Saints

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

Italian priest and founder of the Sisters of Providence. Luigi was born on 4 August 1804, at Udine in Italy, the youngest of three sons of Domenico Scrosoppi, a jeweller and his wife Antonia Lazzarini. His brother Carlo was ordained when Luigi was six, and his brother Giovanni several years later. When he was 11 or 12 years old, Luigi's home region was struck by drought, famine, typhus, and small... Read More

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