Saint Alexander The Charcoal Burner, also known as Alexander of Comana, Alexander of Cuma, Alexander the Carbonaio, and Alessandro, was a well-born and highly educated Greek in the 3rd century. He was trained in philosophy and had a deep understanding of classical Greek literature. However, his life took a dramatic turn when he converted to Christianity and decided to dedicate himself entirely...

In addition to St. Lawrence, my own patron saint, August 10 is the feast of St. Blane. Coincidentally, my first assignment found me stationed with a friar who bore the name of this saint so we both celebrated our feast day on August 10. Saint Blane was a Bishop and Confessor in Scotland, born on the Isle of Bute. His feast is kept on 10 August. Late medieval Scottish texts relate that his...

Saint Romanus Ostiarius, also known as Romanus of Rome, was a courageous and faithful soldier of the Roman Empire who later converted to Christianity and became a martyr for his beliefs. Born in Rome, Italy, during the 3rd century, he lived during a time of great persecution against Christians under the reign of Emperor Valerian. Romanus was deeply moved by the example of Saint Lawrence of...

St. Cyriacus was a holy deacon at Rome, under the Popes Marcellinus and Marcellus. In the persecution of Diocletian, in 303, he was crowned with a glorious martyrdom in that city. With him suffered also Largua and Smaragdus, and twenty others. Their bodies were first buried near the place of their execution, on the Salarian Way, but were soon after removed to a farm of the devout Lady Lucina,...

Saint Albert of Sicily, also known as Albert of Trapani or Albert the Abbot, was born between the years 1250 and 1257 in Trapani, Sicily, Italy. His parents, Benedict and Joan, had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and made a promise that if they were blessed with a son, he would be dedicated to her. True to their promise, Albert was educated in a Carmelite monastery from a young...