Saint Peter Julian Eymard, also known as Peter Julian Eymard, Pierre-Julien Eymard, and Pietro Giuliano Eymard, was born on 4 February 1811 in La Mure, France. He grew up in a poor family during a time when the Catholic Church faced hostility and persecution in the aftermath of the French Revolution. Despite opposition from his family, Peter felt a deep calling to the priesthood. He entered...

The names of the Holy Maccabees are Abim, Anthony, Guria, Eleazar, Eusebona, Achim, and Marcellus. They were Jews by race and exact keepers of the Laws of the Fathers. They lived during the reign of Antiochus, who was surnamed Epiphanes ("Illustrious"), the King of Syria and an implacable enemy of the Jews. Having subjugated their whole nation and done many evil things to them, not...

A group of 350 monks martyred by the Monophysite heretics of the region refused to deny the decree of the Council of Chalcedon that had condemned the Monophysites. After St Maroun died, many were inspired by his teachings and his ascetic way of life. By the fifth century a monastery was built near where he lived known as Bet Maroun. The monastery became very significant in the region. Also...

Saint Leopold Bogdan Mandic, also known as Adeodato Bogdan Mandic, was born on May 12, 1866, in Herceg Novi, Dubrovacko-Neretvanska, Croatia. He was the twelfth child of Peter and Caroline Mandic. From an early age, Leopold displayed physical malformation and delicate health. However, he also showed signs of great spiritual strength and integrity. At the age of 16, Leopold left Dalmatia and...

Pope Blessed Urban II, also known as Odo of Lagery, Otho of Lagery, or Eudes of Lagery, was born around 1042 in Lagery, France. He studied in Rheims, France, and later became a monk and prior at Cluny, one of the most influential monastic centers of his time. During this period, Urban developed a deep understanding and appreciation for the monastic life, and his dedication to the Church grew...