Roman Noblewoman, Persuasive Evangelist, Virgin Martyr, Patron Saint of Music St. Cecilia Years ago, a priest gave me organ lessons, training me to accompany the sacred liturgy for a community of religious sisters. The sisters gifted me a statuette of St. Cecilia, patroness of musicians. It was a miniature of Stefano Maderno’s sculpture depicting Cecilia [...]
Location: San Diego, CA Job Title: Pediatric Hematology/Oncology RN Organization: Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego Education: American University, Washington DC; University of San Diego Hahn School of Nursing Degree: Bachelor of Science Health Promotions, Masters in Nursing Natalie (Nelly) Marsh, GIVEN '19 "The GIVEN Forum has shaped my heart and vocation in inexplicable ways. The fruits of [...]
Beautiful, Beloved and Bold St. Catherine of Alexandria From simple to sublime – that was Saint Catherine of Alexandria. Early in her life, she had a transformative vision of Mother Mary with Baby Jesus, which sparked her conversion into Christianity, elevating and guiding her intellect, will and passions to be in communion with the Lord’s. [...]
Courageous, Virgin Martyr, Bride of Christ St. Agnes of Rome Tradition tells us that St. Agnes was born circa 290 A.D. to a wealthy family of nobility in Rome. Her family believed in Christ and introduced Agnes to the truth of the Christian faith. Her name, Agnes, comes from the Greek, meaning "chaste, pure and [...]
Daughter of the Lord, Mother of Mary, Grandmother of Jesus St. Anne Before the Blessed Virgin Mary, there was Anne of Nazareth, a woman adored by God and filled with God’s Grace. Anne was chosen by God to be the mother of Our Lady and maternal grandmother of Jesus Christ. Barren and childless for a [...]
"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, Pioneer, Social Justice Warrior, Courageous Reformer Servant of God, Mother Mary Lange, O.S.P. Elizabeth Clarrise Lange, later known as Mother Mary Lange of the Oblate Sisters of Providence, was born circa 1794 in the French part of Santiago de Cuba. Elizabeth was born to a family of wealth and high social status, providing [...]
Location: Milwaukee, WI Job Title: President and Co-Founder Organization: Eden Invitation Education: Franciscan University of Steubenville Degree: Catechetics and Theology Anna Carter, GIVEN '16 "In the beginning and the end, I’m left with my heart. Who did I become? How was I transformed more and more to the likeness of Christ? How did my gifts - [...]
Location: Colton, CA Job Title: Administrative Assistant for Assisted Living at Santa Teresita State of Life: Candidate, First Year of Formation Organization: Carmelite Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Los Angeles Education: Franciscan University of Steubenville Degree: English and Theology Noemy Banuelos, GIVEN '16 "I needed strong Catholic women in my life and a community [...]
During Women’s History Month, we are all more keenly aware of the impact of women leaders upon society. Especially on March 8th, media outlets and all of our favorite Instagram accounts were proudly promoting women’s accomplishments and sharing stories of heroines. But does Women’s History Month include Catholic female leaders? Sometimes, yes! Last week, CNN released the headline that Colorado will replace Columbus Day with Cabrini Day, the first paid holiday recognizing a woman in the US. I was thrilled to see this Catholic religious sister, known as the patron saint of immigrants, being recognized by secular outlets!
