The son of two saints, Basil and Emmilia, young Gregory was raised by his older brother, Saint Basil the Great, and his sister, Macrina, in modern-day Turkey. Gregory’s success in his studies suggested great things were ahead for him. After becoming a professor of rhetoric, he was persuaded to devote his learning and efforts to the Church. By then married, Gregory went on to study for...

Saint Senan, also known as Senan of Scattery, Senan of Inis Cathaigh, Senames, and Senano, was born in approximately 488 in Corca Bhaisin, County Clare, Ireland. According to tradition, his birth was predicted by Saint Patrick himself. Raised in a Christian farm family, Saint Senan received his education under the guidance of Saint Naul and a saintly monk named Cassidan. After completing his...

Saint Paul the Simple of Egypt (d. ad. 339) was a hermit and disciple of St. Anthony the Great. St. John, the Abbot of Sinai wrote "Paul the Simple was a clear example for us, for he was the rule and type of blessed simplicity." Though contemporaries, he is not to be confused with St. Paul of Thebes, regarded as the First Hermit. The account of his life is found in Palladius of...

Marcian (Marciano, Marziano, Marcianus) of Tortona (died 117 or 120 AD) is a saint of Roman Catholic church. He is traditionally said to have been the first bishop of Tortona, in what is now north-western Italy, a post he held for forty-five years. Tradition states that he was born to a pagan family but was converted by Barnabas and then confirmed in the Christian faith by Sirus (Siro), bishop...

Pope Saint Lucius I, also known as Loukis, was chosen as the 22nd pope of the Catholic Church. He was known for his ascetic lifestyle, even while holding the highest position in the Church. Born in Rome, Italy, his exact birth date is unknown. Pope Lucius I is noted for his strong stance against practices he deemed immoral. He forbade men and women who were not related by blood from living...