Saints

Franciscan priest. Born in Lucera, southeast Italy, in 1681, Francesco entered the Conventual Franciscans when he was just 14. After his ordination 10 years later, he taught philosophy to younger friars, served as guardian of his friary and later became provincial. When his term of office ended, Francesco became master of novices and finally parish priest in his hometown. In his various ministri... Read More

Italian Franciscan priest, writer, preacher and patron of popular missionaries. Saint Leonard was born in Port Maurizio in 1676. After training in Rome, he became a Franciscan and restored the Florentian Friary of San Francesco del Monte. Many friars joined the community. They walked around the country preaching and went on solitary retreat twice a year. In 1730, St Leonard was appointed Guardi... Read More

Nun and visionary. Founder of the devotion of the Miraculous Medal. Catherine came from a large farming family near Dijon in France. Born in 1806, she looked after her widowed father and later worked as a waitress in her uncle's cafe in Paris, before joining the Sisters of Charity at the age of 14. She lived in the community in Reuilly, caring for the elderly in a rest home and tending chickens.... Read More