Today’s Saint

By Franciscan Media – Angels—messengers from God—appear frequently in Scripture, but only Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are named… Michael appears in Daniel’s vision as “the great prince” who defends Israel against its enemies; in the Book of Revelation, he leads God’s armies to final victory over the forces of evil. Devotion to Michael is the oldest angelic devotion, rising in the East in the fourth century. …

By Franciscan Media – If saints have been falsely characterized as “other worldly,” the life of Wenceslaus stands as an example to the contrary: He stood for Christian values in the midst of the political intrigues which characterized 10th-century Bohemia… Wenceslaus was born in 907 near Prague, son of the Duke of Bohemia. His saintly grandmother, Ludmilla, raised him and sought to promote him as ruler of Bohemia in place of his mother, who favored the anti-Christian factions. ..

By Franciscan Media – Saint Paul VI’s Story – Born near Brescia in northern Italy, Giovanni Battista Montini was the second of three sons. His father, Giorgio, was a lawyer, editor, and eventually a member of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. His mother, Giuditta, was very involved in Catholic Action… After ordination in 1920, Giovanni did graduate studies in literature, philosophy, and canon law in Rome before he joined the Vatican Secretariat of State in 1924, where he worked for 30 years…

By Franciscan Media – Born into a military family in Bordeaux, Louis trained to become a watchmaker. His desire to join a religious community went unfulfilled because he didn’t know Latin. Moving to Normandy, he met the highly-skilled lace maker, Zélie Guérin, who also had been disappointed in her attempts to enter religious life. They married in 1858, and over the years were blessed with nine children, though two sons and two daughters died in infancy.

By Franciscan Media – John Henry Newman, the 19th-century’s most important English-speaking Roman Catholic theologian, spent the first half of his life as an Anglican and the second half as a Roman Catholic. He was a priest, popular preacher, writer, and eminent theologian in both churches… Born in London, England, he studied at Oxford’s Trinity College, was a tutor at Oriel College, and for 17 years was vicar of the university church, St. Mary the Virgin. He eventually published eight volumes of Parochial and Plain Sermons ….

By Franciscan Media – In one of the largest such ceremonies in history, Pope John Paul II canonized Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on June 16, 2002. It was the 45th canonization ceremony in Pope John Paul’s pontificate. More than 300,000 people braved blistering heat as they filled St. Peter’s Square and nearby streets. They heard the Holy Father praise the new saint for his prayer and charity. “This is the most concrete synthesis of Padre Pio’s teaching,” said the pope. …

By Franciscan Media – Lorenzo was born in Manila of a Chinese father and a Filipino mother, both Christians. Thus he learned Chinese and Tagalog from them, and Spanish from the Dominicans whom he served as altar boy and sacristan. He became a professional calligrapher, transcribing documents in beautiful penmanship. He was a full member of the Confraternity of the Holy Rosary under Dominican auspices. He married and had two sons and a daughter.

By Franciscan Media – Matthew was a Jew who worked for the occupying Roman forces, collecting taxes from other Jews. The Romans were not scrupulous about what the “tax farmers” got for themselves. Hence the latter, known as “publicans,” were generally hated as traitors by their fellow Jews. The Pharisees lumped them with “sinners” (see Matthew 9:11-13). So it was shocking to them to hear Jesus call such a man to be one of his intimate followers.

By Franciscan Media – Little is known about the life of Januarius. He is believed to have been martyred in the Emperor Diocletian’s persecution of 305. Legend has it that Januarius and his companions were thrown to the bears in the amphitheater of Pozzuoli, but the animals failed to attack them. They were then beheaded, and Januarius’ blood ultimately brought to Naples.

By Franciscan Media – Joseph of Cupertino is most famous for levitating at prayer. Already as a child, Joseph showed a fondness for prayer. After a short career with the Capuchins, he joined the Conventual Franciscans. Following a brief assignment caring for the friary mule, Joseph began his studies for the priesthood. Though studies were very difficult for him, Joseph gained a great deal of knowledge from prayer. He was ordained in 1628.

By Franciscan Media – When Robert Bellarmine was ordained in 1570, the study of Church history and the fathers of the Church was in a sad state of neglect. A promising scholar from his youth in Tuscany, he devoted his energy to these two subjects, as well as to Scripture, in order to systematize Church doctrine against the attacks of the Protestant Reformers. He was the first Jesuit to become a professor at Louvain.

By Franciscan Media – There was no pope for 14 months after the martyrdom of Saint Fabian because of the intensity of the persecution of the Church. During the interval, the Church was governed by a college of priests. Saint Cyprian, a friend of Cornelius, writes that Cornelius was elected pope “by the judgment of God and of Christ, by the testimony of most of the clergy, by the vote of the people, with the consent of aged priests and of good men.”

By Franciscan Media – For a while there were two feasts in honor of the Sorrowful Mother: one going back to the 15th century, the other to the 17th century. For a while both were celebrated by the universal Church: one on the Friday before Palm Sunday, the other in September… The principal biblical references to Mary’s sorrows are in Luke 2:35 and John 19:26-27. The Lucan passage is Simeon’s prediction about a sword piercing Mary’s soul; the Johannine passage relates Jesus’ words from the cross to Mary and to the beloved disciple.

By Franciscan Media – Early in the fourth century, Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem in search of the holy places of Christ’s life. She razed the second-century Temple of Aphrodite, which tradition held was built over the Savior’s tomb, and her son built the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher on that spot. During the excavation, workers found three crosses. …

By Franciscan Media – This feast is a counterpart to the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus; both have the possibility of uniting people easily divided on other matters… The feast of the Most Holy Name of Mary began in Spain in 1513 and in 1671 was extended to all of Spain and the Kingdom of Naples. In 1683, John Sobieski, king of Poland, brought an army to the outskirts of Vienna to stop the advance of Muslim armies loyal to Mohammed IV of Constantinople.

By Franciscan Media – Saint Cyprian’s Story: Cyprian is important in the development of Christian thought and practice in the third century, especially in northern Africa… Highly educated, a famous orator, he became a Christian as an adult. He distributed his goods to the poor, and amazed his fellow citizens by making a vow of chastity before his baptism. Within two years he had been ordained a priest and was chosen, against his will, as Bishop of Carthage.

By Franciscan Media – Saint Thomas of Villanova’s Story: Saint Thomas was from Castile in Spain and received his surname from the town where he was raised. He received a superior education at the University of Alcala and became a popular professor of philosophy there… After joining the Augustinian friars at Salamanca, Thomas was ordained and resumed his teaching–despite a continuing absentmindedness and poor memory…

By Franciscan Media – Saint Peter Claver’s Story: A native of Spain, young Jesuit Peter Claver left his homeland forever in 1610 to be a missionary in the colonies of the New World. He sailed into Cartagena, a rich port city washed by the Caribbean. He was ordained there in 1615… By this time the slave trade had been established in the Americas for nearly 100 years, and Cartagena was a chief center for it.

By Franciscan Media – Blessed Frédéric Ozanam’s Story: A man convinced of the inestimable worth of each human being, Frédéric served the poor of Paris well, and drew others into serving the poor of the world. Through the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which he founded, his work continues to the present day.

By Franciscan Media – Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s Story: Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the tiny woman recognized throughout the world for her work among the poorest of the poor, was beatified October 19, 2003. Among those present were hundreds of Missionaries of Charity, the order she founded in 1950, as a diocesan religious community. Today the congregation also includes contemplative sisters and brothers and an order of priests.

By Franciscan Media – Saint Rose of Viterbo’s Story: Even as a child, Rose had a great desire to pray and to aid the poor. While still very young, she began a life of penance in her parents’ house. She was as generous to the poor as she was strict with herself. At the age of 10, she became a Secular Franciscan and soon began preaching in the streets about sin and the sufferings of Jesus.

By Franciscan Media – Saint Gregory the Great was the prefect of Rome before he was 30. After five years in office he resigned, founded six monasteries on his Sicilian estate, and became a Benedictine monk in his own home at Rome… Ordained a priest, Gregory became one of the pope’s seven deacons, and also served six years in the East as papal representative in Constantinople. He was recalled to become abbot, but at the age of 50 was elected pope by the clergy and people of Rome.

By Franciscan Media: Blessed John Francis Burté and Companions’ Story-These priests were victims of the French Revolution. Though their martyrdom spans a period of several years, they stand together in the Church’s memory because they all gave their lives for the same principle. In 1791, the Civil Constitution of the Clergy required all priests to take an oath which amounted to a denial of the faith. Each of these men refused and was executed.

By Franciscan Media – Despite the fact that much about Saint Giles is shrouded in mystery, we can say that he was one of the most popular saints in the Middle Ages. Likely, he was born in the first half of the seventh century in southeastern France. That is where he built a monastery that became a popular stopping-off point for pilgrims making their way to Compostela in Spain, and the Holy Land.

By Franciscan Media – The actions of these two influential Jewish leaders give insight into the charismatic power of Jesus and his teachings—and the risks that could be involved in following him… Joseph was a respected, wealthy civic leader who had become a disciple of Jesus. Following the death of Jesus, Joseph obtained Jesus’ body from Pilate, wrapped it in fine linen and buried it. For these reasons, Joseph is considered the patron saint of funeral directors and pallbearers.

By Franciscan Media – The Story of the Martyrdom of John the Baptist: The drunken oath of a king with a shallow sense of honor, a seductive dance and the hateful heart of a queen combined to bring about the martyrdom of John the Baptist. The greatest of prophets suffered the fate of so many Old Testament prophets before him: rejection and martyrdom. The “voice crying in the desert” did not hesitate to accuse the guilty, did not hesitate to speak the truth. But why? What possesses a man that he would give up his very life?

Saint Augustine’s Story – A Christian at 33, a priest at 36, a bishop at 41: Many people are familiar with the biographical sketch of Augustine of Hippo, sinner turned saint. But really to get to know the man is a rewarding experience… There quickly surfaces the intensity with which he lived his life, whether his path led away from or toward God. The tears of his mother, the instructions of Ambrose and, most of all, God himself speaking to him in the Scriptures, redirected Augustine’s love of life to a life of love.

By Franciscan Media: Saint Monica’s Story – The circumstances of Saint Monica’s life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter daughter-in-law, and a despairing parent, yet she did not give way to any of these temptations. Although she was a Christian, her parents gave her in marriage to a pagan, Patricius, who lived in her hometown of Tagaste in North Africa. Patricius had some redeeming features, but he had a violent temper and was licentious.

By Franciscan Media – Saint Joseph Calasanz’ Story – From Aragon, where he was born in 1556, to Rome, where he died 92 years later, fortune alternately smiled and frowned on the work of Joseph Calasanz. A priest with university training in canon law and theology, respected for his wisdom and administrative expertise, he put aside his career because he was deeply concerned with the need for education of poor children.

By Franciscan Media – At his coronation as king of France, Louis IX bound himself by oath to behave as God’s anointed, as the father of his people and feudal lord of the King of Peace. Other kings had done the same, of course. Louis was different in that he actually interpreted his kingly duties in the light of faith. After the violence of two previous reigns, he brought peace and justice.

By Franciscan Media – In the New Testament, Bartholomew is mentioned only in the lists of the apostles. Some scholars identify him with Nathanael, a man of Cana in Galilee who was summoned to Jesus by Philip. Jesus paid him a great compliment: “Here is a true Israelite. There is no duplicity in him” (John 1:47b). When Nathanael asked how Jesus knew him, Jesus said, “I saw you under the fig tree” (John 1:48b).

By Franciscan Media – Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But Mary’s queenship has roots in Scripture. At the Annunciation, Gabriel announced that Mary’s Son would receive the throne of David and rule forever. At the Visitation, Elizabeth calls Mary “mother of my Lord.” As in all the mysteries of Mary’s life, she is closely associated with Jesus: Her queenship is a share in Jesus’ kingship. We can also recall that in the Old Testament the mother of the king has great influence in court.

By Franciscan Media – Pope Pius X is perhaps best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by children… The second of 10 children in a poor Italian family, Joseph Sarto became Pius X at age 68. He was one of the 20th century’s greatest popes… Ever mindful of his humble origin, Pope Pius stated, “I was born poor, I lived poor, I will die poor.” He was embarrassed by some of the pomp of the papal court.

By Franciscan Media – Man of the century! Woman of the century! You see such terms applied to so many today—“golfer of the century,” “composer of the century,” “right tackle of the century”—that the line no longer has any punch. But Western Europe’s “man of the twelfth century,” without doubt or controversy, had to be Bernard of Clairvaux. Adviser of popes, preacher of the Second Crusade, defender of the faith ….

By Franciscan Media – How little we know where God’s grace will lead. Born on a farm in northern France, John died at 79 in the next “county” or department. In that time, he was a religious, a parish missionary, founder of two religious communities, and a great promoter of the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary… John joined the religious community of the Oratorians and was ordained a priest at 24…

By Franciscan Media – Saint Louis of Toulouse’s Story – When he died at the age of 23, Louis was already a Franciscan, a bishop, and a saint!
Louis’s parents were Charles II of Naples and Sicily, and Mary, daughter of the King of Hungary. Louis was related to Saint Louis IX on his father’s side and to Elizabeth of Hungary on his mother’s side… Louis showed early signs of attachment to prayer and to the corporal works of mercy.

By Franciscan Media – An encounter with a shabby old woman many dismissed as insane prompted Saint Joan to dedicate her life to the poor. For Joan, who had a reputation as a businesswoman intent on monetary success, this was a significant conversion.

By Franciscan Media – The Story of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary – On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be a dogma of faith: “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma that the immaculate Mother of God, the ever Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul to heavenly glory.”

By Franciscan Media – Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe’s Story – “I don’t know what’s going to become of you!” How many parents have said that? Maximilian Mary Kolbe’s reaction was, “I prayed very hard to Our Lady to tell me what would happen to me. She appeared, holding in her hands two crowns, one white, one red. She asked if I would like to have them—one was for purity, the other for martyrdom. I said, ‘I choose both.’ She smiled and disappeared.” After that he was not the same.

By Franciscan Media – Saints Pontian and Hippolytus’ Story – Two men died for the faith after harsh treatment and exhaustion in the mines of Sardinia. One had been pope for five years, the other an antipope for 18. They died reconciled… Pontian. Pontian was a Roman who served as pope from 230 to 235. …

By Franciscan Media – Jane Frances was wife, mother, nun, and founder of a religious community. Her mother died when she was 18 months old, and her father, head of parliament at Dijon, France, became the main influence on her education. Jane developed into a woman of beauty and refinement, lively and cheerful in temperament. At 21, she married Baron de Chantal, by whom she had six children, three of whom died in infancy. At her castle, she restored the custom of daily Mass, and was seriously engaged in various charitable works.

By Franciscan Media – At 18, Clare escaped from her father’s home one night, was met on the road by friars carrying torches, and in the poor little chapel called the Portiuncula received a rough woolen habit, exchanged her jeweled belt for a common rope with knots in it, and sacrificed her long tresses to Francis’ scissors. He placed her in a Benedictine convent, which her father and uncles immediately stormed in rage. Clare clung to the altar of the church, threw aside her veil to show her cropped hair, and remained adamant.

By Franciscan Media – The esteem in which the Church holds Lawrence is seen in the fact that today’s celebration ranks as a feast. We know very little about his life. He is one of those whose martyrdom made a deep and lasting impression on the early Church. Celebration of his feast day spread rapidly… He was a Roman deacon under Pope Saint Sixtus II. Four days after this pope was put to death, Lawrence and four clerics suffered martyrdom, probably during the persecution of the Emperor Valerian.

By Franciscan Media – If he hadn’t taken a trip with his bishop, Dominic would probably have remained within the structure of contemplative life; after the trip, he spent the rest of his life being a contemplative in active apostolic work… Born in old Castile, Spain, Dominic was trained for the priesthood by a priest-uncle, studied the arts and theology, and became a canon of the cathedral at Osma, where there was an attempt to revive the apostolic common life described in Acts of the Apostles.

By Franciscan Media – Like most of us, Cajetan seemed headed for an “ordinary” life—first as a lawyer, then as a priest engaged in the work of the Roman Curia… His life took a characteristic turn when he joined the Oratory of Divine Love in Rome, a group devoted to piety and charity, shortly after his ordination at 36. When he was 42 he founded a hospital for incurables at Venice.

By Jimmy Akin, EWTN News – The three who are privileged to witness the event are Peter, James, and John, the three core disciples… The fact that Jesus only allowed three of his disciples to witness the event may have sparked the discussion which swiftly ensued about which of the disciples was the greatest… Luke states that Jesus took the three “on the mountain to pray.”

By Franciscan Media – First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, the Liberian basilica was rebuilt by Pope Sixtus III shortly after the Council of Ephesus affirmed Mary’s title as Mother of God in 431. Rededicated at that time to the Mother of God, St. Mary Major is the largest church in the world honoring God through Mary.

By Franciscan Media – A man with vision overcomes obstacles and performs deeds that seem impossible. John Vianney was a man with vision: He wanted to become a priest. But he had to overcome his meager formal schooling, which inadequately prepared him for seminary studies… His work as a confessor is John Vianney’s most remarkable accomplishment.

By Franciscan Media Saint Peter Julian Eymard’s Story – Born in La Mure d’Isère in southeastern France, Peter Julian’s faith journey drew him from being a priest […]

By Franciscan Media – Moral theology, Vatican II said, should be more thoroughly nourished by Scripture, and show the nobility of the Christian vocation of the faithful and their obligation to bring forth fruit in charity for the life of the world. Alphonsus, declared patron of moral theologians by Pius XII in 1950, would rejoice in that statement… In his day, Alphonsus fought for the liberation of moral theology from the rigidity of Jansenism….

By Franciscan Media – Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s Story – The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball shattered his leg. Because there were no books of romance on hand during his convalescence, Ignatius whiled away the time reading a life of Christ and lives of the saints. His conscience was deeply touched, and a long, painful turning to Christ began.

By Franciscan Media Saint Martha’s Story – Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus were evidently close friends of Jesus. He came to their home simply as a […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Stanley Rother’s Story – On May 25, 1963, Stanley Rother, a farmer from Okarche, Oklahoma, was ordained for his home diocese of Oklahoma […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Antonio Lucci’s Story – Antonio studied with and was a friend of Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani, who after Antonio Lucci’s death, testified at the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Sharbel Makhlouf’s Story – Although this saint never traveled far from the Lebanese village of Beka-Kafra where he was born, his influence has […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Bridget of Sweden’s Story – From age 7 on, Bridget had visions of Christ crucified. Her visions formed the basis for her activity—always with […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Lawrence of Brindisi’s Story – At first glance, perhaps the most remarkable quality of Lawrence of Brindisi is his outstanding gift of languages. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Apollinaris’ Story – According to tradition, Saint Peter sent Apollinaris to Ravenna, Italy, as its first bishop. His preaching of the Good News was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Camillus de Lellis’ Story – Humanly speaking, Camillus was not a likely candidate for sainthood. His mother died when he was a child, […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Kateri Tekakwitha’s Story – The blood of martyrs is the seed of saints. Nine years after the Jesuits Isaac Jogues and Jean de Lelande […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Henry’s Story – As German king and Holy Roman Emperor, Henry was a practical man of affairs. He was energetic in consolidating his […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Veronica Giuliani’s Story – Veronica’s desire to be like Christ crucified was answered with the stigmata. Veronica was born in Mercatelli, Italy. It […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Gregory Grassi and Companions’ Story – Christian missionaries have often gotten caught in the crossfire of wars against their own countries. When the […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Emmanuel Ruiz and Companions’ Story – Not much is known of the early life of Emmanuel Ruiz, but details of his heroic death […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Maria Goretti’s Story – One of the largest crowds ever assembled for a canonization—250,000—symbolized the reaction of millions touched by the simple story […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Oliver Plunkett’s Story – The name of today’s saint is especially familiar to the Irish and the English—and with good reason. The English […]

By Franciscan Media – In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was being born in California. That year a gray-robed Franciscan founded Mission San Juan Capistrano, now famous for its annually returning swallows. San Juan was the seventh of nine missions established under the direction of this indomitable Spaniard… Born on Spain’s island of Mallorca, Serra entered the Franciscan Order taking the name of Saint Francis’ childlike companion, Brother Juniper.

By Franciscan Media First Martyrs of the Church of Rome’s Story – There were Christians in Rome within a dozen or so years after the death of […]

By Franciscan Media – Peter (d. 64?) Saint Mark ends the first half of his Gospel with a triumphant climax. He has recorded doubt, misunderstanding, and the opposition of many to Jesus. Now Peter makes his great confession of faith: “You are the Messiah” (Mark 8:29b). It was one of the many glorious moments in Peter’s life, beginning with the day he was called from his nets along the Sea of Galilee to become a fisher of men for Jesus.

By Franciscan Media Saint Cyril of Alexandria’s Story – Saints are not born with halos around their heads. Cyril, recognized as a great teacher of the Church, […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Raymond Lull’s Story – Raymond worked all his life to promote the missions and died a missionary to North Africa. Raymond was born […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Jutta of Thuringia’s Story – Today’s patroness of Prussia began her life amidst luxury and power but died the death of a simple […]

By John Stonestreet and Roberto Rivera, CNSNews – For years, I’ve worried and warned about the dangers posed by gene editing technologies, such as CRISPR. In the words of one of its inventors, CRISPR makes the human genome “as malleable as a piece of literary prose at the mercy of an editor’s red pen.”… At least, that’s the promise that has yet to materialize… In 2018, a Chinese scientist announced he’d used CRISPR to genetically modify human embryos. At the time, more “respectable” scientists denounced his actions as “unethical,” given how new the technology was and how little ethical oversight there was for using it.

By Franciscan Media  Saint John the Baptist’s Story – Jesus called John the greatest of all those who had preceded him: “I tell you, among those born […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John Fisher’s Story – John Fisher is usually associated with Erasmus, Thomas More, and other Renaissance humanists. His life therefore, did not have […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Thomas More’s Story – His belief that no lay ruler has jurisdiction over the Church of Christ cost Thomas More his life. Beheaded […]

“One single object … [will merit] the endless gratitude of the society: that of restraining the judges from usurping legislation.” —Thomas Jefferson (1825)

By Franciscan Media Saint Joseph Cafasso’s story – Even as a young man, Joseph loved to attend Mass and was known for his humility and fervor in […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Marguerite d’Youville’s Story – Saint of the Day for June 15: St. Marguerite d’Youville (Oct. 15, 1701-Dec. 23, 1771) We learn compassion from allowing our […]

Bby Franciscan Media Saint Anthony of Padua’s Story – The gospel call to leave everything and follow Christ was the rule of Saint Anthony of Padua’s life. […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Jolenta of Poland’s Story – Jolenta was the daughter of Bela IV, King of Hungary. Her sister, St. Kunigunde, was married to the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Barnabas’ Story – Barnabas, a Jew of Cyprus, comes as close as anyone outside the Twelve to being a full-fledged apostle. He was […]

“Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Without law, liberty also loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness.” —James […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Joachima’s Story – Born into an aristocratic family in Barcelona, Spain, Joachima was 12 when she expressed a desire to become a Carmelite […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Ephrem’s Story – Poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Ephrem is the only Syrian recognized as a doctor of the Church. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint William of York’s Story – A disputed election as archbishop of York and a mysterious death. Those are the headlines from the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Boniface’s Story – Boniface, known as the apostle of the Germans, was an English Benedictine monk who gave up being elected abbot […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Angeline of Marsciano’s Story – Blessed Angeline founded the first community of Franciscan women other than Poor Clares to receive papal approval. […]

“Without liberty, law loses its nature and its name, and becomes oppression. Without law, liberty also loses its nature and its name, and becomes licentiousness.” —James […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions’ Story (d. between November 15, 1885 – January 27, 1887) One of 22 Ugandan martyrs, Charles Lwanga is […]

By Franciscan Media Saints Marcellinus and Peter’s Story – Marcellinus and Peter were prominent enough in the memory of the Church to be included among the saints […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Justin Martyr’s Story – Justin never ended his quest for religious truth even when he converted to Christianity after years of studying various […]

By Franciscan Media – During the Hundred Years War, Joan led French troops against the English and recaptured the cities of Orléans and Troyes. This enabled Charles VII to be crowned as king in Reims in 1429. Captured near Compiegne the following year, Joan was sold to the English and placed on trial for heresy and witchcraft. Professors at the University of Paris supported Bishop Pierre Cauchon of Beauvis, the judge at her trial; Cardinal Henry Beaufort of Winchester, England, participated in the questioning of Joan in prison. In the end, she was condemned for wearing men’s clothes.

By Franciscan Media Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s Story – The legacy of Madeleine Sophie Barat can be found in the more than 100 schools operated by her […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Augustine of Canterbury’s Story – In the year 596, some 40 monks set out from Rome to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons in England. Leading […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Philip Neri’s Story – Philip Neri was a sign of contradiction, combining popularity with piety against the background of a corrupt Rome and […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Rita of Cascia’s Story – Like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rita of Cascia was a wife, mother, widow, and member of a religious community. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Isidore the Farmer’s Story – Isidore has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In particular, he is the patron of Madrid, […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of Our Lady of Fatima – Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three Portuguese children–Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John of Avila’s Story - Born in the Castile region of Spain, John was sent at the age of 14 to the University […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Peter Chanel’s Story – Anyone who has worked in loneliness, with great adaptation required and with little apparent success, will find a kindred […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen’s Story – If a poor man needed some clothing, Fidelis would often give the man the clothes right off his […]

By Franciscan Media Saint George’s Story – Saint George is the object of a vast amount of imagination. There is every reason to believe that he was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Adalbert of Prague’s Story – Opposition to the Good News of Jesus did not discourage Adalbert, who is now remembered with great honor […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Anselm’s Story – Indifferent toward religion as a young man, Anselm became one of the Church’s greatest theologians and leaders. He received the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Conrad of Parzham’s Story – Conrad spent most of his life as porter in Altoetting, Bavaria, letting people into the friary and indirectly […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed James Oldo’s Story – You’ve heard rags-to-riches stories. Today, we celebrate the reverse. James of Oldo was born into a well-to-do family near […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Benedict Joseph Labre’s Story – Benedict Joseph Labre was truly eccentric, one of God’s special little ones. Born in France and the eldest […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Martin I’s Story – When Martin I became pope in 649, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine empire and the patriarch of […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Casilda’s Story – Some saints’ names are far more familiar to us than others, but even the lives of obscure holy persons teach […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John Baptist de La Salle’s Story – Complete dedication to what he saw as God’s will for him dominated the life of John […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Crescentia Hoess’ Story – Crescentia was born in 1682, the daughter of a poor weaver, in a little town near Augsburg. She spent […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Francis of Paola’s Story – Francis of Paola was a man who deeply loved contemplative solitude and wished only to be the “least […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Hugh of Grenoble’s Story Today’s saint could be a patron for those of us who feel so overwhelmed by all the problems in […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Stephen of Mar Saba’s Story A “do not disturb” sign helped today’s saint find holiness and peace. Stephen of Mar Saba was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Peter Regalado’s Story – Peter lived at a very busy time in history. The Great Western Schism (1378-1417) was settled at the Council […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Catharine of Bologna’s Story – Some Franciscan saints led fairly public lives; Catharine represents the saints who served the Lord in obscurity. Born […]

By Franciscan Media Lazarus’ Story – Lazarus, the friend of Jesus, the brother of Martha and Mary, was the one of whom the Jews said, “See how […]

by Franciscan Media Saint Catherine of Genoa’s story Going to confession one day was the turning point of Catherine’s life. When Catherine was born, many Italian nobles […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Annunciation of the Lord The feast of the Annunciation, now recognized as a solemnity, was first celebrated in the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo’s Story – Together with Rose of Lima, Turibius is the first known saint of the New World, serving the Lord […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed John of Parma’s Story – The seventh general minister of the Franciscan Order, John was known for his attempts to bring back the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Salvator of Horta’s Story – A reputation for holiness does have some drawbacks. Public recognition can be a nuisance at times—as the confreres […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Joseph’s Story – The Bible pays Joseph the highest compliment: he was a “just” man. The quality meant a lot more than faithfulness […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Joseph’s Story – The Bible pays Joseph the highest compliment: he was a “just” man. The quality meant a lot more than faithfulness […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Clement Mary Hofbauer’s Story – Clement might be called the second founder of the Redemptorists, as it was he who carried the congregation […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Maximilian’s Story – We have an early, almost unembellished account of the martyrdom of Saint Maximilian in modern-day Algeria. Brought before the proconsul […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Angela Salawa’s Story – Angela served Christ and Christ’s little ones with all her strength. Born in Siepraw, near Kraków, Poland, she was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John Ogilvie’s Story – John Ogilvie’s noble Scottish family was partly Catholic and partly Presbyterian. His father raised him as a Calvinist, sending […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Dominic Savio’s Story – So many holy persons seem to die young. Among them was Dominic Savio, the patron of choirboys. Born into […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Frances of Rome’s Story – Frances’ life combines aspects of secular and religious life. A devoted and loving wife, she longed for a […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Mary Ann of Jesus of Paredes’ Story Mary Ann grew close to God and his people during her short life. The youngest […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John Joseph of the Cross’ Story – Self-denial is never an end in itself but is only a help toward greater charity—as the […]

By Franciscan Media Katharine Drexel’s Story – If your father is an international banker and you ride in a private railroad car, you are not likely to […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Agnes of Bohemia’s Story – Agnes had no children of her own but was certainly life-giving for all who knew her. Agnes was […]

By Franciscan Media  Blessed Daniel Brottier’s Story – Daniel spent most of his life in the trenches—one way or another. Born in France in 1876, Daniel was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows’ Story – Born in Italy into a large family and baptized Francis, Saint Gabriel lost his mother […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Maria Bertilla Boscardin’s Story – If anyone knew rejection, ridicule and disappointment, it was today’s saint. But such trials only brought Maria Bertilla […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Luke Belludi’s Story – In 1220, Saint Anthony was preaching conversion to the inhabitants of Padua when a young nobleman, Luke Belludi, came up […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Chair of Saint Peter – This feast commemorates Christ’s choosing Peter to sit in his place as the servant-authority of […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Conrad of Piacenza’s Story – Born of a noble family in northern Italy, Conrad as a young man married Euphrosyne, daughter of a […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Seven Founders of the Servite Order – Can you imagine seven prominent men of Boston or Denver banding together, leaving […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Claude de la Colombière’s Story – This is a special day for the Jesuits, who claim today’s saint as one of their own. […]

By Franciscan Media (Cyril: c. 827 – February 14, 869 | Methodius: c. 815 – April 6, 884) Saints Cyril and Methodius’ Story – Because their father […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Apollonia’s Story – The persecution of Christians began in Alexandria during the reign of the Emperor Philip. The first victim of the pagan […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of Our Lady of Lourdes – On December 8, 1854, Pope Pius IX proclaimed the dogma of the Immaculate Conception in the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Scholastica’s Story – Twins often share the same interests and ideas with an equal intensity. Therefore, it is no surprise that Scholastica and […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Josephine Bakhita’s Story – For many years, Josephine Bakhita was a slave but her spirit was always free and eventually that spirit prevailed. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Colette’s Story – Colette did not seek the limelight, but in doing God’s will she certainly attracted a lot of attention. Colette was born […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Paul Miki and Companions’ Story – Nagasaki, Japan, is familiar to Americans as the city on which the second atomic bomb was dropped, […]

 by Franciscan Media Saint Agatha’s Story – As in the case of Agnes, another virgin-martyr of the early Church, almost nothing is historically certain about this saint except […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Joseph of Leonissa’s Story – Joseph was born at Leonissa in the Kingdom of Naples. As a boy and as a student in […]

By Franciscan Media Servant of God Brother Juniper’s Story – “Would to God, my brothers, I had a whole forest of such Junipers,” said Francis of this […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Thomas Aquinas’ Story – By universal consent, Thomas Aquinas is the preeminent spokesman of the Catholic tradition of reason and of divine revelation. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Angela Merici’s story – Angela has the double distinction of founding the first teaching congregation of women in the Church and what is […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Conversion of Saint Paul – Saint Paul’s entire life can be explained in terms of one experience—his meeting with Jesus on […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Francis de Sales’ Story – Francis was destined by his father to be a lawyer so that the young man could eventually […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Marianne Cope’s Story – Though leprosy scared off most people in 19th-century Hawaii, that disease sparked great generosity in the woman who came […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Vincent of Zaragossa’s Story – Most of what we know about this saint comes from the poet Prudentius. His Acts have been rather freely colored […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Agnes’ Story – Almost nothing is known of this saint except that she was very young—12 or 13—when she was martyred in the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Sebastian’s Story – Almost nothing is historically certain about Sebastian except that he was a Roman martyr, was venerated in Milan even in […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Anthony of Egypt’s Story – The life of Anthony will remind many people of Saint Francis of Assisi. At 20, Anthony was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Berard and Companions’ Story – Preaching the gospel is often dangerous work. Leaving one’s homeland and adjusting to new cultures, governments and languages […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Paul the Hermit’s Story – It is unclear what we really know of Paul’s life, how much is fable, how much is fact. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Hilary of Poitiers’ Story – This staunch defender of the divinity of Christ was a gentle and courteous man, devoted to writing some […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed William Carter’s Story – Born in London, William Carter entered the printing business at an early age. For many years he served as […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Gregory of Nyssa’s Story – The son of two saints, Basil and Emmilia, young Gregory was raised by his older brother, Saint Basil the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Adrian of Canterbury’s Story – Though Saint Adrian turned down a papal request to become Archbishop of Canterbury, England, Pope Saint Vitalian accepted the rejection […]

by Franciscan Media Saint Angela of Foligno’s story – Some saints show marks of holiness very early. Not Angela! Born of a leading family in Foligno, Italy, she […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Raymond of Peñafort’s Story – Since Raymond lived into his hundredth year, he had a chance to do many things. As a member […]

By Franciscan Media Saint André Bessette’s Story – Brother André expressed a saint’s faith by a lifelong devotion to Saint Joseph. Sickness and weakness dogged André from birth. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Story – Mother Seton is one of the keystones of the American Catholic Church. She founded the first American religious […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Most Holy Name of Jesus – Although Saint Paul might claim credit for promoting devotion to the Holy Name because Paul […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Sylvester I’s Story – When you think of this pope, you think of the Edict of Milan, the emergence of the Church from […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Egwin’s Story – You say you’re not familiar with today’s saint? Chances are you aren’t—unless you’re especially informed about Benedictine bishops who established […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Peter Canisius’ Story – The energetic life of Peter Canisius should demolish any stereotypes we may have of the life of a saint […]

by Franciscan Media Blessed Pope Urban V’s Story – In 1362, the man elected pope declined the office. When the cardinals could not find another person among them […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Anthony Grassi’s Story – Anthony’s father died when his son was only 10 years old, but the young lad inherited his father’s devotion […]

 Catholic Online Olympias born into a wealthy noble Constantinople family. She was orphaned when a child and was given over to the care of Theodosia by her uncle, […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Honoratus Kozminski’s Story – Wenceslaus Kozminski was born in Biala Podlaska in 1829. By the age of 11 he had lost his faith. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John of the Cross’ Story – John is a saint because his life was a heroic effort to live up to his name: […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Lucy’s Story – Every little girl named Lucy must bite her tongue in disappointment when she first tries to find out what there […]

By Franciscan Media – A poor Indian named Cuauhtlatohuac was baptized and given the name Juan Diego. He was a 57-year-old widower, and lived in a small village near Mexico City. On Saturday morning December 9, 1531, he was on his way to a nearby barrio to attend Mass in honor of Our Lady… Juan was walking by a hill called Tepeyac when he heard beautiful music like the warbling of birds. A radiant cloud appeared, and within it stood an Indian maiden dressed like an Aztec princess. The lady spoke to him in his own language and sent him to the bishop of Mexico, a Franciscan named Juan de Zumarraga. The bishop was to build a chapel in the place where the lady appeared.

By Franciscan Media Saint Damasus I’s Story – To his secretary Saint Jerome, Damasus was “an incomparable person, learned in the Scriptures, a virgin doctor of the […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Adolph Kolping’s Story – The rise of the factory system in 19th-century Germany brought many single men into cities where they faced new […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Juan Diego’s Story – Thousands of people gathered in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe July 31, 2002, for the canonization of […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Ambrose’s Story – One of Ambrose’s biographers observed that at the Last Judgment, people would still be divided between those who admired Ambrose […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Nicholas’ Story – The absence of the “hard facts” of history is not necessarily an obstacle to the popularity of saints, as the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Sabas’ Story – Born in Cappadocia, Sabas is one of the most highly regarded patriarchs among the monks of Palestine, and is considered […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John Damascene’s Story – John spent most of his life in the Monastery of Saint Sabas near Jerusalem, and all of his life […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Francis Xavier’s Story – Jesus asked, “What profit would there be for one to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Matthew […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Rafal Chylinski’s Story – Born near Buk in the Poznan region of Poland, Melchior Chylinski showed early signs of religious devotion; family members […]

by Franciscan Media Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani’s Story – Born in Lucera, Francesco entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1695. After his ordination 10 years later, he taught philosophy […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Columban’s Story – Columban was the greatest of the Irish missionaries who worked on the European continent. As a young man who was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Catherine of Alexandria’s Story According to the Legend of St. Catherine, this young woman converted to Christianity after receiving a vision. At the age […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro’s Story “¡Viva Cristo Rey!”—Long live Christ the King!—were the last words Pro uttered before he was executed for being […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Cecilia’s Story – Although Cecilia is one of the most famous of the Roman martyrs, the familiar stories about her are apparently not […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – Mary’s presentation was celebrated in Jerusalem in the sixth century. A church was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Rose Philippine Duchesne’s Story – Born in Grenoble, France, of a family that was among the new rich, Rose learned political skills from […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Agnes of Assisi’s Story – Born Caterina Offreducia, Agnes was the younger sister of Saint Clare, and her first follower. When Caterina left home […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Dedication of the Churches of Saints Peter and Paul – St. Peter’s is probably the most famous church in Christendom. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Margaret of Scotland’s Story – Margaret of Scotland was a truly liberated woman in the sense that she was free to be herself. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Albert the Great’s Story – Albert the Great was a 13th-century German Dominican who decisively influenced the Church’s stance toward Aristotelian philosophy brought […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Gertrude the Great’s Story – Gertrude, a Benedictine nun in Helfta, Saxony, was one of the great mystics of the 13th century. Together […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini’s Story – Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first United States citizen to be canonized. Her deep trust in the loving […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Josaphat’s Story – In 1964, newspaper photos of Pope Paul VI embracing Athenagoras I, the Orthodox patriarch of Constantinople, marked a significant step […]

 by Franciscan Media Saint Martin of Tours’ Story – A conscientious objector who wanted to be a monk; a monk who was maneuvered into being a bishop; […]

By Franciscan Media Story of the Dedication of St. John Lateran – Most Catholics think of St. Peter’s as the pope’s main church, but they are wrong. […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed John Duns Scotus’ Story – A humble man, John Duns Scotus has been one of the most influential Franciscans through the centuries. Born at […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Didacus’ Story – Didacus is living proof that God “chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Nicholas Tavelic and Companions’ Story Nicholas and his three companions are among the 158 Franciscans who have been martyred in the Holy […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Peter Chrysologus’ Story – A man who vigorously pursues a goal may produce results far beyond his expectations and his intentions. Thus it […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Charles Borromeo’s Story – The name of Charles Borromeo is associated with reform. He lived during the time of the Protestant Reformation, and […]

By Franciscan Media – The Church has encouraged prayer for the dead from the earliest times as an act of Christian charity. “If we had no care for the dead,” Augustine noted, “we would not be in the habit of praying for them.” Yet pre-Christian rites for the deceased retained such a strong hold on the superstitious imagination that a liturgical commemoration was not observed until the early Middle Ages, when monastic communities began to mark an annual day of prayer for the departed members.

By Franciscan Media – The Story of the Solemnity of All Saints – The earliest certain observance of a feast in honor of all the saints is an early fourth-century commemoration of “all the martyrs.” In the early seventh century, after successive waves of invaders plundered the catacombs, Pope Boniface IV gathered up some 28 wagon-loads of bones and reinterred them beneath the Pantheon, a Roman temple dedicated to all the gods. The pope rededicated the shrine as a Christian church. According to Venerable Bede, the pope intended “that the memory of all the saints might in the future be honored in the place which had formerly been dedicated to the worship not of gods but of demons”

By Franciscan Media Saint Wolfgang of Regensburg’s Story – Wolfgang was born in Swabia, Germany, and was educated at a school located at the abbey of Reichenau. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez’s Story – Tragedy and challenge beset today’s saint early in life, but Alphonsus Rodriguez found happiness and contentment through simple service […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Narcissus of Jerusalem’s Story – Life in second- and third-century Jerusalem couldn’t have been easy, but Saint Narcissus managed to live well beyond […]

By Franciscan Media Saints Simon and Jude’s Story – Jude is so named by Luke and Acts. Matthew and Mark call him Thaddeus. He is not mentioned […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Peter of Alcantara’s Story – Peter was a contemporary of well-known 16th-century Spanish saints, including Ignatius of Loyola and John of the Cross. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Antônio de Sant’Anna Galvão’s Story – God’s plan in a person’s life often takes unexpected turns which become life-giving through cooperation with God’s […]

By Franciscan Media  Saint Anthony Mary Claret’s Story – The “spiritual father of Cuba” was a missionary, religious founder, social reformer, queen’s chaplain, writer and publisher, archbishop, […]

By Fr. Don Miller, OFM,  2019 Franciscan Media Saint John of Capistrano’s Story – It has been said the Christian saints are the world’s greatest optimists. Not […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John Paul II’s Story – “Open wide the doors to Christ,” urged John Paul II during the homily at the Mass where he […]

2019 Franciscan Media Saint Hilarion’s Story – Despite his best efforts to live in prayer and solitude, today’s saint found it difficult to achieve his deepest desire. […]

By Franciscan Media Saints Isaac Jogues, Jean de Brébeuf, and Companions’ Story – Isaac Jogues and his companions were the first martyrs of the North American continent […]

2019 Franciscan Media Saint Luke’s Story – Luke wrote one of the major portions of the New Testament, a two-volume work comprising the third Gospel and Acts […]

2019 Franciscan Media Saint Ignatius of Antioch’s Story – Born in Syria, Ignatius converted to Christianity and eventually became bishop of Antioch. In the year 107, Emperor […]

© 2019 Franciscan Media Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque’s Story – Margaret Mary was chosen by Christ to arouse the Church to a realization of the love of […]

“No nation was ever ruined by trade, even seemingly the most disadvantageous.” —Benjamin Franklin and George Whaley (1774)

 Franciscan Media Saint Teresa of Avila’s Story – Teresa lived in an age of exploration as well as political, social, and religious upheaval. It was the 16th […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Callistus I’s Story – The most reliable information about this saint comes from his enemy Saint Hippolytus, an early antipope, later a martyr for […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Francis Xavier Seelos’ Story – Zeal as a preacher and a confessor led Father Seelos to works of compassion as well. Born in […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John XXIII’s Story – Although few people had as great an impact on the 20th century as Pope John XXIII, he avoided the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Francis Borgia’s Story – Today’s saint grew up in an important family in 16th-century Spain, serving in the imperial court and quickly advancing […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Denis and Companions’ Story – This martyr and patron of France is regarded as the first bishop of Paris. His popularity is due […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John Leonardi’s Story – “I am only one person! Why should I do anything? What good would it do?” Today, as in any […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of Our Lady of the Rosary – Saint Pius V established this feast in 1573. The purpose was to thank God for the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Thérèse of Lisieux’s Story –  “I prefer the monotony of obscure sacrifice to all ecstasies. To pick up a pin for love […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Jerome’s Story – Most of the saints are remembered for some outstanding virtue or devotion which they practiced, but Jerome is frequently remembered […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Wenceslaus’ Story – If saints have been falsely characterized as “other worldly,” the life of Wenceslaus stands as an example to the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Vincent de Paul’s Story – The deathbed confession of a dying servant opened Vincent de Paul’s eyes to the crying spiritual needs of […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Paul VI’s Story – Born near Brescia in northern Italy, Giovanni Battista Montini was the second of three sons. His father, Giorgio, was […]

By Franciscan Media Saints Louis Martin and Zélie Guerin (August 22, 1823 – July 29, 1894; December 23, 1831 – August 28, 1877) Saints Louis Martin and […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed John Henry Newman’s Story – John Henry Newman, the 19th-century’s most important English-speaking Roman Catholic theologian, spent the first half of his life […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Pio of Pietrelcina’s Story – In one of the largest such ceremonies in history, Pope John Paul II canonized Padre Pio of Pietrelcina on June […]

Catholic News Agency – Saint Matthew, the first-century tax collector turned apostle who chronicled the life and ministry of Christ in his Gospel, is celebrated by the Church today, September 21. Although relatively little is known about the life of St. Matthew, the account he wrote of Christ’s ministry – traditionally considered to be the first of the four Gospels – is of inestimable value to the Church, particularly in its verification of Jesus as the Messiah.

By Franciscan Media Saints Andrew Kim Taegon, Paul Chong Hasang, and Companions’ Story(August 21, 1821 – September 16, 1846; Companions d. between 1839 – 1867) The first […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Januarius’ Story – Little is known about the life of Januarius. He is believed to have been martyred in the Emperor Diocletian’s persecution […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Joseph of Cupertino’s Story – Joseph of Cupertino is most famous for levitating at prayer. Already as a child, Joseph showed a fondness for […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Robert Bellarmine’s Story – When Robert Bellarmine was ordained in 1570, the study of Church history and the fathers of the Church was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Cornelius’ Story – There was no pope for 14 months after the martyrdom of Saint Fabian because of the intensity of the persecution of the Church. […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross – Early in the fourth century, Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John Chrysostom’s Story – The ambiguity and intrigue surrounding John, the great preacher (his name means “golden-mouthed”) from Antioch, are characteristic of the […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Most Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary – This feast is a counterpart to the Feast of the Holy […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Cyprian’s Story – Cyprian is important in the development of Christian thought and practice in the third century, especially in northern Africa. Highly […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Thomas of Villanova’s Story – Saint Thomas was from Castile in Spain and received his surname from the town where he was raised. He […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Peter Claver’s Story – A native of Spain, young Jesuit Peter Claver left his homeland forever in 1610 to be a missionary in […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Frédéric Ozanam’s Story – A man convinced of the inestimable worth of each human being, Frédéric served the poor of Paris well, and […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Claudio Granzotto’s Story – Born in Santa Lucia del Piave near Venice, Claudio was the youngest of nine children and was accustomed to […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s Story – Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the tiny woman recognized throughout the world for her work among the poorest of […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Rose of Viterbo’s Story – Even as a child, Rose had a great desire to pray and to aid the poor. While still […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Gregory the Great’s Story – Gregory was the prefect of Rome before he was 30. After five years in office he resigned, […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Joseph of Arimathea’s and Nicodemus’ Story – The actions of these two influential Jewish leaders give insight into the charismatic power of Jesus […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Jeanne Jugan’s Story – Born in northern France during the French Revolution—a time when congregations of women and men religious were being suppressed […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Martyrdom of John the Baptist – The drunken oath of a king with a shallow sense of honor, a seductive […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Augustine’s Story – A Christian at 33, a priest at 36, a bishop at 41: Many people are familiar with the biographical sketch […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Monica’s Story – The circumstances of Saint Monica’s life could have made her a nagging wife, a bitter daughter-in-law, and a despairing parent, […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Joseph Calasanz’ Story – From Aragon, where he was born in 1556, to Rome, where he died 92 years later, fortune alternately smiled […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Rose of Lima’s Story – The first canonized saint of the New World has one characteristic of all saints—the suffering of opposition—and another […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Queenship of Mary – Pope Pius XII established this feast in 1954. But Mary’s queenship has roots in Scripture. At […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Pius X’s Story – Pope Pius X is perhaps best remembered for his encouragement of the frequent reception of Holy Communion, especially by […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Bernard of Clairvaux’s Story – Man of the century! Woman of the century! You see such terms applied to so many today—“golfer of […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John Eudes’ Story – How little we know where God’s grace will lead. Born on a farm in northern France, John died at […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Joan of the Cross’ Story – An encounter with a shabby old woman many dismissed as insane prompted Saint Joan to dedicate her […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Stephen of Hungary’s Story – The Church is universal, but its expression is always affected—for good or ill—by local culture. There are no […]

by Franciscan Media The Story of the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary – On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII defined the Assumption of Mary to be […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe’s Story – “I don’t know what’s going to become of you!” How many parents have said that? Maximilian Mary Kolbe’s […]

By Franciscan Media Saints Pontian and Hippolytus’ Story – Two men died for the faith after harsh treatment and exhaustion in the mines of Sardinia. One had […]

 By Franciscan Media Saint Jane Frances de Chantal’s Story – Jane Frances was wife, mother, nun, and founder of a religious community. Her mother died when she was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Lawrence’s Story – The esteem in which the Church holds Lawrence is seen in the fact that today’s celebration ranks as a feast. […]

By Franciscan Media St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (October 12, 1891 – August 9, 1942) Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross’ Story – A brilliant philosopher who stopped […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Dominic’s Story – If he hadn’t taken a trip with his bishop, Dominic would probably have remained within the structure of contemplative life; […]

 By Franciscan Media Saint Cajetan’s Story – Like most of us, Cajetan seemed headed for an “ordinary” life—first as a lawyer, then as a priest engaged in […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Transfiguration of the Lord – All three Synoptic Gospels tell the story of the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-9; Luke […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Dedication of Saint Mary Major Basilica – First raised at the order of Pope Liberius in the mid-fourth century, […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Eusebius of Vercelli’s Story – Someone has said that if there had been no Arian heresy denying Christ’s divinity, it would be very […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Alphonsus Liguori’s Story – Moral theology, Vatican II said, should be more thoroughly nourished by Scripture, and show the nobility of the Christian […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Ignatius of Loyola’s Story – The founder of the Jesuits was on his way to military fame and fortune when a cannon ball […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Solanus Casey’s Story – Barney Casey became one of Detroit’s best-known priests even though he was not allowed to preach formally or to […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Martha’s Story – Martha, Mary, and their brother Lazarus were evidently close friends of Jesus. He came to their home simply as a […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Bridget of Sweden’s Story – From age 7 on, Bridget had visions of Christ crucified. Her visions formed the basis for her activity—always with […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Mary Magdalene’s Story – Except for the mother of Jesus, few women are more honored in the Bible than Mary Magdalene. Yet she […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Apollinaris’ Story – According to tradition, Saint Peter sent Apollinaris to Ravenna, Italy, as its first bishop. His preaching of the Good News was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Mary MacKillop’s Story If Saint Mary MacKillop were alive today, she would be a household name. It’s not that she sought the limelight. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Camillus de Lellis’ Story Humanly speaking, Camillus was not a likely candidate for sainthood. His mother died when he was a child, his […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Francis Solano’s Story – Francis came from a leading family in Andalusia, Spain. Perhaps it was his popularity as a student that enabled […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of Our Lady of Mount Carmel – Hermits lived on Mount Carmel near the Fountain of Elijah in northern Israel in the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Bonaventure’s Story – Perhaps not a household name for most people, Saint Bonaventure, nevertheless, played an important role in both the medieval Church […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Henry’s Story – As German king and Holy Roman Emperor, Henry was a practical man of affairs. He was energetic in consolidating his […]

By Franciscan Media Saints John Jones and John Wall’s story – These two friars were martyred in England in the 16th and 17th centuries for refusing to […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Benedict’s Story – It is unfortunate that no contemporary biography was written of a man who has exercised the greatest influence on monasticism […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Veronica Giuliani’s Story – Veronica’s desire to be like Christ crucified was answered with the stigmata. Veronica was born in Mercatelli, Italy. It […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions’ Story – Christianity arrived in China by way of Syria in the 600s. Depending on China’s relations with […]

 By Franciscan Media Saint Gregory Grassi and Companions’ Story – Christian missionaries have often gotten caught in the crossfire of wars against their own countries. When the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Maria Goretti’s Story – One of the largest crowds ever assembled for a canonization—250,000—symbolized the reaction of millions touched by the simple story […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Anthony Zaccaria’s Story – At the same time that Martin Luther was attacking abuses in the Church, a reformation within the Church was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Oliver Plunkett’s Story The name of today’s saint is especially familiar to the Irish and the English—and with good reason. The English […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Junipero Serra’s Story – In 1776, when the American Revolution was beginning in the east, another part of the future United States was […]

By Franciscan Media Saints Peter and Paul’s Story – Peter (d. 64?) Saint Mark ends the first half of his Gospel with a triumphant climax. He has recorded doubt, […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Irenaeus’ Story – The Church is fortunate that Irenaeus was involved in many of its controversies in the second century. He was a […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Cyril of Alexandria’s Story – Saints are not born with halos around their heads. Cyril, recognized as a great teacher of the Church, […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Raymond Lull’s Story – Raymond worked all his life to promote the missions and died a missionary to North Africa. Raymond was born […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Jutta of Thuringia’s Story – Today’s patroness of Prussia began her life amidst luxury and power but died the death of a […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John the Baptist’s Story – Jesus called John the greatest of all those who had preceded him: “I tell you, among those born […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Thomas More’s Story – His belief that no lay ruler has jurisdiction over the Church of Christ cost Thomas More his life. Beheaded […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Aloysius Gonzaga’s Story – The Lord can make saints anywhere, even amid the brutality and license of Renaissance life. Florence was the “mother […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Paulinus of Nola’s Story – Anyone who is praised in the letters of six or seven saints undoubtedly must be of extraordinary character. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Romuald’s Story – In the midst of a wasted youth, Romuald watched his father kill a relative in a duel over property. In […]

By Franciscan Media Venerable Matt Talbot’s story – Matt can be considered the patron of men and women struggling with alcoholism. He was born in Dublin, where his […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Joseph Cafasso’s story Even as a young man, Joseph loved to attend Mass and was known for his humility and fervor in […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Marguerite d’Youville’s Story – We learn compassion from allowing our lives to be influenced by compassionate people, by seeing life from their perspectives, […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Albert Chmielowski’s Story – Born in Igolomia near Kraków as tahe eldest of four children in a wealthy family, he was christened Adam. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Anthony of Padua’s Story – The gospel call to leave everything and follow Christ was the rule of Saint Anthony of Padua’s life. […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Jolenta of Poland’s Story Jolenta was the daughter of Bela IV, King of Hungary. Her sister, St. Kunigunde, was married to the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Barnabas’ Story – Barnabas, a Jew of Cyprus, comes as close as anyone outside the Twelve to being a full-fledged apostle. He was […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Joachima’s Story – Born into an aristocratic family in Barcelona, Spain, Joachima was 12 when she expressed a desire to become a Carmelite […]

By Franciscan Media Saint William of York’s Story A disputed election as archbishop of York and a mysterious death. Those are the headlines from the tragic […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Franz Jägerstätter’s Story – Called to serve his country as a Nazi solider, Franz eventually refused, and this husband and father of three […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Norbert’s Story In the 12th century in the French region of Premontre, Saint Norbert founded a religious Order known as the Praemonstratensians or […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Boniface’s Story – Boniface, known as the apostle of the Germans, was an English Benedictine monk who gave up being elected abbot to […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Angeline of Marsciano’s Story – Blessed Angeline founded the first community of Franciscan women other than Poor Clares to receive papal approval. Angeline […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions (d. between November 15, 1885 – January 27, 1887) Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions’ Story One of 22 […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Justin Martyr’s Story – Justin never ended his quest for religious truth even when he converted to Christianity after years of studying various […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – This is a fairly late feast, going back only to the 13th or […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Joan of Arc’s Story – Burned at the stake as a heretic after a politically-motivated trial, Joan was beatified in 1909 and canonized […]

by Franciscan Media Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat’s Story – The legacy of Madeleine Sophie Barat can be found in the more than 100 schools operated by her Society […]

By Franciscan Media Venerable Pierre Toussaint’s Story Born in modern-day Haiti and brought to New York City as a slave, Pierre died a free man, a […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Bede the Venerable’s Story Bede is one of the few saints honored as such even during his lifetime. His writings were filled […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Mary Magdalene de’ Pazzi’s Story Mystical ecstasy is the elevation of the spirit to God in such a way that the person […]

by Franciscan Media Saint Gregory VII’s Story – The 10th century and the first half of the 11th were dark days for the Church, partly because the papacy […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Rita of Cascia’s Story – Like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rita of Cascia was a wife, mother, widow, and member of a religious community. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Cristóbal Magallanes and Companions’ Story Like Blessed Miguel Agustín Pro, SJ, Cristóbal and his 24 companion martyrs lived under a very anti-Catholic […]

 By Franciscan Media Saint Bernardine of Siena’s Story – Most of the saints suffer great personal opposition, even persecution. Bernardine, by contrast, seems more like a human […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Paschal Baylon’s story – In Paschal’s lifetime the Spanish empire in the New World was at the height of its power, though France […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Margaret of Cortona’s Story – Margaret was born of farming parents in Laviano, Tuscany. Her mother died when Margaret was seven; life with […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Isidore the Farmer’s Story – Isidore has become the patron of farmers and rural communities. In particular, he is the patron of Madrid, […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Matthias’ Story – According to Acts 1:15-26, during the days after the Ascension Peter stood up in the midst of the brothers—about 120 […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of Our Lady of Fatima – Between May 13 and October 13, 1917, three Portuguese children–Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Ignatius of Laconi’s Story Ignatius is another sainted begging brother. He was the second of seven children of peasant parents in Sardinia. […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Damien de Veuster of Moloka’i’s Story – When Joseph de Veuster was born in Tremelo, Belgium, in 1840, few people in Europe had […]

By Franciscan Media Saint John of Avila’s Story – Born in the Castile region of Spain, John was sent at the age of 14 to the University […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Peter of Tarentaise’s Story – There are two men named Saint Peter of Tarentaise who lived one century apart. The man we honor today […]

By Franciscan Media Saints Marian and James’s Story – Saints Marian, an ordained lector, and James, a deacon, were martyred during the persecution of Valerian around the […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Michael Giedroyc’s Story – A life of physical pain and mental torment didn’t prevent Michael Giedroyc from achieving holiness. Born near Vilnius, Lithuania, […]

By Franciscan Media Saints Philip and James’ Story – James, Son of Alphaeus: We know nothing of this man except his name, and, of course, the fact […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Athanasius’ Story – Athanasius led a tumultuous but dedicated life of service to the Church. He was the great champion of the faith […]

By Franciscan Media The Story of Saint Joseph the Worker – To foster deep devotion to Saint Joseph among Catholics, and in response to the “May Day” celebrations […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Pius V’s Story – This is the pope whose job it was to implement the historic Council of Trent. If we think popes […]

By Franciscan Media Saint George’s Story – Saint George is the object of a vast amount of imagination. There is every reason to believe that he was […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Adalbert of Prague’s Story – Opposition to the Good News of Jesus did not discourage Adalbert, who is now remembered with great honor […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Gianna Beretta Molla’s Story – In less than 40 years, Gianna Beretta Molla became a pediatric physician, a wife, a mother and a […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed James Oldo’s Story – You’ve heard rags-to-riches stories. Today, we celebrate the reverse. James of Oldo was born into a well-to-do family near […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Benedict Joseph Labre’s Story – Benedict Joseph Labre was truly eccentric, one of God’s special little ones. Born in France and the eldest […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Bernadette Soubirous’ Story – Bernadette Soubirous was born in 1844, the first child of an extremely poor miller in the town of Lourdes […]

By Franciscan Media Blessed Caesar de Bus’ Story – Like so many of us, Caesar de Bus struggled with the decision about what to do with his […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Martin I’s Story – When Martin I became pope in 649, Constantinople was the capital of the Byzantine empire and the patriarch of […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Teresa of Los Andes’ Story – One needn’t live a long life to leave a deep imprint. Teresa of Los Andes is proof […]

Saint Stanislaus’ Story Anyone who reads the history of Eastern Europe cannot help but chance on the name of Stanislaus, the saintly but tragic bishop of […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Casilda’s Story – Some saints’ names are far more familiar to us than others, but even the lives of obscure holy persons teach us […]

Saint Julie Billiart’s Story Born in Cuvilly, France, into a family of well-to-do farmers, young Marie Rose Julie Billiart showed an early interest in religion and […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Crescentia Hoess’ Story – Crescentia was born in 1682, the daughter of a poor weaver, in a little town near Augsburg. She spent play […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Vincent Ferrer’s Story – The polarization in the Church today is a mild breeze compared with the tornado that ripped the Church apart during […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Isidore of Seville’s Story – The 76 years of Isidore’s life were a time of conflict and growth for the Church in Spain. The […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Benedict the African’s Story – Benedict held important posts in the Franciscan Order and gracefully adjusted to other work when his terms of office […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Francis of Paola’s Story – Francis of Paola was a man who deeply loved contemplative solitude and wished only to be the “least in […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Hugh of Grenoble’s Story – Today’s saint could be a patron for those of us who feel so overwhelmed by all the problems in the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Peter Regalado’s Story – Peter lived at a very busy time in history. The Great Western Schism (1378-1417) was settled at the Council of […]

by Franciscan Media Saint Ludovico of Casoria’s Story – Born in Casoria, near Naples, Arcangelo Palmentieri was a cabinet-maker before entering the Friars Minor in 1832, taking the […]

By Franciscan Media Saint Catharine of Bologna’s Story – Some Franciscan saints led fairly public lives; Catharine represents the saints who served the Lord in obscurity. Born in […]

Catholic Online Bishop and missionary, also listed as Robert of Hrodbert. A member of a noble Frankish family, he was appointed bishop of Worms, Germany, and then dedicated […]