Empress of the Eastern Roman Empire, eldest daughter of the Emperor Arcadius, b. 19 Jan., 399; d. in 453. After the death of Arcadius (408), her younger brother, Theodosius II, then only seven, became emperor under the guardianship of Anthimus. Pulcheria had matured early and had great administrative ability; she soon exerted salutary influence over the young and not very capable emperor. On 4...

A man convinced of the inestimable worth of each human being, Frédéric Ozanam served the poor of Paris well, and drew others into serving the poor of the world. Through the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, which he founded, his work continues to the present day. Frédéric was the fifth of Jean and Marie Ozanam’s 14 children, one of only three to reach adulthood. As a teenager he began...

Thomas of Villanova (1488 – 8 September 1555), born Tomás García y Martínez, was a Spanish friar of the Order of Saint Augustine who was a noted preacher, ascetic and religious writer of his day. He became an archbishop who was famous for the extent of his care for the poor of his see. In 1544 he was nominated as Archbishop of Valencia and he continued to refuse the position until...

Saint Cloud, also known as Clodoald, Clodoaldo, Clodoaldus, and Claud, was born in the year 522 in Gaul, which is modern-day France. He was born into French royalty as the son of King Clodomir and Clotilde, and he was also the grandson of King Clovis and Saint Clotilda. Tragically, Saint Cloud's father died in battle when Cloud and his siblings were still young. Following this, the...

Saint Bega, also known as Saint Bee, was born in the 7th century in Ireland to a noble family. According to historical accounts, she was betrothed to the Prince of Norway as part of an arranged marriage. However, Bega had a strong desire to dedicate her life and virginity to the Lord, so she refused the arrangement and decided to flee. Legend has it that Saint Bega miraculously crossed the...