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, [...]

Maid of Orléans, Visionary, Courageous Warrior, Leader of the French Army St. Joan of Arc St. Joan of Arc is remembered as a young and fearless military leader who inspired others to goodness and courage. Joan was born in the small village of Domrémy, France around the year 1412 to a family that sided with [...]

Model of Generosity in Long-Suffering, Humble Wife and Mother, Religious Order Foundress St. Jane Frances de Chantal Although she was no stranger to suffering, St. Jane Frances de Chantal demonstrated great generosity of heart and trust in God. Born in Dijon, France in 1752, Jane lost her mother when she was 18 months old, which [...]

First Saint of the New World, Fervent Intercessor, Model of Charity St. Rose of Lima St. Rose of Lima was born in 1586 as Isabel Flores de Olivia. When she was an infant, her grandmother had a vision of a beautiful rose just over the child’s face, which is where she got the name ‘Rose.’ [...]

Pilgrim, Italian Laywoman, Loving Wife, Joyful and Sacrificial Mother © 2012 Famiglia Corbella Petrillo Chiara Corbella Petrillo Chiara was born into a faithful Christian family, and was part of the “Wojytla generation” of Catholics growing up during Pope John Paul II’s papacy.  At the age of 18, she met the love of her life, Enrico, [...]

Devoted Wife and Mother, Persistent in Prayer, Model of Patience, Instrument of Conversion St. Monica St. Monica is a woman often admired for her patience and perseverance. Though her life presented circumstances which could have easily given way to frustration and resentment, she used her trials to draw nearer to God, resulting not only in [...]

Expert Beggar, Little Sister, Foundress, Humble Servant St. Jeanne Jugan When Jeanne was born in 1792, France was caught in the bloody French Revolution. Times were difficult for the Jugan family, and begging became a way of life for Jeanne from a young age. Although Jeanne did not receive a formal education, she did receive [...]

“Beloved Disciple of the Sacred Heart,” Faithful Daughter, Clumsy Sister, Loving Victim St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Born into poverty in July of 1647, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque’s early life was marked by great faith and devotion, particularly to the Blessed Sacrament, even in the midst of difficulties. When she was only eight, her father died, [...]

Contemplative, Media Evangelist, Foundress Mother Angelica Rita Rizzo’s early years began in Canton, Ohio with many hardships, including abandonment by her father and poverty. In her late teens, she endured severe pains in her stomach; this resulted in many doctor appointments and finally, a visit to a mystic which led to a cure through the [...]