He is one of the first four Doctors of the Church of the West, who promoted the evangelization of England and laid down the fundamental norms for chants, which later took his name. Gregory the Great was born to a wealthy Roman patrician family, some time around 540. He received a sound education, studying a range of subjects that went from the law, to the Bible, to the works of the Fathers, in particular of Saint Augustine.
A Soldier of Christ
Saint Zenon is remembered as a martyr of the Christian faith, a victim of the persecutions against Christians that took place in the ancient city of Nicomedia, one of the main metropolises of the Eastern Roman Empire, located in what is now Turkey.
A hermit and founder of a religious community
Historical information about the life of Saint Giles is rather scarce. According to some sources, he was born in Athens at the beginning of the 7th century and later moved to Provence, where he founded a monastery near Arles and became its abbot.
A life dedicated to freeing Christian captives
He feared neither threats nor torture in his mission to ransom imprisoned Christians who risked losing their faith. Saint Raymond, known as “Nonnatus” (meaning “not born”), was a courageous friar of the Order of Mercy who lived in 13th century Spain. He received this nickname because he was delivered by Caesarean section after his mother’s death.
A Monk in the Service of the Church
A contemplative at the service of the ecclesial community, committed to promoting reforms and pastoral initiatives, faithful to the Benedictine Rule and to Ora et labora. This was Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster, born Alfredo Schuster in Rome on January 18, 1880, into a family of Bavarian origin.
The Last of the Prophets
The memorial of Saint John the Baptist in the Latin Church has very ancient origins. Evidence of it can already be found in fifth century France and sixth century Rome, and is connected to the dedication of a church built in Sebaste, in Samaria, on the site believed to be the tomb of the Forerunner of Jesus.
One Heart and One Soul
In the Golden Legend by Jacobus de Voragine, there is an episode testifying to the numerous conversions brought about by Saint Augustine and his decisive victory against heresy. According to the account, some Christians invited him to publicly debate matters of faith with a Manichaean priest named Fortunatus, who at that time was preaching in Hippo.
The Power of a Mother’s Prayer
In the history of the Church, the name of Saint Monica is closely linked to that of her son, Saint Augustine, for whom she prayed and sacrificed herself in order to obtain his conversion from God. Her life, marked by steadfast faith and constant perseverance under God’s guidance, demonstrates how essential prayer and living in God’s grace truly are.
Soldier of Christ
According to the Acts of his martyrdom, Alexander was a Roman imperial centurion commander belonging to the Theban Legion, a military unit composed of Christian soldiers. When the legion was transferred to the West to face incursions by the Germanic tribes of the Quadi and Marcomanni, during the crossing of the Valais region, they received orders to persecute Christians, against whom a new wave of persecutions had broken out.
Power and wealth to serve the Kingdom of God
He is known as a just and prudent king, so much so that he earned the nickname prud’homme (“wise man”). He was also a reformer of institutions and often acted as a mediator in international conflicts. This is Louis IX, King of France. He was born on April 25, 1214, and became king at only twelve years old.
