Saints

Friar. Vincent Ferrer was born in Valencia in Spain, in 1357. His father was an Englishman, married to a Spanish lady. At the age of 18 he joined the Dominican friars and soon became known as a powerful preacher. In 1390, he accompanied Cardinal Pedro de Luna to France. When de Luna become Pope at Avignon in 1394, he summoned St Vincent and made him master of the Papal palace. St Vincent made gr... Read More

Laybrother. Born in Sicily in 1526, to African slave parents, Benedict was freed by his owner at a young age. When he was 21 some Franciscan hermits saw him being publicly insulted because of his colour. They were impressed by the dignified and patient way he endured being taunted, and invited to join their group. In time he became their leader. When the group dispersed, in around 1564, he joined... Read More

Augustinian abbot. Born in France in 1127, William of Aebelholt went on to become one of Denmark's most revered saints. His letters are a valuable source of information about the early church there. William was a canon in Paris, when in 1171 he was invited by the bishop of Roskilde to take care of the reform of the abbey of Eskilso in Ise Fjord, Zealand. He then founded the abbey of Aebelholt o... Read More