Pope Saint Gregory VII, also known as Hildebrand of Soana, was born around 1020 in Soana, Italy. He received his education in Rome and later became a Benedictine monk. Gregory's aptitude and dedication led him to become the chaplain to Pope Gregory VI. As the person in charge of the Patrimony of Saint Peter, he quickly gained a reputation as an excellent administrator and a visionary...

Saint David of Scotland, also known as David I, was born in 1085 as the youngest son of King Malcolm III Canmore and Saint Margaret of Scotland. He had a sister named Saint Matilde, who was his companion during his upbringing and education at her court. In 1107, David became the Prince of Cumbria and later married, starting a family of his own. In 1124, he ascended to the throne of Scotland,...

Saint Euphrosyne of Polotsk, also known as Efrasinnia, Efrosin, Euphrasinne, Evfrosinia of Polotsk, and Pradslava, was born in 1110 in Polotsk, Belarus, as the daughter of Prince Svyatoslav of Polotsk and the granddaughter of Prince Polacak Usiaslau. From a young age, she displayed a strong inclination towards a life of devotion and service to God. At the age of 12, Euphrosyne entered the...

St. Rita of Cascia (1381-1457) was born in Italy during an era of violent strife between cities and warring family tribes. As a child she repeatedly requested to enter the convent, but instead her parents arranged her marriage to a rich, ill-tempered, and violent man. He became physically abusive, yet she met his cruelty with kindness and patience. During her eighteen years of marriage she...

Saint Godric of Finchale, also known as Godrick, was born in 1069 in Walpole, Norfolk, England. He was the oldest of three children born to a freedman Anglo-Saxon farmer. From a young age, Godric displayed a sense of adventure and a desire to explore the world. He embarked on a life of travel, both on land and sea, working as a peddler and later as a merchant mariner. His journeys took him...