The Conversion of St. Paul, commemorated on January 25, marks the dramatic transformation of Saul of Tarsus, a zealous persecutor of Christians, into the Apostle Paul. On his journey to Damascus to arrest Christians, Saul was struck blind by a divine light and heard the voice of Jesus asking, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting […]
St. Angela Merici (1474–1540) was an Italian religious educator and founder of the Ursuline Order, one of the first groups of women dedicated to the education of girls. Born in Desenzano, Italy, she experienced a deep spiritual vision that led her to dedicate her life to the service of God and the improvement of education […]
Saint Thomas Aquinas (1225–1274) was a Dominican friar, theologian, and philosopher, widely regarded as one of the Church’s greatest thinkers. His works, particularly the Summa Theologica, integrate faith and reason, exploring topics like the existence of God, morality, and the nature of the soul. Aquinas is known for his efforts to reconcile Christian theology with […]
St. John Bosco (1815–1888) was an Italian priest, educator, and founder of the Salesian Society, dedicated to the care and education of young people, especially the poor and marginalized. Driven by a deep love for youth, he created innovative educational methods that combined reason, religion, and loving-kindness. St. John Bosco founded the Salesian Sisters and […]
The Presentation of the Lord, or Candlemas, celebrated on February 2nd, marks the occasion when Mary and Joseph presented the infant Jesus in the Temple in Jerusalem, forty days after His birth. This event, also known as the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, fulfills Jewish law, which required a mother to […]
St. Blaise, a 4th-century bishop and martyr, is best known as the patron saint of throat ailments. According to tradition, he was a physician before becoming the bishop of Sebaste in Armenia. He is said to have miraculously healed a boy choking on a fish bone, leading to his association with throat diseases. Blaise was […]
St. Ansgar, known as the "Apostle of the North," was a 9th-century missionary who played a crucial role in spreading Christianity in Scandinavia, particularly in Denmark and Sweden. Born in France around 801, he became a monk and was sent by Emperor Louis the Pious to evangelize the Nordic regions. Despite many challenges, including Viking […]
St. Agatha, a 3rd-century Christian martyr, is revered as the patron saint of breast cancer patients, miners, and women. Born in Sicily, she was a noblewoman who devoted her life to God. During the persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius, Agatha was arrested for refusing to renounce her faith. She endured severe torture, including having […]
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 […]
