Pope Eutychian, also called Eutychianus, was the Bishop of Rome from 4 January 275 to his death in 283. His original epitaph was discovered in the catacomb of Callixtus, but almost nothing more is known of him. Even the date of his reign is uncertain. Liber Pontificalis gives a reign of 8 years and 11 months, from 275 to 283. Eusebius, on the other hand says his reign was only 10 months....
St. John the Silent, named for his love of solitude, came from a prominent Armenian family. At eighteen, he built a monastery and for a decade led ten young companions in a life of devotion and hard work. Because of his reputation as a leader, at age twenty-eight and over his protests, he was made bishop of Colonia in Armenia. For nine years he faithfully performed his office. In 490, however,...
Saint Gertrude The Elder, also known as Gertrude of Hamage or Gertrude of Hamaye, was a renowned figure in the Catholic Church. Born around the year 560, she was a married lay woman who eventually found her calling as a religious leader and spiritual guide. Gertrude's life took a significant turn following the death of her husband. Instead of remarrying, she felt called to dedicate herself...
Christina of Markyate was born with the name Theodora in Huntingdon, England, about 1096–1098 and died about 1155. She was an anchoress, who came from a wealthy English family trying to accommodate with the Normans at that time. She later became the prioress of a community of nuns.
Christina was born c. 1100 into a prosperous East Anglian family. Auti, her father, is likely to have...
Saint Anno II, also known as Anno of Cologne, Annan, Annon, or Hanno, was born around 1010. He displayed a deep sense of piety even as a child and was known for his devotion to prayer. As a young man, Anno considered a military career but ultimately chose to answer the call to religious life with the help of his uncle, the canon of Bamberg. Anno had a strong background in literature as well as...