Nicetas (also spelled Niketas) was a member of the Gothic people and lived near the Danube River in what is now Romania. We do not know under what circumstances Nicetas was brought to the Christian faith, but we do know he was baptized by Bishop Theophilis of the Goths.
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This realization spurred these students towards serving the impoverished around them, namely in the establishment of the Conference of Charity, later called the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, after Ozanam’s role model.
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Also known as St. Simeon the Elder, Simeon was born circa 390 in Sisan, Cilicia (modern Syria) to Sisotian and Martha. Simeon became a monk at the age of eighteen…
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Also known as St. Simeon the Elder, Simeon was born circa 390 in Sisan, Cilicia (modern Syria) to Sisotian and Martha. Simeon became a monk at the age of eighteen…
Read MoreWhile performing a play that satirized the Christian rite of Baptism, Genesius felt the weight of his sins. Claiming to have seen an angel, Genesius demanded to be baptized. The actor playing the priest dumped a basin of water on him, believing this to be part of the show. Genesius, however, was quite serious. He began to preach Christ to the Emperor and all others in attendance, urging them to convert and be baptized.
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Daig of Iniskeen was born to a noble family sometime in the middle of the Fifth Century, in County Meath, Ireland, possibly near the suburbs of Dublin. His father was named Cayrell, and was a descendant of legendary Irish king Naill of the Nine Hostages.
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St. Syncletica was born in Alexandria, Egypt, to wealthy parents around the year 270AD. From an early age she dedicated herself to God, devoting herself to fasting and praying, to the disappointment of her suitors. Upon the death of her parents, who were predeceased by her brothers, she inherited the family wealth. This she distributed to the poor.
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The subtle presence of Aristarchus of Thessalonica can be traced in New Testament scripture. Although he is not mentioned to great extent, it is known that he was considered an apostle – one of the Seventy – and a companion of Paul.
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At a young age, Johann Sebastian was tragically orphaned, and was thereafter cared for by his older brother, Johann Christoph. The elder Bach was an accomplished keyboard player, and taught his little brother to play the organ; an instrument the younger Bach would play throughout his life.
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As a young boy, his piety and great oratorical skills were already evident. There is an Italian Christmas custom that young boys can get up and preach a sermon in a church in memory of Jesus in the Temple, and at the age of six, the future Brother Lawrence delivered a sermon so great that even adults were moved to do better in their Christian walk.
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Samson Occom, born in the early 18th century to the Mohegan tribe of Connecticut, is known for his influence on Native American populations during the period of the Great Awakening. As a Native American himself, Occom was introduced to the gospel by Eleazer Wheelock’s ministry centralized around a reach towards Native Americans.
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By Ian Wilson (Rated G) Little is known of the life of Irenaeus, one of the great theologians of the Early Church. It is believed that he was born in Smyrna in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) around the early part the second century, AD. There, he heard Polycarp, another early church father, preach. Irenaeus served […]
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By T.K. Wilson (Rated G) Aloysius Gonzalga was born in the midst of the decadent Renaissance, in the most decadent of countries at that time, Italy. He was the firstborn son of the prestigious Gonzalga family, and his father wanted him to become a great soldier, but Aloysius wanted a different life. When he was […]
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St. Ephraem (also known as Ephrem or Ephraim or Ephraem the Syrian) was born around 306 A.D. in Nisibis, Mesopotamia (modern Turkey). He converted to Christianity as a young man thanks to the teaching of St. James, Bishop of Nisibis.
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By Ian Wilson (Rated G) Bernardine had always been pious, even as a youth. Born to a wealthy family of Tuscany in 1380, Bernardine was orphaned at the young age of six, and raised by his aunt. He was known to practice many spiritual disciplines at his tender age, and had a great heart for […]
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By T.K. Wilson (Rated G) Irene, Great-Martyr of Thessalonica, was born Princess Penelope to pagan parents. Afraid his daughter would be influenced by Christianity (as no doubt the stories of other high-born ladies who dedicated themselves to Jesus had reached him), he locked her up in a tower with thirteen other girls. Because God finds […]
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St. Louis Grignion de Montfort was known for his deep devotion and sensitivity towards Christ and the Church from even the days of his childhood. As he matured, he directed this passion towards the study of theology, which he undertook in Paris. It was here, at the seminary of Saint-Sulpice, that Montfort uncovered a particular interest in the Virgin Mary – which would prove to be one of the most defining facets of his life and ministry.
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Pope Martin the First was born in Tuscany, in the late sixth or early seventh century AD. Known for his devotion and piety, he was made an official assistant to Pope Theodore the First. Though Martin was a good and faithful man, it was in this position that his troubles began.
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Cyrene is a region in the Roman province of Libya in North Africa, which has led to some speculation that Simon of Cyrene was black. The fact is, we do not know the color of his skin. We do know that Cyrene had a large population of the Jewish diaspora. Simon, like many Jews, had likely come to Jerusalem to celebrate the passover.
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