These twin brothers were martyred at Rome under Diocletian towards the end of the third century, most likely in 286. These martyrs, who were brothers, are mentioned in most of the ancient martyrologies on 18 June, and their martyrdom is known to us from the Acts of St. Sebastian, which, though in great part legendary, are nevertheless very ancient. Cast into prison for being Christians, they...

Saint Theresa of Portugal, also known as Tarasia and Teresa, was born on 4 October 1178 in Coimbra, Portugal. She was the oldest daughter of King Sancho I and was born into a life of royalty. As a princess, Theresa enjoyed a privileged upbringing and received a proper education. In her youth, Theresa married King Alfonso IX of Leon, Spain. As part of her dowry, northern Portugal became part of...

Saint Benno of Meissen, also known as Benedict or Bennone, was born in 1010 in Hildesheim, Germany, into a noble Saxon family. His mother was the Blessed Bezela of Goda, and from an early age, Benno displayed an affinity for the Church. He received his education at the abbey of Saint Michael in Hildesheim. As an adult, Benno became deeply involved in the power politics of his time. He served...

Saint Vitus, also known as Guy, Veit, Vith, or Vito, was a Christian martyr who lived during the early 4th century. According to legend, he was the son of a pagan Sicilian senator named Hylas. At the age of twelve, Vitus was converted to Christianity by his tutor, Saint Modestus, and his nurse, Saint Crescentia. However, Vitus's father strongly opposed his conversion and had all three of...

Elisha, whose name in Hebrew means God is Salvation, was an Israelite prophet and disciple of Elijah. Accounts of Elisha’s life and activities are found in 1 and 2 Kings, but these biblical texts are the only records we have of such a person. According to the Bible, Elisha was active during the reigns of Israelite kings Joram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joash, which would place him during...