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### Patrick, one of the most celebrated saints in the Catholic Church, was a missionary sent with divine guidance to Ireland.


His first experience with Ireland, however, was not as a holy man. In his youth, Patrick was captured by Irish pirates and forced to work for roughly six years until his eventual escape. Despite having no church, religious mentor, or community, Patrick grew tremendously in his faith. During his time as a shepherd slave, he revealed:


#### **"The love of God and his fear grew in me more and more, as did the faith,  and my soul was [raised], so that, in a single day,  I have said as many as a hundred prayers… I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn."**



Despite his captivity, Patrick knew he needed to return to Ireland to serve the people there. Several years later, he returned to Ireland to fulfill a divine mission to spread Christianity. Patrick faced strong opposition from numerous pagan and druid religious leaders. It is said that several Irish chieftains attempted to kill Patrick but were thwarted by divine interventions. Patrick is credited with driving all snakes out of Ireland. This folklore is likely an allegory about how he purged the island of its pagan rituals. In addition to those miraculous feats, Patrick had a teacher’s heart. He used the local shamrock as a tool to instruct the Irish on the Holy Trinity. Today, he is commonly depicted as holding a shamrock and a staff. Patrick died at Saul, the site where he built the first Catholic church in Ireland.

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Patrick

St. Patrick, you have inspired countless generations of Christians through your acts of faith and love for the Irish people. You banished false gods from the island and taught the people the one true faith. You brought Christ to a land desperate for His love. St. Patrick, pray for us and the Holy Father's Missions.

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### As a young, impoverished child in France, St. Joan said she heard the voices of St.  Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. The saints encouraged her to drive the English from French territory and bring the Dauphin (the French crown prince) to Reims for his coronation.  

Although merely a young girl and a peasant, the 16-year-old future saint left her home to visit the French Royal Court. When asked how she could endure the journey when enemy soldiers were on all sides, she responded, 


>#### “I am not afraid...I was born to do this.”

Under divine guidance, St. Joan fought numerous battles against the English to assert France’s independence. Although initially ridiculed as a female soldier wearing armor and wielding a banner, St. Joan became revered as a symbol of God’s blessing upon France’s campaign to reclaim its territory. Famously, St. Joan led the French army in a historic victory at Orleans in 1429 that thwarted the English attempt at claiming victory in the Hundred Years’ War. 

In 1431, St. Joan was accused of heresy at an English-controlled inquisition. Although there was no evidence of heresy, the presiding English bishops found her guilty and sentenced her to death. On May 30, 1431, St. Joan was burned at the stake. When facing her death, her only request was that a cross be held at eye level to sustain her courage.  St. Joan of Arc was beatified on April 18, 1909, and canonized by Pope Benedict XV on May 16, 1920.

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Joan of Arc

St. Joan of Arc, from humble beginnings, you rose to serve Christ. You went to battle for your faith. We pray for your courage. You maintained your devotion and gave your life at the stake, asking only that you view the cross before death. We pray for your devotion. St. Joan of Arc, pray for us and the Holy Father's Missions.

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### Charles Lwanga and his companions are Ugandan martyrs who witnessed to the Christian faith in its early inception in Africa.


As pages in their king’s court, they converted to Catholicism after encountering the teachings of visiting missionaries. Their zeal for scripture and worship swiftly grew. The converts were soon spreading the faith to their friends and family. Their king, a corrupt and violent man, frequently assaulted the other young boys of the court. Charles, emboldened by his faith, protected these boys from the king. He also ensured the boys were baptized, educated, and fed. Eventually, the king noticed Charles’ fatherly care and became enraged. The king ordered all Christians in his court to be rounded up; he demanded they renounce their faith. When asked if they wanted to remain a Christian, each of the companions responded with a resounding ‘yes.’ At this, the king sentenced them all to death. Each of the Christians endured a two-day march with their executioners to a nearby village.

There, the executioners separated Charles Lwanga from his companions and viciously tortured him. They burned his limbs and asked him one final time if he would renounce his faith. Charles smiled, saying the flames felt like cool water to him. All 24 companions were then burned alive. Each of them called Jesus’ name and proclaimed their joy for their faith. Amid the flames, the Christian captives announced, 

#### “**You can burn our bodies, but you cannot harm our souls.”**

All of the companions were canonized on October 18, 1964, by Pope Paul VI during the Second Vatican Council.

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Charles Lwanga

St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, you took joy and comfort in your faith, even when threatened with pain and death. You protected those who were unable to protect themselves. You stood up to the tyranny of an unjust king and were given martyrdom as your reward. We pray for your steadfast Christian devotion, resilience, and love. St. Charles Lwanga and Companions, pray for us and the Holy Father's Missions.

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### Juan Diego, a native Mexican, became the first saint from the Americas. He received four visions of the Virgin Mary, leading to the construction of the Basilica of Guadalupe and numerous miracles.

Although raised in the pagan Aztec religion, Juan converted to Catholicism after encountering Franciscan missionaries in 1524. He frequently walked a long distance to attend Mass and religious instruction. In 1531, during his walk to the church for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, he received a sudden, striking vision. The Virgin Mary appeared and asked him to build a chapel on Tepeyac Hill and dedicate it to her. He did as she instructed, going to the bishop and relaying the request. The bishop was hesitant, asking for more time to think. When he saw the Virgin Mary again, he apologized for failing in his mission, explaining that he was not important enough for the bishop to listen to him. The Blessed Mother assured him:

#### **“Let not your heart be disturbed… Am I not here, who am your mother?  Are you not under my protection?”**

He was given several more visions of the Virgin Mary, encouraging and urging him forward. At this time, Juan’s uncle fell deathly ill. The uncle was healed by the Virgin Mary’s intercession, and she then instructed Juan to pick flowers at the site where her chapel would be built. Juan obeyed, picking numerous flowers and carrying them in his cloak. He then went back to the bishop who had demanded proof. He opened his cloak, letting the flowers fall to the ground. Miraculously, his cloak which had held the flowers revealed an image of the Virgin Mary. Finally, the bishop believed and permitted the chapel to be built. 

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Juan Diego

St. Juan Diego, you converted to the Church and gave yourself fully to your faith. You heeded your visions, following the word of the Virgin Mary. We pray that we may listen to our own religious callings, building our faith and trusting in God. St. Juan Diego, pray for us and the Holy Father's Missions. 


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Connect With The Saints

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### Teresa of Calcutta, originally named Agnes, is one of the most famous and popular saints of the 20th century. She is known for her extreme generosity and selfless concern for the poor and needy.

In 1928, a young Agnes left her home and family to begin her religious journey. She became a sister, spending her first several years in Ireland. She was diligent, hardworking, and joyous in her faith. By 1937, she took her final vows and ultimately became Mother Teresa.

In 1946, in a sudden wave of divine realization, Mother Teresa experienced a profound need to fulfill Jesus’ desire to strengthen the Church and lead others to salvation. In this vision, Jesus begged her to come along with Him on this mission. She accepted, and in 1950 she founded a new congregation, the Missionaries of Charity, in the archdiocese Calcutta, India.

Teresa adopted a white and blue sari as her order’s habit. She received medical training and provided healing to the sick and food and shelter to the homeless. Most of all, she offered love to the outcasts of society and dignity to the dying. She was selfless and passionately devoted to the service of those who needed it most. She attracted many followers as she went, inspiring many. She desired to place herself wholly in God’s will, saying,


>#### “Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.”


Her movement spread, first to India, then across the world. Her acts of charity and kindness attracted fame and renown around the world. After a lifetime of serving the Church and the world, Teresa passed away in 1997. After healing miracles came from her intercession, Teresa of Calcutta was canonized by Pope Francis on September 4, 2016.

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Teresa of Calcutta

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### As a young man, St. Francis of Assisi spent his time in relative comfort, the son of a wealthy cloth merchant who lived a life of luxury. He was carefree, charming, and a natural leader. At age 25, while a prisoner of war, St. Francis began to ask more significant questions about his life, recognizing his failure to place God first. He was later given a vision that would see him give up his worldly life.

St. Francis returned home, where he was accused of cowardice, but he knew he had been called home for a higher purpose. Sometime later, Francis came across a leper. In an act of faith and kindness, he kissed the hands of the leper, and the leper returned the gesture. Shortly after, the leper disappeared. Francis was filled with joy, for he knew it had been a test from God. St. Francis was given another message, this time during prayer. Christ told him to rebuild His Church. The future saint took these divine orders literally at first, repairing the crumpling structure of San Damiano church. Soon, however, he realized he must also reform the institutional Church. From then on, St. Francis followed the example of Christ as closely as possible. He renounced his inheritance, gave away all of his possessions, and lived his new austere life with great joy. St. Francis viewed poverty as the source of true freedom, saying, “If we had any possessions, we should need weapons and laws to defend them.”

Ultimately, St. Francis’ way of life attracted others. He quickly gained followers who shared his devotion. This work began the Third Order Regular, known as the Franciscan Order. Known implored his followers toward dramatic generosity, saying,  


>#### “For it is in giving that we receive.”

Famously, Francis gave special attention to animals, treating them with the utmost respect. He is said to have preached to a flock of birds who listened attentively to his words. Francis also tamed a wolf, teaching it not to harm the people of a local village. By his death at age 44, Francis’ brotherhood had grown to 5000 members.

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Francis of Assisi

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### Pope John Paul II is one of the most beloved modern figures in Catholicism.

He served as pope from October 16, 1978, until his death on April 2, 2005. Known for uniting the world, he built bridges across religious, plus regional and spiritual communities. He was born Karol J. Wojtyla in Poland, which had recently regained its independence after more than a century. At age 21, being the sole survivor of his family, Karol decided to attend seminary school in secret due to the Nazi occupation in 1942. He was ordained on November 1, 1946. For the following years, Karol taught and preached in Krakow during the Communist regime, which he vehemently opposed. Living under the constant and pervasive threat of Communism and Nazism, Karol recognized that darkness and hatred could not be beaten by more of the same. He taught,


>#### “Darkness can only be scattered by light, and hatred can only be conquered by love.”

On October 22, 1978, Karol was officially inaugurated as pope. During his time as pope, John Paul II visited more nations, attracted large crowds, and was visited by more pilgrims than any pope in history. During a visit to his native Poland in 1979, he helped to spark the Solidarity Movement, which aided the fall of Communism in Poland. He created World Youth Day, which allowed young people to gather and celebrate Catholicism with the pope in different locations around the world. Toward the end of his life, Pope John Paul II suffered from Parkinson’s disease. Yet, despite his suffering, he continued to shephrerd his people. He ultimately succumbed to illness in 2005. 

In his time as pope, he survived two assassination attempts, one badly wounding him. He held more meetings with leaders from other faiths than any modern pope. He fought for human rights and dignity and selflessly served Christ. He was the first non-Italian pope in over four centuries and the first Polish pope in history. After his death, the traditional waiting period before canonization was waived. His miracles followed shortly after in the form of two healings, including one of Parkinson’s disease, which he suffered from. He was canonized on April 27, 2014.

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John Paul II

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### Therese of Lisieux, lovingly referred to as The Little Flower, was a Carmelite nun in 19th-century France. She is best known for her simple approach to devotion and piety, proclaiming that small daily sacrifices can swiftly lead to holiness.

During an illness as a child, Therese saw the Virgin Mary stare down and smile at her while Therese was at her lowest point. Therese was healed, and she knew she was destined for a holy life. At the young age of 14, Therese applied to enter the convent but was denied entry, saying she had to wait until age 21. Determined, she did not let that stop her. In fact, Therese went straight to the pope in Rome, requesting that she be permitted to join the convent. The pope told her to be patient and trust in God’s will. Unsatisfied by this response, Therese remained kneeling in prayer. Ultimately, she had to be removed from the pope’s presence by two armed guards! It turned out that Therese did not have long to wait. The strong-willed youth was allowed to join a convent with her familial sisters at age 15. While at this convent,  she developed her philosophy of ‘little sacrifices’ that matched her stature. As a cloistered nun, she knew she would not venture out into the world to perform great deeds. Instead, she focused on daily making small sacrifices and devotions. She fasted, wrote of her devotion to Christ, and performed her daily tasks with efficiency and piety. She offered an extraordinary model of virtue in her motto:

#### **"Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look,  there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love."**

Therese died from tuberculosis at age 24, leaving behind several written works explaining her passion for the missions and her religious philosophies. This earned her the title of Doctor of the Church. She was canonized on May 17, 1925.

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Therese of Lisieux

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### Born Francesco Forgione, Padre Pio, formally known as Pius of Pietrelcina, was an Italian priest and mystic.

From a very young age, possibly as old as five, little Francesco knew he wanted to live a religious life. Due to his family’s extreme poverty, he was initially not allowed to become a monk due to his lack of education. His father, realizing his son’s capacity for faith and goodness, traveled to America to work and save money for the education required for his son to become a priest. Mr. Forgione sent money back regularly so Francesco could learn from a tutor. The education worked, and at age 15, Francesco was admitted to the Franciscan Order, taking the name Pio. He often struggled with fragile health. Once he began following the austere life of a monk, however, his health declined further. Despite his constant pain and fatigue, he studied for the priesthood and was ordained in 1910. In 1918, Pio mystically received the divine Stigmata. The wounds remained fresh for fifty years until they closed three days before he died. Due to his charity, piety, and propensity for preaching, Padre Pio garnered a massive following. People have marveled at his ability to see angels, tell people their hidden sins, and bilocate. On a more practical level, he heard weekly confessions, helped to open hospitals, and served the Church until his death. Despite having lived through both world wars, Padre Pio remained a witness to faith and hope. He is remembered for advising his followers: 

### “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.”

His funeral was attended by over 100,000 people. He was canonized on June 16, 2002, by Pope John Paul II. 

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Padre Pio

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### Michael the Archangel is the chief angel of the Lord. Donning armor, a sword, and glorious wings, Michael protects the Church from danger and guides our spirits.

In the great battle between the angels, when Lucifer revealed that he would rather rule his own kingdom than serve God, Michael demanded:

### “Quis ut Deus?” – Who is like God?

Micha'el, the Hebrew form of this rhetorical question, became the mighty angel’s name. Michael is the leader of all angels and has four main responsibilities. First, he leads the fight against Satan. Second, he delivers Christians to heaven upon their death. Third, he is the champion and protector of all Christians and the Church. Lastly, he calls upon those who are dying, leading them from life on earth to their divine judgment. As the champion of the Church and the main opposition to Satan, Michael has become the patron of law enforcement and military personnel. He is viewed as a powerful protector and is often called on when facing a dangerous or lethal situation. 

#### Michael is recognized in many religions as the combatant of evil, appearing in the Quran and Jewish texts. Countless chapels, monasteries, and churches have been named in his honor.

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Michael the Archangel

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### After her mother’s death, seventeen-year-old Pauline Jaricot devoted herself to a life of prayer.

She also took a vow of ongoing virginity and changed her attire to that of a field worker. She did everything in her power to live as Christ had. She desired most of all to form her heart into a replica of Christ’s continually burning Sacred Heart, saying, 


>#### “If only I could love without reluctance…without measure, without end.”

During her long hours of prayer, Pauline heard Jesus. He was lamenting over the ungrateful nature of humanity. From then on, Bl. Pauline knew her mission. Shortly after that, Pauline organized a group that used the ‘circle of 10’. Each member would find ten other people to join, thus strengthening the group. The group prayed for the success of the missions in America. Meanwhile, each member donated the equivalent of a single penny every week. Soon, the group became 2,000 strong and eventually became known as the Society for the Propagation of the Faith.

Later on, Pauline founded the Association of the Living Rosary. She organized this group by each decade of three ‘mysteries’, with each group containing 15 members. This group was given canonical status by Pope Gregory XVI in 1832. In 1845, Pauline envisioned creating a Christian social reform project that included housing, food, and employment for the participants. She purchased a furnace plant to provide the building for the project. Unfortunately, the project fell victim to dishonest administrators, and Pauline lost everything. Never recovering financially, she lived in poverty until she died in 1862.

The organizations that Pauline created are still in existence today and were incredibly influential in the New World’s adoption of Christianity. The structures she created among her organizations are still utilized today as optimal models for development and simplicity. Pauline was declared venerable on February 25, 1963, and beatified on May 22, 2022.

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Pauline Jaricot

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### Carlo Acutis, a particularly devout Italian youth,  spent most of his brief life learning to program computers and creating an online catalog of Eucharistic Miracles.

These were of particular interest to Carlo, who visited many of these miraculous sites in person. In school, Carlo was best known for his defense of bullied children and his eagerness to support friends whose parents were going through divorce. He took a keen interest in Catholicism, despite not having a particularly devout family. As a teenager, Carlo became ill with leukemia. In a selfless act of penance, Carlo offered his suffering to God for the Church and the pope. Ultimately, Carlo passed away from this illness, but not before completing his website listing Eucharistic Miracles. On the site, he told visitors,

#### “The more often we receive the Eucharist, the more we will become like Jesus,  so that on this earth we will have a foretaste of heaven.”

Pope Francis beatified Carlo Acutis on October 10, 2020. 

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Carlo Acutis

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### Jude, also known as Thaddeus, was an Apostle of Jesus and brother of the apostle, James. He was present at the Pentecost and is usually depicted with a flame over his head. He is most known for asking Jesus at the Last Supper why He wouldn’t make Himself known to the world after His Resurrection.

Jude wrote the Epistle of Jude, found in the New Testament, which faithfully instructs the Churches of the East, particularly Jewish converts. His letters form one of the most influential documents in early Christianity, especially addressing prominent heresies such as Gnosticism which undermined Jesus’ Incarnation. The apostle implored Christians to remain vigilant in virtue, writing (Jude 1:21):

#### “Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ,  unto life everlasting.”

Jude is credited with spreading Christianity in Beirut and Edessa (modern-day Lebanon). Jude also wrote that we should endure hardships no matter what and always keep the faith, just as those who came before us. Such grit and encouragement prompted his patronage of lost causes and desperate situations. 

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Jude

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### Marianne Cope of Molokai is known for her groundbreaking work in healthcare.


Born in Hess (modern-day Germany), Mariane was brought to the United States in the year of her birth, settling in New York. As a young adult and the family’s oldest child, Cope worked in a factory to provide for her sickly father and younger siblings. After her father’s death in 1862, Marianne was called to religious life and became a Franciscan nun. While in New York, she helped to direct the opening of the first two Catholic hospitals in the area. It was here that Marianne first advocated for the patient's right to refuse treatment, an unprecedented act at the time.

In 1883, Marianne received the divine and literal request for aid in Hawaii. The island desperately needed healthcare for its growing leper community. The situation became even more dire when Fr. Damien contracted leprosy and died, depriving the island of his leadership. Thankfully, Marianne answered the call. Although already 45, Marianne zealously embarked on her life’s greatest mission. She encouraged others with her hopeful spirit, saying, 



>#### “Let us make the very best use of the precious moments  and do all in our power for His dear sake and for His greater honor and glory.”


During her time in Hawaii, Marianne helped to establish a hospital in Maui and managed several others. She also exposed corruption from a government-appointed administrator in Oahu, threatening to leave the island if he was not punished. Ultimately, Marianne won, and the administrator was dismissed. As she aged, Marianne was confined to a wheelchair. Nevertheless, several of her closest friends noted that regardless of the physical setbacks, she never slowed down. Despite her close proximity to leprosy for many years, Marianne never contracted the disease herself, allowing her to better care for those around her. This is considered a miracle in itself.

After she passed away peacefully in 1918, Marianne was canonized on October 21, 2012, by Pope Benedict XVI.

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Marianne Cope

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### Paolo Manna was an Italian priest with a passion for the Missions. He was instrumental in the formation of several important missionary organizations. He is also the author of numerous important religious works.

Ordained on May 19, 1894, Paolo spent roughly ten years on a Mission in Southeast Asia but ultimately was required to return to Italy after contracting tuberculosis. In his native land, however, his passion for Missionary work only intensified. Although he could no longer travel abroad, he nevertheless dedicated himself to assisting the missions however he could. He founded the Pontifical Missionary Union, and eventually became a leader of the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions. Through this work, Paolo began to change the Church’s perception of mission work. Paolo spent his remaining forty years fostering missionary zeal among clergy and laity. 

Paolo wrote prolifically about missionary life. Many of his works are widely read today. He encouraged Missioners to be like Christ in order to influence those souls they were striving to save. His works created an intense fervor for Missionary work, inspiring countless generations of priests to pursue the missionary vocation. He took to heart Christ’s imperative to spread the Good News to all nations, proclaiming:

#### "All the Church for all the World."

This vocational motto was a testament to Paolo’s zeal for sharing the faith: Today Paolo’s Pontifical Missionary Union can be found throughout the world.

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Paolo Manna

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### Francis de Sales was born and raised near Geneva, Switzerland. He was an incredibly kind and intelligent young man, excelling at law, politics, and theology. Though his family pushed him to pursue his education and career, Francis de Sales secretly wanted to serve the Church.

One day, Francis fell from his horse three times. After each fall, his sword fell out and formed a cross. Francis knew God was calling him to follow his faith. Though his father desired that Francis pursue law and politics, Francis was ordained as a priest in 1593. Francis would go on to write several important works for the Church. Specifically, he wrote pamphlets and slid them under the door of those who had fallen away from the Catholic Church during the Protestant Reformation. Though he faced much abuse from the people he was trying to save, Francis never gave up. It is believed that Francis reverted over 40,000 people to the Catholic Church during this time. His profound patience and fortitude won people over. He instructed:

#### “Have patience with all things — but first with yourself. Never confuse your mistakes with your value as a human being. You are a perfectly valuable, creative, worthwhile person simply because you exist.  And no amount of triumphs or tribulations can ever change that.”

Francis also wrote several books that earned him the title Doctor of the Church. He was unique in that the books he wrote were for ordinary laypeople. He wrote instructions about living a good life, worshiping enthusiastically, and loving God. Francis would go on to become the Bishop of Geneva. Francis also provided spiritual guidance to St. Jane Frances de Chantal; together, they formed the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary. To this day, Francis de Sales is known for his kind, thoughtful letters, which serve as a spiritual guide to many.

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Francis De Sales

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### Born in Bavaria (modern-day Germany), Albert the Great is a Doctor of the Church and one of the great theologians and thinkers of his time.


He was influential in the instruction of Thomas Aquinas and founded the world’s leading theological colleges. Albert began his holy life in his mid-20s when he was visited by the Virgin Mary. The encounter encouraged Albert to join the Dominican Order, where he began his study of science, philosophy, and theology. By 1245, Albert had become a master of theology—a very prestigious title. 

Along with his student, Thomas Aquinas, Albert founded the “Angelicum.” This university still stands in Rome today as a hub for theology, philosophy, and social studies. Albert’s instructed others to always retain gratitude, saying,


>#### “The whole world is indebted to Jesus for His Passion.  Similarly, all of us are indebted to our Lady for her compassion.”

Albert was known to be a humble, simple man. When appointed to the position of bishop, he refused to ride a horse, insisting instead on walking through his diocese on foot. Towards the end of his life, Albert spent most of his time defending the work of his late pupil, Thomas Aquinas. He defended all of Aquinas’ works, knowing they were essential to the future of Catholicism and philosophy.

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Albert the Great

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### Andrew Dung-Lac was a Vietnamese priest who was killed for his faith, like many Catholics in Vietnam at the time.
Though raised as a pagan, he courageously converted to Catholicism. On March 15, 1823, despite the immense danger and personal risk, Andrew took vows for the priesthood. Dung-Lac made the most of his time as a priest, preaching to anyone who would listen. He was persecuted immediately, fleeing at times, and even changing his name to avoid capture. Beloved by his parish, the parishioners once ransomed him from his enemies. Emperor Minh-Mang banned all foreign missionaries to Vietnam in 1832. He demanded that all Catholic Vietnamese renounce their faith by trampling on a crucifix.Andrew was ultimately captured and beheaded for his faith, making him a Martyr of the Catholic Church. He was canonized on June 18, 1988. At the canonization ceremony on June 18, 1988, Pope John Paul II said of the Vietnamese faithful during the time of the persecutions.


>#### “Love made the faithful creative”

Fr. Andrew’s feast day also memorializes the 117 martyrs of Vietnam killed between 1820 – 1862. The Vietnamese martyrs included bishops, priests, and many laypeople who gave their lives for Christ between the 17th and 19th centuries. Ninety-six of these martyrs were native Vietnamese, and 21 were Spanish or French missionaries. 

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Andrew Dung-Lac

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### Anna Wang, a martyr from Machiazhuang, Hebei, China,  was a devout and passionate Catholic during a difficult and dangerous time.

At age five, Anna lost her mother and threw herself fully into her study of the Catechism. In 1900, the Boxer Rebellion came to Anna’s community. The violent, anti-Christian rebellion left violence and chaos in its wake. The rebellion members burned down the church, ordering all parishioners to renounce their faith. Anna sheltered in the Catholic school with several other women. She led them in prayer as they waited out the attack, but ultimately, Anna and her companions were captured. The leader of the rebellion demanded that Anna renounce God or die. She refused, kneeling and lifting her hands to Heaven while chanting Jesus’ name. Upon kneeling, she announced:


>#### “The door of heaven is open for all!”

Although only 14, Anna Wang was beheaded and thrown into a mass grave with the other faithful. It is said that she remained peaceful until the end, taking refuge in her faith. Anna Wang was canonized on October 1, 2000. She is commemorated on July 9th, along with the 120 Martyrs of China.

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Anna Wang

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### Anthony of St. Ann Galvão is credited with several miraculous healings and is the first Brazilian-born saint.


After joining the Franciscan Order at age 16, Anthony was more commonly known as Friar Galvão. He spent his entire adult life dedicated to the Church, forsaking the comfort offered by his family’s prominent wealth and influence. Anthony founded the new house for women hermits, or Recollects, living in community. Ever dedicated to Mother Mary, Anthony named the new Recollect house Our Lady of the Conception of Divine Providence in Brazil. When the original Superior of the house passed away, Anthony became the new Superior. On two separate occasions, local authorities forced Anthony to close the house. In both instances, the community rallied around the beloved Friar Galvão, pressuring the government to permit him to operate the Recollect house. Anthony is known for his healing miracles. He created a ‘paper pill’ for patients to consume. Each pill was a tightly rolled piece of parchment with a Latin prayer taken from the Little Office of Our Lady:

#### **“Post partum Virgo permansisti: Dei Genitrix, intercede pro nobis.”
"After childbirth thou didst remain a Virgin: O Mother of God, intercede for us."**

Although doctors have deemed these prayers placebos, many patients who consumed them attest to their immediate positive effects. Anthony taught the sisters of the Recollect house to create the pills, and they are still given to those in need to this day, particularly to women enduring difficulty in childbirth. 
On December 23, 1822, Friar Galvão died in the Recollect house where he had worked tirelessly. Pope Benedict XVI canonized him on May 11, 2007.

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Anthony of St. Ann Galvão

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### Augustine of Hippo is best known for his extreme intelligence, his religious writings, and the foundation of religious priests. However, his life started in the realm of sin. Thus, his conversion to Christianity is even more noteworthy.

His sins of impurity had muddled his mind, preventing him from clearly recognizing the truth. One day, he realized that unlearned people were entering heaven in large numbers; meanwhile, Augustine and his educated friends were captive in their sins. His deep shame led to his wholehearted conversion. He encouraged others to embrace the key to conversion, saying, 

#### "It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels."

Around age 32, Augustine was baptized and turned fully to Christianity. Before that, he lived a life of sin, turning to other religions of the time and indulging in vices and lust. His mother, St.  Monica, fervently prayed for his salvation throughout his early life, and her prayers were ultimately answered. Augustine eventually became one of the greatest minds in the Catholic Church. His unique approach to philosophy and theology paved the way for future thinkers within the Church. Over five million words of his writing survive to this day, making him one of the most prolific and well-known Christian writers of all time.

Augustine ultimately died from illness while his home of Hippo was being besieged by Vandals. He preached fervently and spoke of repentance until the moment of his death.

Augustine of Hippo

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