St Alice

 Feast Day: June 15

Saint Alice, also known as Alice of Schaerbeek, (Adelaide, or Aleydis), Alice the Leper, Sint Aleydis, or Sainte Alix, was a 13th-century Christian saint and a member of the Cistercian Order. Her life, marked by illness and spiritual resilience, has been a source of inspiration for many in the Christian tradition.

Here's a brief biography:

Early Life

Birth: Saint Alice was born in the early 1200s in Schaerbeek, near Brussels, in what is now Belgium.

Background: Little is known about her family or early childhood.

Religious Life

Entry into Religious Life: At a young age, Alice entered a Cistercian monastery in La Cambre, Belgium. This decision might have been influenced by her desire for a spiritual life or by her family.

Spiritual Commitment: In the monastery, she dedicated herself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service.

Illness and Suffering

Onset of Leprosy: At a young age, Alice was afflicted with leprosy. This disease was highly stigmatized at the time, often leading to isolation.

Her illness resulted in physical suffering, including the loss of her sight and eventual paralysis. Despite these challenges, she continued her spiritual practices.

Spiritual Insights: Her illness became a significant part of her spiritual journey, teaching her deep empathy and compassion for others who suffer.

Legacy: Saint Alice is often invoked by those suffering from blindness, paralysis, and other illnesses.

Death and Legacy

Saint Alice died at a young age. The exact year of her death is uncertain, but it is believed to be in the mid-13th century.

Patronage:

Saint Alice is known as the patron saint of the blind and paralyzed, a role that reflects her own struggles with blindness and paralysis due to leprosy.

She is also venerated by those suffering from illnesses or disabilities, especially those affecting the skin.

Prayer:

"O Holy Saint Alice, who in your earthly life bore the burdens of illness with patience and grace, hear our prayers. In your compassion, intercede for us with God, that we may find strength in our own trials and tribulations. Guide those who are afflicted, especially the blind and paralyzed, with your gentle spirit. May we learn from your example to embrace our sufferings with faith and to find in them a deeper union with Christ. Amen."

Reflection:

Reflect on the life of Saint Alice as a testament to the power of faith in the face of adversity. Her acceptance of suffering as a part of her spiritual journey reminds us that our trials can lead to spiritual growth. Let her life be a source of inspiration and courage, especially when we encounter our own challenges and hardships.

Saint Alice's story is a powerful example of unwavering faith and serves as a reminder of the strength that can be found in vulnerability and trust in God's plan.

St. Aedan of Ferns

 

Feast Day: January 31

Saint Aedan of Ferns, also known as Máedóc or Áedán or Aidan, was an early Christian saint in Ireland. He is remembered for his piety, humility, and dedication to spreading Christianity in Ireland. 

Born around 558 A.D. in County Cavan, Ireland.

As a young man, Aedan was known for his deep religious fervor. He studied under St. David in Wales and later returned to Ireland.  Aedan was renowned for his austerity, devotion, and miracles.

He founded a monastery at Ferns in County Wexford, which became a center of religion and learning.

His life was characterized by humility, a deep sense of prayer, and compassion for the needy. St. Aedan of Ferns died of natural causes on January 31, 632 A.D.

He left a lasting impact through his missionary work and the establishment of the Diocese of Ferns.

Patronage:

St. Aedan of Ferns is known to be the patron saint of:

The Diocese of Ferns in Ireland.

He is often invoked for protection and guidance.

Prayer to St. Aedan of Ferns:

"O Holy St. Aedan, faithful servant of God, you who tirelessly spread the Christian faith in Ireland and founded the monastery of Ferns, guide us in our spiritual journey. May we learn from your humility, your unwavering faith, and your dedication to serving others. Intercede for us, that we may find strength in times of trial and remain steadfast in our love for Christ. Amen."

Reflection on St. Aedan's Life:

Reflecting on the life of St. Aedan, we are reminded of the importance of humility and service in our Christian journey. His dedication to prayer and his compassion for others serve as an example for us in our daily lives. As we seek to follow his example, we are called to deepen our faith, to serve others selflessly, and to spread the message of Christ's love through our actions and words. St. Aedan's life encourages us to pursue a closer relationship with God and to be a light to those around us.

Saint Sebastian

Feast Day: January 20

Birth and Early Life: There is not much historical evidence about Saint Sebastian's early life. He is believed to have been born in Narbonne, Gaul (modern-day France), and grew up in Milan, Italy.

Military Service: Sebastian joined the Roman army around 283 AD, reportedly to assist persecuted Christians. He served under Emperor Carinus and later under Diocletian.

Christian Faith: Despite his military status, Sebastian was a devout Christian. He used his position to comfort and strengthen Christians who were being persecuted, and he converted many to Christianity.

Discovery and Martyrdom: Eventually, his faith was discovered. According to tradition, Diocletian ordered him to be tied to a stake and shot with arrows. Miraculously, he survived this ordeal, only to be beaten to death later after he openly criticized Diocletian for his treatment of Christians.

Death and Veneration: He died as a martyr around 288 AD. His body was recovered and buried on the Appian Way, near the present Basilica of St. Sebastian.

Patronages:

Athletes and Soldiers: He is most commonly known as the patron saint of athletes and soldiers, likely due to his physical endurance and military background.

Plague Protection: He is also invoked for protection against plagues, as his martyrdom was remembered during times of widespread disease.

Archers and Pin-makers: Given the manner of his attempted execution, archers and pin-makers also regard him as their patron.

Prayer to St Sebastian:

"O Lord, we remember today Saint Sebastian, a faithful servant and martyr. Through his intercession, grant us the courage to stand firm in our faith and the strength to endure the challenges of life. May his exemplary devotion inspire us to live our lives in service to You and to others, especially in times of difficulty and trial. Saint Sebastian, pray for us. Amen."

Reflections:

Reflecting on the life of Saint Sebastian encourages resilience and faithfulness in the face of adversity. His story reminds us that true strength often lies not in physical power, but in the courage of one's convictions and the willingness to endure suffering for a greater cause. As we navigate the challenges of our own lives, may we find inspiration in his unwavering commitment to his faith and his compassionate assistance to those in need.

Great was his love for Christ and his fellow Christian that Sebastian risk his life to be with them and minister to them.  He did not only encourage them to remain firm in their faith.  But he too lived and died remaining firm to his faith and defending it till the end.

Saint Thomas Aquinas

Feast Day: January 28
Doctor of the Church (Angelicus Doctor), Prince of Scholastics


Born at Rocca Secca in the Kingdom of Naples, the year of Thomas’ birth is not certain; either 1225 or 1227.

His father, Landulph, was Count of Aquino while his mother, Theodora, was Countess of Teano. His family was related to the Emperors Henry VI and Frederick II, and to the Kings of Aragon, Castile, and France.

At the age of five, as it was the custom of that time, he was sent to obtain his first training from the Benedictines of Monte Casino then to the University of Naples around 1236. At the age of seventeen, in spite of the opposition of his family, he entered the Order of St. Dominic in Naples.

At the request of their mother, the brothers of Thomas, who were soldiers under the Emperor Frederick, took him back forcibly and imprisoned him in the fortress of San Giovanni. He was detained nearly two years; they even went so far as to send a beautiful young lady into Thomas’ room for the purpose of alluring him. But as soon as the lady came inside, he drew a burning stick from the fire and drove her out from his room.

These long months of imprisonment were not put to waste, however, for Thomas spent his time reading the valuable books (Holy Scriptures, Aristotle's Metaphysics, and the "Sentences" of Peter Lombard),which his kind sister obtained for him.

After eighteen months or so in confinement and with all their efforts put in vain, her mother relented and Thomas was set free.

He was ordained priest in 1250. Upon the advice of Albert the Great, Thomas Aquinas then journeyed to Paris to continue his studies and to teach in their Study House. This may be regarded as the beginning of his public career, for his teaching soon attracted the attention of both the professors and the students. Subsequently, St. Thomas began teaching, lecturing and writing. At the same time, he also began to publish his first works.

The reputation of Saint Thomas as a Philosopher and theologian spread far and wide, and he was frequently invited to preach and give lectures.

In due time, Saint Thomas was admitted to the degree of Doctor in Theology. By the age of thirty-one, he received his doctorate.

On his way to the second Council of Lyons, he fell sick and died at the Cistercian monastery of Fossa Nuova in 1274 leaving the "Summa Theologica" unfinished.

St. Thomas was one of the greatest and most influential theologians of all time. But despite that, he remained childlike. Once, there was this friar who made a ruse about a horse flying over the priory. The friars were laughing at Thomas as he ran to the window to look at the flying horse. Laughing at himself, he added, “I thought it was easier for a horse to fly than for a friar to utter a lie”.

Saint Thomas was canonized in 1323 and declared Doctor of the Church by Pope Pius V.

Patronage:

St. Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of a variety of individuals and groups, including theologians, philosophers, academics, Catholic schools, universities, and students. He is also often invoked by those seeking to understand and deepen their faith through intellectual exploration.

Prayer to St Thomas Aquinas:

O God, who inspired St. Thomas Aquinas with an ardent love for knowledge and truth, and who enabled him to harmonize faith and reason, we humbly ask for your guidance and wisdom. May we, like him, seek to understand the mysteries of our faith and the world around us with a heart full of devotion and a mind open to the light of reason.

St. Thomas Aquinas, Doctor of the Church, intercede for us before the throne of grace. Help us to navigate the challenges of our time, especially in matters of faith and morality. Grant us the courage to pursue truth relentlessly, and may our pursuit of knowledge always lead us closer to you, the source of all wisdom.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Reflections:

Before he began his study, Saint Thomas always prays for God's assistance, for he acknowledged that not all truths are learned by human intellect alone but that some truths are known through revelation (God revealing the truth to us) and through experience (our own personal experience of God).

For Saint Thomas Aquinas, faith and reason are not in conflict.
The fullness of truth is found only in God.
Saint Thomas Aquinas' constant search for truth is essential in a life dedicated to the pursuit of sanctity and perfect charity.

 St. Thomas also teaches us the importance of humility. Despite his incredible intellect, he remained humble and open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He recognized that human knowledge is limited, and our understanding of God's mysteries is always incomplete.

Here's a video I saw in YouTube (Fr. Barron comments on St. Thomas Aquinas) that I'd like to share with you.
 

Patron Saints (P to T)

St. Patrick
Feast Day:  March 17
Patron of Ireland, Snakes & Engineers
      
St. Paul the Apostle
Feast Day: January 25
Patron of Publishers and Reporters; Missions
      
St. Paula
Feast Day:  January 26
Patron of Widows    
  
St. Peregrine Laziosi
Feast Day:  May 1
Patron of Cancer and Running Sores
      
St. Perpetua
Feast Day:  March 7
Patron of Martyrs and Cattle
      
St. Peter the Apostle
Feast Day:  June 29
Patron of Butchers and Fishermen
      
    
St. Petronille Pétronille, Aurelia Petronilla; Pernelle; Peroline;  Pérette; Perrenotte; Perrette; Perrine; Peyronne;  Perronelle; Petronella;Peyronnelle; Pierrette;Périne
Feast Day: May 31
Patron of Fevers; Travelers and Mountaineers
      
St. Philip the Apostle
Feast Day: May 3
Patron of Hatters and Pastry Chefs

St. Philip Neri
Feast Day:  May 26
Patron of the United States Army and Rome
      
St. Philomena
Feast Day: August 11
Patron of Children, sterility, loss causes
      
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati
Feast Day:  July 4
Patron of World Youth Day
      
St. Pio of Pietrelcina
Feast Day: September 23
Patron of adolescents, civil defense volunteers

St. Polycarp of Smyrna
Feast Day:  February 23
Patron of Dysentery and Against Earache
      

St. Rafka
Feast Day:  March 23
Patron of Bodily Ills and Loss of Parent
      
St. Raphael the Archangel
Feast Day:  September 29
Patron of the Blind, Love and Safe Journey
      
St. Raymond Nonnatus
Feast Day:  August 31
Patron of Infants and Childbirth
      
St. Rebecca
Feast Day:  September 4
Patron of Sickness
      
St. Regina
Feast Day:  September 7
Patron Against Poverty
    
St. Regis
Feast Day:  June 16
Patron of Social Workers and Lace Makers
        
    
St. Rene Goupil
Feast Day:  October 19
Patron of Anesthesiologists
      
St. Richard
Feast Day: April 3
Patron of Large Families
      
St. Rita of Cascia
Feast Day:  May 22
Patron of Loneliness and Impossible Dreams
      
St. Robert Bellarmine
Feast Day:  September 17
Patron of Catechists
  
St. Rocco(Roch)
Feast Day: August 16
Patron against Epidemics; Bachelors, surgeons
      
      
St. Rosalia
Feast Day:  September 4
Patron of Palermo, Sicily
      
St. Rose of Lima
Feast Day:  August 23
Patron of Vanity and South America

St. Sarah
Feast Day:  August 19
Patron of Infertility

St. Scholastica
Feast Day:  February 10
Patron of Nuns and Storms
    
St. Sebastian
Feast Day:  January 20
Patron of Athletes and Soldiers

  
St. Simon the Apostle
Feast Day: October 28
Patron of Couriers and tanners
    
  
St. Stanislaus
Feast Day:  November 13
Patron of Broken Bones

St. Stephen the Martyr
Feast Day:  December 26
Patron of Deacons and Stonemasons
  
St. Susanna
Feast Day: August 11
Patron of those named Susanna

St. Tarcisius
Feast Day:  August 15
Patron of Altar Servers

St. Teresa of Avila
Feast Day: October 15
Patron of Foreign Missions: loss of parents, people in religious order
    
St. Therese of Lisieux
Feast Day:  October 1
Patron of Aviators and Florists
    
St. Thomas the Apostle
Feast Day:  July 3
Patron of Architects and Blind People
    
St. Thomas Aquinas
Feast Day:  January 28
Patron of Catholic Schools and Students
    
St. Thomas A Becket
Feast Day: December 29
Patron of Clergy
    
St. Thomas More
Feast Day:  June 22
Patron of Lawyers and Statesmen
    
St. Thomas of Villanova
Feast Day:  September 18
Patron of the Poor and Orphans
    
St. Timothy
Feast Day:  January 26
Patron of Stomach Disorders
    
St. Teresa of Avila
Feast Day:  October 15
Patron of Headaches and Loss of Parents

Patron Saints (K to O)

St. Kateri Tekakwitha
Feast Day: July 14
Patron of the Environment; People in Exile

St. Katharine Drexel
Feast Day: March 3
Patron against Racism

St. Kenneth/ Saint Cainnech of Aghaboe/Saint Canice in Ireland/Saint Kenneth in Scotland/Saint Kenny/Saint Canicus
Feast Day: October 11
Patron of the Shipwrecked

St. Kevin / Saint Kevin of Glendalough/ Saint Cóemgen
Feast Day: June 3
Patron of Blackbirds and Ireland

St. Kilian
Feast Day: July 8
Patron of Whitewashers and Rheumatism

St. Lawrence
Feast Day: August 10
Patron of Chefs and Comedians

St. Lazarus
Feast Day: June 21
Patron of Leprosy

St. Leo the Great
Feast Day: November 10
Patron of Speakers

St. Lidwina of Schiedam/Saint Lydwine
Feast Day: April 14
Patron of Sickness

St. Lillian
Feast Day: July 27
Patron of those named Lillian

St. Louis /King Louis IX of France
Feast Day: August 25
Patron of Builders and Parenthood

St. Louise de Marillac
Feast Day: March 15
Patron of Orphans and Social Workers

St. Lucia of Syracuse / Saint Lucy
Feast Day: December 13
Patron of Eye Diseases and Writers

St. Luigi Orione
Feast Day: March 12
Patron of the Poor, Homeless and Abandoned

St. Luke the Apostle
Feast Day: October 18
Patron of Physicians and Painters

St. Madeline Sophie Barat
Feast Day: May 25
Patron of the Society of the Sacred Heart

St. Madonna del Ghisallo
Feast Day: October 13
Patron of Cyclists

St. Malachy O'More
Feast Day: November 3
Patron of the Archdiocese of Armagh, Ireland

St. Marcellin Champagnat
Feast Day: June 6
Patron of Education

St. Margaret of Cortona
Feast Day: February 22
Patron of Midwives and the Homeless

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
Feast Day: October 17
Patron of Polio and Loss of Parents; Patron of those devoted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus

St. Maria Faustina
Feast Day: October 5
Patron of the Apostle of Divine Mercy

St. Maria Goretti
Feast Day: July 6
Patron of Teenage Girls and Loss of Parents

St. Mark the Evangelist
Feast Day: April 25
Patron of Notaries and Lawyers

St. Martha
Feast Day: July 29
Patron of Maids and Innkeepers

St. Martin de Porres
Feast Day: November 3
Patron of Bi-racial People and Television

St. Martin of Tours
Feast Day: November 11
Patron of Reformed Alcoholics

St. Mary Magdalene
Feast Day: July 22
Patron of Converts; Apothecaries;Pharmacists

St. Matilda
Feast Day: March 14
Patron of the Falsely Accused

St. Matthew the Apostle
Feast Day: September 21 (West); November 16 (East)
Patron of Accountants and Bankers

St. Matthias the Apostle
Feast Day: May 14
Patron againsts Alcoholism; Tailors and Carpenters

St. Maurus
Feast Day: October 5
Patron of Cripples, Cobblers ; invoked against Rheumatism, Epilepsy and Colds

St. Maximilian Kolbe
Feast Day: August 14
Patron of Charity and Drug Abuse; Pro-life movement

St. Meinrad of Einsiedeln
Feast Day: January 21
Patron of Switzerland and Hospitality

St. Michael the Archangel
Feast Day: September 29
Patron of Police Officers and Emergency Medical Technicians

St. Monica
Feast Day: August 27
Patron of Abuse Victims, Difficult Marriages, Disappointing Children; Victims of Verbal Abuse

St. Nicholas
Feast Day: December 6
Patron of Children, Bakers, and Brides

St. Nimatullah/ Saint Nimattullah Kassab Al-Hardini
Feast Day: December 14
Patron of Beirut, Lebanon

St. Odilia /Saint Odile or Ottilia
Feast Day: July 18
Patron of Eye Disease and Eye Problems

Patron Saints (F to J)

St . Felicity
Feast Day: November 23
Patron of Sterility; Death of Children and Widows

St. Fiacre
Feast Day: September 1
Patron of Gardeners, Taxi Cab Drivers and Florist

St. Fina
Feast Day: March 12 or (1st Sunday of August)
Patron of Handicapped People

St. Finnian of Clonard
Feast Day: December 12
Patron of Teaching and Sharing

St. Florian
Feast Day: May 4
Patron of Firefighters

St. Frances Cabrini / Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
Feast Day: December 22
Patron of Hospital Administrators and Immigrants

St. Frances of Rome / Saint Francesca Romana
Feast Day: March 9
Patron of Motorists, Benedictine Oblates

St. Francis of Assisi
Feast Day: October 4
Patron of Animals and Catholic Action

St. Francis de Sales
Feast Day: January 24
Patron of Authors, Teachers and Deafness

St. Francis Xavier
Feast Day: December 3
Patron of Foreign Missions

St. Gabriel Possenti /Saint Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows
Feast Day: February 27
Patron of College Students, Youth, Clerics, Seminarians

St. Gemma Galgani
Feast Day: April 11
Patron of Pharmacists, Tuberculosis patients

St. Genesius of Rome
Feast Day: August 25
Patron of Actors, Comedians, Dancers and Musicians

St. Genevieve
Feast Day: January 3
Patron of Disasters and Women Army Corps
Patroness of Paris

St. George of Lydda
Feast Day: April 23
Patron of Boy Scouts and Soldiers

St. Gerard Majella
Feast Day: October 16
Patron of Expectant Mothers; Unborn Children, Falsely Accused People

St. Germaine Cousin/ Saint Germana Cousin
Feast Day: June 15
Patron of the Disabled and Abuse Victims

St. Gertrude of Nivelles
Feast Day: March 17
Patron of Travellers and Cats; Mental Illness

St. Gianna Beretta Molla
Feast Day: April 28
Patron of mothers, physicians, preborn children

St. Giles
Feast Day: September 1
Patron of Cancer Patients, Handicapped, Beggars, Blacksmiths and Outcasts

St. Gregory the Great
Feast Day: September 3
Patron of Musicians and Singers

St. Hannibal di'Francia/ Annibale Maria di Francia
Feast Day: June 1
Patron of Orphanages and Seminarians

St. Helen /Saint Helena
Feast Day: August 18
Patron of Difficult Marriages and Divorce

St. Henry II
Feast Day: July 13
Patron of the Handicapped and the Childless

St. Hubert of Liege
Feast Day: November 3
Patron of Archers, Hunters, and Dogs

St. Honorius of Amiens/ Saint Honoratus of Amiens
Feast Day: May 16
Patron of Bakers, Pastry Chefs, Flour merchants and Florists


St. Ignatius of Loyola
Feast Day: July 31
Patron of Soldiers

St. Isaac Jogues
Feast Day: October 19
Patron of the Americas

St. Isabella of Portugal
Feast Day: July 4
Patron of Peace and Charities

St. Isidore of Seville
Feast Day: April 4
Patron of Computers and the Internet(not official but widely considered); Students


St. Isidore the Farmer
Feast Day: May 15
Patron of Agricultural Workers
Patron of National Rural Conference in the United States

St. John Chrysostom
Feast Day: September 13
Patron of Epilepsy, Orators, and Preachers

St. James the Greater (Apostle) brother of Saint John the Evangelist
Feast Day: July 25
Patron of Veterinarians and Against Arthritis

St. James the Lesser (Apostle) brother of Saint Jude Thaddeus
Feast Day: May 3
Patron of Pharmacists

St. Januarius
Feast Day: September 19
Patron of Blood Banks and Volcanic Eruptions

St. Jason
Feast Day: July 12
Patron of those named Jason

St. Jerome
Feast Day: September 30
Patron of Archeologists, Archivists, Bible Scholars, Librarians, Students and Translators

St. Joachim

Patron of Fathers & Grandfathers
Patron of Puerto Rico

St. Joan of Arc
Feast Day: May 30
Patron of Soldiers , People ridiculed for their piety, Prisoners
Patron of France

St. John Neumann
Feast Day: January 5
Patron of Catholic Education

St. John the Apostle
Feast Day: December 27
Patron of Engravers, Editors, and Printers

St. John the Baptist
Feast Day: June 24
Patron of Auto Routes and Road Workers

St. John Baptist de La Salle
Feast Day: April 7
Patron of Educators and Teachers
“Father of Modern Education”

St. John Berchmans
Feast Day: November 26
Patron of Altar Servers

St. John Bosco
Feast Day: January 31
Patron of Students and Apprentices

St. John of Capistrano/ Giovanni da Capistrano
Feast Day: March 28
Patron of Judges and Military Chaplains

St. John of the Cross
Feast Day: December 14
Patron of Contemplatives, Mystical Theology

St. John of God
Feast Day: March 8
Patron of Alcoholics and the Sick

St. John Vianney/ Jean-Baptiste-Marie Vianney
Feast Day: August 4
Patron of Confessors and Priests

St. Josemaria Escriva
Feast Day: June 26
Patron of Diabetes

St. Joseph the Worker
Feast Day: March 19
Patron of Carpenters and Fathers

St. Joseph of Arimathea
Feast Day: May 17 (West); July 31 (East)
Patron of Funeral Directors

St. Joseph of Cupertino
Feast Day: September 18
Patron of Astronauts, Pilots, and the Airforce

St. Josephine Bakhita
Feast Day: February 8
Patron of Sudan

St. Joshua
Feast Day: September 1
Patron of those named Joshua

St. Juan de la Cruz/ Saint John of the Cross
Feast Day: December 14
Patron of Contemplatives
Doctor of the Church

St. Juan Diego
Feast Day: December 19
Patron of the Americas and Natives

St. Juliana of Cumae/ Juliana of Nicomedia
Feast Day: February 16
Patron of Sickness and Sickness

St. Jude Thaddeus
Feast Day: October 28
Patron of Desperate Situations and Hopeless Causes

St. Julia Billiart
Feast Day: April 18
Patron Against Poverty

St. Justin
Feast Day: June 1
Patron of Philosophers and Lectures

Patron Saints (A to E)

St. Adrian of Nicomedia
Feast Day: September 8
Patron of Epidemics, Prison Guards and Soldiers

St. Aedan of Ferns
Feast Day: January 31
Patron of Ferns and Ireland

St. Agatha
Feast Day: February 5
Patron of Nurses and Breast Cancer

St. Agnes of Rome
Feast Day: January 21
Patron of Betrothed Couples and the Girl Scouts

St. Albert the Great
Feast Day: November 14
Patron of Scientists and Medical Technicians

St. Alexander
Feast Day: October 11
Patron of Corsica

St. Alice
Feast Day: June 15
Patron of the Blind and Paralyzed

St. Aloysius Gonzaga
Feast Day: June 21
Patron of AIDS and Teenagers

St. Alphonsus
Feast Day: August 1
Patron of Confessors and Theologians

St. Ambrose
Feast Day: December 7
Patron of Beekeepers and Candlemakers

St. Amelia
Feast Day: July 10
Patron of Arm Pain and Bruises

St. Anastasia
Feast Day: December 25
Patron of Martyrs and Widows

St. Andrew Kim Taegon
Feast Day: September 20
Patron of Korean Clergy

St. Andrew the Apostle
Feast Day: November 30
Patron of Fisherman and Scotland

St. Angela Merici
Feast Day: January 27; changed to May 31 then to June 1 (General Roman Calendar, 1955-1969)
Patron of the sick, handicapped people, loss of parents

St. Ann/St. Anne
Feast Day: June 26
Patron of Housekeepers and Mothers

St. Anthony of Padua
Feast Day: June 13
Patron of Lost Articles and the Poor

St. Anthony of Egypt (Saint Anthony, Anthony the Abbot, Anthony of the Desert, Anthony the Anchorite, and Father of All Monks)
January 17
Patron of Brazil, Burgio, Sicily; epileptics; gravediggers; hermits; skin diseases

St. Apollonia
Feast Day: February 9
Patron of Dental Diseases

St. Augustine of Hippo
Feast Day: August 28
Patron of Brewers and Theologians

St. Austin
Feast Day: May 27 (May 26 in England & Wales)
Patron of England

St. Barbara
Feast Day: December 4
Patron of Architects and Sudden Death

St. Barnabas
Feast Day: June 11
Patron against Hailstorms, of Cyprus, Antioch, invoked as peacemaker

St. Bartholomew the Apostle
Feast Day: August 24
Patron of Cobblers and Nervous Diseases
St. Basil the Great
Feast Day: January 2
Patron of Hospital Administrators

St. Bede the Venerable
27 May
Patron of Lectors, Historians

St. Benedict
Feast Day: July 11
Patron of Monks and Poison Sufferers

St. Benjamin
Feast Day: March 31
Patron of those named Benjamin

St. Bernadette
Feast Day: April 16
Patron of Illness and Poverty

St. Bernard of Clairvaux
Feast Day: August 20
Patron of Beekeepers and Candle makers

St. Bernard of Montjoux
Feast Day: May 28
Patron of Skiers and Mountain Climbers

St. Blaise
Feast Day: February 3
Patron of Throat Ailments

St. Bonaventure
Feast Day: July 15
Patron of Bowel Disorders

St. Boniface
Feast Day: June 5
Patron of Tailors and Brewers

St. Brendan the Navigator
Feast Day: May 16
Patron of Sailors and Mariners

St. Bridget of Sweden
Feast Day: July 23
Patron of Widows and Sweden

St. Brigid of Ireland
Feast Day: February 1
Patron of Infants and Ireland

St. Bruno
Feast Day: October 6
Patron Against Demonic Possession

St. Camillus of Lellis
Feast Day: July 18
Patron of Hospitals and Against Gambling

St. Casimir of Poland
Feast Day: March 4
Patron of Bachelors and Poland

St. Catherine of Siena
Feast Day: April 29
Patron of Fire Prevention, people ridiculed for their piety, nurses, sexual temptation, miscarriages

St. Catherine of Alexandria
Feast Day: November 25
Patron of Theologians, Librarians, and Lawyers

St. Catherine of Bologna
Feast Day: March 9
Patron of Artists and Liberal Arts

St. Cecilia
Feast Day: November 22
Patron of Musicians and Singers

St. Charles Borromeo
Feast Day: November 4
Patron of Catechists and Seminarians

St. Christopher
Feast Day: July 25
Patron of Travelers and Motorists

St. Clare of Assisi
Feast Day: August 11
Patron of eye disease, goldsmiths, gilders, good weather, needle workers, embroiderers, Santa Clara Pueblo, telephones, television Patron of Eyes and Television

St. Clement
Feast Day: November 23
Patron of Sailors and Sick Children



St. Colette
Feast Day: March 6
Patron of Loss of Parents

St. Columbanus
Feast Day: November 23
Patron of Motorcyclists and Against Floods

St. Cornelius
Feast Day: September 16
Patron of Earache, Animals, and Epilepsy

Sts. Cosmas and Damian
Feast Day: September 10
Patron of Surgeons and Barbers

St. Daniel
Feast Day: January 3
Patron of Prisoners

St. David of Wales
Patron of Doves and Wales

St. Dennis
Feast Day: October 9
Patron against Frenzy and Headaches; possessed people; hydrophobia; rabies

St. Dominic de Guzman
Feast Day: August 8
Patron of Astronomers and the Falsely Accused

St. Dominic Savio
Feast Day: March 9
Patron of Juvenile Delinquents

St. Dorothy
Feast Day: February 6
Patron of Florists and Brides

St. Dunstan
Feast Day: May 19
Patron of blacksmiths; goldsmiths; locksmiths; silversmiths; musicians


St. Dymphna
Feast Day: May 15
Patron of mental Illness, sleepwalking, epilepsy, possessed people and runaways

St. Edith Stein/Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
Feast Day: August 9
Patron of Martyrs and Loss of Parents

St. Edmund Campion
Feast Day: December 1
Patron of Wales

St. Edward the Confessor
Feast Day: October 13
Patron of Difficult Marriages

St. Edwin
Feast Day: October 12
Patron of Homeless People

St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Feast Day: November 17
Patron of Bakers and the Homeless

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Feast Day: January 4
Patron of Loss of Parents or Children

St. Elizabeth of the Visitation
Feast Day: November 5
Patron of Pregnant Women

St. Elmo/St. Erasmus
Feast Day: June 2
Patron of Sailors, childbirth and stomach diseases

St. Eugene de Mazenod
Feast Day: May 21
Patron of Dysfunctional Families

What is a Saint?

From: Our Catholic Faith (A Manual of Religion) p 394

The model of Christian perfection is our Lord. The saints, who imitated Him steadfastly, are also patterns of perfection. This aiming, "to be holy as our heavenly Father is holy," this seeking to be like Christ - "another Christ," is to strive for Christian perfection.


"the Church,,, is held, as a matter of faith, to be unfailingly holy. This is because Christ, the son of God, who with the Father and the Spirit is hailed as 'alone holy', loved the Church as his Bride, giving himself up for her so as to sanctify her; he joined her to himself as his body and endowed her with the gift of the Holy spirit for the glory of God.' The Church, then, is "the holy People of God," and her members are called "saints".


From: Catechism of the Catholic Church p.2013

"All Christians in any state or walk of life are called to the fullness of Christian life and to the perfection of charity." All are called to holiness: "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

In order to reach this perfection the faithful should use the strength dealt out to them by Christ's gift, so that...doing the will of the Father in everything, they may wholeheartedly devote themselves to the glory of God and to the service of their neighbor. Thus the holiness of the People of God will grow in fruitful abundance, as is clearly shown in the history of the Church through the lives of so many saints.

From: Lives of Saints p. 9-10

“Saints are human and lovable.”

“It is true indeed that some Saints performed miracles while they were still alive; it is true that many of them could have moments in which they seemed to have no feelings at all. But this is looking at the Saints only from one angle.  The truth is also that many Saints did not perform any miracle while they were still alive, for miracles are given through them not for their own sake, but in view of their service to their fellowmen.  It is also a fact that Saints have intense feelings.  It is enough to look at the martyrs and their unflinching courage.”

“Even this image of the Saints, however, would still just be another angle.  The greater part of the lives of the saint is passing 24 hours a day as we do, experiencing the same sun and the same season as we do…For the greater part of their lives, they are very much like us.”

“What makes them different from us?  Fundamentally, one thing is clear – they have lived their lives fully.  They have found a purpose and have set their whole lives on that purpose.  They have found other people, and they were ready to respond to the real needs of people.  They have experienced God and spent their days in His presence.  In short, the Saints have discovered love and know that to live they have to be transformed into love.  Yes, for Saints, to live fully means to love.  That’s why they are the most lovable humans.”
“….Their love is one, that is the love of God and neighbor, but their lives are many according to their diverse temperaments, cultures, circumstance and historical conditions.  This should be an encouragement for us.  It means that however diverse are the conditions in which we find ourselves, we can still imitate the Saints.  When the Church canonizes a Saint, She is proclaiming before the world an exemplary life which the faithful can imitate.  After all, we, too, are human, and seek to live a life fully alive, fully in love.”