Saints

Patron of Moscow and all Russia, Sergius was born in Rostov to a noble family in 1315, about 100 years after the Tartars conquered Russia. His family lost everything when he was 15 years old, in the civil war between Moscow and Rostov. Forced to flee, they settled at Radonezh, living as poor peasants 50 miles north of Moscow. After the death of their parents, Sergius and his brother Stephen went ... Read More

Our Lady of Walsingham is England's national Marian shrine. According to legend, Our Lady appeared in Walsingham to the Saxon noblewoman Richeldis de Faverches, in 1061. In three visions, Richeldis was taken by Mary to be shown the house in Nazareth where Gabriel had announced the news of the birth of Jesus. Our Lady then asked her to build an exact replica of that house in Walsingham. Later, ... Read More

Martyrs. Patron saints of doctors. According to legend, these two early Christian saints were twins. Born in Arabia, they are said to have studied medicine in Syria. They then set up a practice in Aegeae, in Cilicia. They were considered brilliant at their work, but what set them apart from other doctors at the time, was their refusal to charge any fees for their services. They believed that as ... Read More