Blessed John Licci (1400-1511) was born to a poor peasant farmer near Palermo, Sicily. His mother died in childbirth, and his father was forced to leave the infant alone at home while he worked in the fields.  One day a neighbor woman heard the baby's cries and, in compassion, brought him into her home to care for him. When she laid the child on the bed next to her paralyzed husband,...

According to legend, Brice was an orphan. He was rescued by Bishop Martin and raised in the monastery at Marmoutier. He became Martin's pupil, although the ambitious and volatile Brice was rather the opposite of his master in temperament. Brice became a monk and later, Martin's archdeacon. In one account, when Martin prophesied that Brice would become his successor as bishop, but would...

Saint Josaphat Kuncevyc, also known as Giosafat Kuncewycz, Jehoshaphat Kuncewycz, John Kunsevich, Josaphat Kuntsevych, Josaphat of Polotsk, and Jozofat Kuncewicz, was born in 1580 in Volodymyr, Lithuania (modern Ukraine). His father was a municipal counselor, and his mother was known for her piety. Josaphat was raised in the Orthodox Ruthenian Church, which, on 23 November 1595, united with...

Saint Marina of Omura was a devout Catholic laywoman who lived during a time of intense persecution of Christians in Japan. Born in Omura, Nagasaki, Japan, she embraced her faith from a young age and grew in her devotion to God. Marina's upbringing was heavily influenced by the Catholic community in Omura, which was known for its commitment to the faith. She was deeply inspired by the...

Pope St. Leo the Great (c. 400–461 A.D.) was born in Tuscany to an aristocratic family. After serving as deacon under two popes he became the Roman Pontiff from 440 to 461 A.D. He was one of the greatest Holy Fathers the Church has known; he was the first pope, and one of only two, to bear the title “Great.” He guided the Church through the turbulence of the collapse of the...