Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and was martyred around 100 AD. Associate of Saint Nereus.

As a young Roman girl, Agnes made a vow never to stain her purity. When she refused to marry Procop, the Governor's son, he turned her into Roman authorities, charging her with being a Christian. She was told that if she did not agree to marry Procop, she would be beheaded. She was only age 13 when she was martyred.

Associate of Saint Clare. Agnes was daughter of the King of Bohemia. She refused to marry King Fredrick of Germany, choosing instead to become a Poor Clare. She lived most of her life in a convent in Prague.

Patron Saint of Scientists.

Priest and Scholar, Albert was considered one of the greatest natural scientists of his day. Saint Thomas Aquinas was one of his students.

Son of a wealthy French noble, Albinus chose a life of service to God. One day when passing a prison tower, Albinus heard the cries of tortured prisoners. He pleaded unsuccessfully with the local authorities for mercy on the prisoners. That night while praying near the prison walls, a landslide opened a hole in the wall allowing the prisoners to leave freely. All the prisoners followed Saint Albinus to a local church where they thanked God in prayer. The prisoners went on to live productive, reformed lives.

Patron Saint of Youth.

Died in 1591 AD, at age 23, while helping plague victims in Milan, Italy.

Patron Saint of Confessors, and Theologians.

Lawyer, author, and preist, his writings included Glory of Mary, and Moral Theology.

Patron Saint of Learning, Protector of Bees and Domestic Animals.

As Bishop of Milan, Ambrose surrendered his personal wealth, and all the wealth of his church to ransom hostages from the invading Goths. He believed the church should use its wealth to aid the unfortunate.

Anastasia was from a prominent family, and a member of Emperor Constantine's court. She was well liked by the Emperor. After being widowed at a young age, she dedicated her life to God, and took a vow of celibacy. When the Emperor's wife died, he turned his attention to Anastasia. To escape his advances, she fled to a monastery. She hid for 28 years by dressing as a man, and living in the desert as a hermit.

Patron Saint of Russia, Scotland, and Fishermen

One of the 12 original Apostles of Christ. Andrew was a disciple of Saint John the Baptist, and the first disciple called by Christ. After Christ's death Andrew became a missionary to Greece, where he was crucified.

First Korean Priest and Pastor. Martyred in 1860s during period of Christian persecution in Korea.

Patron Saint of Christian Mothers and of Women in Labor.

Mother of the Virgin Mary.

Founded the Claretian Order.

Medical Doctor, Priest, and Co-founder of the Barnabites.

Finder of Lost Articles. Invoked for the protection of horses, mules, and donkeys.

Doctor of the Church.

Hermit, know for his life of solitude, fasting, and manual labor. Preached that one should live life based on the gospels. Died while living in a cave at an age of 105 years.

Artemon was a pious and virtuous man. According to Christian tradition, the Apostle Paul appointed Artemon bishop of Seleucia. He was a successful bishop and died of old age.

Champion of the Faith. Doctor of the Church, participated in the Council of Nicaea.

Missionary to England.

Patron Saint of Brewers.

Greatest Doctor of the Church. Author of City of God. Martyred in 430 AD during a Vandal invasion.

One of the original 12 Apostles of Christ. Brought to gospel to India, Armenia, Persia, and Egypt.

Basil was a priest in Ancyra, Galatia who opposed Arianism. During the persecution of orthodox Christians under the Emperor Julian the Apostate, he was arrested, tortured, and executed.

English Monk and historian. Wrote Ecclesiastical History of the English People.

Invoked against temptations of the devil, inflammatory diseases, erysipelas fever, and kidney disease.

Founder of Bendictine Monasteries. Brother of Saint Scholastica.

In 420, Bishop Abdas burned down an important pagan temple in Persia. The King of Persia ordered that unless the Bishop Abdas agreed to rebuild the temple, every Christian church in Persia would be destroyed. The Bishop refused, and this set off a 40-year period of persecution of Christians in Persia. Benjamin was one of many Christian martyrs during this period.

Well known preacher during the Renaissance.

Bishop and Doctor of the Church. Wrote the Life of Saint Francis. Friend of Saint Thomas Aquinas, and Saint Louis.

Known as the Apostle of Germany. Martyred 754 AD.

Hermit, who declined appointments to high positions with-in the church for a life of solitude, labor, and humility.

Church Reformer.

Pope who advocated equality for slaves. These radical views made him enemies both inside and outside the Christain church. Martyred (probaboly during anti-Christian riots) in 222 AD.

Patron Saint of Poland and Lithuania

Third son of the King of Poland, at a young age Casmir decided to forsake worldly matters, and to lead a pious and spiritual life. At the age of 13, he renounced a plan to place him on the throne of Hungary, since usurping the present king's throne would be unjust. Later he refused to marry the daughter of the Emperor of Germany, preferring to maintain his vow of purity. He died at the young age of 23.

Patron Saint of Music.

It is said that an angel, which only the faithful could see, attended this Saint. She was martyred around 220 AD during a Roman persecution of Christians.

King Oswy of Northumbria appointed Chad archbishop of York, when the previous archbishop's chosen successor, Wilfrid, did not return from his consecration in France. Saint Theodore, the archbishop of Canterbury, admonished Chad for assuming the position of archbishop since the appointment was not canonical. Chad voluntarily vacated the post. Theodore was so impressed by Chad's humility and obedience that he appointed him bishop of Mercians with his see at Lichfield.

The Venerable Bede wrote of Saint Chad: "As soon as Chad had been consecrated bishop, he began most strenuously to devote himself to ecclesiastical truth and purity of doctrine and to give attention to the practice of humility, self- denial and study: to travel about, not on horseback, but on foot, after the manner of the apostles, preaching the Gospel in the towns and the open country, in cottages, villages and castles, for he was one of Aidan's disciples and tried to instruct his hearers by acting and behaving after the example of his master and of his brother Cedd."

Patron Saint of Learning and the Arts.

He was the son of a Count and nephew of Pope Pius IV. On his father's death, he gave up his inherited position as Count to become a priest. Served as Secretary of State for the Vacatican. Considered a great reformer the chuch.

Martyrs of Uganda in the 1880s.

Associate of Saint Vincent Ferrer. As a young woman she became a Poor Clare. While fulfilling a vow of seclusion, she had a vision of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. They ordered her to reform the Franciscan order. She worked the rest of her life promoting the Colette Reform in the Poor Claris, and in the order of friars minor.

Born in Ireland, this priest believed in following strict rules of Christian behavior for priests. In 590, he was invited by the King of Burgandy to spread the Gospel there. He founded many monasteries throughout France and Italy.

Pope who was martyred in excile in 253 AD.

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Patron Saint of Pharmacists.

Arabian Christian skilled in medicine and science. Martyred in 283 by Lysias, governor of Cilicia. Brother of Saint Damian.

Bishop of Carthage, and leader of African Christian church. He was martyred by Romans in 258 AD. Supporter of Pope St. Cornelius.

Early missionary to Slavic Europe. Translated the Bible into Slavonic. Brother of Saint Methodius. The Cyrillic alphabet which he developed is named after him.

Bishop of Alexandria, and Doctor of the Church.

Cyril was a prominent Christian deacon in Heliopolis, Greece. He opposed idol worship and destroyed many of the city's idols. Emperor Julian the Apostate sentenced him to torture and death. Tradition holds that God punished Cyril's torturers with blindness, boils, and terrible illness.

Bishop of Jerusalem.

Patron Saint of Pharmacists.

Arabian Christian skilled in medicine and science. Martyred in 283 by Lysias, governor of Cilicia. Brother of Saint Cosmas.

Pope from 366 to 384 AD. Saint Damasus commisioned Saint Jerome to translate the scriptures into the Vulgate. In doing so, he established Latin, not Greek, as the dominate language of Christian literature.

Patron Saint of France, Bishop of Paris.

Head of an Italian mission which brought Christianity to Gaul. Was beheaded along with Saints Rusticus, and Eleutherius in 258 AD.

According to the apocryphal gospels, Dismis is the name given to one of the thieves who was crucified along with Jesus. While hanging on the cross, Dismis became a follower of Jesus. According to the Gospel of Luke (23:42-43) Dismis said to Jesus, "Lord remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom". Jesus replied, "Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise". In Christian tradition Dismis is also referred to as the Good Thief.

Patron Saint of Astronomers.

Founded Dominican Order. Died 1221 AD.

Deacon of an Italian mission which brought Christianity to Gaul in 250 AD. Was beheaded along with Saints Denis, and Rusticus in 258 AD.

First person born in America to be canonized, founder of American Sisters of Charity.

Patron Saint of bakers, countesses, death of children, falsely accused, the homeless, nursing services, tertiaries, widows, and young brides.

After her husband died while fighting a crusade, Elizabeth became a nun. She built the Franciscan hospital at Marburg and devoted herself to the care of the sick until her death at the age of 24.

Queen of Portugal.

Christian deacon know for writing inspirational peotry and music.

Preist who opposed Arian beleifs.

As a layperson, Fabian visited Rome after the death of Pope Anteros in 236. While a new pope was being selected, a dove representing the Holy Spirit descended upon Fabian. The faithful who were gathered declared Fabian worthy and elected him. As Pope, Fabian stood against the Emperor Decius's persecutions of Christians, and was martyred in 250 AD.

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Invoked to watch over mothers and childern who are separated from each other.

Martyred along with Saint Perpetua.

Patron Saint of Journalists and Writers.

Believed living a holy, spiritual life was important for everyone, not just for clergy. Author of the popular book, Introduction to Devout Life, written to teach ordinary people of all occupations how to live a holy life.

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Patron Saint of Ecologists and Merchants.

Founder of the Franciscan orders. He reformed the church by stressing poverty, humility, and service in the priesthood.

Known by her caring for the sick, and helping the poor.

Invoked for souls in purgatory, and for living sinners.

Gertrude was a mystic, who the the Lord appeared to, and taught her prayers for releasing souls from purgatory.

Father of the church. A wealthy prefect of Rome, Gregory gave his entire fortune for the endowment of monasteries. In 590 Gregory became Pope. Some of his achievements as pope included converting the pagan Lombard, developing the church liturgy, and increasing the church's presence in Gaul, Africa, Dalmatia, Sicily, and Sardinia.

Pope in 1073. Organized Crusade to take Jerusalem from the Turks.

Patron Saint of Silesia (Jadwiga).

A Duchess who became a Cisterian nun. Founded many convents, monasteries, and hospitals.

Patron Saint of the childless, of Dukes, of the handicapped and those rejected by Religious Orders.

Duke of Barvaria, became Emperor. Drove Saracens out of southern Italy.

Invoked against snake bites

Doctor of the Church. Wrote commentaries on the Trinity, The Gospel of Mathew, and the Psalms. He stood up against the persecution of Saint Athanasius by the politically powerful Arians, and was exciled. Saint Hillary spent the rest of his life opposing Arian beliefs.

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Patron Saint of those making Spiritual Excercises.

Founder of the Jesuits.

Disciple of Saint John the Evangelist. Saint Peter appointed him Bishop of Antioch. In 107 AD he was martyred, when Roman Emperor Trajan ordered him killed by lions in the Amphitheater of Rome.

Early Christian Theologian. Opposed Gnosticism.

Leader of an expedition to supply a Huron mission in 1642. On the return trip, he was martyred during an Iroquois ambush. Close associate of Saint Rene Goupil.

Doctor of the Church. Brother of Saints Leander, Fulgentius, and Florentina.

Patron Saint of Rural Life.

Holy man who spent his life as a farm laborer. It is said angels sometimes assisted him in his farm work.

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Patron Saint of Hatmakers

One of the original 12 Apostles of Christ. Author of the Epistle of James.

Founder of the Order of Visitation.

Bishop of Benevento during the Emperor Diocletion persecution. Martyred by Romans in 305 AD.

Patron Saint of abandoned children and orphans.

Jerome was commander of a fortress in Venice. The fortress was captured and he imprisoned. While in prison, he had a spiritual conversion. He escaped from prison, and became a priest. Saint Jerome spent the rest of his life caring for orphans, founding many orphanages and hospitals. He died in 1537 from illness while assisting plague victims.

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Father of the Virgin Mary.

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Patron Saint of Teachers.

Preist who dedicted his life to education. Establish teaching colleges in Paris and Rheims, advocated teaching in local languages (as opposed to Latin), and formal classroom education (as opposed to individual instruction).

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Founder of the Selsian Order. Spent his life helping orphans, and opposing unfair child labor.

Patron Saint of Jurists.

Great orator of his day. Banished for his beleifs by the Roman Emperor.

Abbot of the Monastery at Mount Sinai. John lived as a desert hermit for many years. He is best known for authoring the work The Climax, a treatise on Christian perfection. John Climacus is also known as John Scholasticus.

Norman Priest whose family was wiped out by a plague. Founded several seminaries, and congregations.

English Cardinal who opposed King Henry VII. Beheaded in 1534 AD.

At the age of 16 John entered an order of friars near Naples. For 30 years he promoted Franciscan reforms in the priesthood. After which, he asked the Pope to remove him from office. John spent the rest of his life in a monastery. Many miracles are associated with this saint. He had the ability to take on the pain (physical and spiritual) of others, foretell the future of individuals, and read people's hearts. Incidents of levitation, and bilocation are also associated with John of the Cross.

Former Pharmacist, became a priest and organized lay ministries in hopitals and prison. Founder of the Clerks Regular of the Mother of God, and the College for the Propagation of Faith. Died in Rome in 1609 AD, of a plague while ministering to the sick.

Bishop of Naples.

Bohemian priest who helped organize Catholic education in the US. In 1852, he was appointed Bishop of Philadelphia, PA, where he created the first diocesy based Catholic school system in the US. Opened nearly 100 Catholic schools.

One of the Fathers of the eastern church, and one of the church's greatest poets. Saint John was born into a Christian family that was greatly repected by the Islamic rulers of Damascus. John achieved high office in Damasacus, and was able to minister and assist Christian captives brought to Damascus by Saracens. He may have been martyred during the persecution of Christians by Khalif Ahlid II around 770 AD.

John was an Egyptian prophet and hermit. He became a hermit at the age of 20, and spent the rest of his life living behind the walls of his desert hermitage. From a single window that opened to the outside, he would preach and prophetize to the public.

In Granada, Spain in 1437 John started a temporary shelter for the infirm who had been abandoned. When he found an infirm person, he would carry them to the shelter on his back. He financed the shelter by selling bundles of firewood from door to door. Over the years, word of his charitable works spread. The shelter received generous donations, and helpers volunteered. In 1586, Pope Sixtus V approved John's charity as an order and named it the Brothers of Saint John of God. This order continues its charitable works today.

Professor of Sacred Scripture at the University of Krakow. He is invoked to assist those who are fired from their jobs. He, himself, was unjustly fired from his position at the university. Eight years later, he returned and was exonerated.

Doctor of the Church. This son of a poor Spanish weaver joined the Carmelite Order, where he befriended Saint Teresa of Avila. Together they worked to reform the order.

Patron Saint of Asia Minor.

One of the original 12 Apostles of Christ. He was the only one of the twelve that did not abandon Christ at his crucifixion. While Jesus was dying on the cross, he made John the guardian of his mother, the Virgin Mary. John wrote the Gospel of John, three epistles, and the book of Revelation. He died of old age at Ephesus in the year 100 AD.

Saint John the Baptist was a new testament prophet who was known for baptizing his followers. Both Muslims and Christians recognize him as a true prophet. However, observing Saint John the Baptist Day is primarily a Christian practice.

This day is the anniversary of John the Baptist's birth. It is a legal holiday in Puerto Rico, where it is customary to bath or swim on this day. Since this day falls on or near the summer solstice, in some countries Saint John the Baptist Day observance may be combined with the Midsummer Eve celebration.

Patron Saint of Priests.

Priest who served in a small French town, but who had an international reputation as a confessor and spiritual advisor.

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Patron Saint of Capenters, Wheelwrights, Cabinetmakers, and other craftsman. Also Patron Saint of the Universal Church, a Good Death, and those who combat atheistic communism.

Saint Joseph was the Foster Father of Jesus and husband of Mary. Since Joseph was a carpenter by trade, he is also venerated on May 1st (International Labor Day).

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Priest who founded the congregation of Piarists, which is dedicated to combating vice among the poor.

Patron Saint of pallbearers, and funeral directors.

Joseph of Arimathea is mentioned in all 4 gospels (Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John). St. Luke (Luke 23:50) describes him as a "virtuous and righteous man". Joseph was a wealthy member of the Jewish Sanhedrin (ruling council), and secretly a follower of Jesus. As a member of the Sanhedrin, Joseph opposed the execution of Jesus, and may not have been present when Jesus was tried. After the crucifixion, Joseph went to Pilate and received permission to bury Jesus. He removed Jesus' body from the cross, embalmed it, wrapped it in cloth, and placed it in his own tomb.

The Gospel of Nicodemas (a non-canonical source) states that after burying Jesus, Joseph was imprisoned by the Jewish elders for being a Christian. Jesus miraculously released him from prison. Joseph then went on to establish a Christian community in the Judean city of Lydda.

According to legend, Joseph led the first group of Christian missionaries to England, where in 62 AD they established a Christian church at Glastonbury (also called Avalon). Joseph brought with him the cup that Christ used during the Last Supper. This is the origin of the "Holy Grail" myth.

Patron Saint of Capenters, Wheelwrights, Cabinetmakers, and other craftsman.

Saint Joseph the Worker is another title given to Saint Joseph, the Foster Father of Jesus and husband of Mary. Saint Joesph was a carpenter by trade. Saint Joseph the Worker Day is a legal holiday in Malta. It was adopted as an alternative to Labor Day, which was associated at the time with communism.

Invoked in hopelss cases.

One of the 12 original Apostles of Christ. He was also referred to as Thaddeus in the Gospel of Mark. Western tradtion holds he was martyred along with Saint Simon the Zealot during a missionary journey to Persia.

Born in Anazauria, Turkey Julian was a Christian who held the rank of Roman Senator. During the persecutions of Christians under Emperor Maximian Galerius he was arrested. Since he was a Roman Senator, the authorities decided to make an example of him. While imprisoned he was publicly displayed throughout Turkey. He was executed by being sealed into a bag full of poisonous snakes, and thrown into the sea.

Patron Saint of the environment.

Daughter of a Mohaw warrior, she converted to Christianity.

Founded Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Indians and Colored People. Dedicated her life to helping poor blacks, and American Indians. She founded 63 schools in the USA.

Patron Saint of Cooks, and Restauranteurs. Invoked against lumbago, and fire. Also invoked for the protection of vineyards.

Martyred in 248 AD during Christian persecution by Roman Emperor Valeian.

Doctor of the Church.

Became Pope in 440 AD, when the Western Roman Empire was rapidly declining. In 452, Saint Leo met with Attila the Hun outside the gates of Rome, and convinced him to withdraw. Three years later Leo convinced Genseric, King of the Vandals, to refrain from sacking and piliging Rome when they conquered it.

Patron Saint of Tertiaries.

Ninth King of France, led a crusade in 1238.

Patron Saint of the Blind. Invoked against eye trouble, dysentery, and hemorrhages.

She was martyred during Roman Emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians in 303 AD. There are several legends about her tortures and martyrdom. One legend states that the Emperor had her eyes plucked out, and they were miraculously restored. In another, the Romans tried to burn her at the stake but she would not die.

Author of Gospel of Luke, and the Acts of the Apostles. Being Greek, he was the first non-Jewish evangelist. Associate of Saints Paul and Barnabas.

Roman priest martyred in 304 AD.

Margaret Clitherow was born a protestant in Middleton, England. She converted to Catholicism. During a period of persecution of Catholics by English authorities, she aided fugitive Catholic priests. She was arrested and executed by being placed under a door, the door was loaded with weights, and she was crushed.

One of the Saints of the Sacred Heart, she had a vision instructing her to establish the Feast of the Sacred Heart.

English Princess who married Malcolm, King of Scotland. As Queen of Scotland, she built-up the church, and set an example of purity, and morality for her people.

Founded the Sisters of the Holy Name of Jesus and Mary, an organization dedicated to Christian education.

Patron Saint of Cooks.

Follower of Jesus, he visited her, her sister Mary, and her brother Lazarus in their home several times.

Patron Saint of Mulattoes, invoked for protection against rats.

Born 1579, in Lima, Peru, he was the son of a Spainish father and an African mother, making him the first African-American born saint. He was a highly respected Dominican Lay Brother whose advice on theological matters was sought by the most learned members of the church.

Patron Saint of Soldiers, Horsemen, and Tailors.Invoked for the protection of Geese.

Born into a military family, Martin was required by law to serve in the Roman army. He once cut his Roman cape in half and gave it to a beggar. Eventually he became Bishop of Tours.

Patron Saint of Perfumers, Tanners, Glovemakers, and Repentant Women.

Follower of Jesus, she was one of the first to discover Christ had risen. Sister of St. Lazarus and St. Martha.

Carmelite nun know for her spiritual ecstacies.

Patron Saint of Parents of Large Families

Matilda, or Maud, was the daughter of a count, and descendant of a king. In 913 she married Henry the Fowler, son of the Duke of Saxony. In 919 Henry became King of Germany. When Henry the Fowler died, their two sons, Otto and Henry competed for their father’s throne. Otto succeeded his father as king, and crushed a rebellion lead by his brother Henry. Matilda convinced Otto to forgive his brother and appoint him Duke of Bavaria. Matilda spent much of her fortune on charitable works. This angered Henry and Otto and they seized their mother’s fortune. In the latter years of her life, Matilda founded 3 convents and a monastery.

Patron Saint of Bankers.

One of the orignal 12 apostles of Christ. Author of the Gospel of Matthew.

Polish Franciscan Priest who was interred at Aushwitz concentration camp. He offered his life to save another prisoner, and was executed by the Nazis in 1941.

Early missionary to Slavic Europe. Translated the Bible into Slavonic. Brother of Saint Cyril.

Born on January 13, 1891 in Guadalupe, Mexico. As a novitiate, he had to flee his homeland to escape anti-Catholic persecution in 1914. He eventually returned to Mexico where he secretely ministered to the Catholic faithful. Miguel was executed by the Mexican government after being falsely accused of trying to assignate the Mexican president.

Roman soldier who converted to Christianity and was martyred around 100 AD. Associate of Saint Achilleus.

During the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian Christians were persecuted. Nicander was a physician in Alexandria, Egypt who visited Christian prisoner, providing them with medical treatment, and bringing them food. The Roman authorities would dump the bodies of dead Christian prisoners in a field. At night, Nicander would give these bodies a proper burial. For aiding Christians, Nicander was arrested, tortured, and beheaded.

Patron Saint of Bakers, Pawnbrokers, Scholars, Fishermen, Boatman, Dock Workers, Sailors, Coopers, Brewers, Travelers, Pilgrims, those who have unjustly lost a lawsuit, Russia, Greece, Sicily, Apulia, and Loraine. Invoked against robbers.

Saint Nicholas was a Bishop of Myra who was know for making gifts to the poor. In Holland his feastday is celebrated as the beginning of the Christmas season.

Patron Saint of Switzerland

At the age of 50, after a successful political career, Nicholas decided to live the life of a hermit. With a reputation for being a holy and wise man, Swiss leaders of the day sought out this hermit's advice. In 1481 he helped Switzerland avoid a civil war by negotiating the inclusion of Fribourg and Soleure in the Swiss Confederation.

Wealthy German who shed his possessions and became an itinerate preacher.

Patron Saint of Brazil

Our Lady Aparecida Day is a national holiday honoring Brazil's Patron Saint, the Virgin Mary. According to legend, some fisherman caught in their net a black, wooden statue of the Virgin Mary. The statue was named Our Lady Aparecida. Over the years many miracles have been attributed to it. The statue now resides in a cathedral built to house it in the city of Aparecida, Brazil.

Our Lady of Fátima Day is a Portuguese holiday commemorating a period in 1917 when the Virgin Mary appeared in the Portuguese village of Fátima.

On May 13, 1917, the Virgin Mary appeared to 3 childern in the small, rural, village of Fátima. At first most villagers were skeptical of the childern's story. On the 13th of each month the Virgin continued to appear, each time being witnessed by more people. The last appearance on October 13, 1917 was witnessed by over 70,000 people. July 13th was choosen as Our Lady of Fátima Day since this was the first day on which the Virgin appeared to a large number of people.

Today the village of Fátima is a popular destination for Roman Catholic pilgrims. Most pilgrimages are scheduled between May 13th and October 13th.

Roman Christian who was beheaded for his faith in 304 AD.

Patron Saint of Ireland.

Converted Ireland to Christainity.

Korean Lay Apostle who was martyred in 1860s during period of Christian persecution in Korea.

Best know for his letters of encouragement to his friends including Saints Augustine, Martin, Jerome, and Ambrose.

Invoked to watch over mothers and childern who are separated from each other.

Martyred along with Saint Felcity.

Roman christian exorcist, martyred in 304 AD.

Patron Saint of Fishermen

Saint Peter, one of the original 12 apostles, and Saint Paul, early Christian missionary, were both martyred on this day by Emperor Nero in 64 AD.

Saints Peter and Paul Day is a legal holiday in Chile, Peru, Columbia, Cost Rica, Malta, and Venezuela. This day is also observed by Christian fishing communities around the world, since Saint Peter is the Patron Saint of Fishermen. In these fishing villages, a Blessing of the Sea Ceremony is performed on this day.

Doctor of the Church. Saint Peter Cansisius wrote the first Catechism for the Catholic Church in 1555 AD. He was also a delegate at the council of Trent, and a reformer of German Universities. He was known as the Second Apostle of Germany.

Established the Sevants of the Blessed Sacrament whose nuns devote themselves to perpetual adoration.

Apostle of Christ. Crucified by Emperor Domitian.

Saint know for his sense of humor. Died 1595 AD.

Photina is the name given by Christian tradition to the Samaritan woman in the Gospel of John who gave Jesus a drink of water at Jacob's well. Jesus offered to give the Photina a drink of living water (John 4:14), and converted her along with many other Samaritans. Photina became a Christian missionary to Carthage. Under the Emperor Nero she was martyred by being drowned in a well.

Disciple of John the Evangelist. Bishop of Smyrna. Martyred in 156 AD.

Saint was a disciple of Saint Peter who became Bishop of Rome. Under Emperor Trajan, he was exciled to work in the marble quarries of Pontus. While there, he converted so many pagans, that the local prefect ordered him drowned by hanging an anchor around his neck. Martyred around 100 AD.

Elected Pope in 649 AD.. Martyred 656 AD.

Member of an expedition to supply a Huron mission in 1642. On the return trip, he was tomahawked for having made the Sign of the Cross on the brow of some children. Close associate of Saint Isaac Jogues .

Founder of the Camaldolese. Founded abbeys in Italy, Germany, and Istria.

Patron Saint of Latin America and the Philippines.

Saint Rose of Lima was Dominican nun who became the first person in the New World to be canonized as a saint. She was born in Lima, Peru in 1586 AD.

Her feastday is a national holiday in Peru.

Know for her courage under Frontier conditions, her service to Native Americans, and her self-acceptance. Born 1769 in France, she traveled to the United States' frontier at the age of 49. She opened a school the daughters of pioneers near St. Louis, Missouri, and another for Indian childern.

Priest in an Italian mission which brought Christianity to Gaul in 250 AD. Was beheaded along with Saints Denis, and Eleutherius in 258 AD.

Sabinus was a Christian and governor of Hermopolis, Egypt. During the Roman Emperor Diocletian's persecution of Christians, Sabinus was arrested. He was turned into the authorities by a beggar whom Sabinus had helped and fed. Along with six other Christians, Sabinus was tortured and drowned in the Nile River.

Invoked against storms.

Twin sister of Saint Bennedict.

Patron of archers, athletes, and soldiers.

Patron Saint of curriers and pit sawyers.

One of the 12 original Apostles of Christ. He was surnamed the Zealot for his rigid adherence to the Jewish law. Eastern tradition holds he died peacable in Edessa. Western tradtion holds he was martyred along with Saint Jude during a missionary journey to Persia.

Pope who was martyred in 248 AD during Christian persecution by Roman Emperor Valeian. Friend of Saint Lawrence.

Father of the Church, writer, and poet. A native of Damascus, Sophronios traveled to monasteries throughout Palestine with his mentor John Moskhos. Together they wrote a book about monastic ascetics entitled, Spiritual Meadow. Fleeing a Persian invasion of Palestine, they moved to Alexandria, Egypt where they lived for several years. Barbarians invaded Alexandria in 622, forcing Sophronios to flee again. This time he moved to Rome. In 634 Sophronios became Patriarch of Jerusalem. He resided over the city during a very difficult period. While he was Patriarch, Saracens laid a two-year siege of the city, and eventually captured it.

Bishop of Cracow, Poland. Symbol of Polish nationhood. Matyred 1079 AD.

Patron Saint of horses.

First Martyr of the Christian Church. Saint Stephen's martyrdom is described in the Book of Acts. Anti-Christian Jews in Jerusalem stoned him. His last words were a prayer for his attackers, "Lord forgive them, for they know not what they do."

On St. Stephan's Day in Poland rice is tossed as a blessing, and to symbolize the stoning. He is also the Patron Saint of Horses, and in Austria it is customary to bless horses on this day.

Saint Stephen of Hungary (c 957-1038 AD) is the patron saint and founder of Hungary. He was a Magyar. In 1000 AD, he became king, and under his rule Hungary was united for the first time as an independent nation.

Saint Stephen of Hungary Day is a legal holiday in Hungary. In 1950, the communist government changed the observance to Constitution Day in honor of Hungary's first constitution adopted on August 20, 1920. However, in 1990 the observance was changed back to Saint Stephen of Hungary Day.

Theophanes was a relative of the Byzantine Emperor. He grew up in the imperial court. Theophanes wished to dedicate himself to God, but the Emperor required him to marry. Theophanes complied. However, both Theophanes and his wife remained celibate and joined religious orders.

He founded two monasteries, one located on the Island of Kalon, the other called the Big Settlement was located in Asia Minor. He is best known for writing the Chronographia, a history of Christianity from 285 to 813. Even today, it is considered a major source of historical information about the church.

In 813 the Iconoclasts (those who believed in icon worship) came into political power in Byzantine. Theophanes was imprisoned for refusing to accept their beliefs. He died in prison after 23 months of captivity.

Patron Saint of Missions.

This Carmelite nun was know as Little Flower. Author of Story of A Soul. Died at age 24.

Patron Saint of Architects.

One of the 12 Apostles of Christ. Known as Doubting Thomas, because he did not believe stories of Christ's Resurrection.

Sir Thomas Becket was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by King Henry II of England. Thomas annoyed the King by taking the Roman Catholic Church's side in disputes with the English King. In 1170, four of the King's knights murdered him in Canterbury Cathedral.

Patron Saint of Lawyers.

Was beheaded in 1535 for opposed King Henry VII of England.

Traveled on missionary journeys with Saint Paul. After Pauls' execution, Timothy became the first Bishop of Ephesus. He was stoned to death by a mob for opposing a pagan festival.

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Traveled on missionary journeys with Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas. Later, he became the first Bishop of Crete.

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Defender of Indians.

Archbishop of Lima, Peru.

Patron Saint of Charitable Societies.

Founder of the Sisters of Charity.

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