Saints

Carmelite friar, and one of Spain's foremost poets, mystics and theologians. John was born in Toledo in 1542 to a noble but poor family. He was brought up by his mother, went to a poor school, and was then apprenticed to a silk weaver. He had little aptitude for this trade and in 1563 joined the Carmelites. He studied theology and was ordained priest in 1567. St Theresa of Avila persuaded him t... Read More

Patron saint of eyesight. Saint Lucy was martyred during the persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian during the 3rd century. According to legend, when she refused to give up her faith she was blinded, but her sight was miraculously restored. She was finally killed with a sword. There are churches dedicated to her in Rome, Naples and Venice as well as two in England. Her feast is celebrated in Sw... Read More

Nun and foundress of the Handmaids of Charity. Mary took seriously Jesus' words that whoever helped the least of his brethren did it to him. Born in 1813, in Brescia, since she was a young girl Mary was always very concerned about the poor and sick. She regularly visited the women and child factory workers who lived in appalling conditions. She also went to the hospital each day to visit patient... Read More