Holy Moley, Who's that Saint? : Recent Episodes
CatholicSG Radio
Listen to this upbeat take about the lives of Saints as we show how their lives can be made relevant in our own everyday living!
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St Peter, also known as Simon Peter, was one of Jesus’ original 12 apostles. St Paul had a dramatic conversion after he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, and became an Apostle to the Gentiles. While far from perfect disciples of Christ, both men were steadfast in their single-minded faith and equally devoted to their flocks. Both were martyred on the same date, 29 June, 67 A.D. St Peter is the patron saint of fishermen, netmakers, shipbuilders and locksmiths, while St Paul is the patron saint of missionaries, theologians, evangelists and Gentile Christians.
Irenaeus was born around 125 AD in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. He became a priest and was sent to the church in Lyons. He served as a missionary, peacemaker, and was the second bishop of Lyons at a difficult period of persecution and controversies. He is highly regarded by the Church for his writings, which not only laid the foundations for Church theology, but also defended and saved the Catholic faith from attacks and the danger of heresies.
St Josemaria was the founder of Opus Dei, which means ‘The work of God’. It is an institution within the Catholic Church dedicated to helping people in all walks of life to follow Christ, to seek holiness in their daily life and grow in love for God and their fellow men and women. It is made up of lay people as well as the religious and has more than 84,000 members in 60 countries.
Germaine was born in 1579 to poor parents. Born with a deformed right arm and hand, as well as the disease of scrofula, her stepmother eventually kicked her out of the house and Germaine was forced to sleep in the barn, on a pile of leaves and twigs. Forty-three years later, Germaine’s casket was opened and her body was found incorrupt. St Germaine Cousin is the Patron saint of people with disabilities and those who have been abused or abandoned. Her feast day is on 15th June.
St Anthony of Padua was an eloquent speaker. He preached the true gospel of Jesus that even the simple people could understand his message clearly. Once, his notebook was stolen by someone. After St Anthony prayed, the man returned his notebook and rejoined the seminary as well. Hence St Anthony is the patron saint of lost articles. His feast day is on 13th June.
St Barnabas is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. He was a wealthy Jew who sold his property and gave the proceeds to the apostles. He went on to live a simple life and is credited for spreading the Gospel especially to the pagans along with St Paul. St Barnabas’ feast day is on June 11th.
St Justin lived in the 2nd century in Judaea (present-day Syria). He is best known as an Apologist - he wrote many works defending Christianity against heresies and misunderstandings. He also founded a school of philosophy in Rome, where he taught Christianity as the true philosophy, for free. In 165 AD, he was scourged and beheaded for the faith. He is the patron saint of philosophers.
Often referred to as the Maid of Orleans, St Joan of Arc was born around 1412 to a peasant family in northeastern France. At a very early age, Joan heard the voices of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. At age 13, it was said that those voices instructed her to drive the English out of France and to reinstate Charles VII as its rightful King. And that was exactly what she did with much valour. In 1920, she was canonised by Pope Benedict XV.
St Augustine was an Italian Benedictine monk in Rome and the prior of a monastery. His safe, quiet and comfortable life was upended when Pope Gregory the Great chose him in AD 596 to lead a mission to Britain to evangelise the pagan Anglo-Saxons. That he did to some success, and eventually he was made a bishop. Augustine died in AD 605, only eight years after he arrived in England. Although he only worked for a short time, his efforts began the eventual conversion of England. He is considered the “Apostle of the English” and is the Patron Saint of England.
St Rita of Cascia was married off at a very young age and she became a mother when she was just 12 years old. She later became a widow and even lost her two sons. Her desire to join the convent of her choice was finally fulfilled at the age of 36. Her feast day is celebrated on May 22nd.
St Igantius of Laconi was born in 1701 to a poor farmer. He grew up to be a delicate boy, thin and pale. The hard labour of farming put a great strain on him and he became very ill when he was 17 years old. He vowed that if he got better, he would consecrate his life to the Franciscans, in the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.
And that he did. For 15 years, he worked humbly behind the scenes. Ignatius was well loved by the poor and the children. He tended to the sick and to street children every day while on his rounds around town.
From a young age, St Magdalene of Canossa felt drawn to serve girls who were either living in poverty or had been abandoned. Using her inheritance, Magdalene and some companions began charitable work in the poverty-stricken district of San Zeno. This small group of women became the “Daughters of Charity”. Magdalene died at the age of 61. She had established five houses of Canossian sisters at the point of her death.
St Dominic set an example of doing simple things cheerfully and wholeheartedly. He was almost 15 when he died. Even at that tender age, his life and beliefs inspired many around him. He is the patron saint of choir boys, the falsely accused and juvenile delinquents.
Saints Philip and James were two of the twelve disciples handpicked by Jesus. They both had different talents. James was a prolific writer while Philip had great interpersonal skills. Philip and James were both martyred for their faith. They share a feast day because their relics were brought to Rome together in early May in the sixth century.
St Peregrine was from the Order of Servite. He is best known for miraculous healing, which he himself was blessed with when facing amputation due to a cancer of his foot. He is the patron saint of people with cancer, foot ailments or any incurable disease and is popularly known as the “Cancer Saint”.
May 1st (or May Day) used to be a secular holiday to celebrate the return of spring, but gradually communist countries staged big parades for workers on May Day. To counter this atheistic notion that separated work from faith, Pope Pius XII instituted May 1st as the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955. His action built upon earlier popes who had pointed to St. Joseph as the Church’s “labour leader.” Saint Joseph, patron saint of workers, is an example of what it means to work with dedication, humility, and a spirit of service.
St Catherine of Siena was a lay Dominican. She had many mystical experiences during her lifetime. She became involved in politics, and through her persuasive powers was instrumental in keeping the city states loyal to the Pope. She is the patron saint of fire prevention, nurses and many others. She died on 29 April 1380.
St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort was a priest, missionary and author. He is known for his devotion to the Blessed Mother. His works remain a staple in the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of preachers.
Peter Chanel grew up in rural France. While in school, he loved to read about French foreign missionaries and wanted to emulate them. So as a child, he decided, “I will become a missionary priest!” Peter Chanel went on to fulfil his ambition. He was ordained as a diocesan priest and served in parishes.
Peter Chanel’s feast day is on 28 April, which is a public holiday in Futuna today. On the vigil of his Feast Day, hundreds of Futunians sleep outside the Basilica waiting for the festivities of their saint’s feast day to begin the next morning!
Born to a poor family, Zita was taught by her mother to seek God's will in all circumstances. At the age of 12 she was sent to be a domestic worker but she experienced abuse and hostility from her employers. Zita was able to face all these trials with patience and inner strength through her strong prayer life. Eventually, her employers were won over by her patience and goodness. Zita died on April 27th, 1278, at the age of sixty.
St Mark the Evangelist was one of the Seventy-Two apostles sent to spread the Word of God throughout Judea. St Mark is the patron saint of attorneys and barristers. He is also the patron saint of Venice, Italy, and Egypt.
When George was in his early 20s he joined Emperor Diocletian's army. By his late 20's, he served as an imperial guard for the emperor. George was beheaded in the year 303 at the order of Diocletian after his daughter who was married to George, accepted Christ as a result of George praying the psalms and teaching her about the Lord Jesus Christ. St George Lydda is the patron saint of England, protector of arms makers, soldiers, boy scouts and lepers.
St Anselm was an Archbishop of Canterbury and is known as a doctor of the church. He was very knowledgeable in the word of God; he had the ability to use logic to explain biblical truths of salvation and counter arguments put forth by atheists. He died on 21 April 1109.
St Bernadette Soubirous is best known for experiencing Marian apparitions of a young lady asking for a chapel to be built at a cave-grotto in Lourdes. This saint was also responsible for digging up a spring at Lourdes. A healing spring no less, from which, many had been miraculously cured of their ailments.
St Stanislaus is the patron saint of Poland, Krakow and moral order. He was successful in his reforming efforts and hence became a much sought after spiritual adviser. He was martyred while saying mass on April 11, 1079.
St John Baptist de La Salle, a French priest, was very involved in education especially for boys from poor families. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and established many teacher colleges. He is considered the founder of the first Catholic schools. He is the patron saint of teachers and Christian educators. He died on April 7th, 1719.
Vincent Ferrer entered the order of the Dominicans at the age of 19 in a monastery near his hometown and lived an austere and disciplined life. With his powerful preaching, he was able to convert many. He believed that his words should sound as though they were coming not from a proud or angry soul, but from a charitable and loving heart. He is the patron saint for builders, businessmen and reconciliation.
St. John Climacus, also known as St. John of the Ladder, was a 7th-century monk and spiritual writer. He is famous for his spiritual classic, "The Ladder of Divine Ascent," which describes the steps that a Christian must take to reach union with God. One of the key insights of St. John's spirituality is the importance of discipline and self-denial in the pursuit of holiness.
St Joseph, husband of the blessed virgin Mary and Jesus’ foster father, was a carpenter by profession. He was Mary and Jesus’ protector. He is the patron of the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death. March 19 has been the most commonly celebrated feast day for St Joseph.
St Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. He is well known as the apostle of Ireland, having evangelised to the Druids and pagans at that time. He worked many miracles and endured much suffering for the sake of the gospel. He died on 17 March 461.
Orphaned at the age of 15, St Louise dreamt of joining the religious life from a young age. However, an uncle of hers arranged for her to marry. After her husband passed away though, she went on to start the Daughters of Charity. She is the patron saint of social workers.
The Forty Martyrs of Armenia were elite soldiers in the Roman Army serving in the regions of Cappadocia. All were brave soldiers from a legendary “Thundering Legion” who were made to stand naked on a frozen lake to freeze to death. All because they refused to renounce their Christian faith. The martyrdom of these 40 soldiers ignited greater faithfulness in the early Christians.
St John of God was of Portuguese origin. He was an impulsive person when it came to helping others without a single thought about his own life. He died on his 55th birthday, 8th March 1550. He is the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, printers, and booksellers.
Saints Perpetua and Felicity were both young mothers who were martyred on the same date, 7th March 203 in Africa. They are the patron saints of mothers, expectant mothers, ranchers and butchers.
St Katharine is one of the first few Americans to be canonised. Believing in the power of education, Katharine founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to provide religious education to the Native American and African American communities, and opened a number of mission schools for them. Her feast day is March 3rd.
There must be no other female saint whose life was as dramatic as St Agnes of Bohemia! Agnes felt called to religious life. She grew as a model of Christian virtue and was well-known for obedience, prayer, personal holiness and genuine humility. She not only cooked for lepers and paupers, but also mended clothes for them. Her love for her co-sisters, and her charitable acts of mercy towards the poor and the abandoned were well-regarded. Her feast day is 2nd March.
On 27 February, we celebrate the feast day of St Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows, Confessor. He died on February 27, 1862, at age 24, having been a role model of Christian charity to both young and old, faithful to the Lord till the end. He is the patron of youth, and especially of the young religious.
St Polycarp is a second-century saint. He was a disciple of John the apostle and later became bishop of Smyrna which is in modern-day Turkey. He is the patron saint for ear aches! His feast day is on February 23rd.
St Peter Damian is celebrated as Bishop and Doctor of the Church. He was well known for his discipline and tenacious ways. In his retirement, he continued to give honour to the Church by practicing humility and penance. His feast day is on February 21st.
The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Orders were 7 merchants in the 13th century, who each had a mystical experience of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They dedicated their lives to honor the Blessed Virgin Mother. They are honoured on February 17th.
It is understood that Onesimus was Philemon's slave. Whilst in prison for stealing from Philemon, Onesimus met Paul and through their conversations, Onesimus was converted. Paul wrote a letter to Philemon appealing for Onesimus' freedom, so that Onesimus could become one of his own assistants. Later in his life, Onesimus became an ardent preacher of the Gospel and succeeded Timothy as bishop of Ephesus.
St Josephine Bakhita is a 19th-century Sudanese saint. She was sold into slavery at the age of 9. Lovingly known as “little brown sister”, she remained cheerful and never lost faith. She is the patron saint of Sudan and survivors of human trafficking. Her feast day is on February 8th.
St Jerome Emiliani is a 15th-century Italian saint. He tirelessly worked for little children especially orphans and also taught the children about the Catholic faith. He is the patron saint of orphans and abandoned children. His feast day is on February 8th.
St Paul Miki was born in Japan and was the son of a Samurai family. Paul Miki and his companions were instrumental in spreading the gospel in Nagasaki. Their feast day is on February 6th.
St Agatha was born around 231 and is one of the most highly venerated virgin martyrs of the early Church. She is the patron saint of bellfounders, breast cancer patients, rape victims, and nurses. Her feast day is on February 5th.
Also fondly known as Don Bosco, St John Bosco was an Italian priest from the 1800s. He was a versatile priest and worked tirelessly for the street children and orphans, and at the same time was a friend to the rich noble gentlemen. He is known as ‘Father and Teacher of the youth’. His feast day is on January 31st.
On the 26th of January, we honour St Timothy and Titus, Apostles. Timothy is the patron saint of stomach and intestinal disorder, while Titus is the patron saint of the United States Army Chaplain Corps. Both of them helped Paul in his mission to share and preach the good news.
Timothy and Titus not only were very faithful friends to Paul, but were also his spiritual sons because he had led them to trust Christ and spread the good news.
On 25th January, the church celebrates the feast of the conversion of St Paul the Apostle. Paul was given the name Saul at birth. He persecuted the early Christians with great fervour and was known and feared because of it. He encountered the Lord on his way to Damascus and his life changed forever - dedicating his life to spreading the Gospel.
St Francis de Sales was a Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. He was born in 1567 to a noble French family. He gave up a law career to become a priest and was extremely talented as a writer, preacher, and spiritual director. His feast day is on January 24th.
As a deacon in the Catholic Church, St Vincent was commissioned by his bishop to preach throughout his diocese in Saragossa. Despite suffering terrible torture when he was persecuted for his faith, Vincent had amazing peace. This astonished his jailor to repentance and he was converted. His feast day is on January 22nd.
St Agnes was a virgin and martyr and is honored as the patroness of the young. Agnes was born into a wealthy Christian family in 291 AD but dedicated her life to the gospel in spite of persecution. Her feast day is on January 21st.
St Fabian was a Pope and Martyr. He lived in the third century, a time when the Church experienced a period of peace and freedom from persecution. His feast day is on January 20th.
St Anthony the Abbot was an ascetic who lived a hard and solitary life. He was the founder and pioneer of Christian monastic asceticism. He is the patron saint of farmers, butchers, bakers, and skin diseases. His feast day is on January 17th.
On the 15th of January, we honour St Paul the Hermit, also known as St Paul of Thebes. He is also traditionally regarded as the first Christian hermit.
St Hilary is known as a defender of the faith, and wrote some of the greatest theology on the Holy Trinity. He is the patron saint of lawyers, children with disabilities, mothers, and sick people. He also wrote hymns which were the first in the West by a known writer, and one of them, known as the Morning Hymn, is used in the Liturgy of the Hours today.
St Raymond of Peñafort was born in 1175 to Spanish nobility. He was a lawyer, preacher, and priest who made a profound influence on the history of Spain and the Church. He is the patron saint of canon lawyers. His feast day is on January 7th.
St Andre Bassette was known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal”. He was born in Quebec, Canada in 1845. Many healings and miracles have been attributed to his prayers. His feast day is on January 6th.
Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen were born in the year 330. They both made many selfless contributions, as priest and bishop respectively. They opposed and countered the countless heresies of that age. Their feast day is on January 2nd.
St Vincent was well-known as “the holy Passionist preacher” because he often preached in the city of Rome to the local clergy, the cardinals, bishops and the papal court at the Pope’s request. He had an intense prayer life; rising at midnight for the divine office and spending at least five hours daily in prayer. He brought this spirituality of prayer, prudence, and pastoral dedication to the poor - who were close to his heart.
On 29th December, we honour St Thomas Becket, the Patron Saint of Roman Catholic Secular Clergy. When he got close to King Henry II after he was invited into the household of the Archbishop of Canterbury, he became proud, ambitious and selfish. But all these changed after he was made the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. He became a completely changed man. When he upset and clashed with his friend, King Henry II, he became grossly unpopular with nobles and knights. He was violently assasinated and became a martyr.
On 28 December, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, King Herod was jealous and feared that this child would overthrow him as king. When the wise men didn't go back to Herod to inform him where Jesus was, he was outraged and ordered the massacre of all the boys who were two years old and below. Around 14,000 children were estimated to have been killed. These first martyrs are the patrons of infants and unborn babies. Their death protected Jesus from the wrath of Herod.
St John was one of the original twelve apostles and writer of five books in the New Testament. Tradition says that after the resurrection, John took Mother Mary from Jerusalem to Ephesus to live out the rest of her life until her Assumption. St John is the Patron Saint of Love, Loyalty, Friendships and Authors.
St Stephen is given the tile of protomartyr as he is recognised as the first Christian martyr. First mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the seven deacons appointed by the Tweleve, he was persecuted for his faith and died bearing witness for Christ at 29 years old. Stephen was described as being 'full of grace and power and did great wonders and signs among the people'. He was said to have preached fervently, performed miracles and successfully converted many to follow Jesus.
St John of Kanty was named after his birthplace, Kant, in the countryside of Poland. He was appointed Professor of Philosophy theology and scripture at the University of Krakow after his priestly ordination. He became well known among the city's residents and his students for his generosity and compassion toward the poor. By the time he died, John was so well-loved that his veneration began immediately. He was declared the Patron Saint of Poland and Lithuania in 1737, thirty years before his canonisation.
Peter Canisius is the Patron Saint of Germany, Catholic press and Catechism writers. At the age of 15, he attended University and received a master's degree when he turned 19. He gained a reputation as a preacher and contributed greatly to reforming the Church in Vienna. He also won people over with his practice of charity, especially to the sick and the plague stricken. St Peter was named a Doctor of the Church, an honour given to him for clarifying the Catholic faith by his words and example.
Dominic of Silos is the Patron Saint of pregnant women, prisoners and shepherds. He was born in Spain around the year 1000 into a peasant family. He became a Benedictine monk and served in numerous leadership positions. After a dispute with the king, Dominic and two other monks were exiled to Silos. Dominic served at the monastery in Silos for many years, filling his days with good works, miraculous cures, prayer and ransom of captives. His gift of miracles drew many to the monastery and he cured them by the hundreds.
St John of the Cross was a 16th Century Spanish Carmelite. He is the Patron Saint of contemplatives, mystics and Spanish poets. He is said to have had visions of Christ in Avila, and drew Jesus looking down on him from above. St John was a key figure in the 16th century reform if the Carmelites amid a rift between the traditionalists and Discalced (liberal). St John was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church for his spiritual teachings, one of 36 saints recognised as Teachers who have made significant contribution to doctrine through their writing or study.
St Juan Diego and his wife were among the first indigenous people to accept Jesus and be baptised, when the Spaniards conquered Mexico in the 15th century. Mary appeared to Juan Diego 4 times. The apparition of Our lady of Guadalupe had proved to be a turning point in the evangelisation of the Americas.
St Ambrose is the Patron saint of Milan, and also the Patron of Bees, Beekeepers, Geese, Candlemakers, Police Officers and Students. He is 1 of 4 original Doctors of the Church. Ambrose lived in the year 340 to 397 and became the Bishop of Milan at 34. He introduced the Lectio Divina, a meditation of Scripture that we still use today.
Born in the 4th century in what is now Turkey, Nicholas was known for being very charitable and loving to people. He used his inheritance to help many who were in dire straits. As the Bishop of Myra, he was a strong defender of Christianity. When he died, his body remained incorrupt and exuded a fragrant myrrh called manna.
John was born in 676 AD to a family of Arab Christians and raised in Damascus. He was an outstanding champion of sacred images, and best known for his defense of icons. He is the patron saint of pharmacists, icon painters, philosophy and theology students.
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Francis Xavier is the patron saint for foreign missions and the Apostle of the Indies. He was first a disciple of St Ignatius of Loyola and one of the first Jesuits in the order. He gave us the silver spoon in his mouth when he was called to mission work in India and Japan. He died of a fever at the age of 46. Today, his incorrupt remains lie at the Church of the Good Jesus in Goa, India.
Bibiana lived in the 4th century. Her parents were Christians and both suffered for their beliefs at a time when Christians were persecuted for their faith. When she was tied to a pillar and scourged, Bibiana endured the torments with joy. After her death, her body was left out in the open, so that it would be torn apart by wild animals. But miraculously, not a single wild animal touched it. She is the patron saint for hangovers, headaches, mental illness and torture victims.
On 30 November, the Church celebrates the feast of St Andrew, the patron saint of Fishermen and Scotland and Russia. He was first a disciple of John the Baptist, and then later a follower of Jesus, one of the original 12 apostles of our Lord. As an evangelist, he brought the gospel to Greece, Russia and Poland. St Andrew was martyred on a cross in the shape of an "X".
St Catherine Laboure is the patron saint of te elderly, sick and disabled. She is credited with the design of the Miraculous Medal, commissioned by Mother Mary herself in 1830.
Dung An Tran was introduced to the faith when he was 12 and after Baptism, took the name Andrew Dung. He became a parish priest after ordination and was tireless in his preaching. He fasted often and lived a simple and moral life. He was captured and taken to Hanoi where he suffered a dreadful torture and finally beheaded. He represents the countless Vietnamese Catholics who died for the faith over the past 300 years.
St Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians, and also the patroness of sacred music. Cecilia fasted regularly and performed many charitable works and acts of penance out of love for God. When she refused to renounce her faith, her executioners tried to behead her, but Cecilia was still alive. As her life slowly ebbed away, she continued to preach to those who came to visit.
Also known as Elizabeth of Thuringia, she is the patron saint of bakers, widows, and nursing services. As a child, Elizabeth was very pious and regularly gave alms to the poor. After the death of her husband, she became a member of the Third Order of St Francis. She helped build a hospital and devoted herself to aid the sick. She died at the age of 24.
St Leo the Great served as a Pope in the 5th century. He was a great defender of Church teachings and corrected numerous heresies that were prevalent in the church during that time. His feast day is on 10th November.
St Charles Borromeo was a Bishop and a leading figure in the Catholic Counter-Reformation in the 16th century when the Catholic Church was being plagued by corruption. He is the Patron Saint of catechists and is often called upon in times of pestilence. His feast day is on 4th November.
St Martin De Porres had the gift of bi-location and could communicate simultaneously with people in two different locations. He is the patron saint of equality, social justice, mixed-race persons, barbers, public health workers, and those seeking racial harmony. His feast day is on 3rd November.
Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints Day every year on the 1st of November. This day was first declared by Pope Gregory III in the 8th Century to honour all those whose lives were worthy of veneration.
Alphonsus was born into a wealthy family in Segovia, Spain in 1533. He inherited the family textile business at 23. Within the space of three years, his wife, daughter, and mother died; and the business was poor. After his setback, he reassessed his life. He sold the business, and with his young son, moved into his sister’s home. There he learned the discipline of prayer and meditation. After the death of his son, he felt a strong call to religious life at the age of 35. He joined the Society of Jesus as a lay brother, as his poor health and limited education did not make him a suitable candidate for either priesthood or religious brotherhood. His reputation for holiness spread beyond the college walls. People came to seek his intercession and advice. He’s known for his deep spirituality, knowledge and soundness of doctrine. He loved Our Lady and distributed copies of “Little Office of the Immaculate Conception” which he had handwritten. He’s the patron saint of the Jesuit brothers.
Sts Simon and Jude were Apostles - 2 of the twelve that Jesus hand-picked as his closest companions. They travelled together to teach the Gospel of Christ. Simon the Zealot first believed firmly in following the Mosaic Law, but after he met Jesus, he followed Jesus and His teachings. Jude taught the people that they should stand firm in their faith, even though they might suffer many trials in their lives. He is popularly known as the saint of lost causes.
Crispin and Crispinian were brothers from Rome who went to Soissons, France, in the late 3rd century to preach the gospel. Crispin and Crispinian spoke about Christianity with such profound conviction and made a strong impression on those who heard them. For about forty years, the brothers were able to urge many to renounce their false gods and convert to Christianity. During this time, they were undisturbed by the authorities. When Emperor Maximian arrived in the city and was told about Crispin and Crispinian, he arrested them. Maximian ordered them to be tortured to death as a warning to others. Through all these torments the brothers coolly recited verses from the psalms that spoke of their reliance on God's protection. And, God indeed preserved them from every harm! They are the patron saints of shoemakers, saddlers and tanners.
St John Paul II was the 'Pilgrim Pope' who truly loved and was loved by all. Despite losing his mother, brother and father by the age of 21, he displayed an immense capacity to love all people. He even forgave the person who attempted to assasinate him. Throughout his 27 years in office, he travelled extensively, using his gift of speaking multiple languages to bring the messge of God's love to the world.
St Luke was one of the 4 Gospel writers. He is also hte patron saint of artists, physicians and surgeons. He was a physician by profession and was converted to Christianity when he first met St Paul when the latter was sick and needed to see a doctor. He then followed Paul to bring the Word of God to the Gentiles and on his second and third missionary journeys. Much of Luke's inspiration and information came from Paul. He placed emphasis on God's universal mercy for both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus. His feast day is on 18 October.
Teresa was born in Avila, Spain in 1515. As a young child, she was fascinated by the saints. At the age of seven, she convinced her older brother to run away with her to Africa so that they could be beheaded by the Moors and become martyrs. Teresa had visions, experienced ecstasies, levitations and received other extraordinary graces. The Lord spoke to her personally and she experienced spiritual espousal. Teresa struggled on, courageous and faithful, clinging to God and prayer. Her writings on prayer that were drawn from experience were powerful, practical and graceful. She is the patron saint for headache sufferers and Spanish catholic writers.
Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, it was written that St John XXIII was known for his "ordinariness". When he was elected Pope at age 78, many thought that he would be in office for a short time and not acheive much. But his papacy would become a turning point in the history of the Church. He enlarged and increased the international representation in the College of Cardinals and convened the Vatican Council II. His feast day is on 11 October, which commemorates the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962.
St Maria Faustina Kowalska was the first saint to be canonised in the new millenium. Her name is forever linked to the Divine Mercy. She recorded her visions of the suffering Jesus in her diary from the age of 19. In one of her journal entries, she described an image of Jesus where from His robe and where His heart was, a red and pale light were visible. Jesus told Faustina to paint this picture of Him with the words, "Jesus, I trust in You!". Two years later, the image of the Divine Mercy which we are familiar with today, was painted by her confessor's colleague.
St Francis, the founder of the Order of Friars Minor, called himself "God's Court Jester", because he loved to have fun and was always singing praises to God. He was born to a rich merchant family and loved to party with his friends, but he also had a heart for the poor and sick, and used his wealth to care for them. In everything, Francis praised the Lord, even in his final years when he was suffering from illness and from the marks of the stigmata.
Also known as St Therese of Lisieux, she joined the Carmelite order of nuns at the young age of 15. Life was tough for her, being the only teenager among all the older nuns. Whenever she was washing dishes, one of the sisters would splash dirty dishwater on her face on purpopse, but Therese would willing put up with it. She believed that it was not necessary to accomplish heroic acts or great deeds but that Love proves itself in the little things.
Germaine was born in 1579 to poor parents. Born with a deformed right arm and hand, as well as the disease of scrofula, her stepmother eventually kicked her out of the house and Germaine was forced to sleep in the barn, on a pile of leaves and twigs. Forty-three years later, Germaine’s casket was opened and her body was found incorrupt. St Germaine Cousin is the Patron saint of people with disabilities and those who have been abused or abandoned. Her feast day is on 15th June.
May 1st (or May Day) used to be a secular holiday to celebrate the return of spring, but gradually communist countries staged big parades for workers on May Day. To counter this atheistic notion that separated work from faith, Pope Pius XII instituted May 1st as the feast day of St. Joseph the Worker in 1955. His action built upon earlier popes who had pointed to St. Joseph as the Church’s “labour leader.” Saint Joseph, patron saint of workers, is an example of what it means to work with dedication, humility, and a spirit of service.
St Catherine of Siena was a lay Dominican. She had many mystical experiences during her lifetime. She became involved in politics, and through her persuasive powers was instrumental in keeping the city states loyal to the Pope. She is the patron saint of fire prevention, nurses and many others. She died on 29 April 1380.
St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort was a priest, missionary and author. He is known for his devotion to the Blessed Mother. His works remain a staple in the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of preachers.
Born to a poor family, Zita was taught by her mother to seek God's will in all circumstances. At the age of 12 she was sent to be a domestic worker but she experienced abuse and hostility from her employers. Zita was able to face all these trials with patience and inner strength through her strong prayer life. Eventually, her employers were won over by her patience and goodness. Zita died on April 27th, 1278, at the age of sixty.
St Mark the Evangelist was one of the Seventy-Two apostles sent to spread the Word of God throughout Judea. St Mark is the patron saint of attorneys and barristers. He is also the patron saint of Venice, Italy, and Egypt.
When George was in his early 20s he joined Emperor Diocletian's army. By his late 20's, he served as an imperial guard for the emperor. George was beheaded in the year 303 at the order of Diocletian after his daughter who was married to George, accepted Christ as a result of George praying the psalms and teaching her about the Lord Jesus Christ. St George Lydda is the patron saint of England, protector of arms makers, soldiers, boy scouts and lepers.
St Anselm was an Archbishop of Canterbury and is known as a doctor of the church. He was very knowledgeable in the word of God; he had the ability to use logic to explain biblical truths of salvation and counter arguments put forth by atheists. He died on 21 April 1109.
St Bernadette Soubirous is best known for experiencing Marian apparitions of a young lady asking for a chapel to be built at a cave-grotto in Lourdes. This saint was also responsible for digging up a spring at Lourdes. A healing spring no less, from which, many had been miraculously cured of their ailments.
St Stanislaus is the patron saint of Poland, Krakow and moral order. He was successful in his reforming efforts and hence became a much sought after spiritual adviser. He was martyred while saying mass on April 11, 1079.
St John Baptist de La Salle, a French priest, was very involved in education especially for boys from poor families. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and established many teacher colleges. He is considered the founder of the first Catholic schools. He is the patron saint of teachers and Christian educators. He died on April 7th, 1719.
Vincent Ferrer entered the order of the Dominicans at the age of 19 in a monastery near his hometown and lived an austere and disciplined life. With his powerful preaching, he was able to convert many. He believed that his words should sound as though they were coming not from a proud or angry soul, but from a charitable and loving heart. He is the patron saint for builders, businessmen and reconciliation.
St. John Climacus, also known as St. John of the Ladder, was a 7th-century monk and spiritual writer. He is famous for his spiritual classic, "The Ladder of Divine Ascent," which describes the steps that a Christian must take to reach union with God. One of the key insights of St. John's spirituality is the importance of discipline and self-denial in the pursuit of holiness.
St Joseph, husband of the blessed virgin Mary and Jesus’ foster father, was a carpenter by profession. He was Mary and Jesus’ protector. He is the patron of the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death. March 19 has been the most commonly celebrated feast day for St Joseph.
St Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. He is well known as the apostle of Ireland, having evangelised to the Druids and pagans at that time. He worked many miracles and endured much suffering for the sake of the gospel. He died on 17 March 461.
Orphaned at the age of 15, St Louise dreamt of joining the religious life from a young age. However, an uncle of hers arranged for her to marry. After her husband passed away though, she went on to start the Daughters of Charity. She is the patron saint of social workers.
St John of God was of Portuguese origin. He was an impulsive person when it came to helping others without a single thought about his own life. He died on his 55th birthday, 8th March 1550. He is the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, printers, and booksellers.
Saints Perpetua and Felicity were both young mothers who were martyred on the same date, 7th March 203 in Africa. They are the patron saints of mothers, expectant mothers, ranchers and butchers.
St Katharine is one of the first few Americans to be canonised. Believing in the power of education, Katharine founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to provide religious education to the Native American and African American communities, and opened a number of mission schools for them. Her feast day is March 3rd.
St Polycarp is a second-century saint. He was a disciple of John the apostle and later became bishop of Smyrna which is in modern-day Turkey. He is the patron saint for ear aches! His feast day is on February 23rd.
St Peter Damian is celebrated as Bishop and Doctor of the Church. He was well known for his discipline and tenacious ways. In his retirement, he continued to give honour to the Church by practicing humility and penance. His feast day is on February 21st.
The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Orders were 7 merchants in the 13th century, who each had a mystical experience of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They dedicated their lives to honor the Blessed Virgin Mother. They are honoured on February 17th.
St Scholastica was born in Italy in the 5th century. She founded the female branch of the Benedictine Order. She is the Patron saint of nuns and female religious people. Her feast day is on February 10th.
St Jerome Emiliani is a 15th-century Italian saint. He tirelessly worked for little children especially orphans and also taught the children about the Catholic faith. He is the patron saint of orphans and abandoned children. His feast day is on February 8th.
St Josephine Bakhita is a 19th-century Sudanese saint. She was sold into slavery at the age of 9. Lovingly known as “little brown sister”, she remained cheerful and never lost faith. She is the patron saint of Sudan and survivors of human trafficking. Her feast day is on February 8th.
St Agatha was born around 231 and is one of the most highly venerated virgin martyrs of the early Church. She is the patron saint of bellfounders, breast cancer patients, rape victims, and nurses. Her feast day is on February 5th.
Also fondly known as Don Bosco, St John Bosco was an Italian priest from the 1800s. He was a versatile priest and worked tirelessly for the street children and orphans, and at the same time was a friend to the rich noble gentlemen. He is known as ‘Father and Teacher of the youth’. His feast day is on January 31st.
On 25th January, the church celebrates the feast of the conversion of St Paul the Apostle. Paul was given the name Saul at birth. He persecuted the early Christians with great fervour and was known and feared because of it. He encountered the Lord on his way to Damascus and his life changed forever - dedicating his life to spreading the Gospel.
St Francis de Sales was a Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. He was born in 1567 to a noble French family. He gave up a law career to become a priest and was extremely talented as a writer, preacher, and spiritual director. His feast day is on January 24th.
As a deacon in the Catholic Church, St Vincent was commissioned by his bishop to preach throughout his diocese in Saragossa. Despite suffering terrible torture when he was persecuted for his faith, Vincent had amazing peace. This astonished his jailor to repentance and he was converted. His feast day is on January 22nd.
St Agnes was a virgin and martyr and is honored as the patroness of the young. Agnes was born into a wealthy Christian family in 291 AD but dedicated her life to the gospel in spite of persecution. Her feast day is on January 21st.
St Fabian was a Pope and Martyr. He lived in the third century, a time when the Church experienced a period of peace and freedom from persecution. His feast day is on January 20th.
St Anthony the Abbot was an ascetic who lived a hard and solitary life. He was the founder and pioneer of Christian monastic asceticism. He is the patron saint of farmers, butchers, bakers, and skin diseases. His feast day is on January 17th.
On the 15th of January, we honour St Paul the Hermit, also known as St Paul of Thebes. He is also traditionally regarded as the first Christian hermit.
St Hilary is known as a defender of the faith, and wrote some of the greatest theology on the Holy Trinity. He is the patron saint of lawyers, children with disabilities, mothers, and sick people. He also wrote hymns which were the first in the West by a known writer, and one of them, known as the Morning Hymn, is used in the Liturgy of the Hours today.
St Raymond of Peñafort was born in 1175 to Spanish nobility. He was a lawyer, preacher, and priest who made a profound influence on the history of Spain and the Church. He is the patron saint of canon lawyers. His feast day is on January 7th.
St Andre Bassette was known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal”. He was born in Quebec, Canada in 1845. Many healings and miracles have been attributed to his prayers. His feast day is on January 6th.
Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen were born in the year 330. They both made many selfless contributions, as priest and bishop respectively. They opposed and countered the countless heresies of that age. Their feast day is on January 2nd.
St Vincent was well-known as “the holy Passionist preacher” because he often preached in the city of Rome to the local clergy, the cardinals, bishops and the papal court at the Pope’s request. He had an intense prayer life; rising at midnight for the divine office and spending at least five hours daily in prayer. He brought this spirituality of prayer, prudence, and pastoral dedication to the poor - who were close to his heart.
On 29th December, we honour St Thomas Becket, the Patron Saint of Roman Catholic Secular Clergy. When he got close to King Henry II after he was invited into the household of the Archbishop of Canterbury, he became proud, ambitious and selfish. But all these changed after he was made the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. He became a completely changed man. When he upset and clashed with his friend, King Henry II, he became grossly unpopular with nobles and knights. He was violently assasinated and became a martyr.
On 28 December, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, King Herod was jealous and feared that this child would overthrow him as king. When the wise men didn't go back to Herod to inform him where Jesus was, he was outraged and ordered the massacre of all the boys who were two years old and below. Around 14,000 children were estimated to have been killed. These first martyrs are the patrons of infants and unborn babies. Their death protected Jesus from the wrath of Herod.
St John was one of the original twelve apostles and writer of five books in the New Testament. Tradition says that after the resurrection, John took Mother Mary from Jerusalem to Ephesus to live out the rest of her life until her Assumption. St John is the Patron Saint of Love, Loyalty, Friendships and Authors.
St Stephen is given the tile of protomartyr as he is recognised as the first Christian martyr. First mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the seven deacons appointed by the Tweleve, he was persecuted for his faith and died bearing witness for Christ at 29 years old. Stephen was described as being 'full of grace and power and did great wonders and signs among the people'. He was said to have preached fervently, performed miracles and successfully converted many to follow Jesus.
St John of Kanty was named after his birthplace, Kant, in the countryside of Poland. He was appointed Professor of Philosophy theology and scripture at the University of Krakow after his priestly ordination. He became well known among the city's residents and his students for his generosity and compassion toward the poor. By the time he died, John was so well-loved that his veneration began immediately. He was declared the Patron Saint of Poland and Lithuania in 1737, thirty years before his canonisation.
Peter Canisius is the Patron Saint of Germany, Catholic press and Catechism writers. At the age of 15, he attended University and received a master's degree when he turned 19. He gained a reputation as a preacher and contributed greatly to reforming the Church in Vienna. He also won people over with his practice of charity, especially to the sick and the plague stricken. St Peter was named a Doctor of the Church, an honour given to him for clarifying the Catholic faith by his words and example.
Dominic of Silos is the Patron Saint of pregnant women, prisoners and shepherds. He was born in Spain around the year 1000 into a peasant family. He became a Benedictine monk and served in numerous leadership positions. After a dispute with the king, Dominic and two other monks were exiled to Silos. Dominic served at the monastery in Silos for many years, filling his days with good works, miraculous cures, prayer and ransom of captives. His gift of miracles drew many to the monastery and he cured them by the hundreds.
St John of the Cross was a 16th Century Spanish Carmelite. He is the Patron Saint of contemplatives, mystics and Spanish poets. He is said to have had visions of Christ in Avila, and drew Jesus looking down on him from above. St John was a key figure in the 16th century reform if the Carmelites amid a rift between the traditionalists and Discalced (liberal). St John was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church for his spiritual teachings, one of 36 saints recognised as Teachers who have made significant contribution to doctrine through their writing or study.
St Lucy of Syracuse was born in 283 AD in Syracuse, Sicily in Italy. She lived in a time of Christian persecution and was finally killed in 303 AD for her beliefs. when she was forced by the Sicilian governor to renounce her faith, she refused, despite all the torture she had to go through. After she was stabbed to death, Lucy became an even greater witness to Christ's glory. Many miracles were attributed to her, including the time when the people of Sicily were provided with food during the famine of 1582.
St Damasus was the saint who had someone translate the Bible, originally written in Hebrew and Greek, into Latin. When he was Pope, Damasus used Latin as the main language to convey the teachings of the Church. He also declared that Latin was to be used when conducting rites and rituals of the Church at that time. Damasus was Pope for over 18 years and died when he was nearly 80 years old.
St Juan Diego and his wife were among the first indigenous people to accept Jesus and be baptised, when the Spaniards conquered Mexico in the 15th century. Mary appeared to Juan Diego 4 times. The apparition of Our lady of Guadalupe had proved to be a turning point in the evangelisation of the Americas.
St Ambrose is the Patron saint of Milan, and also the Patron of Bees, Beekeepers, Geese, Candlemakers, Police Officers and Students. He is 1 of 4 original Doctors of the Church. Ambrose lived in the year 340 to 397 and became the Bishop of Milan at 34. He introduced the Lectio Divina, a meditation of Scripture that we still use today.
Born in the 4th century in what is now Turkey, Nicholas was known for being very charitable and loving to people. He used his inheritance to help many who were in dire straits. As the Bishop of Myra, he was a strong defender of Christianity. When he died, his body remained incorrupt and exuded a fragrant myrrh called manna.
John was born in 676 AD to a family of Arab Christians and raised in Damascus. He was an outstanding champion of sacred images, and best known for his defense of icons. He is the patron saint of pharmacists, icon painters, philosophy and theology students.
Francis Xavier is the patron saint for foreign missions and the Apostle of the Indies. He was first a disciple of St Ignatius of Loyola and one of the first Jesuits in the order. He gave us the silver spoon in his mouth when he was called to mission work in India and Japan. He died of a fever at the age of 46. Today, his incorrupt remains lie at the Church of the Good Jesus in Goa, India.
Bibiana lived in the 4th century. Her parents were Christians and both suffered for their beliefs at a time when Christians were persecuted for their faith. When she was tied to a pillar and scourged, Bibiana endured the torments with joy. After her death, her body was left out in the open, so that it would be torn apart by wild animals. But miraculously, not a single wild animal touched it. She is the patron saint for hangovers, headaches, mental illness and torture victims.
On 30 November, the Church celebrates the feast of St Andrew, the patron saint of Fishermen and Scotland and Russia. He was first a disciple of John the Baptist, and then later a follower of Jesus, one of the original 12 apostles of our Lord. As an evangelist, he brought the gospel to Greece, Russia and Poland. St Andrew was martyred on a cross in the shape of an "X".
St Catherine Laboure is the patron saint of te elderly, sick and disabled. She is credited with the design of the Miraculous Medal, commissioned by Mother Mary herself in 1830.
Dung An Tran was introduced to the faith when he was 12 and after Baptism, took the name Andrew Dung. He became a parish priest after ordination and was tireless in his preaching. He fasted often and lived a simple and moral life. He was captured and taken to Hanoi where he suffered a dreadful torture and finally beheaded. He represents the countless Vietnamese Catholics who died for the faith over the past 300 years.
St Cecilia is the patron saint of musicians, and also the patroness of sacred music. Cecilia fasted regularly and performed many charitable works and acts of penance out of love for God. When she refused to renounce her faith, her executioners tried to behead her, but Cecilia was still alive. As her life slowly ebbed away, she continued to preach to those who came to visit.
Also known as Elizabeth of Thuringia, she is the patron saint of bakers, widows, and nursing services. As a child, Elizabeth was very pious and regularly gave alms to the poor. After the death of her husband, she became a member of the Third Order of St Francis. She helped build a hospital and devoted herself to aid the sick. She died at the age of 24.
St Leo the Great served as a Pope in the 5th century. He was a great defender of Church teachings and corrected numerous heresies that were prevalent in the church during that time. His feast day is on 10th November.
St Charles Borromeo was a Bishop and a leading figure in the Catholic Counter-Reformation in the 16th century when the Catholic Church was being plagued by corruption. He is the Patron Saint of catechists and is often called upon in times of pestilence. His feast day is on 4th November.
St Martin De Porres had the gift of bi-location and could communicate simultaneously with people in two different locations. He is the patron saint of equality, social justice, mixed-race persons, barbers, public health workers, and those seeking racial harmony. His feast day is on 3rd November.
Catholics celebrate the Solemnity of All Saints Day every year on the 1st of November. This day was first declared by Pope Gregory III in the 8th Century to honour all those whose lives were worthy of veneration.
Sts Simon and Jude were Apostles - 2 of the twelve that Jesus hand-picked as his closest companions. They travelled together to teach the Gospel of Christ. Simon the Zealot first believed firmly in following the Mosaic Law, but after he met Jesus, he followed Jesus and His teachings. Jude taught the people that they should stand firm in their faith, even though they might suffer many trials in their lives. He is popularly known as the saint of lost causes.
St John Paul II was the 'Pilgrim Pope' who truly loved and was loved by all. Despite losing his mother, brother and father by the age of 21, he displayed an immense capacity to love all people. He even forgave the person who attempted to assasinate him. Throughout his 27 years in office, he travelled extensively, using his gift of speaking multiple languages to bring the messge of God's love to the world.
St Luke was one of the 4 Gospel writers. He is also hte patron saint of artists, physicians and surgeons. He was a physician by profession and was converted to Christianity when he first met St Paul when the latter was sick and needed to see a doctor. He then followed Paul to bring the Word of God to the Gentiles and on his second and third missionary journeys. Much of Luke's inspiration and information came from Paul. He placed emphasis on God's universal mercy for both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus. His feast day is on 18 October.
Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, it was written that St John XXIII was known for his "ordinariness". When he was elected Pope at age 78, many thought that he would be in office for a short time and not acheive much. But his papacy would become a turning point in the history of the Church. He enlarged and increased the international representation in the College of Cardinals and convened the Vatican Council II. His feast day is on 11 October, which commemorates the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962.
St Maria Faustina Kowalska was the first saint to be canonised in the new millenium. Her name is forever linked to the Divine Mercy. She recorded her visions of the suffering Jesus in her diary from the age of 19. In one of her journal entries, she described an image of Jesus where from His robe and where His heart was, a red and pale light were visible. Jesus told Faustina to paint this picture of Him with the words, "Jesus, I trust in You!". Two years later, the image of the Divine Mercy which we are familiar with today, was painted by her confessor's colleague.
St Francis, the founder of the Order of Friars Minor, called himself "God's Court Jester", because he loved to have fun and was always singing praises to God. He was born to a rich merchant family and loved to party with his friends, but he also had a heart for the poor and sick, and used his wealth to care for them. In everything, Francis praised the Lord, even in his final years when he was suffering from illness and from the marks of the stigmata.
Also known as St Therese of Lisieux, she joined the Carmelite order of nuns at the young age of 15. Life was tough for her, being the only teenager among all the older nuns. Whenever she was washing dishes, one of the sisters would splash dirty dishwater on her face on purpopse, but Therese would willing put up with it. She believed that it was not necessary to accomplish heroic acts or great deeds but that Love proves itself in the little things.
St Jerome is the patron saint of librarians, scholars and translators. He gave the Church the Vulgate - the Latin translation of both the old and new testament of the bible, which previously only existed in Hebrew and Greek respectively. He was also known to be short-tempered, impatient and proud, but he never stopped trying to be like Christ; praying to God for the grace of peace, patience and humility.
Vincent was born in April 1581, into a peasant family. He became a priest at the age of 19. He spent his life preaching missions and providing relief to the poor and even even established hospitals, orphanages, old folks’ homes, lunatic asylums and an institution for the care of lepers. He established a religious institute of priests which is known as the Vincentians with a mission to minister to the poor and the sick in the parish.
St Pio of Pietrelcina or well known as Padre Pio was an Italian priest who was known for his piety and charity, as well as the gift of the stigmata. He is the patron saint of Civil defense volunteers, Adolescents etc…
St Matthew was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus and was an astute tax collector before he met Jesus. St. Matthew’s gospel has detailed accounts of Jesus’ teachings. He is the patron saint of bankers, accountants, and money changers.
St Laurent Marie Joseph Imbert was a French missionary bishop in Asia. Most notable among the Koreans. He was possibly the first Catholic missionary priest to celebrate mass in Singapore and was instrumental in establishing the catholic faith in Singapore.
St Teresa of Calcutta or more widely known as Mother Teresa of Kolkata was an Albanian nun who left her family and went to serve the poorest of the poor in Kolkata, India. In 1979, she was awarded the Nobel Peace prize. She is also the patron saint of missions.
Pope St Boniface was elected in 418 and despite his advanced age, reigned for a relatively short period (3 years and 9 months). But he earned much recognition for his efforts to strengthen the papacy, and worked to reform certain corrupt practices and reduced excessive privileges that had bee granted to certain bishops by his predecessors.
Popularly known as Pope St Gregory the Great, this humble saint called himself “the servant of the servants of God” and was the first Pope to popularise this now-traditional Papal title. He is the patron saint of musicians, singers, students and teachers. He also wrote many songs and hymns, and is most notably associated with the Gregorian chant.
St Augustine is the patron saint of printers, theologians and brewers. In his youth, he was a constant worry to his mother St Monica, who prayed and shed copious tears for his reformation. After his conversion, he became a devout and charitable man. He began a new life as a priest and went on to fulfil God’s plan for him to be a bishop. His powerful sermons and writings helped form Christian doctrines and influenced many western philosophers.
St. Clare of Assisi is the patron saint of televisions, computer screens, sore eyes and embroidery. She was the first woman to write the monastic guidelines.
St Lawrence is responsible for the conversion of practically the whole of Rome, by his one act of humility of laying down his life for the sake of the poor and the gospel. He is the patron saint of Rome, the poor and many others. His feast day is on August 10th.
St Rose is the patron saint of embroiderers, gardeners, florists, those who suffer ridicule for their piety and those who have family problems. From young, Rose wanted to enter a convent to become a nun and take a vow of chastity. But her parents wanted her to marry and refused to let her enter a convent, which led to her staying cloistered in her room to pray for long periods of time. She made a perpetual vow of virginity.
St Bernard of Clairvaux was born to noble parents but left all of the riches and luxury for the sake of studies of theology and Holy Scripture. He was responsible for many people joining the monastery. He is the patron saint of travelers, beekeepers and many more. His feast day is on August 20th.
St Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan friar who was martyred in the German death Camp of Auschwitz during World War II. He is the patron saint of drug addicts, prisoners, families, and the pro-life movement. His feast day is on August 14th.
St Bartholomew is a first century saint. He was one of the twelve apostles of Jesus and is attributed with the early spread of Christianity in places like India and Armenia. He is the patron saint of the Armenian apostolic church and tanners. His feast day is on August 24th.
St Monica is well known for her relentless efforts and perseverance in prayer for the conversion of well known, St. Augustine. She is the patron saint of wives and abuse victims. Her feast day is on August 27th.
Ignatius of Loyola was born in 1491. Together with some companions, he founded the Society of Jesus, more popularly known as the Jesuits. He conceived the Jesuits as 'contemplatives in action' and established many schools and colleges for boys. He is the patron saint of Catholic soldiers and educators.
Sts Anne and St Joachim were the parents of the blessed virgin Mary. Mary is our role model towards living a virtuous Christian life, hence Saints Anne and Joachim can be an example and role model for all parents. Their feast day is on 26th July.
St James the brother of John the disciple was also known as St James the Greater since he was taller than the other James. He was one of Jesus’ first disciples and one of the three that witnessed Jesus’ transfiguration. He is the patron saint of pilgrims and Spain. His feast day is on July 25th.
St Bridget was born to a noble and pious family in the 1300s. She started receiving visions as a young girl and continued to receive them her whole life. At 13, Bridget got married, and led a happy and a holy married life. Bridget and her husband served in the Swedish court where she had the opportunity to counsel the king and queen. In 1346, after her husband's passing, she founded the Order of the Most Holy Saviour, or the Bridgettines.
One of the greatest saints of the Bible, St Mary Magdalene is well known for her remarkable deliverance and conversion. She is the patron saint of converts, penitent sinners, people ridiculed for their piety, women and many more. Her feast day is on July 22nd.
Born Giovanni di Fidanza, this young saint was once extremely sick due to a stomach ailment. Bonaventure later became a Franciscan priest at the age of 22. He believed in living simply and doing everything to the best of his ability. At that time, the Franciscan order was in danger of being split into two. To unite them, Bonaventure wrote a set of guidelines for the order. Bonaventure was thus also known as the Second Founder of the Francsicans. St Bonaventure is also the patron saint of bowel disorders.
St Camillus de Lellis was born to a distinguished family in Italy in the 16th century. He is best known for being the founder of the Ministers of the Sick, or the Fathers of the Good Death… or Camillians for short. At age 32, with St Philip Neri as his spiritual director, he studied for the priesthood and was subsequently ordained a priest. He died at the age of 64 and was canonised in 1746. He is the patron saint for nurses and nursing associations.
Henry II was born in the year 972. He succeeded his father as Duke of Bavaria, and upon the sudden death of his cousin, was crowned as Emperor of the Roman Empire in the year 1002. His ultimate goal was to establish peace in Europe. He was prudent when he exercised his authority, and promoted various monastic reforms to maintain law and order within the Church. He is the patron saint of the childless, of Dukes, of the handicapped and those rejected by Religious Order.
St Benedict the abbot was a reformer and is well known for his persuasive speaking. His followers are called Benedictines and are known for their black cassocks. He is the patron saint of students and Europe and his feast day is on July 11th.
St Maria Goretti is known as the saint who fought with her life to preserve her purity. She is the patron saint of rape victims and teeage girls. Her feast day is on July 6th.
Elizabeth was the daughter of the King of Aragon. Very pious at an early age, she married King Denis of Portugal when she was 12. Even though the king was unfaithful in his marriage, Elizabeth carried on doing God’s will with a humble and charitable attitude. Elizabeth's commitment to the Gospel also became evident when she intervened to prevent civil war in the kingdom on two occasions. When King Denis died, Elizabeth retired to a Convent of Poor Clares where she devoted her remaining years to the poor and sick.
St Thomas was an apostle of Jesus and is commonly known as ‘Doubting Thomas’. He was the saint that ultimately reached India and is responsible for spreading the gospel in southern India. He is the patron saint of Architects and his feast day is July 3rd.
St Peter, also known as Simon Peter, was one of Jesus’ original 12 apostles. St Paul had a dramatic conversion after he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, and became an Apostle to the Gentiles. While far from perfect disciples of Christ, both men were steadfast in their single-minded faith and equally devoted to their flocks. Both were martyred on the same date, 29 June, 67 A.D. St Peter is the patron saint of fishermen, netmakers, shipbuilders and locksmiths, while St Paul is the patron saint of missionaries, theologians, evangelists and Gentile Christians.
Irenaeus was born around 125 AD in Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey. He became a priest and was sent to the church in Lyons. He served as a missionary, peacemaker, and was the second bishop of Lyons at a difficult period of persecution and controversies. He is highly regarded by the Church for his writings, which not only laid the foundations for Church theology, but also defended and saved the Catholic faith from attacks and the danger of heresies.
St Josemaria was the founder of Opus Dei, which means ‘The work of God’. It is an institution within the Catholic Church dedicated to helping people in all walks of life to follow Christ, to seek holiness in their daily life and grow in love for God and their fellow men and women. It is made up of lay people as well as the religious and has more than 84,000 members in 60 countries.
Born in 1478, Thomas More was a lawyer, scholar and one of England’s most revered politicians of his time. Despite being King Henry VIII’s supreme diplomat and counsellor, he did not compromise his own moral values in order to please the king. This was clearly shown when he opposed the king's annulment to Catherine of Aragon. He was later convicted of treason, and eventually beheaded. St Thomas More is the patron saint of lawyers, civil servants and apparently difficult marriages.
St Anthony of Padua was an eloquent speaker. He preached the true gospel of Jesus that even the simple people could understand his message clearly. Once, his notebook was stolen by someone. After St Anthony prayed, the man returned his notebook and rejoined the seminary as well. Hence St Anthony is the patron saint of lost articles. His feast day is on 13th June.
St Barnabas is mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles. He was a wealthy Jew who sold his property and gave the proceeds to the apostles. He went on to live a simple life and is credited for spreading the Gospel especially to the pagans along with St Paul. St Barnabas’ feast day is on June 11th.
St Charles Lwanga was a Ugandan convert. In his role as chief page of the country, he brought about 100 youth to be baptised. This angered the morally corrupt and barbaric king, Mwanga, who had him martyred together with 22 others. St Charles Lwanga is the patron saint of youth, converts and torture victims.
St Justin lived in the 2nd century in Judaea (present-day Syria). He is best known as an Apologist - he wrote many works defending Christianity against heresies and misunderstandings. He also founded a school of philosophy in Rome, where he taught Christianity as the true philosophy, for free. In 165 AD, he was scourged and beheaded for the faith. He is the patron saint of philosophers.
Often referred to as the Maid of Orleans, St Joan of Arc was born around 1412 to a peasant family in northeastern France. At a very early age, Joan heard the voices of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. At age 13, it was said that those voices instructed her to drive the English out of France and to reinstate Charles VII as its rightful King. And that was exactly what she did with much valour. In 1920, she was canonised by Pope Benedict XV.
St Augustine was an Italian Benedictine monk in Rome and the prior of a monastery. His safe, quiet and comfortable life was upended when Pope Gregory the Great chose him in AD 596 to lead a mission to Britain to evangelise the pagan Anglo-Saxons. That he did to some success, and eventually he was made a bishop. Augustine died in AD 605, only eight years after he arrived in England. Although he only worked for a short time, his efforts began the eventual conversion of England. He is considered the “Apostle of the English” and is the Patron Saint of England.
St Rita of Cascia was married off at a very young age and she became a mother when she was just 12 years old. She later became a widow and even lost her two sons. Her desire to join the convent of her choice was finally fulfilled at the age of 36. Her feast day is celebrated on May 22nd.
St Matthias was selected as the 12th apostle to replace Judas. The apostles had cast lots to choose him after Jesus’ ascension into heaven and before the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles at Pentecost. St Matthias’ feast day was moved to May 14th from February 24th so as to celebrate it in Eastertide, close to the Solemnity of the Ascension.
St Igantius of Laconi was born in 1701 to a poor farmer. He grew up to be a delicate boy, thin and pale. The hard labour of farming put a great strain on him and he became very ill when he was 17 years old. He vowed that if he got better, he would consecrate his life to the Franciscans, in the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin.
And that he did. For 15 years, he worked humbly behind the scenes. Ignatius was well loved by the poor and the children. He tended to the sick and to street children every day while on his rounds around town.
From a young age, St Magdalene of Canossa felt drawn to serve girls who were either living in poverty or had been abandoned. Using her inheritance, Magdalene and some companions began charitable work in the poverty-stricken district of San Zeno. This small group of women became the “Daughters of Charity”. Magdalene died at the age of 61. She had established five houses of Canossian sisters at the point of her death.
St Dominic set an example of doing simple things cheerfully and wholeheartedly. He was almost 15 when he died. Even at that tender age, his life and beliefs inspired many around him. He is the patron saint of choir boys, the falsely accused and juvenile delinquents.
Saints Philip and James were two of the twelve disciples handpicked by Jesus. They both had different talents. James was a prolific writer while Philip had great interpersonal skills. Philip and James were both martyred for their faith. They share a feast day because their relics were brought to Rome together in early May in the sixth century.
St Peregrine was from the Order of Servite. He is best known for miraculous healing, which he himself was blessed with when facing amputation due to a cancer of his foot. He is the patron saint of people with cancer, foot ailments or any incurable disease and is popularly known as the “Cancer Saint”.
St Catherine of Siena was a lay Dominican. She had many mystical experiences during her lifetime. She became involved in politics, and through her persuasive powers was instrumental in keeping the city states loyal to the Pope. She is the patron saint of fire prevention, nurses and many others. She died on 29 April 1380.
St Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort was a priest, missionary and author. He is known for his devotion to the Blessed Mother. His works remain a staple in the Catholic Church. He is the patron saint of preachers.
St Mark the Evangelist was one of the Seventy-Two apostles sent to spread the Word of God throughout Judea. St Mark is the patron saint of attorneys and barristers. He is also the patron saint of Venice, Italy, and Egypt.
St Anselm was an Archbishop of Canterbury and is known as a doctor of the church. He was very knowledgeable in the word of God; he had the ability to use logic to explain biblical truths of salvation and counter arguments put forth by atheists. He died on 21 April 1109.
St Bernadette Soubirous is best known for experiencing Marian apparitions of a young lady asking for a chapel to be built at a cave-grotto in Lourdes. This saint was also responsible for digging up a spring at Lourdes. A healing spring no less, from which, many had been miraculously cured of their ailments.
St Stanislaus is the patron saint of Poland, Krakow and moral order. He was successful in his reforming efforts and hence became a much sought after spiritual adviser. He was martyred while saying mass on April 11, 1079.
St John Baptist de La Salle, a French priest, was very involved in education especially for boys from poor families. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools and established many teacher colleges. He is considered the founder of the first Catholic schools. He is the patron saint of teachers and Christian educators. He died on April 7th, 1719.
St Joseph, husband of the blessed virgin Mary and Jesus’ foster father, was a carpenter by profession. He was Mary and Jesus’ protector. He is the patron of the Universal Church, unborn children, fathers, workers, travelers, immigrants, and a happy death. March 19 has been the most commonly celebrated feast day for St Joseph.
St Patrick of Ireland is one of the world's most popular saints. He is well known as the apostle of Ireland, having evangelised to the Druids and pagans at that time. He worked many miracles and endured much suffering for the sake of the gospel. He died on 17 March 461.
Orphaned at the age of 15, St Louise dreamt of joining the religious life from a young age. However, an uncle of hers arranged for her to marry. After her husband passed away though, she went on to start the Daughters of Charity. She is the patron saint of social workers.
St John of God was of Portuguese origin. He was an impulsive person when it came to helping others without a single thought about his own life. He died on his 55th birthday, 8th March 1550. He is the patron saint of hospitals, the sick, nurses, firefighters, printers, and booksellers.
Saints Perpetua and Felicity were both young mothers who were martyred on the same date, 7th March 203 in Africa. They are the patron saints of mothers, expectant mothers, ranchers and butchers.
St Katharine is one of the first few Americans to be canonised. Believing in the power of education, Katharine founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament to provide religious education to the Native American and African American communities, and opened a number of mission schools for them. Her feast day is March 3rd.
St Polycarp is a second-century saint. He was a disciple of John the apostle and later became bishop of Smyrna which is in modern-day Turkey. He is the patron saint for ear aches! His feast day is on February 23rd.
St Peter Damian is celebrated as Bishop and Doctor of the Church. He was well known for his discipline and tenacious ways. In his retirement, he continued to give honour to the Church by practicing humility and penance. His feast day is on February 21st.
The Seven Holy Founders of the Servite Orders were 7 merchants in the 13th century, who each had a mystical experience of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They dedicated their lives to honor the Blessed Virgin Mother. They are honoured on February 17th.
St Scholastica was born in Italy in the 5th century. She founded the female branch of the Benedictine Order. She is the patron saint of nuns and female religious people. Her feast day is on February 10th.
St Josephine Bakhita is a 19th-century Sudanese saint. She was sold into slavery at the age of 9. Lovingly known as “little brown sister”, she remained cheerful and never lost faith. She is the patron saint of Sudan and survivors of human trafficking. Her feast day is on February 8th.
St Jerome Emiliani is a 15th-century Italian saint. He tirelessly worked for little children especially orphans and also taught the children about the Catholic faith. He is the patron saint of orphans and abandoned children. His feast day is on February 8th.
St Paul Miki was born in Japan and was the son of a Samurai family. Paul Miki and his companions were instrumental in spreading the gospel in Nagasaki. Their feast day is on February 6th.
St Agatha was born around 231 and is one of the most highly venerated virgin martyrs of the early Church. She is the patron saint of bellfounders, breast cancer patients, rape victims, and nurses. Her feast day is on February 5th.
Also fondly known as Don Bosco, St John Bosco was an Italian priest from the 1800s. He was a versatile priest and worked tirelessly for the street children and orphans, and at the same time was a friend to the rich noble gentlemen. He is known as ‘Father and Teacher of the youth’. His feast day is on January 31st.
St Francis de Sales was a Bishop, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church. He was born in 1567 to a noble French family. He gave up a law career to become a priest and was extremely talented as a writer, preacher, and spiritual director. His feast day is on January 24th.
St Agnes was a virgin and martyr and is honored as the patroness of the young. Agnes was born into a wealthy Christian family in 291 AD but dedicated her life to the gospel in spite of persecution. Her feast day is on January 21st.
St Fabian was a Pope and Martyr. He lived in the third century, a time when the Church experienced a period of peace and freedom from persecution. His feast day is on January 20th.
St Antony the Abbot was an ascetic who lived a hard and solitary life. He was the founder and pioneer of Christian monastic asceticism. He is the patron saint of farmers, butchers, bakers, and skin diseases. His feast day is on January 17th.
St Raymond of Peñafort was born in 1175 to Spanish nobility. He was a lawyer, preacher, and priest who made a profound influence on the history of Spain and the Church. He is the patron saint of canon lawyers. His feast day is on January 7th.
St Andre Bessette was known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal”. He was born in Quebec, Canada in 1845. Many healings and miracles have been attributed to his prayers. His feast day is on January 6th.
Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen were born in the year 330. They both made many selfless contributions, as priest and bishop respectively. They opposed and countered the countless heresies of that age. Their feast day is on January 2nd.
St Thomas Becket was made Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. He is the Patron saint of Roman Catholic secular clergy. His feast day is on 29th December.
The Holy Innocents or baby saints are the first martyrs of the church and they died before Jesus was born. They are the patrons of infants and unborn babies. Their feast day is on 28th December.
St John the Apostle was one of the 12 apostles of Jesus. He was a beloved apostle of Jesus and the prophetic Book of Revelation is written by him. His feast day is on 27th December.
St Stephen is given the title of protomartyr as he is recognised as the first Christian martyr. He was fluent in Greek and was instrumental in bringing the gospel to the Greek-speaking Jews. He is the patron saint of bricklayers and stonemasons. His feast day is on 26th December.
St John of Kanty was from Poland. He was a Professor of philosophy, theology, and scripture at the University of Krakow. He is the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania. His feast day is on 23rd December.
St Peter of Canisius of Germany was only 19 years old when he obtained a Master's degree. He is the patron saint of Germany, the Catholic press, and catechism writers. His feast day is on 21st December.
St Dominic of Silos was a Spaniard and a Benedictine monk. He saved many African slaves. He is the patron saint of pregnant women, prisoners, and shepherds. His feast day is on 20th December.
St John of the Cross was a 16th-century Spanish Carmelite. He was a prolific writer and poet. He is the patron saint of contemplatives, mystics, and Spanish poets. His feast day is on 14th December.
St Damasus was a first-century Pope who was instrumental in bringing about the Latin Bible, known as the Vulgate, which is still used today. His feast day is on 11th December.
St Juan Diego was a native Indian from the Americas and is responsible for the devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe. Mexico’s conversion to Catholicism is attributed to him. His feast day is on 9th December.
St Ambrose lived between the years 300-400. He is one of the early doctors of the church. He is the Patron of Milan, and also the Patron of Bees, Beekeepers, Geese, Candlemakers, Police Officers & students. His feast day is on 7th December.
St Damascene was an Arab and is best known for his role in defending religious icons and sacred images. He is the patron saint of pharmacists, icon painters, philosophy & theology students. His feast day is on 4th December.
St Francis Xavier is a well-known Jesuit. His incorrupt remains are kept in the Good Jesus Church in Goa, India. He is the patron saint of Foreign Missions and Apostle of the Indies. His feast day is on 3rd December.
St Bibiana lived in the 4th century and along with her family was persecuted for her Christian faith. She was eventually tortured to death in prison. She is the patron saint for hangovers, headaches, mental illness, and torture victims. Her feast day is on 2nd December.