St. Anicetus was the pope from 155-166.  He succeeded Pius and was a Syrian from Edessa. Anicetus was a notable enemy of the heresies of his era, and during his reign a controversy arose between the Eastern and Western Churches. St. Polycarp, then rather advanced in age, came to confer with Anicetus, and spent two years, from 160-162, discussing a difference of opinion about the date of...

Saint Gerold of Saxony, also known as Gerold von Großwalsertal, was born to the Saxon nobility in Saxony, part of modern-day Germany. Historical records indicate that he lived during the 10th century, although the exact date of his birth is not specified. One notable aspect of Saint Gerold's life was his generous act of donating land to the monastery of Einsiedeln in Switzerland....

Saint Athanasia of Aegina, also known as Athanasia of Constantinople, was born in the 8th century on the beautiful Island of Aegina, Greece. She was the daughter of Nikita and Marina, belonging to a noble and pious family. Athanasia grew up in an environment filled with deep religious devotion, and from a young age, she felt a strong calling towards the religious life. Legend has it that when...

Saint Robert of Molesme, also known as Robert of Cîteaux, was born in 1027 near Troyes, Champagne, in modern-day France. He hails from a noble French family and dedicated himself early on to a life of religious service. In 1044, he became a Benedictine monk and joined the monastery of Molesme. After his time at Molesme, Robert served as the prior of Moutiers-la-Celle Abbey and later became the...

Saint Magnus of Orkney, also known as Magnus Erlendsson of Orkney, Magnus Erlendsson, Magnus the Martyr, or Mans, was born around 1075 in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. He came from a Viking family and was the son of Erlend Thorfinnsson, Earl of Orkney. Magnus was closely related to King Olav II and King Harald II of Norway. In his early years, Magnus was raised as a pagan and even lived as a...