St. Paul Miki and Companions were 26 Christians martyred in Japan in 1597 during the persecution of Christians under the Tokugawa shogunate. Paul Miki, a Jesuit seminarian, was the leader of the group, which included fellow Jesuits, seminarians, and lay Catholics. They were arrested for their faith, publicly humiliated, and then crucified in Nagasaki. Despite […]
St. Jerome Emiliani, born in 1481 in Venice, Italy, was a priest and founder of the Congregation of Somaschi. After a dramatic conversion, he dedicated his life to serving the poor, orphans, and marginalized. He is particularly known for his work in caring for abandoned children, establishing orphanages, and promoting education. Jerome's deep devotion to […]
Saint Josephine Bakhita, born in Sudan around 1869, was kidnapped at a young age and sold into slavery. Enduring unimaginable suffering, she was later purchased by an Italian family, where she encountered Christianity and converted to Catholicism. After gaining her freedom, Josephine entered the Canossian Daughters of Charity in Italy, dedicating her life to God. […]
St. Scholastica, born around 480 in Italy, was the twin sister of St. Benedict, the founder of the Benedictine order. A devoted Christian from a young age, she established a monastic community for women at Plombariola, near her brother's monastery. Scholastica is known for her deep spirituality, prayer life, and dedication to God. According to […]
Our Lady of Lourdes refers to the Marian apparition that occurred in 1858 in Lourdes, France, when the Virgin Mary appeared to 14-year-old Bernadette Soubirous. Over a period of 18 visits, Mary identified herself as the "Immaculate Conception" and instructed Bernadette to dig in the ground, revealing a spring that later became renowned for its […]
Sts. Cyril and Methodius, brothers born in the 9th century in Thessalonica, are known as the "Apostles to the Slavs." They were missionaries who sought to spread Christianity to the Slavic peoples of Eastern Europe. Cyril, originally named Constantine, invented the Glagolitic alphabet, the first Slavic script, which enabled the translation of the Bible and […]
The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Order were seven wealthy and devout men from Florence, Italy, who in 1233, founded the Order of the Servants of Mary (Servites). They were deeply moved by the suffering of the Virgin Mary and sought to live lives of prayer, penance, and service to the poor. The founders—Bonfiglio, […]
Saint Peter Damian, born in 1007 in Italy, was a Benedictine monk, reformer, and cardinal who played a significant role in the Church's efforts to address corruption and restore discipline. Orphaned at a young age, he was raised by his brother and later joined the Benedictine order. Known for his ascetic lifestyle, theological writings, and […]
The Chair of St. Peter the Apostle, celebrated on February 22, honours the papal authority and the role of St. Peter as the first Pope. The "chair" symbolizes the teaching authority of the Pope, which is rooted in Christ’s words to Peter, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my Church” (Matthew […]
Saint Gregory of Narek, born around 950 in Armenia, was a monk, poet, theologian, and doctor of the Church. A member of the Narek Monastery, he devoted his life to prayer, scholarship, and writing. His most famous work, the "Book of Lamentations," is a profound collection of prayers and hymns that express deep sorrow for […]
