Anthony had extraordinary influence both in the religious and civic life of town, reducing crime, denouncing usury, freeing debtors from prison and reconciling enemies.
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi is an example of how an ordinary mother can become a saint and influence others by her spirituality.
Summary : St Barnabas, ‘Apostle’: A Jew from Cyprus and one of the first converts in Jerusalem, a leading member of the Church there, though not one of the twelve. He was honoured as “a good man, full of the Holy Spirit [...]
Ephrem began to write hymns in order to counteract the heresies that were rampant during his time, having already heard the heretical ideas put into song.
St Colmcille is one of the three patron saints of Ireland along with St Patrick and St Brigid. He initiated the movement known as the peregrinatio pro Christo - emigration in adventure for Christ.
Summary: St Columba, abbot, missionary also known as Colum Cille, was born in Gartan, County Donegal in 521 and was of royal lineage. He studied under Finnian of Moville and Finnian of Clonard. He founded monasteries in Deny, Durrow, Iona and possibly Kells. From Iona, which became his [...]
Summary : St William of York, the “on and off” archbishop of York twice in the period of England’s history known as the Anarchy (1135-54), when the armies of two cousins – Stephen of Blois and Empress Matilda – were fighting for [...]
There are about 300 saints named Colman mentioned in Irish martryologies.
Matt Talbot was a Dubliner who struggled with a drink problem, then led a severe ascetical life, and became known after his death as the Workers' Saint.
Summary : St Norbert, bishop: Born in the Rhineland (Germany) about 1080; died at Magdeburg on this day in 1134. A cleric in minor orders, he converted from a comfortable life in 1115, was ordained to the presbyterate, and took [...]
Jarlath is regarded as the founder and patron saint of the Archdiocese of Tuam in Galway, Ireland.
At the age of eighty, he set out again along the Rhine to complete the conversion of the Frisians and of his Saxons. Boniface's camp was overrun by brigands who slaughtered him and his many companions.
Summary: St Boniface, martyr Born in Devon (England) about 675; died in the Netherlands on this day in 754. A monk and teacher who went to evangelise the Germanic peoples. He was ordained bishop and given wide-ranging papal commissions throughout Germany and Gaul. He founded monasteries and [...]
The Uganda Martyrs are the first martyrs in the second wave of evangelisation of Africa in the 19th century.
Before his death Kevin decided to remain permanently at his hermitage, asking his monks not to visit, bring food or disturb him in any way.
"Through the martyrdom of Peter and Marcellinu , God gives us proof of his constant presence to his Church."
Summary: St Justin, Martyr. born about 100 at Nablus (Palestine); died about 165 in Rome. After lengthy study of Greek philosophies, he acknowledged Christ as the source of all truth. A lay intellectual, Christian philosopher, and apologist. He was noted for his reasoned defence of Christian belief and [...]
Justin claimed with power and clarity that he had found in Christianity 'the only sure and profitable philosophy'
And, Mother Mary, give us Christ to carry Within our hearts, that we may conquer death.
Joan was handed over to the civil authorities and burned at the stake in the market-place of Rouen on 30 May 1431.
Summary of Pope St Paul VI – Giovanni Baptista Montini. (1897-1978), became a reforming pope in 1963. He reigned during a period of great change and ferment in the Church following the Second Vatican Council.
Summary: St Germanus of Paris founded the famous Abbaye de St Germain-des-Près.
Patrick Duffy traces the story of the saint.
A [...]
Augustine comes across as an inexperienced but diligent disciple carrying out in Britain the directions of his superior in Rome.
Gregory's last words were an adaptation of Psalm 44 (45) verse 7: "I have loved justice and hated iniquity; therefore I die in exile".
Summary : St Philip Neri: Born in Florence (Italy) in 1515; died at Rome on this day in 1595. An outstanding proponent of Church reform after the Council of Trent. Worked among the young and the poor in Rome and founded the Congregation of the Oratory. Honoured as [...]
Bede lived for eternity and wanted to use his writings to help people reach a happy eternity.
From age 38 onwards she was bed-ridden, suffering physical pain, such as violent headaches and paralysis, spiritual aridity and temptations to suicide.
Abbot Aelred of Rievaulx, delivered the eulogy, praising his reluctance to become king, his sense of justice and his accessibility to everyone.
Summary: St Madeleine Sophie Barat: Mount Anville School in Goatstown, South Dublin, and St Catherine’s College, Armagh, are the most prominent schools in Ireland which owe their origin to the Sacred Heart Sisters, founded by teaching order of St Madeleine.
Patrick Duffy tells her story.
Vincent develops practical guidelines for distinguishing heresy from true doctrine. The first criterion is Scripture then the tradition of the Catholic Church.
