Saints

Monk and hermit. According to legend, he was originally a soldier who was captured and imprisoned by the Muslims. St Simeon is said to have negotiated his release. After this he went to Rome where he was granted the monastic habit by the Pope. He then experienced a vision of Our Lady, and journeyed to Mount Athos where he lived the life of a hermit for the next 50 years. St Peter of Mount Athos... Read More

Apostle. A Jewish Cypriot and Levite, Barnabas was an early disciple, but not one of the Twelve. He was originally called Joseph, but when he sold all his possessions and gave the money to the apostles, his parents gave him his new name, meaning 'son of consolation'. He welcomed Paul into the Christian community after Paul's conversion. With John, Mark and Paul he sailed on the first missionar... Read More

Preacher, Franciscan friar and priest. Anthony was born in Lisbon in 1193. He came from a noble family. At around the age of 16 he joined the Austin Canons and studied at Coimbra. About 1220 he met some Franciscans on their way to Morocco. The group were martyred. St Antony was so impressed with them he became a Franciscan himself and travelled to Ceuta in the hope of continuing their mission. In... Read More