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Friday, July 31, 2009
Saint Bridget of Sweden was born in Lagman, Sweden around in the year 1303. Her life was very religious, but more so after her husband would pass away. This is why Saint Bridget is known as the patron saint of widows. Saint Ingrid was of close relation to Bridget, as story tells it.

Bridget was very strong willed, and went through a lot during her younger years. Her mother would pass away when Bridget was just 13, but still she would persevere and stay strong in her dedication to learn more about God and the Church. Bridget made good impressions on a lot of important people in the Church at a young age.

Bridget was married at the early age of thirteen. This was how things typically went in Sweden at that time. Her husband was named Ulf Gudmarsson, and he was a few years older than Bridget at the time, but that did not matter much. They would lead happy lives, and raise a large family of eight children. One of their daughters, Catherine, would become a saint in her future! Bridget and her family became known around Sweden for their undying faith to God and their kindness to others.

Around 1341, Bridget and her husband would leave on a journey to visit Santiago de Compostella. The trip went well and they enjoyed themselves, however on the way home tragedy struck.

Ulf had been infected with some kind of deadly illness. He recovered enough to make it home, but was so weak and would eventually pass away in 1344.

Bridget only had her family and God to live for, so she dedicated the rest of her life solely to those two things. Bridget had found her purpose in life, and began receiving visions for Christ. She wrote down all that Christ told her and had it translated to Latin and several other languages during her time.

Bridget would go on to found her own spiritual group called the Brigittines. Their monastery would receive generous funding from King Magnus, so it was a very nice place. Her founding of a new congregation meant that Bridget had to remain in Rome.

So there she stayed, leaving just for holy pilgrimages every so often. Saint Bridget would pass away on July 23, 1373. Her remains are buried in her congregation's chief monastery in Vadstena. Pope Boniface IX would canonize Bridget on October 7, 1391.

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Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Saint Brendan the Navigator was born in the year 460 in Tralee, Ireland. Anybody who likes to sail or travel should pray to Saint Brendan because he is their patron saint. Saint Brendan's sister was also very religious and a saint as well, her name was Brig. Brendan's religious knowledge was taught to him by Saint Ita of Killeedy in his youth.

Once Saint Brendan was of sufficient age, he started a monastery of his own because it had been his dream since his childhood. Open doing this Brendan gained many followers who wanted to be taught the ways of God by him. This flattered him and also caused him make several other monasteries in the area because his one was getting so overcrowded. Brendan's most renowned monastery is in Clonfert. This monastery is still intact today.

Brendan's travels tie him to the creation of many monasteries in Ireland and Scotland too. Many of these monasteries fall next to or near to the Shannon River. Brendan met other important religious figures in his journeys such as Saint Columba, and Saint Malo.

Saint Brendan is best known for his supposed travels to the Americas with a group of other Irish monks. Their journey is said to pre-date Columbus's, and while their have been numerous disagreements on the topic, it is true that nobody will truly ever know who got there first. Both the men's accomplishments are impressive either way.

On Mount Brandon, it is said that Saint Brendan saw apparitions of the Promised Land. He got a crew together to sail towards the land he had seen. Their journey was a unsuccessful, but they were not unnerved by their failure. The men left for a second excursion to find the Promised Land. The never found it but ended up on an epic quest. The men are said to have traveled through Greenland, Iceland, and many other places as well.

During his long travels Brendan also ended up meeting Saint Patrick. Their are also stories of Brendan riding on the backs of whales and battling sea monsters. Brendan would later return back to Ireland to run his monasteries again. He would spend the rest of his life there, and would pass away in the year 578.


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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
In the year 1090, in Fonatines, France, Saint Bernard was born. He is known as the patron saint of candle makers and bee keepers. Bernard was brought up by his mother in France as a Christian. Unfortunately, Bernard's mother passed away when he was just in his teenage years.

After he had come to terms with his loss, St. Bernard decided that he wanted to join a monastery and become a monk. He joined the Cistercian order of monks and began his new life. After just three years, Bernard would be given the privilege of leaving the monastery he had called home for a few years, and starting a new one in a nearby town named Val d'Absinthe.

In June of 1115, the monastery was finished and named Clairvaux. Bernard became an established preacher there and was known for his great speaking abilities.

On February 14, 1130 Pope Honorius II passed away leading to a major rift inside the Church. Nobody could decided who the new pope should be and it was causing a lot of trouble. Bernard was chosen to be on the team that was assembled to make the decision.

One of Bernard's oldest disciples Bernard of Pisa became pope, after Bernard and the others on the committee decided him to be the best choice.

Bernard was then called to help another issue of the church, since he handled that one so well. He was picked to go to Southern France and fight against the growing blasphemy in these regions. His speaking skills were able to sway many into turning on the bigots speaking poorly of the church. Bernard's efforts made a huge difference in the fight against heresy in France.

After his wonderful display of articulation in Southern France, the Pope picked Bernard to speak the Second Crusade, which was a great honor. However, since the crusades went poorly for the Christians, much of the blame was put upon the Pope and Bernard. This was unfair because they were both doing
their absolute best they could for the church.

Saint Bernard passed away in 1153 on August 20th. August 20th is now the day his feast is celebrated on each year. Saint Bernard was canonized by Pope Alexander III in January of 1174.

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Saturday, July 25, 2009
Bernadette was the oldest of the six children in her family, and was born on January 7, 1844. St. Bernadette was almost always ill as a child, and suffered from numerous sicknesses. This is why Bernadette is known as the patron saint of anybody suffering from an illness. Saint Bernadette spent the winters of her youth living with her aunt and uncle instead of her family because of her frailty. She could not take the cold climate, so she moved to a warmer one.

When she became a little bit older, Bernadette, would leave her home in Lourdes, to go live with a woman her family knew well who lived in a neighboring area. She worked in the fields for this woman, and took care of all her live stock. She was also tutored while she stayed there about Jesus and God and the church in general. After a few months learning there she returned home to open a school to teach children about the word of God.

It was at this point in her life that Bernadette had a vision on the Virgin Mary. The story tells that she was gathering wood with her sister. When they had to cross a freezing cold stream, and Bernadette hesitated because it would probably not be good for her health to delve into the river. While she was alone, Mary appeared to her. This would lead to many more visions of Mary over the years for Bernadette.

At first, even Bernadette's family thought she was crazy and seeing things. Bernadette pleaded with her friends and family to believe her though because she knew that she truly had seen Mary. Many local people, including the church and its members, became aware of what Bernadette was claiming to have seen. They were, for the most part, highly doubtful of her and her claims. They tried to convince her that she was delusional and needed help, but Bernadette knew she was right.

Mary would appear to Bernadette a total of eighteen more times through the course of the next few years. The purpose of these visits seemed to be Mary wanting to show Bernadette a spring of water that was underground in the woods where she had first appeared to her. Bernadette ceased to see Mary after she had followed her instructions to have a church built on the site of the spring and she had been told three secrets by Mary.

Even after the visions of Mary stopped appearing to Bernadette, she still was popular amongst people to be sought out to tell her story to them. Others wished to say prayers with her or just to dwell in her presence and hear her knowledge. Bernadette did not enjoy the publicity that she received due to her visions, but felt obligated to speak with the people and try to enjoy their company since she had after
all been blessed to see Mary.

After such a religious life already, Bernadette became a nun. She was given many tedious chores to do to become a nun because she was not very well liked by some of them who thought her visions were a stunt to gain attention. Bernadette did whatever they said though and did not seem to mind their poor treatment. This eventually gained her the respect she deserved from them.

People continued to visit Bernadette for her entire life due to her visions she had as a youth. In her older years she would suffer from poor health though and limit the number of people she would see to very few. On April 16, 1879 Bernadette passed away due to all of the illnesses she suffered from just adding up.

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Friday, July 24, 2009
Having trouble getting you thoughts across to others clearly? Well a quick prayer to Saint Benjamin could go a long way for you. Saint Benjamin is the patron saint of preachers and anybody who is trying to extend a message to others.

Saint Benjamin is best known as a martyr. Around the year 420, Christians began to be persecuted in and around Persia. This is where Benjamin was from, so naturally he was arrested and kept in holding due to his strong faith and refusal to abandon it. The troubles between the Persian government and the Christians were started because a bishop started a fire in a Persian temple. The Persian government was appalled at his actions and demanded the bishop rebuild it. He would not respect their wishes, and so the Persians burned all the Christian churches and arrested those who were a part of them.

This is when Saint Benjamin was taken captive. The exile of Christians would last for forty years to come.
The Persian government saw new leaders during this time period, but all of them continued the abominable treatment of Christians just as much as their predecessor.

Saint Benjamin was a deacon at one of the churches ruined by the Persians and had been kept in captivity for quite some time since the torment of the Christians had begun.

Towards the end of the time when Christians were hated in Persia, Benjamin got word that his release had been arranged. However, it was under one condition which was that Benjamin would not preach about his religion to anybody upon his emancipation.

Most would have taken this deal, but Benjamin was a different man then most. Saint Benjamin absolutely refused to take these conditions, stating that he had a commitment as a Christian to spread the word of God and tell others of Christ his son. He said that his silence would never come.

This decision led to Benjamin's death, which is said to be around the year 424. The Persian government decided that he was to be tortured. Benjamin endured some of the most brutal tortures ever and died in an
horrendous amount of pain. This is why Benjamin is remembered as a martyr, he refused to keep his mouth shut and kept spreading the word of God even in the face of death.

This is why Saint Benjamin was canonized, for his undying faith and willingness to die for his beliefs.

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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Ever heard of Saint Bede the Venerable? Well, he is he patron saint of lectors. Born in the year 672 in a small town in England called Wearmouth, his parents were extremely religious and at age seven had him sent to live in a monastery. The monastery was in his hometown so he still saw much of his
parents, but was raised from then on by Benedict Biscop.

Everybody he knew expected him to become a monk at some age in the future, due to his religious affiliations. One of Saint Bede's other mentors was Ceolfirth, who taught him to sing antiphons which was rare in his time.

Sometime during his teenage years, Bede met Adomnan who was a the head of a local monastery. Adomnan taught an abundance to Bede and triggered his interests in the Easter dating
controversy. Shortly after his education from Adomnan, Bede was told by his local bishop that he was to become a deacon. Bede was, by tradition, much to young to be made a deacon, but his outstanding displays of faith and knowledge made the rules irrelevant.

The same bishop who made him a deacon would ordain Bede when he was thirty, as a priest. Bede began writing many works for use in the classes he had just begun teaching to many people. Two of these were the De Schematibus et Tropis and the De Arte Metrica. This was only the tip of the iceberg as far as Bede's career as an author is concerned. He would go on to complete about sixty five books in his lifetime.

On top of being such a wonderful educator and writer, Bede was also a talented singer and poet. Bede ran into a little bit of trouble due to his works though, mainly with monks who studied theology. One of his works went against a commonly believed fact pertaining to the Six Ages of the World, and a small group of monks were pretty upset by it. The monks accused Bede of blasphemy and brought their case to a local bishop. The problems would eventually blow over but Bede was treated poorly by the monks and the bishop for quite a while over the tiny squabble.

Towards his later years, the Bishop of York requested to see Bede, and he accepted the offer and went to visit him. The bishop had been offered a higher position and wanted Bede's knowledge to help him decide if it would be right for him to take the position. Bede helped him decide that it truly was a good choice and the bishop decided to take his promotion and become archbishop. Another of Bede's many travels took him to Lindisfarne, where he visited a small, not well known monastery. The lone monk that lived there wished to meet Bede, which was flattering to him because the monk lived in almost seclusion for the rest of his life.

Bede wanted to continue his journeys forever, but become ill in the last years of his life and was unable to travel anymore. Bede would pass away on May 25, 735.

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Wednesday, July 22, 2009
In the year 330 in Cappadocia, Saint Basil the Great was born. Saint Basil is the patron saint of hospital administrators. Basil's parents were Saint Emmelia and Saint Basil the Elder.

He was one of ten children the two saints had, and is not the only saint out of all his brothers and sisters. In his youth, St. Basil the Great went to school in his hometown of Caesarea, and also traveled to other schools located in Athens and Constantinople.

After his schooling Basil would open up a school in his hometown and begin to study law. After becoming a successful lawyer for a few years, Basil grew tired of the profession and decided he needed to make a big change in his life.

This big change ended up being joining a monastery and becoming a monk. Basil really enjoyed being a monk and was even put in charge of his monastery because of the outstanding faith to God he displayed. Basil would go on to build several more monasteries in the local areas around him, and would gain recognition for his hard work.

After finishing the construction of the monasteries, Basil decided it was time to become a full-time devotee to God, and was ordained a priest. This took place in the year 370. In just that year alone, Basil managed to become a Bishop of his local diocese. In decade following Basil would continue to learn more about God,
and help others out as much as possible.

He was known for his charity to others. This is why he is called "great" when his name is mentioned. Like many other saints of his time, Basil battled against the wrong doing of the Aryans. Arianism was a huge problem during his times and he did all that he could to stop it and try to make peace.

In Caesarea, there was also a huge drought which led to famine during Basil's times, he did all that he could to help out those stricken into poverty and starvation due to these unfortunate events.

Saint Basil passed away on January 1, 379 and his feast day is celebrated on January 2nd each year.

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Did you know that Saint Arnold Janssen was the one of ten children in his family? Many people do not know this fact about Saint Arnold and it is pretty interesting. He was the second oldest out of all of his siblings and was born on November 5, 1837. His family was brought up in Goch, which is located in Germany. Saint Arnold always felt a calling to God, even at an early age, and became a priest at the young age of 24. He also taught at a school nearby his diocese. He was eventually given the post of Director for the Apostleship of Prayer in his diocese, which was rare at such a young age.

Arnold was happy to be helping others in his local diocese, but wanted to do more with his life. This is why anybody who truly strives to help others first in their life should pray to Saint Arnold, he is their patron saint. He wanted to give his life to help a more broad range of people, on a world-wide scale. He began a magazine called the Little Messenger of the Sacred Heart, in which he reported to the local area surrounding him where there missions were being sent and how they could help missionary tasks.

During Arnold's life there were many problems for Catholics in Germany. The leader of the country, Otto von Bismarck, was extremely anti-Catholic, and instituted many laws against them. He had priest and other religious figures arrested and kicked out of the country. Arnold tried to convince these disbanded priests to venture to foreign countries to help the missionary programs there, but few wished to do this. Arnold, realizing the tough times in Germany and lack of interest from other priests, took matters into his own hands and decided he would go and work on the missions in other countries.

Arnold set up his main headquarters for his program, the Divine Word Missionaries, in Holland, and on September 8, 1875 he and Joseph Freidademetz set out for China. To raise awareness of what was happening, Arnold and his fellow missionaries set up a printing press and circulated stories of the different countries they visited and how people could help them.

This gained many volunteers to come to their aide. Many women were glad to help out Arnold in his work, more so than men were. These women first began just helping out Arnold, and little by little wanted their own headquarters to make journeys similar to the ones that Arnold made. He helped them set up their own missionary called the Servants of the Holy Spirit. The women helped mainly South American countries, making their first visit to Argentina in 1895.

Arnold would pass away on January 15, 1909. His memory remains today in his Divine Word Missionaries, of which there of more than 6,500 in the world. Saint Arnold was recently canonized in 2003 by Pope John Paul II.

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Monday, July 20, 2009
Saint Anthony of Egypt, also known as Anthony the Great, is known as the patron saint of anybody suffering from a skin disease, as well as anybody who raises animals or weaves. He was born in the year 251 at Heracleus, Egypt.

Saint Anthony of Egypt lived a typical life while growing up and had one younger sister. Then when Anthony was twenty years old, both of his parents passed away. Anthony had a plan for after this happened. He sent his little sister to school to make sure she would be able to fend for herself when he put his plan into action. Once this was complete, Anthony sold their house and everything in it, and all their property as well. He gave the remainder of his money and the money he had earned from selling all his things to the poor, and left to go live on his own in the desert of Egypt, where he would remain for twenty years.

Anthony longed to be left in isolation to pray and become closer to God because he was so hurt by the loss of his parents. He attempted to make his home in the desert impenetrable, however people found ways to sneak in. They would ask Anthony favors, such as healing them or a loved one or giving them religious advice. Anthony always helped the people as much as he could and became somewhat well known for it. His main belief was to live life in the way the Gospels intend it to be led. Many people liked this and ventured out into the desert to see Anthony.

He was so overwhelmed with people wishing to live with him and learn his ways, that he created two monasteries there. Many people began to raise money for the monasteries by weaving baskets which is why Anthony is the patron saint of anybody who weaves.

Anthony left the monasteries in the desert for a short while around the year 311. He did so to travel to Alexandria because of talk he had heard of Arianism becoming big there. Anthony felt he needed to try and stop the spread of this. Anthony was successful returned to live in peace in the desert for the rest of his life. He befriended Saint Paul in the desert and it is said they were quite close.

Saint Anthony would pass away quietly and peacefully in the desert in the year 356 of natural causes. Anthony was canonized pre-congregation due to the time period that he lived in, and his feast day is celebrated each year on January 17th.

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Saturday, July 18, 2009
Do you know which patron saint founded the Order of Ursulines? Well, it was Saint Angela Merici and she did so in Brescia in 1535. Saint Angela was a religious official in Italy during her time.

Angela was born in a tiny village by Lake Garda, located in Lombardy. She had one sibling, a sister who was a few years younger than her. When Angela was just ten years old, both her parents died and they became orphans.

Eventually their uncle would take them in, he lived in another small town called Salo. Sadly, Angela's sister would die shortly after their arrival there. Angela was extremely upset over her sister's passing away, especially because she did not get to receive her last sacraments. She felt she needed to do something to help her sister's soul be able to enter into heaven. So Angela entered the Third Order of Saint Francis, and began to pray constantly throughout the day to help her sister out.

After a while, it is said that Angela saw a vision of her sister resting in heaven with many saints surrounding her. After seeing this Angela felt content that her sister's soul had been saved.

Angela continued to live with her uncle in Salo for a while, but when she reached the age of twenty her uncle passed away. This left Angela with a decision about where to live. She chose to go back to her original home in Desenzano. Angela decided to make her home into a school for girls, and began tutoring them whenever she could. She felt that girls did not receive a fair education and were being excluded.

Angela had another vision not to long after this and she realized she was meant to start an association of virgins and make the group dedicated to teaching young girls the ways of religion. She did what she was told to in her vision and it was very successful. Her success led to her being offered to begin another school for girls in a close by town. Angela knew this was a great thing and accepted immediately.

St. Angela Merici had always wanted to make a journey to the Holy Land ever since becoming religious. She got this opportunity in 1524. On her journey, Angela suddenly became blind. Angela was not discouraged and continued on her journey to all the Holy Places. She prayed a lot upon reaching the Holy Land and was cured of her blindness. Pope Clement VII wanted Angela to stay in Rome and teach there, but she did not enjoy the public acknowledgment so she did not accept.

In November of 1535, Angela and a group of twelve other women established the "Company of Saint Ursula" in Brescia. She was chosen by the other women to be the head of the organization. Their group would grow in the following years, until Angela passed away on January 27, 1540.

Saint Angela was canonized by Pope Pius VII in May of 1807, and her feast day is held on January 27th. Anybody who has lost a parent or is handicapped in any way should pray to Saint Angela because she is their patron saint.

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Friday, July 17, 2009
Did you know that Saint Anastasia's mother was a devout Christian and influenced Anastasia to become as religious as she was? Well, she most certainly did, despite Anastasia's father being an affluent pagan. Saint Anastasia's mother had her baptized at a very young age because she wanted her daughter to lead a good Christian life, not like the one her husband led.

Although Anastasia was exceptionally religious like her mother, she too ended up marrying a pagan. Anastasia married a man named Publius who was of nobility in Rome. Publius had no idea that Anastasia was a Christian, but when he finally figured it out he was furious. Christians were not well liked during their time, and it was a problem for a Roman noble man to be married to one. So he began treating Anastasia very poorly, making her do things around the house all day and never letting her leave.

One day, Publius went to leave town on official business for a while. He had been named ambassador to the King of Persia, so he had to leave. He told his assistants, who would be remaining in the house, to treat Anastasia terribly and if that she was not alive anymore when he returned that he would not be upset or disappointed at all. However, on his journey Publius would die in a freak accident.

Saint Anastasia loved to help others, especially imprisoned Christians. She heard of Saint Chrysogonus being held captive, and rushed to his cell to see what she could do for him. She helped Saint Chrysogonus convert many pagans being held alongside him and helped other Christians who were also imprisoned stay strong in their faith.

Saint Chrysogonus was eventually tortured and killed and this saddened Anastasia deeply, but she knew she must continue his mission of helping the convicted Christians. She did so until one day she went to visit her fellow Christians and found that they had all been killed. She cried right there on the spot because she was so upset. One of the guards asked Anastasia why she was so upset, and she admitted to being a Christian just as they had all been. This led to her arrest. The men who held her hostage tried to get Anastasia to just give up on Christianity and they promised they would let her leave if she did, but she would have none of it.

They decided to give Anastasia three days to decide if she would give up on Christianity or stay with her beliefs and face death. St. Anastasia told them on the spot that she did not need their three days and wished to die for her beliefs right then and there. This outraged the men and they decided that they would lock
Anastasia away in a cell and never feed her again. This was supposed to be cruel and unusual punishment, but something amazing happened.

Anastasia lived in her cell without food for months. Finally one of the men who was in charge of Anastasia suggested they move her to a different prison because she was obviously finding or receiving food from somebody in her present location. However, she wasn't eating anything, God had been keeping her alive the entire time. After this failed they tried putting Anastasia on a ship that was broken down and going to sink without a doubt after leaving port. It did not sink though and made it safely to land, even after taking on considerable amounts of water.

After these two failures to torture and kill Anastasia, she was burned alive and this is the way she ended up dying. She died a martyr in the year 460, and was given a proper burial by a local Christian woman after her remains were left by the Romans.

If you are a widow or enjoy weaving you should pray to Saint Anastasia because she is your patron saint.

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Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Saint Amelia was born near what is known today as Luxembourg, in the year 741. The name Amelia means "work of the Lord" in Latin.

St. Amelia had one brother, named Rodien, and they were brought up to be extremely religious by their parents. Their parents were known throughout their community for being very devoted to God and the Church.

Naturally, through her religious upbringing, Amelia was getting ready to start being a nun at the Benedictine Abbey in Munsterbilsen. However, Amelia happened the be astonishingly beautiful and this caught the eye of many young men.

One of these men happened to be the king's son Charles. Charles would be known in his later years as King Charlemagne, but at this point was just a teenage boy.

Charles was obsessed with Amelia and attempted to gain her love for many years. Saint Amelia was truly religious though and only wanted to devote her life to God, which meant she would not marry.

Charles would not take no for an answer, and still aspired to gain her love. One day Charles was trying to
pull her away from the altar that she knelt praying at, and broke her arm.

Saint Amelia's arm was remarkably healed almost instantly, and Charles would eventually give up on his endeavors.

Amelia would go on to found a church that was devoted to Mary in Temsche. There are many stories of miraculous works that are credited to Amelia. One story has it that she road on the back of a fish across a
gigantic body of water.

This is why Amelia is the patron saint of fisherman, as well as farmers and anybody who suffers from arm or should pains. Saint Amelia's feast day falls on July 10th of each year.

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Sunday, July 12, 2009
to check the schedule feature


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Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, was originally born with the name Luigi. His family was very wealthy and Aloysius grew up in a castle in Castiglione delle Stiviere, which is in the northern part of Italy. His family was very well known around his parts, St. Aloysius Gonzaga was the son of Ferrante Gonzaga.

While Aloysius grew up his family, especially his father, expected him to be soldier. This was due to the always ongoing local wars that took place in Italy. Aloysius did as they pleased, and began his military training when he was very young. He learned this along with foreign languages and several other subjects.

At the young age of eight, Aloysius was shipped of to Florence with his brother to further his education, while serving at the court of Grand Duke of Matua. Aloysius did not enjoy the way of life he was introduced to in Florence, it was far to frantic and wild for his taste.

Did you know Saint Aloysius Gonzaga suffered from kidney disease? Well he did, and this is the main reason why he became interested in the Catholic religion. In his free time while he was sick, Aloysius began reading every day about different saints. This led to him eventually spending many hours a day in prayer.

Saint Aloysius took a private vow of chastity, when he was just nine years old.

In 1580, Aloysius met Cardinal Charles Borromeo. The cardinal realized that nobody had ever given Aloysius his first holy communion, and proceeded to give him his.

Aloysius really wanted to join a religious order and had narrowed it down to two. He either wanted to join the Capuchins or the Jesuits. He chose to become a Jesuit.

His family did not fully support his decision though. His mother didn't like his decision but still supported him, but his father was outraged that his son would not carry on his way of life.

His family tried to convince him to become a secular priest, so he could still indulge in the two different ways of life, but Aloysius did not want that. He wanted to truly give himself to the Lord.

Aloysius gave up all of his rights that he held by being the first born son in his family. He gave let all the possessions he would have eventually received go to his younger brother. To do this he had to visit Rome because he was from such a well known, and wealthy family.

On November 25, 1585 Aloysius was accepted into the Jesuit novicate. Aloysius still suffered even more health issues after his kidney troubles. He also had chronic headaches, insomnia, and a skin disease. Aloysius studied in Milan for a few months, but had to be sent back to Rome shortly after due to his declining health.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga took three vows in his lifetime. These were vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity. In 1590, Aloysius had a vision from the Archangel Gabriel, who told him that he would die within one year of that day.

In the next year the plague would break out in Rome. Aloysius helped out in a hospital the Jesuits started to help those afflicted by the illness.

This is what led to his eventual death. Aloysius became infected with the plague and this, on top of his other illnesses, was too much for him to handle.

He passed away on March 21st of that year he was pronounced dead. Aloysius is buried in the Church of the Most Holy Annunciation, in Rome. That church has been since renamed the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Aloysius changed his name to Robert right before his death, he did so in memory of Robert Bellarmine, a cardinal who he confessed his sins to before death.

Pope Paul V canonized Aloysius a saint on October 19, 1605. This was just fourteen years after he passed away!

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga is the patron saint of people living with AIDS, young students, and the town of Valmontone. His feast day is celebrated on June 21st each year, and his is usually depicted with page or symbolized as a lily, a cross, or a skull.


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Saint Alphonsus was born in a small village outside of Naples, Italy called Marianella on September 27, 1696. He was brought up a Christian by his wealthy parents. They had St. Alphonsus baptized just two days after his birth. His parents raised him and taught him religion, but never really encouraged a life completely devoted to God.

They sent Alphonsus to law school when he turned sixteen. He graduated and became a very respected lawyer in their community. However Alphonsus never really enjoyed being a lawyer, describing the profession as "full of difficulties".

One day, Alphonsus lost a pretty big case in court and that was the final straw. He made up his mind that he would be a lawyer no more. This all happened in the year 1723. Alphonsus' father was absolutely furious with his decision to leave his prestigious career. He was especially upset because Alphonsus had chosen to join the priesthood. He did not want his only son to do this, but Alphonsus' mind was already set on becoming a priest and there was nothing he could do about it.

On December 21, 1726 Alphonsus was ordained a priest. Alphonsus spent the first several years of his priesthood living with the poor and homeless on the streets in Naples. He began a system of "Evening Chapels" that were coordinated by the local people living on the streets. Many more of these chapels would be up and running by the time of Alphonsus' death. St. Alphonsus was a very talented speaker and re-inspired many people through his words to return to the Christian faith and way of life.

Alphonsus began living in the Chinese College in Naples in 1729. He started working with even more people than before and realized how many more people in the world could use his help.

St. Alphonsus is best known for creating the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer. He made this congregation because Sister Maria Celeste Crostarosa informed him that God spoke to her in a vision and made it clear that Alphonsus was supposed to make the Congregation and run it.

The ultimate aim of the Congregation was to preach and enlighten the poorer parts of the the cities surrounding them. This gave Alphonsus a completely new meaning in life and really invigorated him to do his best.

In 1762, Alphonsus was named Bishop of Sant'Agagt dei Goti although he did not really want to have to position. Alphonsus felt this way because of his health. If he was going to be Bishop he wanted to be able to give all he could to help his diocese flourish.

He ended up taking the position anyway because everybody really wanted him to. In 1775 he retired from his position and went to live in Pagani, Italy.

This would end up being where Alphonsus would pass away.

On May 26, 1839, Pope Gregory XVI canonized Alphonsus a saint. If you or anybody you know needs help telling the truth or deciding what is right or wrong, a quick prayer to Saint Alphonsus could do the trick because he is the patron saint of confessors and moralists, as well as theologians. Alphonsus' feast day is celebrated on August 1st of each year.

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Saint Ambrose was born in the year 337 in Trier, Germany. His family was very religious and they were all Roman Christians.

St. Ambrose had two younger siblings, a brother named Satyrus and a sister named Marcellina. Both of those two are saints as well.

As an infant, a multitude of bees landed on Ambrose's face and remained there for a while. On their departure, they left a drop of honey behind and did not sting Ambrose. Ambrose's father took this as a indication of the boy's future. He thought that the honey signified that Ambrose would be an articulate speaker.

Ambrose's father would die early on in his childhood. This affected Ambrose greatly and made him want to take up the same career his father had held.

So Ambrose got a good education while in Rome, and he was named consular prefect, or governor, of Emilia and Liguria. He was given a nice office in Milan and was doing very well for his young age.

Not too long after this a huge disagreement would break out in Milan. The Arians and the Catholics were the two groups clashing. The previous bishop had just passed away and there were a lot of issues over who would be chosen next.

So Ambrose went to where the elections were taking place, and began to speak to the crowds and ask them for their cooperation. Instead of just cooperating, the masses decided they wanted Ambrose to become the new bishop.

Saint Ambrose did not want the position because he was not ready at all for such a change in his life. After a bit of contemplation Ambrose was ordained and made the new Bishop of Milan. This all took place around the yaer 374.

Becoming a bishop changed Ambrose's life completely. He gave up all his posessions, like his large amounts of land and money.

Arianism was a big thing in Milan when Ambrose was bishop there. He put a complete end to Arianism during his time as bishop. Ambrose used all his knowledge he had gained from his excellent education in Rome to talk to the Arians and change their ways.

Saint Ambrose died on April 4, 397 in Milan. He was canonized pre-congregation and is the patron saint of learning, bees, bee keepers, and students. Saint Ambrose is usually pictured with bees or a beehive.

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Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, was originally born with the name Luigi. His family was very wealthy and Aloysius grew up in a castle in Castiglione delle Stiviere, which is in the northern part of Italy. His family was very well known around his parts, St. Aloysius Gonzaga was the son of Ferrante Gonzaga.

While Aloysius grew up his family, especially his father, expected him to be soldier. This was due to the always ongoing local wars that took place in Italy. Aloysius did as they pleased, and began his military training when he was very young. He learned this along with foreign languages and several other subjects.

At the young age of eight, Aloysius was shipped of to Florence with his brother to further his education, while serving at the court of Grand Duke of Matua. Aloysius did not enjoy the way of life he was introduced to in Florence, it was far to frantic and wild for his taste.

Did you know Saint Aloysius Gonzaga suffered from kidney disease? Well he did, and this is the main reason why he became interested in the Catholic religion. In his free time while he was sick, Aloysius began reading every day about different saints. This led to him eventually spending many hours a day in prayer.

Saint Aloysius took a private vow of chastity, when he was just nine years old.

In 1580, Aloysius met Cardinal Charles Borromeo. The cardinal realized that nobody had ever given Aloysius his first holy communion, and proceeded to give him his.

Aloysius really wanted to join a religious order and had narrowed it down to two. He either wanted to join the Capuchins or the Jesuits. He chose to become a Jesuit.

His family did not fully support his decision though. His mother didn't like his decision but still supported him, but his father was outraged that his son would not carry on his way of life.

His family tried to convince him to become a secular priest, so he could still indulge in the two different ways of life, but Aloysius did not want that. He wanted to truly give himself to the Lord.

Aloysius gave up all of his rights that he held by being the first born son in his family. He gave let all the possessions he would have eventually received go to his younger brother. To do this he had to visit Rome because he was from such a well known, and wealthy family.

On November 25, 1585 Aloysius was accepted into the Jesuit novicate. Aloysius still suffered even more health issues after his kidney troubles. He also had chronic headaches, insomnia, and a skin disease. Aloysius studied in Milan for a few months, but had to be sent back to Rome shortly after due to his declining health.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga took three vows in his lifetime. These were vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity. In 1590, Aloysius had a vision from the Archangel Gabriel, who told him that he would die within one year of that day.

In the next year the plague would break out in Rome. Aloysius helped out in a hospital the Jesuits started to help those afflicted by the illness.

This is what led to his eventual death. Aloysius became infected with the plague and this, on top of his other illnesses, was too much for him to handle.

He passed away on March 21st of that year he was pronounced dead. Aloysius is buried in the Church of the Most Holy Annunciation, in Rome. That church has been since renamed the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Aloysius changed his name to Robert right before his death, he did so in memory of Robert Bellarmine, a cardinal who he confessed his sins to before death.

Pope Paul V canonized Aloysius a saint on October 19, 1605. This was just fourteen years after he passed away!

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga is the patron saint of people living with AIDS, young students, and the town of Valmontone. His feast day is celebrated on June 21st each year, and his is usually depicted with page or symbolized as a lily, a cross, or a skull.


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Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, was originally born with the name Luigi. His family was very wealthy and Aloysius grew up in a castle in Castiglione delle Stiviere, which is in the northern part of Italy. His family was very well known around his parts, St. Aloysius Gonzaga was the son of Ferrante Gonzaga.

While Aloysius grew up his family, especially his father, expected him to be soldier. This was due to the always ongoing local wars that took place in Italy. Aloysius did as they pleased, and began his military training when he was very young. He learned this along with foreign languages and several other subjects.

At the young age of eight, Aloysius was shipped of to Florence with his brother to further his education, while serving at the court of Grand Duke of Matua. Aloysius did not enjoy the way of life he was introduced to in Florence, it was far to frantic and wild for his taste.

Did you know Saint Aloysius Gonzaga suffered from kidney disease? Well he did, and this is the main reason why he became interested in the Catholic religion. In his free time while he was sick, Aloysius began reading every day about different saints. This led to him eventually spending many hours a day in prayer.

Saint Aloysius took a private vow of chastity, when he was just nine years old.

In 1580, Aloysius met Cardinal Charles Borromeo. The cardinal realized that nobody had ever given Aloysius his first holy communion, and proceeded to give him his.

Aloysius really wanted to join a religious order and had narrowed it down to two. He either wanted to join the Capuchins or the Jesuits. He chose to become a Jesuit.

His family did not fully support his decision though. His mother didn't like his decision but still supported him, but his father was outraged that his son would not carry on his way of life.

His family tried to convince him to become a secular priest, so he could still indulge in the two different ways of life, but Aloysius did not want that. He wanted to truly give himself to the Lord.

Aloysius gave up all of his rights that he held by being the first born son in his family. He gave let all the possessions he would have eventually received go to his younger brother. To do this he had to visit Rome because he was from such a well known, and wealthy family.

On November 25, 1585 Aloysius was accepted into the Jesuit novicate. Aloysius still suffered even more health issues after his kidney troubles. He also had chronic headaches, insomnia, and a skin disease. Aloysius studied in Milan for a few months, but had to be sent back to Rome shortly after due to his declining health.

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga took three vows in his lifetime. These were vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity. In 1590, Aloysius had a vision from the Archangel Gabriel, who told him that he would die within one year of that day.

In the next year the plague would break out in Rome. Aloysius helped out in a hospital the Jesuits started to help those afflicted by the illness.

This is what led to his eventual death. Aloysius became infected with the plague and this, on top of his other illnesses, was too much for him to handle.

He passed away on March 21st of that year he was pronounced dead. Aloysius is buried in the Church of the Most Holy Annunciation, in Rome. That church has been since renamed the Church of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. Aloysius changed his name to Robert right before his death, he did so in memory of Robert Bellarmine, a cardinal who he confessed his sins to before death.

Pope Paul V canonized Aloysius a saint on October 19, 1605. This was just fourteen years after he passed away!

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga is the patron saint of people living with AIDS, young students, and the town of Valmontone. His feast day is celebrated on June 21st each year, and his is usually depicted with page or symbolized as a lily, a cross, or a skull.

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Saturday, July 11, 2009
Saint Alice, also known as Aleydis, was born in the year 1204 in Shaerbeck. Shaerbeck is a small town near Brussels in Belgium.

St. Alice lived a regular, every-day life until the age of seven. At this age she chose to join a Cistercian convent. The convent was named Camera Sanctae Mariae.

St. Alice would stay in this convent for the rest of her life. Alice is known for her humility, and the Cistercian society really respected her for it as well and they were inspired by it.

Shortly after becoming a teenager, Alice became afflicted with leprosy. This saddened Alice because she had to be kept in isolation at all times. However, she did not let it get her down, despite all her suffering.

Alice's health would worsen when she became blind, and paralyzed as well. Alice's faith still remained strong even after her health issues changed her life so greatly. She found awesome support to help her through her pains by receiving the Holy Eucharist.

Saint Alice loved receiving the Eucharist and feeling closer to God. It put her in peace for a while and was her only true escape from her physical sufferings.

The Lord began appearing to St. Alice telling her not to worry about her sicknesses because she would be saved in heaven. Her visions became a regular occurrence and Alice became very spiritual and in touch with the Lord through receiving the Eucharist and thinking deeply about her visions.

Alice died in the year 1250, and she was canonized in 1907 by Pope Pius X. Her feast is celebrated each year on June 15th and she is the patron saint of the blind and paralyzed.

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Friday, July 10, 2009
Saint Alexander Sauli, sometimes also known as the "Apostle of Corsica", was born on February 15, 1535. Alexander was born to a wealthy and prominent family, in Milan.

In his early years Saint Alexander Sauli was taught by a few of his superiors. Eventually he would join the Congregation of the Barnabites, and would do so at an extraordinary young age.

Saint Alexander would go on to become a teacher, while still very young. He taught at the University of Pavia, and taught his students the subjects of theology and philosophy.

Then in 1565, St. Alexander had remained in the Congregation long enough to become chosen "superior-general". Pope Pius V chose Alexander, in 1571, to visit the area of Corsica because the Church was losing members and falling apart around there.

He made his journey with three other men, who volunteered to go and help him. It was not long before Alexander had regained many of the native inhabitants of Corsica to Catholicism, and reconstructed numerous churches. Alexander did not stop there, he also went on to organize the start of a few seminaries and colleges.

Alexander's hard work made him very well known around the world, and this surely helped him be named Bishop of Pavia in 1591. However, less than one year later, on October 11, 1592, Alexander would pass away.

It has been said that Saint Alexander performed miracles on more than one occasion. His advice and knowledge was also deemed valuable by Saint Pope Gregory XIV and Charles Borromeo.

Pope Saint Pius X canonized Saint Alexander on December 11 1904. Saint Alexander is the patron saint of Corsica, as well as those who believe deeply in the Catholic faith.

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Thursday, July 9, 2009
Saint Anthony of Padua, also known as Fernando Martins de Bulhões, was born in the year 1195 in Lisbon, Portugal. He grew up in a very prosperous family, who wanted him to become a noble man when he grew older. Anthony's family wanted him to have a good education, so they sent him to the local school at the cathedral. St. Anthony never liked school though and would only put up with attending it for so long.

After a while, Anthony left school and home behind to join the Augustinian Abbey of Saint Vincent. His family was upset with his decision and really did not want him to go at all, however he believed his choice to be the correct one. Anthony became dedicated to scholar like works when he joined the Augustinian Abbey. He learned a lot about the Latin "classics" and other old scriptures and works.

Through his work, around the year 1219, he met five Franciscan friars. The five men stopped in to Anthony's church on their way to preach in Morocco. Anthony liked the men very much and found them to be great mentors and wise men.

Early the next year, word got to Anthony that five friars preaching in Morocco had been brutally murdered. Anthony knew it was the men he had met not too long before then, and was devastated. He went into seclusion for a number of days and thought deeply and prayed about the murder of those men and their martyrdom. Anthony came to the conclusion that he wanted to become a Franciscan monk. He was inspired by the good lives the five men had led. He recieved permission from his superiors at the church and was free to go begin a new life as a Franciscan.

While St. Anthony was on a ship returning to Portugal, stormy seas hit, and the ship[ had to stop short in Messina. Anthony would make it home eventually, but the detour took a toll on his health.

This damage to his health hurt Anthony when he tried to join a few monasteries because they did not want to accept a strange man who looked worn down and perhaps sickly. Anthony was eventually accepted in San Paolo to a monastery.

On the day of an ordination at Anthony's monastery somebody was expected to preach. On one certain day, many Dominicans were in attendance and they were expected by Anthony and his fellow Franciscans to take care of the preaching. The predicament was that the Dominicans were completely unprepared because they thought the Franciscans would definitely want to do it.

So this left a bit of a problem for everybody. Anthony was chosen by one of his elders to go an say "whatever the Holy Spirit" put into his head. Anthony was shy and refused at first, however he realized that he would not really have any other choice so he began to speak eventually.

He began to preach to the masses in attendance, and the crowds loved him! They found his voice to be soothing and nice and he held all of their attention for the entire time he spoke.

Anthony would go on to become one of the most renowned speakers the Church has ever known. He produced sermons for special feast days for the Pope.

In the year 1231, Anthony became seriously sick with dropsy and passed away in Padua.

He was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on May 30, 1232, just one year after his death!

Anybody who is a passionate speaker, or needs help creating a speech should pray to St. Anthony because he is their patron saint. Also anybody who is having trouble finding something should pray to Saint Anthony because he is the patron saint of lost articles!

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Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Saint Ann was the mother of the Virgin Mary, which makes her the grandmother of Jesus Christ. Saint Ann, also known as Anne, Anna, or Hannah, was married to Saint Joachim. Her name stands for "grace" in Hebrew.

Ann and Joachim were a well-to-do, older couple living in Nazareth, childless. On a feast day Joachim went to the temple, as was typical to do. He wanted to put forward an offering, but was turned away by a man in the temple.

Since Joachim had no children he was not allowed to enter the temple. Joachim still wished to offer a sacrfice to God, so he went into the montains, consumed with despair at not being able to make his
sacrifice. In the mountains he made his offering to God alone.

When Ann learned of Joachim's whereabouts and his distress, she prayed to God to lift her misfortune of being sterile. She vowed that any child she had would be devoted to God.

That night St. Ann's prayers for help were answered. An angel descended from heaven came and told Ann
that she would become pregnant and that her child would be very blessed.

At the time Joachim was still in the mountains praying and making his sacrifice to God, and an angel came to him with the same message to convey.

Joachim returned home to Ann, and sure enough Ann became pregnant and gave birth to their daughter who they named Mary. Ann made sure that Mary led a life committed to God, as she had promised.

Ann was canonized a saint pre-congregation. Her feast day falls on July 26th, and she is often pictured holding the virgin Mary or Jesus in her lap. Saint Ann is patron saint to women in labor and also miners.

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Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Saint Agnes of Rome was born in the year 291. She is also known as Saint Ines, and is remembered as a virgin-martyr. The name Agnes is taken from a Greek word meaning "sacred or pure".

Saint Agnes was from a family of Roman nobility and was raised as a Christian. Her tradgic death occured at the young age of thirteen when she was told she was to be raped as a sacrifice to the pagan gods that many worshipped in Rome during those times.

Agnes was still a virgin and wished to remain that way until her marriage, due to her good Christian faith. However the men would have none of this, and continued to insist she must be raped. The pagans took Agnes to a Temple that was made in honor of the Roman goddess Minerva, and still the arguement carried on for quite some time with no progress made, until numerous men offered to marry Agnes and then carry on with the ritual.

This was done to make Agnes feel what she was allowing to happen was acceptable. Agnes found this to be inadequate and rejected these offers. Stating she would rather face death and not disgrace her Lord.

So St. Agnes was tied up and pulled through the streets of Rome naked headed for a brothel. Upon her arrival, numerous men attempted to rape her but they became immediately blind when they made their attempts. The men became infuriated and all agreed to burn her at the stake. The bundle of wood the men brought to burn her with would not light though, and the men became even angrier.

This led to one of the soldiers in charge of the execution drawing his sword and beheading Agnes. Agnes showed great strength in her beliefs and faced death, rather than give in the pagans and their demands. This is why she is remembered as a saint and a martyr.

Saint Agnes is the patron saint of gardeners, virgins, rape victims, engaged couples, and girls, and her feast day is celebrated on January 21st each year.

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Saint Agnes of Rome was born in the year 291. She is also known as Saint Ines, and is remembered as a virgin-martyr. The name Agnes is taken from a Greek word meaning "sacred or pure".

Saint Agnes was from a family of Roman nobility and was raised as a Christian. Her tragic death occurred at the young age of thirteen when she was told she was to be raped as a sacrifice to the pagan gods that many worshiped in Rome during those times.

Agnes was still a virgin and wished to remain that way until her marriage, due to her good Christian faith. However the men would have none of this, and continued to insist she must be raped. The pagans took Agnes to a Temple that was made in honor of the Roman goddess Minerva, and still the argument carried on for quite some time with no progress made, until numerous men offered to marry Agnes and then carry on with the ritual.

This was done to make Agnes feel what she was allowing to happen was acceptable. Agnes found this to be inadequate and rejected these offers. Stating she would rather face death and not disgrace her Lord.

So St. Agnes was tied up and pulled through the streets of Rome naked headed for a brothel. Upon her arrival, numerous men attempted to rape her but they became immediately blind when they made their attempts. The men became infuriated and all agreed to burn her at the stake. The bundle of wood the men brought to burn her with would not light though, and the men became even angrier.

This led to one of the soldiers in charge of the execution drawing his sword and beheading Agnes. Agnes showed great strength in her beliefs and faced death, rather than give in the pagans and their demands. This is why she is remembered as a saint and a martyr.

Saint Agnes is the patron saint of gardeners, virgins, rape victims, engaged couples, and girls, and her feast day is celebrated on January 21st each year.

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Saint Agnes of Rome was born in the year 291. Saint Agnes also known as Saint Ines, and is remembered as a virgin-martyr. The name Agnes is taken from a Greek word meaning "sacred or pure".

Agnes was from a family of Roman nobility and was raised as a Christian. Her tradgic death occured at the young age of thirteen when she was told she was to be raped as a sacrifice to the pagan gods that many worshipped in Rome during those times.

Agnes was still a virgin and wished to remain that way until her marriage, due to her good Christian faith. However the men would have none of this, and continued to insist she must be raped. The pagans took Agnes to a Temple that was made in honor of the Roman goddess Minerva, and still the arguement carried on for quite some time with no progress made, until numerous men offered to marry Agnes and then carry on with the ritual.

This was done to make Agnes feel what she was allowing to happen was acceptable. St. Agnes found this to be inadequate and rejected these offers. Stating she would rather face death and not disgrace her Lord.

So Agnes was tied up and pulled through the streets of Rome naked headed for a brothel. Upon her arrival, numerous men attempted to rape her but they became immediately blind when they made their attempts. The men became infuriated and all agreed to burn her at the stake. The bundle of wood the men brought to burn her with would not light though, and the men became even angrier.

This led to one of the soldiers in charge of the execution drawing his sword and beheading Agnes. Agnes showed great strength in her beliefs and faced death, rather than give in the pagans and their demands. This is why she is remembered as a saint and a martyr.

Saint Agnes is the patron saint of gardeners, virgins, rape victims, engaged couples, and girls, and her feast day is celebrated on January 21st each year.

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Monday, July 6, 2009
Saint Adrian, also known as Hadrian, of Nicodemia was a guard for the Roman Empire. Galerius Maximian was the Emperor during the time Saint Adrian lived, and he was stationed in the imperial court at Nicodemia.

Adrian was not very religious at this time and is known to have been a pagan during those days. One day, a band of captured Christians were brought into Nicodemia, and left under the watch of Adrian for their remaining hours before their executions.

Adrian thought that the Christians were being unwise to stand for their beliefs if it meant they would lose their lives. He asked of them what they believed they were gaining by standing for their Christian beliefs.
The response he recieved was, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

This statement made a large impact on St. Adrian. He had never considered Christianity, or even being Baptized, before then, but proceeded to profess himself a Christian.

The captive Christians strong display of faith and courage, when faced with death was the deciding factor for Adrian. He knew at that moment that he had finally found his reason for life.

However, Adrian's decision to proclaim himself Christian led to his immediate arrest. He spent the night imprisoned with the other Christians, whom he had watched over just hours before.

The next day Adrian and the other Christians were awoken to be tortured. It is said that before his eventual beheading, all of Adrian's limbs were cut off by an anvil.

Following the torture and beheading of Adrian and his fellow martyrs, they were taken to have their remains burnt. As the soldiers went to toss their bodies into the flames, a gigantic thunderstorm swiftly swept the lands. The storm put out the fire in the furnace, and lightning struck and killed nearly all of the soldiers.

Christians heard of this happening and came to the grounds where Adrian's remains were left, they took him up and brought him to be properly cremated near Byzantium.

Saint Adrian was canonized pre-congregation, like a small group of other saints, and his feast day is celebrated on September 8th.

Anybody who is a soldier, prison guard, or butcher should pray to Saint Adrian because he is their patron saint.

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Sunday, July 5, 2009
Saint Adrian, also known as Hadrian, of Nicodemia was a guard for the Roman Empire. Galerius Maximian was the Emperor during the time Adrian lived, and Adrian was stationed in the imperial court at Nicodemia.

St. Adrian was not very religious at this time and is known to have been a pagan during those days. One day, a band of captured Christians were brought into Nicodemia, and left under the watch of Adrian for their remaining hours before their executions.

Adrian thought that the Christians were being unwise to stand for their beliefs if it meant they would lose their lives. He asked of them what they believed they were gaining by standing for their Christian beliefs.
The response he received was, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him" (1 Corinthians 2:9).

This statement made a large impact on St. Adrian. He had never considered Christianity, or even being Baptized, before then, but proceeded to profess himself a Christian in front of many people. The captive Christians' strong display of faith and courage, when faced with death was the deciding factor for Adrian. He knew at that moment that he had finally found his reason for life.

However, Adrian's decision to proclaim himself Christian led to his immediate arrest. He spent the night imprisoned with the other Christians, whom he had held imprisoned just hours before.

The next day Adrian and the other Christians were awoken to be tortured. It is said that before his eventual beheading, all of Adrian's limbs were cut off by an anvil. Following the torture and beheading of Adrian and his fellow martyrs, they were taken to have their remains burnt.

As the soldiers went to toss their bodies into the flames, a gigantic thunderstorm swiftly swept the lands. The storm put out the fire in the furnace, and lightning struck and killed nearly all of the soldiers. Christians heard of this happening and came to the grounds where Adrian's remains were left, they took him up and brought him to be properly cremated near Byzantium.

Saint Adrian was canonized pre-congregation, like a small group of other saints, and his feast day is celebrated on September 8th.

Anybody who is an arms dealer, soldier, prison guard, or butcher should pray to Saint Adrian because he is their patron saint.

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Saint Aaron was born during the sixth century. According to some, St. Aaron was born in the British kingdom of Armorican Domnonia. But most records are unsure exactly whether Aaron was born in Wales, in France or elsewhere.

St. Aaron, who was also known as Saint Aihran, would eventually move to a small island off the coast of Brittany, France. Aaron became a recluse, a hermit. This tiny island he inhabited was known as Cézembre. Although he tried to live a quiet life devoted to God, Aaron caught the attention of many people while he was living there.

Aaron lived in solitude on the island. But he was very spiritual during his time there. Many people heard of Aaron -- and his way of living -- on the island and were curious to visit him and see what they could learn from him about belief in God.

One of these curious people was Saint Malo. Around the year 544, Saint Malo made a journey out to the island of Cézembre. By the way, did you know Cézembre was only be reachable at a low tide? Malo came to see Aaron. Malo was graciously welcomed into Saint Aaron's home. Malo helped Aaron with his mission in France to spread the word of God.

While Saint Malo was the first of Aaron's pupils. But there were many more to follow in his footsteps! The number of believers Saint Aaron attracted to his island in the years following would eventually lead to the formation of a monastery on the island. St. Aaron remained on the island as a monk, and abbot to his students. This meant that Aaron was the head of the monastery and spiritual mentor for all the others who lived there with him.

In the years following Saint Malo's visit to Cézembre, and the creation of the monastery, Saint Aaron would pass away of natural causes. Saint Aaron's first student and closest friend, Saint Malo would take over as the abbot of the monastery and kept building the program that Aaron had left behind. Later, Saint Malo would go on to be chosen as the first Bishop of Aleth.

For hundreds of years after Aaron's death the island of Cézembre would simply be known as "Aaron." This lasted until the desertion of Aleth sometime around the year of 1150. The island is known in present day as Saint Malo.

Saint Aaron is a member of a small group of saints that were canonized "pre-congregation." This means that the modern day process of becoming a saint was not intact yet. So Aaron was proclaimed as saint by the approval of the masses of a local bishop.

Saint Aaron's feast day is celebrated each year on June 21st. If you know someone who is very devoted and passionate about living life on their terms, and teaching others the same passion, Saint Aaron is their patron saint.

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