Author: Editor

(1048–1123) St. Bruno of Segni was born in Solero, Piedmont. His early education was received from the Benedictines in his town. He later studied in Bologna and received ordination. He was made a canon of Siena. Known for his great learning and piety, he was called to Rome, where his advice was sought by four […]

(4th century) Who would think that a saint would have something in common with Harry Potter? Today’s saint lived under the stairs in his family home just like the famous hero of the J. K. Rowling’s famous series. St. Alexis belonged to an important family of Rome. As a youth he devoted himself to the […]

(1756–1846) Today’s saint was born with the name Julie Frances Catharine Postel, in Barfleur in Normandy, France. While studying with the Benedictine nuns at Volognes, she decided to devote her life to the service of God and her neighbor and took the vow of chastity. At age 18, Postel opened a school for girls in […]

(1217–1274) St. Bonaventure was born in Umbria, the “green heart” of the Italian peninsula, in the town of Bagnoregio. His father, Giovanni di Fidanza was doctor and probably well off for those times. That did not preclude any health issues for Bonaventure (then known by his given name, Giovanni). His mother, Maria di Ritello, was […]

(1550–1614) If ever there were proof that a sinner could one day become a saint, today’s saint is your man. In 1550, Camilla Compelli de Laureto found herself pregnant at an advanced age and with a terrible dream. In the dream, the son she was carrying was wearing a cross on his chest and he […]

St. Henry received a strong Christian education as a child. Born in Bamberg in 973, he was the son of the Duke of Bavaria. Among his teachers was St. Wolfgang, bishop of Ratisbon (now called Regensburg). Henry became duke when his father died and later became king of Germany in 1002, when his cousin Otto […]

(993–1073) John was born in Florence, Italy, around the year 993. As a member of a noble family, he enjoyed every advantage as a youth. When his older brother Hugh was murdered, however, he became grief stricken and vowed to avenge him. On Good Friday John saw his brother’s murderer and drew his sword to […]

(c.480-c.547) Anyone travelling the highway from Rome to Naples undoubtably will notice at about the 80-mile point a huge complex on a hill on the east side of the road. If so, that traveler has caught a glimpse of one of the most important sites of the Medieval world, The Abby of Monte Cassino. What […]

Sts. Rufina and Secunda were sisters, the daughters of a Roman senator. Their parents had betrothed them to Armentarius and Verinus, but they refused to marry because they had consecrated their virginity to Jesus Christ. They were arrested by the emperor Valerian. When Junius, the prefect, saw he could not change their minds by promises […]