Saints & Heroes

August 14: The Virgin Mary appeared to Maximilian and presented him with two crowns, one of white roses for purity, the other of red ones for martyrdom. He accepted both.

November 13: Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. By 1907 her order had built free schools, orphanages and convents in 8 countries.

January 4: Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton founded the first religious order for women in America, the Sisters of Charity and became known as Mother Seton.

November 4: Saint Charles Borromeo, while only a sub-deacon, was a Cardinal and administrator of the vacant diocesan see of Milan, Papal Secretary of State, and entrusted with the government of the Papal States, as well as supervisor of the Franciscans, the Carmelites and the Order of Malta.

October 6: Saint Bruno, a Carthusian monk, lived a heroic life of mortification and solitude according to the Carthusian spirituality.

July 23: Saint Bridget was canonized in 1391, and is the patron saint of the Kingdom of Sweden. She is also considered one of the "Patron Saints of Europe".

August 20: While yet unborn, a devout man had foretold Saint Bernard's great destiny. His severe mortification attracted many followers.

November 25: Saint Catherine of Alexandria was a beautiful young woman of great intellect, who defeated numerous pagan philosophers in debate.

April 29: Saint Catherine of Siena was a holy virgin, mystic, and miracle worker who had visions of Our Lord and the Blessed Mother and advised Popes.