Saint Vincent de Paul, born circa 1580 in the modest village of Pouy in Gascony, France, hailed from a humble background.

His early education was spearheaded by the Franciscan Fathers at Acqs. Such was his academic prowess that within four years, he was selected by a nobleman to tutor his children, allowing Vincent to further his studies without straining his family financially.

In 1596, Vincent ventured to the University of Toulouse to delve into theological studies and became a priest by 1600. However, a significant turn of events occurred in 1605 during a sea journey from Marseilles to Narbonne: he was captured by African pirates and taken as a slave to Tunis. Approximately two years later, through a stroke of divine intervention, Vincent managed to escape his captors. Following a brief stint in Rome, he settled in France, securing a position as a tutor for the family of Emmanuel de Gondy, the Count of Goigny and a key figure in the French naval forces.

By 1617, Vincent initiated missionary works. In 1625, he laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into the Congregation of the Mission or Lazarists, named after the Priory of St. Lazarus, which they began to inhabit from 1633.

His overwhelming sense of charity reached out to all, from destitute children to the elderly. Additionally, the Sisters of Charity owe their inception to him. Despite being lauded by high-ranking individuals, Vincent’s humility remained unshaken. In 1660, aged eighty, the illustrious Apostle of Charity passed away in Paris.

St. Vincent de Paul is counted among the Incorruptibles. This unique group of saints exhibit no decomposition post-death, symbolizing Christ’s triumph over mortality.

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Saints Cosmas & Damian, twin brothers from Arabia, are celebrated early Christian martyrs renowned for their dedication to healing in the port town of Aegea (present-day Ayas) located in the Gulf of Issus, then part of the Roman province of Syria.

Their refusal to charge for their medical services earned them the moniker “anargyroi,” or “The Silverless.” This act of selflessness reportedly converted many to Christianity.

During Emperor Diocletian’s reign, when Christians were heavily persecuted, these brothers faced arrest on the orders of the Cilician Prefect, Lysias. Despite enduring extreme torture, including crucifixion, stoning, and being shot with arrows, they remained unwavering in their faith. They ultimately met their end by beheading. Their younger brothers – Anthimus, Leontius, and Euprepius – who were always by their side, also shared in this martyrdom.

One of their most notable miracles was the transplantation of a leg from a deceased Ethiopian to replace a man’s diseased limb. This pious tradition has been depicted in numerous artworks over the ages.

Recognized as the patron saints of physicians and surgeons, they are mentioned in the Canon of the Mass and the Litany of the Saints and are often depicted with symbols related to healthcare.

Their purported skulls hold a revered spot in Madrid’s convent of the Clares, having been there since 1581. These relics were generously donated by Maria, the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V.

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Saint Finbar (550-623), often distinguished by his remarkably light hair, earned the nickname Fionnbharr, meaning “white hair” in Gaelic.

Born to Amergin, an artisan, and a noblewoman from the Irish royal court, he received his education at the esteemed Kilmacahil monastery in Kilkenny, Ireland.

Known for his devotion and spiritual journeys, St. Finbar embarked on multiple pilgrimages to Rome. On one such journey, he had the privilege of visiting the revered Saint David of Wales. With a fervor to spread the word, he preached extensively across southern Ireland, and there are accounts suggesting he might have traveled to Scotland too.

Finding solace in solitude, St. Finbar lived as a hermit on two occasions: once on a tiny island in Lough Eiroe and later at Gougane Barra. Demonstrating his commitment to education and spiritual guidance, he established a school at Eirce.

Perhaps one of his most enduring legacies is the monastery he founded on the River Lee. This sacred establishment would over time evolve into the city known today as Cork, Ireland. Honoring his contributions, the city reveres St. Finbar as its patron saint and recognizes him as its inaugural bishop.

Mysticism surrounds St. Finbar, with many extraordinary miracles ascribed to him. One of the most pious traditions claims that after his passing, the sun refused to set for a full two weeks, casting a perpetual light over the lands he so dearly loved.

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Saint Pacificus of San Severino, born into an esteemed family in the Marche of Ancona, central Italy, eventually devoted his life to the spiritual path by joining the Friars Minor.

Upon ordination, he spent a brief period teaching philosophy before embarking on a notable career as a preacher.

Pacifico was known for his rigorous ascetic practices. His diet was minimal, consisting only of bread, soup, or water. In addition to this, he wore an iron “hair shirt” as a symbol of his penance and devotion. Among his peers, he was particularly revered for his unwavering commitment to poverty and obedience.

Tragedy struck when Pacifico was 35, as he was afflicted by a debilitating illness, causing him to become deaf, blind, and crippled. Instead of despairing, he channeled his suffering, offering it for the redemption of sinners. Miraculously, many who sought his blessings and intercession experienced healing. In addition to his miraculous abilities, Pacifico played a pivotal role as the superior of the friary in San Severino.

His legacy was formally recognized when he was canonized in 1839.

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Francesco, named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, was born to Giuseppa and Grazio Forgione, peasant farmers, in the small Italian village of Pietrelcina on May 25, 1887.

From his childhood, it was evident that he was a special child of God. Francesco was very devout even as a child, and at an early age felt drawn to the priesthood. He became a Capuchin novice at the age of sixteen and received the habit in 1902. Francesco was ordained to the priesthood in 1910 after seven years of study and became known as Padre Pio.

On September 20, 1918, Padre Pio was kneeling in front of a large crucifix when he received the visible marks of the crucifixion, making him the first  stigmatized priest in the history of Church.

The doctor who examined Padre Pio could not find any natural cause for the wounds. Upon his death in 1968, the wounds were no longer visible. In fact, there was no scaring and the skin was completely renewed. He had predicted 50 years prior that upon his death the wounds would heal.

The wounds of the stigmata were not the only mystical phenomenon experienced by Padre Pio.
The blood from the stigmata had an odor described by many as similar to that of perfume or flowers, and the gift of bilocation was attributed to him. Padre Pio had the ability to read the hearts of the penitents who flocked to him for confession which he heard for ten or twelve hours per day. Padre Pio used the confessional to bring both sinners and devout souls closer to God; he would know just the right word of counsel or encouragement that was needed. Even before his death, people spoke to Padre Pio about his possible canonization.

He died on September 23, 1968 at the age of eighty-one. His funeral was attended by about 100,000 people.

On June 16, 2002, over 500,000 Padre Pio devotees gathered in Rome to witness Pope John Paul II proclaim Padre Pio, Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. The Padre Pio Foundation and many benefactors traveled to Rome, San Giovanni Rotondo, Pietrelcina, Piana Romana and many other holy places to celebrate Padre Pio’s Canonization.

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Over six thousand men formed the Theban Legion, a group primarily conscripted from profoundly Christian regions surrounding Thebes, Egypt, which explains the origin of their name. Their dedication and loyalty were evident as they journeyed from the East to Gaul, simultaneously upholding their commitment to the Roman Emperor and their faith in God.

While encamped near Lake Geneva under Emperor Maximian, a pivotal test of their faith occurred. They received orders to both offer sacrifices to the Roman deities and to turn their weapons against fellow Christians. Bound by their unwavering faith, the legion chose to defy this command.

Maximian, incensed by their defiance, decreed their “decimation.” In this brutal order, every tenth soldier would be executed as a chilling lesson. Despite witnessing their comrades fall, the legion remained resilient, not even attempting to defend themselves against this grim fate. Their leader, St. Maurice, became a beacon of hope and encouragement. He declared to Maximian, “We remain your loyal soldiers, yet we are also the faithful servants of the true God. While we will obey in all that’s just, we cannot bear the guilt of shedding innocent blood. We’ve witnessed our brethren’s sacrifice and honor their martyrdom. We bear arms, yet we won’t resist. We’d rather meet an honorable death than live in sin.” In a display of steadfast faith, the soldiers laid down their weapons, awaiting their fate with quiet dignity. The Emperor’s wrath, however, knew no bounds, and he continued the massacres until none remained.

Today, the memory of St. Maurice and the Theban Legion lives on, notably in the town of Saint-Moritz, Switzerland.

Among those remembered from the Theban Legion are:

Saint Alexander of Bergamo
Saint Candidus the Theban
Saint Exuperius
Saint Innocent the Theban
Saint Maurice
Saint Secundus the Theban
Saint Ursus the Theban
Saint Victor of Agaunum
Saint Victor of Xanten
Saint Victor the Theban
Saint Vitalis of Agaunum.

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Saint Matthew, one of the twelve Apostles, penned the first Gospel, a fact consistently upheld by Church tradition and substantiated by the Gospel’s content.

Matthew, the son of Alpheus, was a tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus called him to discipleship. Prior to this life-changing event, he was known as a publican, which meant he was professionally involved in tax collection. Interestingly, he is also recognized as “Levi” in the accounts of Mark and Luke.

Initially, Matthew’s evangelistic endeavors were concentrated within the confines of Palestinian communities. His later years remain shrouded in mystery. There are tales that suggest he might have preached in Ethiopia, while other stories hint at his work in Parthia or Persia. It remains debatable whether he passed away naturally or was martyred for his faith.

Matthew’s Gospel emerged from a palpable need among his Palestinian peers, addressing both believers and skeptics. For the faithful, it was a gesture of solidarity and a source of fortitude against impending adversities, particularly the temptation to revert to Judaism. For the skeptics, it was a testament to the arrival of the Messiah in the form of Jesus, signifying the spiritual realization of the Messianic Kingdom that transcends earthly realms, as Jesus said, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” This Gospel became a response to the query posed by St. John the Baptist’s followers: “Are You the One who is to come, or should we await another?”

Targeting a Palestinian audience, Matthew initially wrote his Gospel in Aramaic, referred to as the “Hebrew tongue” in both the Gospel and Acts of the Apostles. He is believed to have ventured to foreign lands around the time of Herod Agrippa I’s persecution in 42 AD. Some believe he penned his Gospel between 42 AD and the Council of Jerusalem in 50 AD, or perhaps even later. However, the depiction of an undestroyed Jerusalem in his Gospel, without hinting at the city’s prophesized downfall, suggests it was written before the Romans decimated it in 70 AD. This inference aligns with early traditions.

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Saint Eustace, originally a Roman general named Placidus, experienced a profound conversion during a hunting trip.

As he was chasing a majestic stag, the animal suddenly turned to face him. Remarkably, nestled between its antlers, Placidus perceived a crucifix. Accompanying this vision was a voice that identified itself as Jesus, revealing to Placidus that he was unknowingly venerating Him. This voice further prophesied that Placidus would endure sufferings for his faith.

Embracing this divine calling, Placidus, along with his wife and two sons, were baptized as Christians. He took the name Eustace, and his family’s names became Theopista, Agapetus, and Theopestus. However, their newfound faith brought challenges; Eustace was publicly denounced as a Christian, leading to the confiscation of his property and the loss of his family, who were taken away.

Emperor Trajan, recognizing his abilities as a general, later summoned Eustace back to fend off barbarians threatening Rome. Successfully repelling the invaders, Eustace and his family, now all devout Christians, stood firm in their faith by declining to offer sacrifices to the pagan gods during the victory celebrations.

Infuriated by their defiance, Trajan ordered the family to be thrown to the lions. But instead of attacking, the lions gently played around them. Seeing this, the authorities then decided to seal Eustace and his family inside a bronze bull, subjecting them to a horrifying death by roasting.

Today, Saint Eustace is honored as one of the Fourteen Holy Helpers and is venerated especially by hunters. Artistic depictions often portray him in noble attire alongside the iconic stag with the crucifix between its horns.

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Januarius, the bishop of Beneventum, along with his deacons Socius and Festus, and lector Desiderius, suffered intense torture during the Diocletian persecution around 304 AD. Miraculously, even amidst severe torment, they remained unharmed.

Attempts to unleash wild beasts on them failed as the animals refrained from attacking. They were eventually beheaded at Puteoli, and their remains were respectfully buried in nearby cities. Over time, the relics of St. Januarius found their way to Naples, where he is venerated as the patron saint.

One of the most renowned miracles associated with St. Januarius is the liquefaction of his blood. Stored in a sealed glass vial, the saint’s congealed blood turns liquid and starts to froth and bubble, especially when placed near his skull. This phenomenon is witnessed at least thrice a year: on his feast day, the first Sunday of May, and on other significant occasions. The occurrence is so regular that it’s become a symbol of hope for many, signifying a year free from calamities. Notably, in 1939, marking the onset of World War II, the blood didn’t display its usual activity.

Cardinal Schuster, in his Liber Sacramentorum (vol. 8, p. 233), remarked upon witnessing this phenomenon firsthand. He emphasized that after considering various scientific investigations, it seems challenging to find a natural explanation for this extraordinary event.

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Saint Joseph of Cupertino is the patron of travelers, aviators, astronauts, individuals with learning disabilities, and those faced with exams. Canonized in 1767, his life was a blend of simplicity, deep faith, and the extraordinary.

As a child, Joseph wasn’t known for his wit or intelligence. But what he lacked in learning, he made up for in devotion. He constructed a humble altar, a testament to his early piety, where he would pray the rosary. A debilitating episode of ulcers in his childhood was miraculously healed after a hermit anointed him with oil from a lamp burning in honor of Our Lady of Grace.

At 17, Joseph’s quest for spiritual fulfillment began. Initially rejected by the Friars Minor Conventuals due to his limited education, he was briefly inducted as a Capuchin. However, his uncontrolled ecstatic episodes made his continuation in the order untenable. In his twenties, the Franciscan friary near Cupertino opened its doors to him. Though his academic pursuits remained challenging, he flourished in his devotion and service, often found engrossed in tasks like gardening, tending to animals, and assisting in the kitchen. Occasionally, he’d be spotted drifting aimlessly, unaware of his surroundings.

While his learning disability remained a hurdle, divine intervention seemed at play during his deacon candidacy. Asked randomly by a bishop to elaborate on “Blessed is the womb that bore thee,” Joseph’s response was so profound that he was ordained. His ordination as a priest followed suit in 1628 under rather serendipitous circumstances.

Joseph’s extraordinary mystical experiences came to the fore on October 4, 1630, during a procession celebrating Saint Francis of Assisi. To the astonishment of onlookers, Joseph levitated, floating above them. Overwhelmed by the experience, he retreated to his mother’s residence in embarrassment. But these miraculous levitations persisted. Simple triggers like hymns, mentions of Jesus or Mary, or the euphoria of Mass would often find him airborne. So profound was this phenomenon that even an audience with Pope Urban VIII wasn’t exempt. As he knelt to revere the Pope, Joseph found himself lifted off the ground, only to descend on the order of his superior.

Known for his purity, a sweet aroma often emanated from Joseph. Conversely, he could detect the foul scent of sin, urging those afflicted to cleanse their souls via confession.

Ailing in August 1663, Joseph’s final Mass on the Feast of the Assumption was marked with ecstasies and levitation. Recognizing his imminent departure, he metaphorically referred to his body as a ‘jackass’ scaling a mountain. On September 18, 1663, surrounded by liturgical chants and after receiving the final sacraments, he passed away.

Vast crowds attended his burial at the chapel of the Immaculate Conception. His sanctification by Pope Clement XIII in 1767 further solidified his legacy. Today, his remains rest beneath a grand marble altar in the Church of St. Francis in Osimo, Italy.

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