St. Joseph de Veuster (1840–1889), also known as St. Damien of Molokai, was a priest from Belgium belonging to the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. He had a special devotion to St. Francis Xavier and desired, like him, to be a missionary. His desire was fulfilled when he was sent to minister in Hawaii in place of his brother, a religious of the same congregation, who...

St. Catherine of Bologna was an Italian nun and artist born as Catherine de' Vigri on September 8, 1413 in Bologna, Italy. She was the member of an aristocratic family and the daughter of a diplomat to the Marquis of Ferrara. Catherine received a wonderful education in reading, writing, singing and drawing while being raised at the court of the Duke of Ferrara. Catherine excelled in...

Miriam Teresa Demjanovich was born March 26, 1901 in Bayonne, New Jersey. She was the youngest of seven children and received her baptism, confirmation and her first Holy Communion in the Byzantine Ruthenian rite of her immigrant parents. By the time she graduated from Bayonne High School in January 1917, she felt a calling to become a Carmelite, but remained home to care for her ailing...

Domitian of Huy was a Gaulish bishop of the sixth century who is noted for both his generosity and writings against heresy. He is venerated as a saint. Domitian was the bishop of Tongeren, now in modern-day Belgium. He was present at the Council of Clermont (535). Domitian is notable for speaking out convincingly against heretics, especially at the Fifth Council of Orléans in 549. He...

Saint Francis-Xavier de Montmorency-Laval (1623-1708) was one of eight children born to one of France's most illustrious families. He learned his piety from his mother, and like his namesake desired to become a priest and missionary. This dream was realized when he was appointed by Pope Alexander VII to be the first Apostolic Vicar of New France (Canada). His territory covered all of what...