"Apostle to the Apostles," Contemplative, Penitent St. Mary Magdalene There are many questions about the person of St. Mary Magdalene. Is she the unnamed woman who washes Jesus’ feet in Luke chapter 7? Is she the woman who anoints Jesus’ feet before His crucifixion? Is she the same Mary who is the sister to Lazarus and Martha? Throughout [...]
Educator, Foundress of the Ursuline Order, Visionary St. Angela Merici St. Angela Merici’s early life was one filled with loss and tragedy. She was born on March 21, 1474 in Desenzano, the Lombardy region of Italy. She and her sister lost their parents when Angela was only ten years old. Angela’s tragedies continued when her [...]
Location: Seattle, WA Job Title: Registered Nurse Organization: Seattle Children’s Hospital Education: Texas Woman’s University Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nursing Allison Crawford, GIVEN '19 "My biggest takeaway from the GIVEN Forum was to not be afraid of Our Lady and to really let her into my life." - Allison Crawford Please share a little [...]
Beloved Spouse of Jesus, Patron of the Dead, Mystic, Theologian St. Gertrude the Great St. Gertrude the Great was born on the Feast of the Epiphany, January 6, 1256 in Eisleben, Germany. At the age of five, she began to attend a Cistercian monastery school in Saxony called Helfta, which is why she is also [...]
Location: Milwaukee, WI Job Title: Co-founder & Associate Director Organization: Eden Invitation Education: University of Wisconsin - Madison Degree: BA in Social Welfare; Minors in Gender & Women’s Studies and Entrepreneurship Shannon Ochoa, GIVEN '19 "The GIVEN Forum reminded me of the great diversity of women in the Church, as well as the interests and issues [...]
Location: Westminster, CA Occupation: Professional Singer, Voice Teacher, Founder of The Sparrow Initiative Education: California State University, Long Beach; University of Southern California Degree: BM Vocal Performance; MM Vocal Arts Alyssa Wills, GIVEN '19 "My experience at GIVEN completely changed my understanding of vocation. Through both the witness of the women speakers and my own personal [...]
Location: Onley, VA Job Title: Family Medicine Physician Organization: Eastern Shore Rural Health Education: Saint Francis University, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine Degree: B.S. Biology; Doctor of Osteopathy (D.O.) Macy Rupprecht, GIVEN '19 "The GIVEN Institute has been a new and unique community that I have been blessed to be part of. The friendships and [...]
Martyrs, Mothers, Catechumens, Companions Sts. Perpetua and Felicity In the eyes of the world, Saints Perpetua and Felicity were separated by status: one a well-educated noblewoman, the other a servant or slave. Yet, in life and in death, these two women from early 3rd century Carthage, North Africa, were sisters in Christ. Both catechumens, they [...]
Daughter of the Passion, Gem of Christ, Flower of Lucca, Intercessor for Sinners, Mystic St. Gemma Galgani Gemma Galgani was born on March 12, 1878, as the fifth of eight children in her family. She was an obedient and quiet child who shared her beautiful smile with everyone. She was also exceptionally intelligent and wise [...]
Humble Daughter of Mary, Lover of the Poor, Saint of the Miraculous Medal St. Catherine Labouré St. Catherine Labouré is commonly remembered as the “Saint of the Miraculous Medal” and is admired for her tender relationship with the Blessed Mother, who entrusted her with the mission of spreading the message of her immaculate love. Catherine, [...]
