Saint Albert the Great, also known as Albertus Magnus, was a German Catholic Dominican friar, teacher, preacher, scientist, administrator and bishop. Many scholars call him the greatest German philosopher of the Middle Ages. In time for this feast day, which we celebrate on November 15, let us revisit his remarkable life and contributions.
On October 28, we celebrate the feast day of St. Jude Thaddeus, the patron saint of lost causes, desperate situations, hospitals and Armenia. In time for this occasion, let us reflect upon his life and legacy and look for lessons that we can apply in our walk of faith.
St. John Marie Vianney was a priest who Pope Pius X proposed as a model of parochial clergy for his extraordinary devotion and life which he committed to the church ministry. In time for his feast day, which we celebrate on August 4. Let’s revisit his inspiring and thought-provoking story.
Every July 31, we commemorate the feast day of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the patron saint of the Society of Jesus, soldiers, educators and education. In time for this celebration, let us look back to his story and find inspiration in it.
Josemaria was a bright, hard-working little boy with a sunny disposition. His home life was bustling and joyful, with five siblings and happy, faithful Catholic parents. His life shifted suddenly when his three sisters all died at a young age and his family, suffering financial hardship from the father’s job less, needed to move to a different town in Spain to find work.
The patron saint of farmers was a lousy farmer? How is that possible? The life of St. Isidore the Farmer is a vivid reminder that the Lord works in mysterious ways. What are the four most important lessons we can learn from this ordinary man who became the extraordinary patron saint of farmers, peasants, day laborers, rural communities?
Saint Isidore is the patron saint of farmers and rural communities. Born in Madrid, Spain, in the year 1110, he came from a poor family and spent many years working as a farm hand on the De Vargas estate beginning from his childhood. Isidore was very prayerful and devoted to attending Mass and receiving the Holy Eucharist.
Pope Saint Pius V, born Antonio Ghislieri, was ruler of the Papal States and head of the Catholic Church from January 8, 1566 until he passed away on 1572. He was the one responsible for assembling the alliance of Catholic states to fight off the Ottoman Empire’s advancement in Eastern Europe.
Saint Mark the Evangelist wrote the second gospel, the Gospel according to Mark. He is one of the four evangelists who penned the good news of Jesus. Not only did Mark write the Gospel, he also founded the Church of Alexandria, which is referred to in early Christianity as one of the most important episcopal sees. In his lifetime he evangelized the word of Christ not only in writing but by traveling great distances as a Christian missionary alongside Saint Paul and Saint Barnabas.
In Catholic Tradition, there is more to St. Joseph than his mere presence in the Nativity Scene. His story and his saintly virtues also go beyond the story of Christmas. He is a role model of Christian Fatherhood in the face of today’s many modern adversities.
Out of the Church’s many saints, St. Patrick is one of the few who have also attained the status of historical legend and national icon. He is also a great example of a dedicated missionary who, above all else, put the spread of Christ’s message as his only purpose in life.
Saint Timothy is the patron saint of Stomach Disorders as he is known to have suffered from stomach ailments. He is a disciple of St. Paul and is credited as the co-author or several books in the New Testament.
St. Sebastian is a very popular patron saint as he is the patron saint of Athletes and Soldiers. Due to his unwaiving commitment to Christ and the courageous way he faced his martyrdom, he serves as an example of true love of God. He is usually depicted standing in front of a tree with an arrow pierced through him.
Saint Blaise was a physician and Bishop in Armenia. Blaise has been extremely popular for centuries and many cures were attributed to him.
St. Stephen is the patron saint of deacons, altar servers, stonemasons and casket makers. Saint Stephen lived an exemplary life as one of the seven deacons appointed by the Apostles to perform charitable acts to the poor. As his feast day, December 26, draws near, let us look back to his life and legacy and look for lessons we can learn from it.
Saint Juan Diego is the patron saint of Americans and Natives. Juan Diego was a married farmer with no children. He converted to the Faith at an older age. He is most known for his vision of Our Lady in a small town north of Mexico City. She left behind an image that became known as Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Saint Juan Diego is the patron saint of indigenous peoples. He is not just recognized as the first Roman Catholic indigenous saint from the Americas, he is well known for having seen an apparition of the Virgin Mary four times. We celebrate his feast day every year on December 9.
Saint Nicholas is said to have helped a poor family in need. When one of the daughters came of age, he would give each daughter a purse full of gold coins.
Saint Andrew the Apostle is the patron saint of Fishermen and Scotland. Andrew is known as the first Apostle. He was killed by being crucified on a saltire, or x-shaped cross, for baptizing Maximilla, the wife of the Roman governor of Patras. His symbol, the saltire, is featured on the flag of Scotland, where he established the Church of Saint Andrew.
St. Jude Thaddeus is the patron saint of desperate situations. He was one of the chosen Twelve Apostles, the brother of Saint James the Lesser and a cousin of Jesus Christ, whom he greatly resembles. Saint Jude made missionary journeys, during which he preached and dispensed the Sacraments.
