Blessed Bernard of Quintavalle, also known as Bernard of Assisi, Bernardo, or the First Fruits of the Minor Orders, was born around 1175 in Assisi, Italy. He belonged to the wealthy nobility of Assisi and received a comprehensive education, studying both civil and canon law at the prestigious University of Bologna. In 1198, Bernard joined the forces of the Fourth Crusade and participated in...

Saint Floriana of Rome, also known as Saint Florianilla, is a revered figure in the Catholic Church. As a virgin martyr, she represents the epitome of faith and sacrifice. Unfortunately, not much is known about her life, making her biography quite elusive. Floriana of Rome was born in Rome, Italy, but details of her birth date and family background remain unknown. She lived during a tumultuous...

In 1898 seven sisters of the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary were sent to the Shanxi diocese in China to serve the poor in hospitals, and care for the unwanted or other destitutes in orphanages. There they all died in one of the periodic crackdowns against foreign missionaries. They were beheaded on July 9, 1900 at Taiyuanfu, China. They were Beatified on November 24, 1946 by Pope Pius...

Saint Apollonius of Brescia, a second-century bishop, is believed to have been born in Brescia, Italy. Though information about his early life is scarce, historical documents suggest that he played a significant role in the early Christian community in Brescia. Apollonius was baptized Saint Afra of Brescia, a martyr who is venerated in the city. According to the Acts of Saints Faustinus and...

Saint Romulus of Fiesole (Italian: San Romolo, died c. AD 90) was bishop of Fiesole during the 1st century. He is venerated as the patron saint of Fiesole, Italy. Romulus was probably a local deacon, priest, or bishop of the 1st century. According to tradition, he was a disciple of Saint Peter and had been converted to Christianity by the apostle. This tradition states that Romulus became...