Saint Peter Chanel exemplified the apostolic mission by sharing his faith to the farthest ends of the earth and becoming a martyr in the South West Pacific. A French priest belonging to the Society of Mary, or Marists, Father Chanel was the
Francisco and Jacinta Marto were two of the three children (along with their cousin Lucia dos Santos) to whom the Blessed Virgin appeared at Fatima from May to October 1917. The three lived in the village of Aljustrel, near Fatima, Portugal, and
Cyril and Methodius were brothers, born in Thessalonica, Greece, to a senatorial family. Cyril taught in Constantinople; Methodius was a provincial governor. Renouncing their wealth, they were ordained and went as missionaries to Moravia. Their knowledge of the Slavic language proved instrumental
VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- St. María Antonia de Paz Figueroa, known as Mama Antula, devoted herself completely to helping others experience God's closeness and compassion, Pope Francis said after he declared the 18th-century consecrated laywoman a saint. By letting her heart and
St. Josephine Bakhita is a true witness to the power of the love of God in overcoming the worst experiences. Born in Sudan in 1869, she was kidnapped at nine years of age and sold into slavery. Experiencing both physical and moral
St. Paul Miki is the foremost martyr remembered of the 26 Jesuits, Franciscans and Secular Franciscans who literally died like Christ on February 5, 1597 on a hill near Nagasaki, Japan. A Jesuit novice, St. Paul Miki together with his companions was
In our increasingly secular world, St. Agatha is a shining light of hope for those negatively impacted by the non-Christian culture. Her very strong faith encourages all of us to not readily give in to the perverse sexuality common today, similar to
Blaise was the bishop of Sebastea, Turkey. When the persecutions started under Emperor Diocletian (r. 284-305). Blaise took refuge in a cave, where he cared for wild animals. Years later, he was found by hunters and turned over to authorities. He was
With the Feast of the Presentation, we find Mary and Joseph dutifully bringing Jesus to the Temple and offering the sacrifice required by the law for Mary’s purification. We also hear Simeon’s prophecy. The details of the future suffering foretold for the
Born in Ireland around 450, Brigid was the daughter of a pagan chieftain named Dubhthach and a Christian slave woman named Broicsech. She was raised by her mother in slave quarters but was eventually returned to her father's house around the age
St. John Bosco was an Italian priest who lived in the 19th century and founded the Society of St. Francis de Sales (Salesians). He is known for his great faith and strong prayer life enabling him to find the means to educate