when education was reserved for the rich. He was ordained a priest in 1678, and got involved in teaching almost by chance. …

Saint William of Eskilsoe (c.1125-1203)

Saint William of Eskilsoe was a renowned reformer and missionary. He was born in Saint-Germain, France, and acted as a canon at the Church of Saint Genevieve in Paris. William's reputation for holiness and discipline was so well known that …

Saint Vincent Ferrer (c.1350-1419)

Saint Vincent Ferrer joined the Dominican Order in Spain at the age of 19. A bright student, he was ordained into the priesthood and became prior of his Dominican house in Valencia. Vincent was alive during a troublesome time for …

Saint Isidore of Seville (c.560-636)

Saint Isidore of Seville is celebrated as a bright scholar, but he hated schoolwork as a young man. One day, he noticed a timeworn stone well. He observed the grooves worn into the walls of the well by the persistent …

Saint Agape (d.304)

Saint Agape, along with her sisters Saint Chionia and Saint Irene, was accused of possessing sacred scriptural texts during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. At the time, possessing these materials was a crime punishable by death. During their trial, the …

Saint Francis of Paola (1416-1507)

Saint Francis made pilgrimages to Rome and Assisi in his teens. He was so inspired by these trips that he became a hermit, living in a cave near Paola, Italy. Before he turned 20, he already had many followers. His …

Saint Hugh of Grenoble (1052-1132)

Saint Hugh was a very devout Christian who became the bishop of Grenoble, France. Hugh's first few years as bishop were not easy. He had to deal with a lot of corruption in his diocese, including the buying and selling …

Saint Stephen of Mar Saba (d.794)

Saint Stephen of Mar Saba was introduced to the monastic lifestyle at age 10 by his uncle, Saint John Damascene. When he turned 24, Stephen began to serve the monastery by doing a number of jobs. After a time, he …

Saint Peter Regalado (1390-1456)

Saint Peter Regalado was only 13 when he entered the Franciscan Order in his hometown of Valladolid, Spain. After several years, he decided to transfer to the more simplistic and rigorous monastery at Tribulos. While at this monastery, Peter was …

Saint Gwynllyw (450-500)

When Saint Gwynllyw proposed marriage to Saint Gladys, her father was less than enthusiastic. When he refused to allow the union, Gwynllyw kidnapped Gladys and the two became bandits on the run. Eventually, they met a priest who convinced them …

Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem (d.450)

Saint Hesychius of Jerusalem was a priest and monk who penned the history of the Church, which has unfortunately been lost to time. Apart from writing the Church's history, Hesychius also documented many major issues of his time, including the …

Saint Braulio (590-651)

Saint Braulio was a bright scholar who was educated at the college in Seville, Spain, which was founded by Saint Isidore. He and Isidore became good friends and they collaborated together to pen the Etymologies. Braulio was also an advisor …

Saint Dismas (1st century)

Saint Dismas was one of the thieves who was crucified alongside Jesus. The other crucified thief is traditionally known as Gestas. Dismas is known as the "Good Thief" because he reprimanded Gestas for a rude comment that he made to …

Saint Catherine of Sweden (1331-1381)

Saint Catherine of Sweden was one of eight children. Her mother was Saint Bridget of Sweden. She had an arranged marriage at the age of 13 to a religious German noble. On their wedding night, both Catherine and her husband …

Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo (1538-1606)

Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo was a brilliant lawyer, scholar, and professor. When the archdiocese of Lima, Peru, needed a new bishop, Turibius was chosen to fill the position. Even though he was a layman, he possessed the holiness and personal …

Saint Nicholas Owen (d.1606)

Saint Nicholas Odoenus, or Nicholas the Builder, is legendary even now after four centuries for his extraordinary skill in building hiding places for priests during the worst savagery of anti-Catholicism in England under the dreaded Penal Laws (which bloodied Ireland …

Saint Nicholas of Flue (1417-1487)

Saint Nicholas of Flue was born in 1417 and was a soldier. At age 30 he married, and he and his wife, Dorothy, had 10 children. At age 50 he told his wife that he had heard God's call to …

Saint Cuthbert (c.636-687)

Saint Cuthbert was orphaned at a young age, worked as a shepherd, possibly engaged in battle against the Mercians, and became a monk at Melrose Abbey in Scotland. He engaged in missionary work and activities that attracted large crowds. When …

Saint Joseph the Husband of Mary (1st century)

Saint Joseph was the husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus. Joseph was a just and compassionate man, and protected Mary from shame when he discovered that she was pregnant, even though he did not understand that …

Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (c.315-386)

Saint Cyril, the archbishop of Jerusalem, was caught up in a heated controversy. He was accused of insubordination and selling Church property, even though he used the money to assist the poor. Even though helping the poor is very important, …

Saint Julian of Antioch (d.305)

Saint Julian of Antioch was born in what is today Turkey. He was a high-ranking Christian during the persecutions of Diocletian. He was arrested and exhibited in neighboring cities. He was publicly tortured to influence Christians to renounce their faith. …

Saint Louise de Marillac (1591-1660)

Saint Louise de Marillac felt called to become a nun, but was advised by her confessor to marry instead. Louise was happily married for 12 years before her husband fell ill and died. She and her husband had one child, …

Saint Leobinus (d.558)

Saint Leobinus was a hard worker who yearned for knowledge. The son of peasants, Leobinus worked in the fields as a youth. Yearning to quench his thirst for knowledge, he traveled to a monastery at Noailles, France, where he worked …

Saint Euphrasia (380-410)

Saint Euphrasia was born into the Roman nobility. When her father died, she and her mother became charges of the emperor. When she was five years old, Euphrasia was betrothed. Shortly after her betrothal, she and her mother moved to …

Saint Maximilian of Theveste (d.296)

Maximilian was the son of a Roman soldier. At age 21 he was brought to court and ordered to be enrolled as a soldier--such was the law of the empire. "I refuse to accept military service," he said. "My army …

Saint Aengus (d.824)

Saint Aengus lived the solitary and prayerful life of a hermit near the river Nore. It is said that he spoke with angels on the bank of the river. Word of Aengus's holiness spread and he was soon bombarded with …

Saint John Ogilvie (1579-1615)

Saint John Ogilvie converted to the Catholic faith when he was 17. He joined the Jesuit order and became a missionary in Scotland, despite heavy persecution. John enjoyed a great deal of success in bringing people back to the faith. …

Saint Frances of Rome (1384-1440)

Saint Frances, a wealthy young woman, had many responsibilities as a wife and mother. But when the plague struck Rome, she used all her money and sold her possessions to buy whatever the sick needed. In its cruelty, the sickness …

Saint John of God (1495-1550)

Saint John of God was a very enthusiastic person. When he got an idea in his head, he acted on it in a big way. John stopped practicing his Christian faith during a stint with the military. Once he realized …

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity (d.203)

Saint Paul urged the Philippians not to worry over the things that make us anxious, but rather to rejoice and let God’s peace fill us. Two early Christian women, Perpetua and her slave Felicity, are the ultimate examples of that …

Saint Colette (1380-1447)

Saint Colette was orphaned at age 17. She was called to serve God through religious life and entered the Third Order Rule, where she was appointed anchoress. As anchoress, Colette was enclosed in a small room where the only opening …

Saint John Joseph of the Cross (1654-1739)

Saint John Joseph of the Cross exhibited such strong piety and devotion at a young age that he joined the Franciscans in Naples when he was only 16. His reputation for holiness provoked his superiors to give him the duty …

Saint Casimir (1461-1484)

A teenager leading an army? That is part of the life story of Saint Casimir. He became a conscientious objector after seeing how poorly his soldiers were treated. A serious and prayerful young man, he decided never again to be …

Saint Katharine Drexel (1858-1955)

Katharine Drexel, also known as Mother Drexel, was the daughter of a wealthy Philadelphia banker. She devoted her life and her considerable inherited wealth to serving the poor. At the age of 30, she joined the Sisters of Mercy and …

Saint Agnes of Bohemia (d.1282)

Saint Agnes of Bohemia was born a princess and was related to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. She decided at a young age that she wanted to enter religious life, but was still promised into many arranged marriages for political reasons. …

Saint David of Wales (520-589)

Saint David of Wales was a priest, missionary, and monk. He established several monasteries and was known for his simple lifestyle. After attending a synod, his fellow monks were so impressed by his expressiveness and clarity that they elected him …

Saint Oswald of Worcester (d.992)

Saint Oswald was the nephew of the archbishop of Canterbury. The archbishop played a crucial role in Oswald's early life, raising and educating him. Oswald decided to travel abroad to France to further his education. While in France, he felt …

Saint Romanus of Condat (d.460)

Saint Romanus felt called to a life of quiet prayer and focused spirituality. At the age of 35, he traveled to the Jura Mountains between Switzerland and France to live as a hermit. He enjoyed his life of quiet solitude, …

Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows (1838-1862)

Gabriel Possenti of Italy was born in 1838 and died in 1862 at only 24 years old. He was a passionate priest who was canonized whirlwindingly soon, comparatively, in 1920. "His devoted life, full of cheerful humility, was ordinary and …

Saint Porphyry of Gaza (d.420)

Saint Porphyry of Gaza was a fourth-century Macedonian who was a hermit by the Jordan River. When he inherited some money, he gave it all away to the poor, went to work as a shoemaker in the great vast teeming …

Saint Tarasius of Constantinople (c.730-806)

Saint Tarasius of Constantinople was given the high honor of acting as consul and secretary of state to Emperor Constantine IV and his mother, Empress Irene. Although he held positions of prestige and power, he led the simple life of …

Saint Montanus (d.259)

Saint Montanus was martyred along with Flavian, Julian, Lucius, Victoricus, and five other companions under the persecution of Valerian. Montanus and his fellows were disciples of Saint Cypiran of Carthage. The 10 companions did not waver in or deny their …

Saint Polycarp (c.69-c.155)

Saint Polycarp was a friend, convert, and disciple of Saint John the Apostle. He was also a prominent Christian leader in the first half of the second century. Because of Polycarp's level head and leadership skills, he was chosen by …

Saint Margaret of Cortona (1247-1297)

Saint Margaret of Cortona was born to a farmer. Her mother died when she was young, and, feeling rejected and unwanted, she ran away with a young nobleman. She gave birth to his son and lived as his mistress for …

Saint Peter Damian (1007-1072)

Saint Peter Damian was very young when he was orphaned and sent to live with his brother. However, his brother mistreated him so badly that he went to live with his other brother, Damian, who was a priest in Ravenna, …

Saint Wulfric (d.1154)

Saint Wulfric was an ordained priest, but continued to live a life that was dominated by parties with neighboring nobles and hunting excursions. After a chance meeting with a humble beggar, Wulfric realized the error of his ways and was …

Saint Conrad of Piacenza (c.1290-1351)

Saint Conrad of Piacenza was born into a noble family and married the daughter of a nobleman. One day, while Conrad was out on a hunting trip, he ordered his guides to set fire to a pile of brush in …

Saint Flavian of Constantinople (d.449)

Saint Flavian was the patriarch of Constantinople around the year 446. He received harsh treatment from the imperial court when he declined to bribe Emperor Theodosius II to keep his position, and made Theodosius's sister a deaconess against the emperor's …

Saint Alexis Falconieri (1200-1310)

Saint Alexis Falconieri was one of the seven founders of the Servants of Mary, or Servite Order. Alexis and six friends joined the Confraternity of the Blessed Virgin in 1225. As they were assembled on the Feast of the Assumption …

Saint Onesimus (1st century)

Saint Onesimus was the slave of two Colossian Christians, Saints Philemon and Apphia. While enslaved, Onesimus committed a crime and escaped punishment from his masters by running away to Rome. While in Rome, he met Saint Paul, who baptized him …

Saint Claude la Colombière (1641-1682)

Saint Claude la Colombière heard God's call early on to join religious life. He joined the Jesuits, and was educated in Lyons, France, at a Jesuit college. Claude had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred …

Saint Valentine (d.269)

Saint Valentine was a priest in Rome. He helped prisoners who were awaiting martyrdom during the persecution under Claudius II. During his ministry, he was seized and ordered to deny his faith in Christ. Valentine refused, and was sentenced to …

Saint Catherine de Ricci (1522-1590)

Saint Catherine de Ricci exhibited a great love of prayer and a deep devotion to Jesus from a very young age. When she was six years old, her father allowed her to join the convent of Monticelli in Florence, where …

Saint Julian the Hospitaller (unknown)

Saint Julian the Hospitaller married a wealthy widow. While hunting in the woods, a deer predicted that Julian would kill his parents. Greatly troubled by this premonition, Julian and his wife moved far away from his family. One day, while …

Saint Paschal (d.824)

Saint Paschal studied at the Lateran Basilica in Rome and became a Benedictine monk. He was put in charge of Saint Stephen's Monastery, which was near the Vatican and accommodated pilgrims to Rome. Paschal succeeded Pope Stephen IV, and was …

Saint Scholastica (480-c.543)

Saint Scholastica shared a love of God and a vocation to religious life with her twin brother, Saint Benedict. The twins established religious communities within five miles of each other. Scholastica and Benedict met once a year in a neighboring …

Saint Ansbert (d.695)

Saint Ansbert was chancellor to King Clotaire III of France. As chancellor, and a member of the court, Ansbert enjoyed a life of luxury and influence. However, he did not feel that he was fully serving God in his position, …

Saint Josephine Bakhita (1868-1947)

In 1869, in a small village in the Sudan, in Africa, Bakhita (the “fortunate one” in a Sudanese language) was born. At the age of nine, she was kidnapped and sold into slavery. During her teenage years, she experienced unspeakable …

Saint Theodore Stratelates (d.319)

Saint Theodore Stratelates was a Christian general during a time of persecution. When his faith was exposed, a military panel concluded that he was a respectable soldier who had simply made the mistake of becoming a Christian. They told him …

Saint Paul Miki (d.1597)

Saint Paul Miki felt called to religious life as a young man. He was educated by the Jesuits and entered their order. He became a very successful preacher and evangelist. When Japan's political climate became unfriendly to Christianity, Paul was …

Saint Agatha (d.251)

Saint Agatha's story is similar to the story of Saint Agnes. She was born into a wealthy family, and was well-known for her beauty. Agatha consecrated her life and her virginity to God, and rejected suitors who wished to marry …

Saint Joseph of Leonessa (1556-1612)

Saint Joseph was born in Leonessa, Italy, and felt called to religious life. He joined the Capuchins in his home town, and began living a life of simplicity and penance. He went without large meals and accommodating living quarters, and …

Saint Blaise (d.316)

Reliable historical sources are slim on the life of Saint Blaise. He is believed to have been a doctor who was ordained a priest and then was consecrated a bishop. The most famous legend surrounding Blaise is that he healed …

Saint Joan de Lestonnac (d.1640)

Saint Joan de Lestonnac was born in Bordeaux, France, in 1556. She was happily married with four children, until her husband tragically passed away. After his passing, Joan singlehandedly ran her home and estate. When her children were grown and …

Saint Brigid of Ireland (c.452-524)

Saint Brigid was the daughter of an Irish king and a Christian slave woman. She was known for her joy, kindness, and compassion toward the poor. Brigid could not stand to see anyone suffering, so she frequently gave away her …

Saint John Bosco (1815-1888)

John Bosco was an educator who started schools and eventually a religious order called the Salesians. Saint John Bosco believed in educating the whole person, not just the mind but also the body and the soul. Though he trained young …

Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti (1585-1640)

When Saint Hyacintha of Mariscotti's younger sister married before she did, she became so jealous that she made herself, as well as her family, miserable. Her actions became so intolerable that her family sent her off to a Franciscan convent. …

Saint Gildas the Wise (c.500-570)

Saint Gildas the Wise was cared for and educated at a monastery. He became friends with many exceptional men who would one day become saints, and he excelled in the classroom. Gildas became a monk, and moved to Ireland to …

Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

Saint Thomas Aquinas is one of the greatest theologians in the history of the Church. His mind was so keen that it is reported that he could dictate to four scribes at the same time--each scribe working on a different …

Saint Angela Merici (1470-1540)

As a young woman, Saint Angela Merici felt called to life in a religious order and became a member of the Third Order of Saint Francis. In the order, she lived a very simple life, owning nothing. It greatly troubled …

Saint Timothy (1st century)

Saint Timothy was born to a Greek father and a Jewish mother. His grandmother, Lois, was the first member of the family to convert to Christianity. Timothy converted to the faith through the ministry of Saint Paul, and joined him …

Saint Paul (1st century)

Saint Paul, or Saul, as he was called before his conversion, put extreme energy and vigor into everything that he did. Starting out, that vigor went toward the persecution of Christians. He was so passionate about his persecutions that he …

Saint Francis de Sales (1567-1622)

Saint Francis de Sales was bishop of Geneva, Switzerland, and is known as a Doctor of the Church. Saint Francis lived a simple life and had a deep love for the poor and the sick. He was well known for …

Saint John the Almoner (d.619)

Saint John's early life is one that many of us can relate to. He married, became a father, and lived a normal life with his family. Sadly, disease took his wife and child. After this tragedy, John felt called to …

Saint Agnes (d.304)

Saint Agnes made a pledge to God, whom she called her heavenly Spouse, that she would remain a consecrated virgin throughout her life. Agnes was very beautiful, and many young men wanted to marry her. In order to keep her …

Saint Fabian (d.250)

Saint Fabian was a farmer near Rome who traveled into the city one day as the clergy and townspeople were getting ready to elect a new pope. Tradition tells us that when Fabian arrived to watch the election a dove …

Saint Wulfstan (d.1095)

Saint Wulfstan was a devout young man. He joined the Benedictines at Worcester in England and instructed children in the catechism, served as treasurer and prior, and was eventually elected bishop. He showed incredible skill and devotion to his position …

Saint Charles of Sezze (1613-1670)

Saint Charles was born in Sezze, which is southeast of Rome. He was inspired to join the Franciscans and held small, humble jobs in the order. Examples of these positions included cook, porter, sacristan, gardener, and beggar. When Charles's superior …

Saint Anthony of Egypt (251-356)

After his parents passed away, Saint Anthony made sure that his younger sister finished her education and was well looked after, then sold all of his possessions and gave the money to the poor. He then set out into the …

Saint Berard (d.1220)

Saint Berard was born to a family of Italian nobles. He became a Franciscan monk, and was welcomed into the order by Saint Francis of Assisi himself. Berard was part of a missionary party assigned by Saint Francis to travel …

Saint Paul the Hermit (c.230-342)

Saint Paul the Hermit was raised in a well-to-do Christian family. He was well educated and could speak both Greek and Egyptian. Sadly, he was orphaned at the age of 15. When the persecutions of Decius broke out a few …

Saint Sava (1174-1237)

Saint Sava was born a prince of Serbia. He felt called to a life outside the royal court, and became a monk at Mount Athos. His father, King Stephen I, later gave up his throne and joined Sava in the …

Saint Hilary of Poitiers (c.315-368)

Saint Hilary was born to a wealthy pagan family in France. He married, became the father of a daughter named Abra, and studied on his own. Through his studies he experienced a faith conversion. He began to study the Bible, …

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys (1620-1700)

Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys was the sixth of 12 children born to her religious parents. When Marguerite was 19 years old her mother passed away, leaving Marguerite to look after her family and household. When her brothers and sisters were grown …

Saint Theodosius the Cenobiarch (423-529)

Saint Theodosius was born to a religious family. He began his education at a young age and followed the example of Abraham by leaving home to follow God. He met and worked with Saints Simeon Stylites and Longinus the Centurian …

Saint Peter Orseolo (928-987)

Saint Peter Orseolo was born into a wealthy family. He married and he and his wife had a son. Peter served as admiral and commander of the Venetian navy before being appointed doge of Venice. This position was one of …

Saint Adrian of Canterbury (d.710)

Saint Adrian of Canterbury was born in Africa. He was selected to become archbishop of Canterbury by Pope Saint Vitalian. However, Adrian declined the position, even though it came with prestige and glory. Instead, Adrian agreed to become the assistant …

Saint Thorfinn (d.1285)

Saint Thorfinn was a Norwegian monk and bishop. He lived a very low-profile life. The only public "fame" that he received was when he stood by the archbishop of Norway in an argument with King Eric over state interference in …

Saint Raymond of Peñafort (1175-1275)

Saint Raymond of Peñafort was born to Aragonian nobility in Spain and was well educated. He taught philosophy and received doctoral degrees in both canon law and civil law. At the age of 41, he joined the Dominicans. He was …

Saint André Bessette (1845-1937)

Saint André Bessette was one of 12 children born to a French Canadian couple who lived near Montreal. He was adopted at the age of 12 after both of his parents passed away. He held odd jobs to contribute to …

Saint John Neumann (1811-1860)

Saint John Neumann was born in Bohemia around the year 1811. He desired to become a priest in his home country, but because there were so many priests in Bohemia at the time he was denied. However, John persevered, and …

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)

Elizabeth Ann Seton is a great American saint who was born wealthy but found her happiness in serving the poor. She was born in New York City into a wealthy Episcopal family. She was home-schooled by her father, and she …

Saint Genevieve (d.500)

Saint Genevieve was born around the year 422 in a village near Paris. When she was around seven years old, Saint Germain came to her village to preach against the heresy of Pelagius. While listening to his preaching, he singled …

Saint Basil the Great (329-379)

Saint Basil the Great was born to a noble family. He was on the path to becoming a famous teacher when he realized that his pride in his accomplishments might surpass his devoutness. After this realization, he sold all that …

Mary, Mother of God (1st century)

Catholics have a special devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ. We do not worship her or pray to her as God, as some people mistakenly believe. But we do honor her as the mother of God, and at …

Saint Sylvester I (d.335)

Saint Sylvester I was pope during the reign of Emperor Constantine I, after the persecutions and terror of Diocletian. He was pope during important events such as the proclamation of the Edict of Milan, the rise of the Catholic Church …

Saint Egwin (d.717)

Saint Egwin was born to a noble family in Worcester, England. After joining a monastery, he was eagerly welcomed by royalty, the clergy, and the townspeople when he was appointed bishop of Worcester. His popularity soon began to wane, due …

Saint Thomas Becket (1118-1170)

Saint Thomas Becket was appointed chancellor of England by his friend, King Henry II. King Henry selected Thomas with the hope that he could encroach on Church affairs. However, Thomas warned Henry that their friendship did not guarantee that he …

Saint Anthony the Hermit (c.468-c.520)

Saint Anthony was just a small child when his father passed away. Orphaned, he went to stay with his uncle, Bishop Constantius of Lorsch in Bavaria. When Anthony became old enough, he entered monastic life. He then joined a fellow …

Saint John the Apostle (1st century)

Saint John, a fisherman, was one of the first Apostles. Jesus chose him and his brother, James. Jesus “saw two other brothers . . . in their boat with their father Zebedee, getting their nets ready. Jesus called them, and …

Saint Stephen (d.33)

Stephen is the first Christian martyr. The word "martyr" means “witness.” Stephen was the first of many to live and die giving witness to their undying faith in Jesus. It is the courage and willingness of those first persecuted Christians …

Saint Eugenia (d.258)

Saint Eugenia's life is shrouded in mystery. She is said to have been the daughter of Duke Philip of Alexandria, the governor of Egypt during the time of Emperor Valerian. According to legend, Eugenia ran away from home dressed as …

Saint Charbel Makhlouf (1828-1898)

In 1828, Charbel Makhluf was born Joseph Zaroun Makluf in the village of Bekaa Kafra in northern Lebanon. His father died when Saint Sharbel was three years old, and he was raised by his uncle. Charbel was very devout, even …

Saint John Kanty (1390-1473)

Saint John Kanty was born in Poland and studied at the University of Cracow. He then became a professor of theology at his alma mater. However, John's tenure didn't last long. His fellow professors were jealous of his popularity, and …

Saint Zeno of Nicomedia (d.303)

Saint Zeno was a Roman soldier. He was apprehended and condemned to death for laughing at and ridiculing Emperor Diocletian's sacrifice to a statue of the goddess Ceres. His jaws were shattered for opposing the emperor and he was beheaded. …

Saint Peter Canisius (1521-1597)

Peter Canisius was an extremely hard-working person. At the young age of 19, he earned his master's degree from the University at Cologne. Soon after completing his degree, he became acquainted with Peter Faber, who influenced him to join the …

Saint Dominic of Silos (1000-1073)

Saint Dominic of Silos was born into a Spanish peasant family around the year 1000. He spent a considerable amount of time in the fields as a young boy working to support his family and enjoying time alone. He felt …

Saint Anastasius I (d.401)

Saint Anastasius I was a Roman by birth, but very little is known about his early life. He was elected pope in 399 and began his papacy by condemning the works of Origen. His mistrust of Origen began after he …

Saint Flannan (d.642)

Saint Flannan was the son of an Irish chieftain and next in line for the throne. Flannan feared becoming king, and prayed for a disfigurement that would prevent his ascension to the throne. After his prayer, his face became inflamed …

Saint Jose Manyanet y Vives (1833-1901)

Saint Jose Manyanet y Vives was born into a large, religious family. He was dedicated to Our Lady at the age of five by his mother, and was ordained into the priesthood several years later. Jose founded the Congregation of …

Saint Adelaide (931-999)

Saint Adelaide married King Otto of Germany after her first husband passed away. After Otto's death, Adelaide had a rocky relationship with her son, Otto II, most likely due to the hateful nature of his wife, Theophano. When Otto II …

Saint Mary Di Rosa (1813-1855)

Saint Mary Di Rosa was born in 1813, and began to take charge of situations from the time she was a young girl. She set up retreats and missions for her parish, arranged a women's guild, and supervised a workhouse …

Saint John of the Cross (c.1541-1591)

Saint John of the Cross, a 16th-century mystic, was responsible for reforming the Carmelite Order. He was a person who lived an austere life, renouncing many of the things of the world. John was a man of intense prayer who …

Saint Lucy (c.283-c.304)

Saint Lucy is a beloved saint in Rome and Sicily. She died a martyr around the year 304. She gave herself totally to Christ in all things. The reading for her feast points to pure speech and service to the …

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641)

Saint Jane Frances de Chantal was born into a noble family and married the Baron de Chantal when she was 20. They enjoyed a fruitful marriage and had several children. Tragically, the baron was killed in a hunting accident when …

Saint Damasus I (c.305-384)

Saint Damasus I was appointed pope after the death of Pope Liberius. However, a minority in Rome appointed another man, Ursinus, as pope. This caused a controversy that resulted in violence and scandal. During the papacy of Damasus, Christianity was …

Saint Gregory III (d.741)

Saint Gregory III was not intending on taking over the papacy when Saint Gregory II passed away. He was part of the crowd that was mourning the loss of the pope during his funeral procession, when someone recognized him as …

Saint Juan Diego (1474-1548)

On December 9, 1531, a 57-year-old peasant named Juan Diego, who lived near Mexico City, was on his way to Mass. Suddenly he heard beautiful music and a woman’s voice calling to him from Tepeyac Hill. At the top of …

Saint Romaric (d.653)

When Saint Romaric's father was killed on the orders of Queen Brunehilda, the young boy became a homeless nomad. With time and hard work, Romaric's luck changed. He amassed a great fortune and was a landowner with many slaves. Romaric …

Saint Ambrose (c.340-397)

Those who knew Saint Ambrose were divided between those who admired him and those who loathed him. This division stemmed from Ambrose's personality and how he practiced his ministry. Ambrose would publicly do verbal battle with anyone, even people of …

Saint Nicholas (d.346)

Saint Nicholas was a bishop, and bishops are often referred to as the shepherds of the people of God in the Church. Accounts credit Saint Nicholas with saving the lives of three daughters who were destined for prostitution because their …

Saint Sabas (439-532)

Saint Sabas was left in the care of his aunt and uncle as a child. His aunt treated him so wickedly that he ran away to live with another uncle when he was only eight years old. These two uncles …

Saint John Damascene (645-749)

Saint John was born in Damascus. He and his adoptive brother Cosmos received a classical and theological education. Both brothers joined the Monastery of Saint Sabas near Jerusalem. John is well known in three areas. First, he is known for …

Saint Francis Xavier (1506-1552)

Saint Francis Xavier was born to a noble family of the Kingdom of Navarre in what is modern-day Spain. Giving up a promising career as a professor of philosophy, he joined Saint Ignatius of Loyola to become one of the …

Saint Bibiana (d.361)

Saint Bibiana was a virgin and martyr. Very little is known about her life, except what we know from a later tradition. Her parents, Saints Flavian and Dafrosa, were martyred during the persecution of Julian the Apostate. Bibiana and her …

Saint Edmund Campion (1540-1581)

Saint Edmund Campion was born in London, England. He was extremely bright, and was given a scholarship to Saint John's College, Oxford, when he was only 15 years old. Edmund was raised a Catholic, but chose to become an Anglican …

Saint Andrew (1st century)

Matthew tells us that Andrew was a fisherman, along with his brother Peter. In the Gospel of John, we learn that Andrew was also a disciple of John the Baptist (see 1:40). With John the Baptist, Andrew was waiting for …

Saint Radbod (d.918)

Saint Radbod lived a very quiet and holy life. He was the grandson of the last pagan king of the Frisions in the Netherlands. Radbod was raised and educated by his uncle, the bishop of Cologne. He became the bishop …

Saint James of the Marche (1391-1476)

Saint James was born in the Marche of Ancona in Italy. He attended the University of Perugia, where he attained doctorates in canon law and civil law. After he earned his degrees, he felt called to join the Franciscans and …

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani (1681-1742)

Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani was born in Lucera, Italy. He was a very devout child and entered the order of Conventual Franciscans, taking the name Francis. He was ordained 10 years later and taught philosophy to younger friars in the …

Saint Conrad (d.975)

Saint Conrad was born into a prominent Guelph family. He received an education at the Cathedral School at Constance and was ordained a priest. Conrad was appointed provost of the cathedral and was then selected bishop of Constance. He was …

Saint Catherine of Alexandria (d.305)

Saint Catherine is thought to have been born in Alexandria to a noble family. She converted to Christianity after she had a life-altering vision. Catherine criticized Emperor Maxentius for his persecution of Christians. In an attempt to sway Catherine away …

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac (1795-1839)

Saint Andrew Dung-Lac was one of 117 people martyred in Vietnam for their Catholic faith between 1820 and 1862. Of the 117 martyrs, 96 were Vietnamese, 11 were Spanish, and 10 were French. Christianity arrived in Vietnam through the Portuguese, …

Saint Columban (543-615)

Saint Columban was a famous Irish missionary. Columban received a good education, and resolved to live a life of simplicity and abstinence. However, he began to worry that this might not be possible because he was tempted by the pretty …

Saint Cecilia (2nd century)

Saint Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians, singers, and poets. She lived in the second century and died a martyr. Although not much is known about her, a fifth-century legend holds that she had taken a vow of virginity, …

Saint Albert of Louvain (1166-1192)

Saint Albert of Louvain entered into religious life at the age of 12. However, he left the priesthood at the age of 21 to become a knight of Count Baldwin. He planned to go on a crusade, but did not, …

Saint Edmund the Martyr (c.841-870)

Saint Edmund the Martyr was the king of Norfolk and Suffolk in England in the ninth century. Exact details about his life are fuzzy. It is known that Edmund defended his people against Danish invaders and was killed when the …

Saint Agnes of Assisi (1197-1253)

Saint Agnes was the sister of Saint Clare, and also her first follower. At first, her family disapproved of her choice, and tried to bring her back home. However, when they tried to take her from the monastery, her body …

Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852)

Sister Rose Duchesne was known for praying without ceasing. She was also a woman who gave thanks to God, even though as a missionary to the United States she lived a life of great physical hardship on the frontier. Sister …

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231)

Saint Elizabeth was born in 1207 as a princess of Hungary. She lived there until she was four, and then went to live with her betrothed, Louis, the Landgrave of Thuringia. When Franciscan friars arrived in Germany, Elizabeth not only …

Saint Gertrude (1256-1301)

Saint Gertrude was born at Eisleben, Saxony, in 1256. She was entrusted to the care of Benedictine nuns at the age of five. When she grew up, she became a Benedictine nun herself, and was elected abbess of the monastery …

Saint Albert the Great (1206-1280)

Saint Albert the Great was born in 1206 to a wealthy and powerful German family. He was well educated, and despite disapproval from his family he joined the Dominicans. He was an educator at Paris and at Cologne, and had …

Saint Laurence O'Toole (1128-1180)

Saint Laurence O'Toole was born in the year 1128 in Ireland. At the age of 10 he became the hostage of one of his father's enemies and brought to the king of Leinster, who mistreated him. After two years of …

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850-1917)

Francesca Cabrini was born in northern Italy in 1850, the youngest of 13 or more children. As a child she dreamed of being a missionary to faraway lands. When she was 18, she tried to join a religious community, but …

Saint Josaphat (c.1580-1623)

This saint, who was a bishop and martyr, spent his life working for the unity of all Christians. He was a reform-minded bishop who brought order and proper procedure into his diocese. Josephat also helped bring the Eastern Church of …

Saint Martin of Tours (c.316-397)

Saint Martin became a Christian at the age of 18. Even though his father was a military officer, Martin believed that Christians were not allowed to kill. He became a conscientious objector, even though he was imprisoned for refusing to …

Saint Leo the Great (c.400-461)

Saint Leo was a pope who lived in the early centuries of the Church. Elected in 440, he was a talented administrator who was equally gifted at spiritual leadership. He was the first pope to claim to be Peter’s heir …

Saint Benen (d.467)

Saint Benen was the son of an Irish chieftain. He was baptized by Saint Patrick, and was so enraptured by him and his work that he asked the saint if he could accompany him on his travels as a missionary. …

Saint Godfrey (c.1066-c.1115)

Saint Godfrey started his monastic life at a very young age. He was raised from the age of five in the Benedictine Abbey of Mont-Saint-Quentin, where his godfather was abbot. He was given his own tiny habit, and lived life …

Saint Willibrord (658-739)

Saint Willibrord was born in England in 658. He felt called to spread the Good News through missionary work in Germany. With great zeal and enthusiasm, he followed his call and constructed churches and an abbey. Willibrord was experiencing great …

Saint Winoc (d.717)

Saint Winoc was brought up and educated in Brittany. He is said to have possible noble lineage. He was called to become a monk at Saint Peter's monastery at Sithiu under Abbot Saint Bertin. He and three companions founded a …

Saint Sylvia (d.593)

Saint Sylvia was the mother of Saint Gregory the Great. When Sylvia's husband passed away, her son Gregory converted their home into a monastery. Silvia was then able to retire to a life of solitude in a small home in …

Saint Charles Borromeo (1538-1584)

Saint Charles was a bishop in Milan, Italy. His appointment as bishop was delayed because the Council of Trent needed his skill as a behind-the-scenes leader when serious disagreements occurred—something he could not offer if he had been a bishop …

Saint Martin de Porres (1579-1639)

Martin de Porres lived in Peru in the 16th century. The sin of racism was alive and well, and he, being of mixed race, was treated like a slave. His family lived in poverty because his Spanish father abandoned them …

Saint Marcian (d.387)

Saint Marcian was a hermit in the fourth century. During that time, living the secluded, prayerful life of a hermit was very popular. Marcian lived in a tiny cell that was too small for him to stand up straight or …

Solemnity of All Saints

Naming people “saints” acknowledges that they led holy lives, did the work of God, and are now with God. A saint is anyone who lives with God, whether officially recognized or not. (Taken from "Good News Day by Day: Bible …

Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg (924-994)

Saint Wolfgang was born in Swabia, Germany, and attended school near the Abbey of Reichenau. While at school, Wolfgang met Henry, a young man of noble birth who would become the archbishop of Trier. Wolfgang remained in contact with Henry, …

Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez (1533-1617)

Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez was born in Segovia, Spain. He was the son of a wool merchant who died when Alphonsus was young, leaving the business to him. He married and had three children. Not long after, he found himself a …

Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem (99-215)

Saint Narcissus became the bishop of Jerusalem when he was already advanced in years. While he was bishop, one of his critics accused him of a crime that he did not commit. The claim was not believed by the Christians …

Sts. Simon and Jude (1st century)

The two Apostles we celebrate today are Simon the Zealot and Judas, the son of James. Zealots were members of a Jewish nationalist group who wanted to bring down Roman rule. Judas is normally referred to as Jude in English, …

Saint Frumentius (4th century-c.380)

Saint Frumentius was born in Lebanon. He and his brother, Saint Aedesius, were the only survivors of a shipwreck on the Red Sea. They were discovered and taken to the royal court of Aksum, Ethiopia, where they were made members …

Saint Rusticus of Narbonne (d.462)

Saint Rusticus was born in Gaul and was the son of Bishop Bonosus. He developed the talent of preaching, and used his gift to share the Good News in Rome before entering monastic life in France. Rusticus was appointed bishop …

Saint John Roberts (1577-1610)

Saint John Roberts was born in Wales in 1575. After studying at Oxford for two years, he left to study law, and joined the Catholic Church after visiting Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. While in Paris, John began studying to …

Saint Anthony Claret (1807-1870)

Saint Anthony Claret was born in Catalonia, Spain in 1807. As the son of a weaver, he took up his father's craft, but began studying for the priesthood to become a Jesuit. He was not able to join the Jesuits …

Saint John of Capistrano (1386-1456)

Saint John was born in Capistrano, Italy, in 1385. He was the son of a former knight. He studied law, became a lawyer in the courts of Naples, and was eventually appointed the governor of Perugia. He was incarcerated after …

Saint Abercius Marcellus (d.200)

Saint Abercius Marcellus was the bishop of Hierapolis in what is modern-day Turkey as well as a missionary. He was incarcerated for a period of time because he created a danger to civil order by countering paganism. During his imprisonment, …

Saint Hilarion (c.291-371)

Saint Hilarion was born in Palestine. He converted to Christianity and felt a calling to a life of prayer and solitude. Hilarion spent time in Egypt with Saint Anthony, who also sought prayer and solitude. While living out his vocation, …

Saint Artemius (d.363)

Saint Artemius was a soldier under Emperor Constantine the Great. He was appointed as the imperial prefect of Egypt by Emperor Constantius, and used his influential position to spread the Arian heresy. During the reign of Julian the Apostate, Artemius …

Saint Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)

Throughout the history of the Church, Catholics have imitated Jesus' willingness to suffer and die for the sake of the Kingdom of God. This was particularly true of some missionaries who preached the Gospel to people who were hostile to …

Saint Luke (1st century)

Luke is one of the four Gospel writers, or Evangelists, of the New Testament, but, unlike the others, he also wrote a second volume entitled Acts of the Apostles. Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the compassion of Jesus and his concern for …

Saint Ignatius of Antioch (d.107)

Ignatius of Antioch died a martyr's death when he was thrown to the lions in 107. He was a Greek Christian who became bishop of Antioch in 69. Antioch, in Syria, was the most important Christian community outside of Jerusalem. …

Saint Marguerite d’Youville (1701-1771)

Saint Marguerite d'Youville was born in rural Quebec in 1701 into serious poverty, and dropped out of school to help her widowed mother and younger brothers and sisters. She married unhappily when she was 21, and when her husband died …

Saint Teresa of Avila (1515-1582)

Saint Teresa of Avila was a mystic, a teacher of the art of prayer, a Spirit-filled leader of a religious order, a woman of great courage, and an individual who lived life to the full. Born in Spain, she was …

Saint Callistus I (d.223)

As a young slave, Pope Saint Callistus I was given the task of maintaining the collected funds which were given as alms by Christians. Callistus lost the funds he was supposed to be minding, and ran away from Rome. He …

Saint Edward the Confessor (1003-1066)

Saint Edward the Confessor was born a prince in England. His father was overthrown during the Danish invasion, and Edward and his brother were sent to be killed in Denmark. The officer in charge of the transport took pity on …

Saint Seraphin of Montegranaro (1540-1604)

Saint Seraphin was born into a poor family in Italy. He spent his youth as a prayerful shepherd. After young Seraphin and his brother were orphaned, his brother began to mistreat him. Seraphin felt called at the age of 16 …

Saint Kenneth (c.525-c.599)

There are many legends surrounding Saint Kenneth. According to one popular legend, he was born in Glengiven, Ireland. He became a monk and was ordained a priest. Kenneth spent some time in Ireland preaching, and then went to share the …

Saint Francis Borgia (1510-1572)

Saint Francis Borgia was born into a noble family in Spain. He became a duke and lived happily with his wife and their eight children. Unlike many nobles in Spain at the time, Francis was a true man of God, …

Saint Cirilo Bertran (1888-1934)

Saint Cirilo Bertran was born in 1888. He joined the Brothers of the Christian Schools on October 23, 1906. He was appointed as the director of his house in Turón, Asturias, Spain. Cirilo was one of the nine Martyrs of …

Saint John Leonardi (1541-1609)

Saint John Leonardi was ordained a priest and became very passionate about ministering to prisoners and the sick. His commitment and devotion attracted other young men to assist him, and they later become priests themselves. John and his fellow assistants …

Saint Sergius the Martyr (d.303)

Saint Sergius was an officer in the Roman army under Emperor Maximian. He was well liked by the emperor until he admitted to being a Christian after he and his fellow officer, Bacchus, refused to enter a temple of Jupiter. …

Saint Bruno (c.1030-1101)

Saint Bruno was born in Cologne, Germany, in approximately 1030. He stood with Pope Gregory VII in his battle against the corruption and decadence of the clergy. Bruno was also involved in the removal of a scandalous archbishop by the …

Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska (1905-1938)

Saint Maria Faustina Kowalska was born in Poland in 1905. She was a member of a large family, and held odd jobs to help out before joining the Congregation of the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in 1925. As …

Saint Mother Theodora Guérin (1798-1856)

Saint Mother Theodora Guérin was born in Etables, France, in 1798. Her life changed forever when her father was murdered when she was 15, and she had to care for her mother and her younger sister. After several years, she …

Saint Leodegarius (c.615-678)

Saint Leodegarius was the son of Saint Sigrada and the brother of Saint Gerinus. His born to a noble family in France and was brought up in the court of King Clotaire II. Leodegarius was a reforming bishop of Autun …

Saint Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897)

Saint Therese of Lisieux, also known as the "Little Flower," was born in Alencon, France, in 1873. While still a young girl, Therese longed to enter the Carmelite convent at Lisieux. When she was 15, the bishop gave permission, and …

Saint Jerome (c.345-420)

Saint Jerome, a Scripture scholar, translated most of the Old Testament from Hebrew. He also wrote commentaries on the Bible that are still used today. In order to do this work, he took his studies seriously. Jerome also had little …

Saint Wenceslaus (c.907-929)

Saint Wenceslaus was born in 907 near Prague. His holy grandmother raised him and wanted to put him on the throne to replace his mother, an anti-Christian. Wenceslaus eventually took over the throne. During his reign, Saint Wenceslaus focused on …

Saint Vincent de Paul (1580-1660)

Vincent de Paul made a decision to serve the poor that changed his life and changed the world. He was born in France in 1581 into a peasant family. He progressed rapidly in school, and was ordained a priest at …

Sts. Cosmos and Damian (d.303)

Cosmos and Damian were killed for their Christian faith. Other than the fact that they were martyrs, we know little about them. Legend says that they were twins who were skilled doctors in Arabia. They are venerated in that part …

Saint Sergius of Radonezh (1314-1392)

Saint Sergius was born to a noble family in Russia. His baptismal name was Bartholomew. Sergius's family was impoverished when they had to flee to Rostov, near Moscow. After the death of his parents, Sergius became a hermit, along with …

Saint Pacifico of San Severino (1653-1721)

Saint Pacifico was born into a well-off family in San Severino, Italy. He was ordained, taught philosophy, and became an accomplished preacher. Pacifico was a severe man. He fasted at all times, wore a penitential shirt made of iron, and …

Saint Padre Pio da Pietrelcina (1887-1968)

Saint Padre Pio da Pietrelcina was born on May 25, 1887. It was affirmed by his mother that he was able to see and converse with Jesus, the Virgin Mary and his guardian angel as a child. When he became …

Saint Maurice (d.287)

Saint Maurice was a soldier. He was an officer of the Theban Legion of Emperor Maximian's army. Emperor Maximian's army was made up of Christians from Upper Egypt. When he and his fellow soldiers were ordered to sacrifice to gods …

Saint Matthew (1st century)

Matthew was a Jew who collected taxes for the Romans, who occupied Israel during the life of Jesus. The tax collectors were usually hated by their fellow Jews. Some strict Jews like the Pharisees considered tax collectors to be sinners …

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon (1821-1846)

Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is among the 103 Korean martyrs canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984. During the 18th and 19th centuries, Christians in Korea were persecuted. Openly practicing the faith meant risking death. At the age of …

Saint Januarius (d.304)

Saint Januarius was born in Italy. He was the bishop of Benevento during Emperor Diocletion's persecution of Christians. One day, Bishop Januarius went to visit two deacons and two laymen who were imprisoned. During his visit, he was also incarcerated. …

Saint Joseph of Cupertino (1603-1663)

Saint Joseph of Cupertino showed a love of prayer from a young age. He was ordained into the priesthood in 1628. Joseph is most well-known for his gift of levitating during prayer. Saint Joseph's gift of levitation led him to …

Saint Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621)

Saint Robert Bellarmine was a theologian and Scripture scholar. He was a Jesuit priest who was made a cardinal because the pope said, “He had not his equal for learning.” In spite of his brilliance and honors, Robert ate only …

Saint Cyprian (d.258)

Saint Cyprian was born in Tunisia around the year 200. He was a lawyer and professor of public speaking for most of his life, but at age 46 he became convinced that Christ told no lies, and joined the Christians. …

Saint Catherine of Genoa (1447-1510)

Saint Catherine of Genoa was beautiful, intelligent, and pious. She felt called to religious life, and attempted to enter a convent when she was 13. However, she was turned away because of her youth, and instead entered into an arranged …

Saint Notburga (1265-1313)

Saint Notburga was a servant in the kitchen of Count Henry Rattenberg in Austria. At the end of each day, Notburga took the leftovers from the day's meals into town and gave them away to the poor and starving. The …

Saint John Chrysostom (347-407)

Saint John Chrysostom was a bishop who was unpopular with the rich and powerful people of his time. He lived simply, and he preached dramatically and concretely that the rich should share with the poor and that husbands should be …

Saint Guy of Anderlecht (950-1012)

Saint Guy of Anderlecht was born into a poor family in Belgium. Even though the family had little material wealth, they had great spiritual wealth. Guy's parents were very pious, and taught him their faith. Saint Guy believed that God's …

Saint Theodora of Alexandria (d.491)

Saint Theodora was from Alexandria, Egypt, and found herself in a life of sin. However, upon realizing her sinful ways, she repented. After her atonement, she spent the rest of her life as a hermit in southern Egypt, disguised as …

Saint Peter Martinez (d.1000)

Saint Peter Martinez was born in Galicia, Spain. He began his religious life as a Benedictine monk at the Monastery of Saint Mary of Monzonzo in around 950. In 986, he was appointed the archbishop of Saint Martin of Antealares …

Saint Peter Claver (1581-1654)

Peter Claver was born in Spain and went to Colombia in South America as a missionary to serve the African slaves who had been taken there to be sold in the New World. For years he would meet the ships …

Saint Adrian (d.306)

Tradition tells us that Saint Adrian was a pagan officer at the court of Nicomedia. While at court, Adrian saw a number of Christians tortured for their faith. Captivated by their extreme courage, he converted and declared himself a Christian. …

Saint Cloud (522-560)

Saint Cloud was born into French royalty, his father the king of the Franks. When the king was killed in battle, his kingdom was divided up among his four young sons. Once one of Cloud's brothers was killed in battle, …

Saint Cagnoald (d.635)

Saint Cagnoald began religious life after meeting Saint Columban. The religious path that he chose to take was the life of a monk. Cagnoald's love and devotion to Jesus were shared by many members of his family as well, including …

Saint Bertin (d.709)

Saint Bertin was born in France in the beginning of the seventh century. He began his religious life at the Abbey of Luxeuil, and then joined the bishop of Therouanne, who was sharing the message of Christ with the pagans. …

Saint Rosalia (c.1130-c.1160)

Saint Rosalia had a famous lineage, she was a descendant of Charlemagne. She was born in Sicily, and turned away from earthly pleasures to God when she was a young girl. Rosalia left the comforts of her home to reside …

Saint Gregory the Great (c.540-604)

When he was in his 30s, Gregory sold the many properties he owned, established seven monasteries in Italy, and distributed much of his considerable wealth to the poor. The next year he became a monk, and devoted himself to an …

Saint Ingrid of Sweden (d.1282)

Saint Ingrid was born in Sweden in the 13th century. She lived under the spiritual guidance of a Dominican priest, and became the first Dominican nun in Sweden. Ingrid established a Dominican cloister in Sweden, called Saint Martin's. When she …

Saint Giles (650-710)

Saint Giles was born in France during the seventh century. While in France, he built a monastery that became a popular halfway destination for pilgrims traveling from Spain to the Holy Land. Giles also became well known in England, where …

Saint Aidan of Lindisfarne (d.651)

Saint Aidan was born in Ireland. It is said that he may have been a student of Saint Senan before dedicating himself to monastic life. At the request of the king of Northumbria, Aidan became the bishop of Lindisfarne. He …

Saint Jeanne Jugan (1792-1879)

Saint Jeanne Jugan, also known as Sister Mary of the Cross, was born in France in 1792. She and two other companions formed a Catholic community of prayer, dedicated to teaching the catechism and assisting the poor. Jeanne then set …

Saint John the Baptist (d.30)

Saint John the Baptist was a selflessly giving religious reformer. He is quoted in Matthew 3:11 as saying, "I am baptizing you with water, for repentance, but the one who is coming after me is mightier than I. I am …

Saint Augustine of Hippo (354-430)

Saint Augustine of Hippo is one of the most significant figures in the history of Western Christianity. The influence of his many books, sermons, and letters can be found on virtually every Christian doctrine, particularly the theology of Original Sin. …

Saint Monica (332-387)

Monica was the mother of Augustine of Hippo, a difficult young man who became a great theologian and bishop. He did everything he could to avoid God, but Monica never stopped praying for him. She once declared, “Nothing is far …

Saint Teresa of Jesus Jornet Ibars (1843-1897)

Saint Teresa was born in Catalonia, Spain. She faced many hardships in her youth, finally becoming a teacher at Lerida. Teresa yearned to begin religious life, but was not accepted into the convent that she wished to enter. After she …

Saint Louis of France (1214-1270)

Saint Louis, a king of France, was born in 1214. He lost his father at a young age, and was moved to a love of holy things by his mother. He married a virtuous women, and became king two years …

Saint Bartholomew (1st century)

Saint Bartholomew is listed in the Bible as one of the Twelve Apostles. Not much is known about this saint. Some scholars believe him to be the Nathanael who is mentioned in the Gospel of John. The Apostles were tirelessly …

Saint Rose of Lima (1586-1617)

Saint Rose was born in Lima, Peru, on April 20, 1586. She was given the name Isabel, but nicknamed Rose because of her great beauty. However, Rose did not want people to admire her beauty, because it might lead to …

Saint Antoninus (d.186)

Saint Antonius held a very gruesome profession; he was a Roman public executioner. He was involved in the trial proceedings of Saint Eusebius. During the proceedings, Antonius received a vision, and converted to Christianity. Because he proclaimed himself a Christian, …

Saint Pius X (1835-1914)

Saint Pius X is one of the 20th century's greatest popes. He had grown up in a poor family, and he was often embarrassed by the showiness and excess of the papal court. He often saw this insistence on grandeur …

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (1090-1153)

Saint Bernard of Clairvaux was called at the age of 20 to leave his family and join the Monastery of Citeaux. He was soon joined in his new monastic lifestyle by numerous family members and friends. Bernard was fervent and …

Saint John Eudes (1601-1680)

Saint John Eudes was born in France in 1602. He felt called to religious life, and was ordained a priest at the age of 24. When plagues struck France in 1627 and in 1631, John ministered to those afflicted. He …

Saint Helen (d.330)

Saint Helen was the mother of the first Christian emperor, Constantine. She married the Roman general Constantius Chlorus. In 292 he divorced her to marry the emperor's stepdaughter. Helen's ex-husband and eventually her son each became emperor. Her son, Constantine, …

Saint Joan of the Cross (1666-1736)

Saint Joan was born in 1666 in France. Her parents owned a small business, which she took over upon their deaths. In her business dealings, Joan was notorious for her greed and heartlessness to beggars and the poor. However, Joan's …

Saint Stephen of Hungary (975-1038)

Saint Stephen of Hungary was baptized at a young age. His father was the chief of the Magyars, and Stephen succeeded his father as chieftain. Stephen married the daughter of Duke Henry II, and dedicated much of his time to …

Saint Tarsicius (3rd or 4th century)

Saint Tarsicius was either a layman or a deacon who lived sometime in the third or fourth century. He was attacked by a pagan gang while he was on his way to deliver the Eucharist to a bedridden Christian friend. …

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941)

Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894 with the name Raimund Kolbe. He attended a Franciscan seminary as a teen, where he took the name Maximilian. Despite having tuberculosis, he was ordained a Franciscan priest and earned two doctoral …

Saint Hippolytus (170-235)

Saint Hippolytus was a presbyter in Rome. He had a strong passion for discipline and was a very important theologian and a productive religious writer. He maintained that the pope should come down harder on heretics and stop listening so …

Saint Hilaria (d.304)

Saint Hilaria and her daughter, Saint Afra, hid their bishop from harm during the Diocletian persecutions. In turn, their bishop converted them. Saint Afra was martyred because she refused to sacrifice to pagan gods. After her daughter was martyred, Hilaria …

Saint Clare of Assisi (1193-1253)

Saint Clare of Assisi was of noble birth, but when she was 18 she was so moved by the Lenten sermons of Saint Francis of Assisi that she renounced all her possessions to become a nun. Her family and friends …

Saint Lawrence Martyr (d.258)

Saint Lawrence was a deacon martyred at Rome around the year 250. One tradition tells us that, during a time of persecution, Roman authorities demanded that Lawrence give up the Church's treasures to the emperor: Lawrence replied that he would …

Saint Edith Stein (1891-1942)

Edith Stein was born to a Jewish family in Breslau, Germany (now Wroclaw, Poland). As a teenager she turned away from Judaism and professed atheism. Years later, after becoming a noted philosopher, Stein was drawn to Catholic thought. Her reading …

Saint Dominic (1170-1221)

Saint Dominic de Guzman was a Spanish theologian and the founder of the Order of Friars Preachers. At the age of 14 he went to the university to study theology and philosophy, and was ordained a priest as a young …

Saint Cajetan (1480-1547)

Saint Cajetan began his adult life by first becoming a lawyer and then turning to the priesthood. He was ordained at 36, and at the age of 42 established a hospital in Venice, Italy, for those suffering from incurable ailments. …

Saint Hormisdas (d.523)

Saint Hormisdas was born in Frosinone, Italy, in 450. He was married before he was ordained, and had a son, Silverius, who followed in his father's footsteps and also became a pope. Hormisdas became a deacon during a time of …

Saint Addai (2nd century)

Legend has it that Saint Addai was ordered by Saint Thomas to go to the court of King Abgar the Black. Tradition tells us that Abgar, the king of Edessa, was stricken with an incurable sickness. Hearing of Jesus' power …

Saint John Vianney (1786-1859)

Saint John Vianney was born near Lyons, France, in 1786. He worked as a shepherd boy on his father's farm, and only attended the village school briefly when he was nine. When he entered the seminary to study for the …

Saint Peter Julian Eymard (1811-1868)

Saint Peter Julian Eymard was born in La Mure d'Isere, France. Peter joined the seminary at Grenoble, and was ordained a priest in 1834. At first, Peter's father opposed his choice to pursue religious life, which made the decision difficult …

Saint Eusebius of Vercelli (283-371)

Saint Eusebius was born on the island of Sardinia, Italy. After his father was martyred, he moved to Rome, where he eventually became a bishop. He stood up for the Church during one of its most difficult periods. This hard …

Saint Alphonsus Liguori (1696-1787)

Saint Alphonsus Liguori was the forefather of the Redemptorists and a bishop. He was born into a noble family in Naples, Italy. He was educated at the University of Naples, where he earned a doctorate in law by the age …

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Short History of Paul

Paul was a diaspora Jew, meaning he was a Jew that lived outside of Palestine. Paul was born in Tarsus--which is modern day Turkey--at the beginning of the Christian era. Tarsus was a large and prosperous city of the Roman …

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Lasallian Meditation on Saint Paul

June 30: Saint Paul 140.1 First Point The most admirable trait in Saint Paul is his all-embracing and ardent zeal, which he first showed by defending the faith of Moses, in which he had been very well instructed.1 Because he …

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Saint Paul: Interview and Worksheet

Interview with Paul This interview with Paul is from Breakthrough! The Bible for Young Catholics. On this colorful page, Paul explains his ministry and his legacy. Worksheet about Paul On this worksheet from the Student Activities Workbook for Breakthrough!: An …

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Paul: Legacy of Love

[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7) Paul preached that the central message of Jesus Christ was love. Without love, no amount of faith or religious piety has any meaning. Paul …

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Paul: The Journey to Rome

If God is for us, who is against us? (Romans 8:31) In Paul's last trip to Jerusalem to say farewell before leaving to preach in Spain, he was arrested by the Romans. As a Roman citizen, Paul exercised his right …

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Paul: Missionary

[Paul] had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. (Acts of the Apostles 14:27) Known as the apostle to the Gentiles (non-Jews), Paul was a leader in taking the Gospel message beyond Israel. With his trusted companions--Barnabas, John Mark, …

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Paul: Theologian

They were attempting to kill [Paul]. When the believers learned of it . . . they sent him off to Tarsus. (Acts of the Apostles 9:29–30) After his conversion, Paul began to preach, but when it became too dangerous, he …

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Paul: A Profound Conversion

[Saul] heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" (Acts of the Apostles 9:4) It was on his way to Damascus that Paul was struck down by God and blinded. A brilliant light from heaven …

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Paul: Persecutor of Christians

Saul was ravaging the church by entering house after house; dragging off both men and women . . . To prison. (Acts of the Apostles 8:3) Convinced that following the teachings of Jesus was wrong, Paul pursued the early Christians …

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Paul: Religious Zeal

I advanced in Judaism beyond many among my people of the same age, for I was far more zealous for the traditions of my ancestors. (Galatians 1:14) A tent maker by trade, Paul's Jewish name was Saul. But because Paul …

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Our Lady of Guadalupe: Icon of Justice

"Commitment to human life and dignity, to human rights and solidarity"; these are elements of what is commonly understood as social justice. In the Church today we have numerous "icons" we can look to in order to guide us in …

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The Feast of Saint Cecilia

The Feast of Saint Cecilia "All their neighbors aided them with silver vessels, with gold, with goods,with animals, and with valuable gifts." (Ezra 1:6) Very little is known of Saint Cecilia. It is thought that she was martyred for her …

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February 14: Saint Valentine's Day

We love because he first loved us. (1 John 4:19) We celebrate loving and being loved on this special day. Of course most of us find it easier to love someone who loves us first, and that's what this verse …

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The Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher

THE TWELVE VIRTUES OF A GOOD TEACHER In 1706, John Baptist de La Salle, patron saint of teachers, listed twelve virtues of a good teacher in his Conduct of the Christian Schools. In 1785, Brother Agathon, the fifth superior general …

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Biography of Pope Saint John Paul II

Saint John Paul II was born Karol Josef Wojtyla (Voy-tee-wah) on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice (Vah-do-vee-juh), Poland, a small city just outside Krakow. He was the third and youngest child of Karol Wojtyla Sr., a lieutenant in Poland's army, …

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Sub Tuum Praesidium: The Most Ancient Marian Prayer

The oldest known prayer to Mary is the Sub Tuum Praesidium. It was discovered in Egypt on a fragment of papyrus. It is believed the prayer dates back to mid-late 200's A.D. The prayer follows: We fly to your patronage, …

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Month of the Rosary: Queen of the Rosary Prayer Service

Leader +In the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. All Amen Opening Song Leader Join us, Queen of the Rosary, as we offer praise to our Father All Join us, Queen of the …

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The Scandal of Love: The Unstoppable Passion of God

Saint Peter Chrysologus (406-450) was a man of passion. Often times, we look back at the saints and strip them of their power. They can become still pictures, of sorts. These pictures reveal beauty, yet they remain static. Such mental …

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You Were Called

The shadows are falling, and they are lush. The curtains are closing, the audiences hush. Your life's dawning was so long ago. All experiences mesh with vast undertow. You were called, but the voice was faint. No one called you …

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The Saint Patrick You Never Knew

He didn't chase the snakes out of Ireland and he may never have plucked a shamrock to teach the mystery of the Trinity. Yet Saint Patrick well deserves to be honored by the people of Ireland and by downtrodden and …

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Five prayers Catholics can take to heart

The issue of prayer is not prayer; the issue of prayer is God. One cannot pray unless he has faith in his own ability to accost the infinite, merciful, eternal God. --Jewish Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, Man's Quest for God …

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Meeting the Rhinoceros

Thomas Merton makes a valuable role model for the spiritual journey of the adolescent rhinoceros. At times even the most optimistic teacher may despair of the possibility of ever communicating meaningfully with adolescents. The significant number of developmental tasks facing …

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Thomas Merton: Something of a Rebel

One of the world’s leading Merton experts takes another look at the monk who changed the course of American spirituality from his monastery cell. ON A RECENT VISIT to a secondhand bookstore in a Midwestern city, I found an exceptionally …

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Saint Jerome: The Perils of a Bible Translator

“WHAT IS THE BEST TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE?” This is the question that people who teach biblical studies hear more than any other. A bewildering abundance of alternatives is available to those who want to begin reading the Bible. This …

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Glorious Nature

Theme: Francis proclaimed, "We are sister and brother to animals and plants, water and soil, earth and sky." Just as we meet the dancer in her dance, the painter in his art, and the poet in her finely crafted words, so …