Saint Jean-Gabriel Taurin Dufresse was born on 8 December 1750 in Ville-de-Lezoux, in the diocese of Clermont, Puy-de-Dôme, France. He entered the Society of Foreign Missions of Paris seminary in 1774, dedicating his life to the priesthood. After completing his studies, he was ordained on 17 September and embarked on a mission to Szechuan, China in 1775. Saint Dufresse's encounter with...

Saint Venerius of Tino, also known as Venerio, was a notable hermit, monk, and abbot on the Island of Tino near Genoa, Italy. He developed a holy reputation due to his pious lifestyle and contributions to the spiritual well-being of the community. Born in the year 560, little is known about Venerius's early life and family background. However, it is believed that he had a deep conviction...

On September 12th the Church venerates the Holy Name of the Blessed Virgin Mary because of her unique privilege as the holiest of creatures, the Mother of God, and the Queen of Heaven and Earth. Her name is therefore a royal one of the highest order, and as such should be given the greatest honor after that of her Divine Son, Jesus Christ. Instituted in 1513, the feast commemorates all the...

Saint Elijah Speleota, also known as Elijah Bozzetta, Elijah Espeleota, Elia, and Elias, was born in 863 in Reggio Calabria, Italy. He was born into a wealthy noble family, the son of Peitro Bozzetta and Leonzia de Leontini. At the age of 18, Elijah made a significant decision to answer a call to religious life and to avoid an arranged marriage. He left home and embarked on a pilgrimage to...

Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire, eldest daughter of the Emperor Arcadius, b. 19 Jan., 399; d. in 453. After the death of Arcadius (408), her younger brother, Theodosius II, then only seven, became emperor under the guardianship of Anthimus. Pulcheria had matured early and had great administrative ability; she soon exerted salutary influence over the young and not very capable emperor. On 4...