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The evangelization of Korea began at the start of the 17th century, when some Koreans came into contact with Christianity during a journey to Beijing. Upon returning home, they founded a vibrant and persevering Christian community, despite the initial absence of priests.
The oldest account of the martyrdom of Saint Maurice and his companions, members of the Theban Legion of Rome, dates back to 450–455 AD and was written by Bishop Eucherius of Lyon. Eucherius says he learned the facts from Isaac, Bishop of Geneva, who in turn had heard them from Theodore, Bishop of Octodurum, who lived in the 4th century.
In the medieval period, the term mercede referred to a concrete form of compassion, directed especially toward those living on the margins of society—in particular, Christians held in captivity in non-Christian societies. Saint Peter Nolasco and his disciples devoted themselves fervently to this cause, founding a religious community dedicated to the liberation of Christian prisoners abroad, in danger of renouncing their faith. For this reason they were called the Friars of Mercy, and their convents were known as “Houses of Mercy.”
In the context of the early centuries of Christianity, in an era dominated by the Roman Empire and marked by severe persecutions against the disciples of Christ, the figure of Saint Firmin emerges, venerated as both Bishop and martyr. His memory is particularly rooted in Spain and France where his example has nourished the faith of entire generations. The account of his life lies between tradition and historical reality, sketching the portrait of a steadfast man, animated by unshakable faith and a profound missionary spirit.
Cosmas and Damian appear to have been natives of Cilicia [in modern day Turkey], although in their Passio (text BHG 378) there is a statement in which they declare: “We are from a city of Arabia.” According to the text Life and Miracles (BHG 372), their mother was named Theodote, a very devout woman who raised them in the Christian faith and with moral integrity. She taught them to read using the Bible—particularly the Psalms—as their textbook.
Saint Wenceslaus is one of the most significant figures in the history of the Christianization of Central Europe. The son of Duke Vratislaus I of Bohemia and his firstborn, he grew up in a period of profound cultural and religious transition: in the early 10th century, Bohemia at the time was a land where Christianity was slowly spreading amidst still deeply rooted pagan traditions.
Saint Rosalia lived between 1130 and 1170, during the reign of William I of Sicily, known as “the Bad.” At that time, there was a revival of Christian spirituality. Following the end of Arab rule, both Byzantine and Western monasticism flourished, enthusiastically supported by the Norman kings. The hermit’s life, dedicated to prayer and solitude, was considered one of the highest forms of devotion.
Saint Zechariah, who lived in the 6th century B.C. in Gilead (modern-day Jordan), is one of the minor prophets of the Old Testament. His name means “God remembers.” A member of the tribe of Levi, he was called to prophetic ministry by the prophet Haggai.
Saint Regina of Alise, virgin and martyr, lived around 286 A.D. in Alise, France, near the city of Autun. Although little is known about her life and much of it remains uncertain, her veneration spread widely not only in France but also in Germany.
Consecrated in the Order of Saint Augustine, he accepted the dignity of the episcopate out of obedience. He was a zealous shepherd who showed great love for the poor, giving everything to those in need, keeping nothing for himself—not even a small bed. This is Saint Thomas of Villanova, born Tomás García Martínez.
For 40 years, in the 17th century. he dedicated himself entirely to teaching, baptizing, and accompanying the enslaved people of Africa who arrived in South America. His devotion was so complete that he called himself the “slave of the slaves,” serving with humility and charity. He is Saint Peter Claver, who lived the Gospel to the fullest, at the service of those whom society at the time considered chattel, not even true human beings.
On Christmas eve of 1252, Saint Clare was ill and confined to her dormitory bed in Assisi’s San Damiano Monastery. Her Sisters had left her on her own to recite the morning prayers but she wanted to join them at least on that night. So great was her devotion to the mystery of the Saviour’s birth that she asked the Lord to grant her wish. What took place next inspired Pius XII, seven centuries later, to proclaim Saint Clare the universal patron Saint of television and telecommunications, on 4 February 1958. The episode is still relevant today, as the day in which we commemorate the birth in heaven of the Saint, 11 August, coincides with the day the Directorate of Telecommunications and Information Systems remembers her for her patronage.
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