Saint Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad, also known as Maria Elizabetta Hesselblad, was born on June 4, 1870, in Faglavik, Alvsborg province, Sweden. She was the fifth of thirteen children born to Augusto Roberto Hesselblad and Cajsa Pettesdotter Dag. Raised in the Reformed Church of Sweden, Saint Mary Elizabeth's family faced economic hardships, leading to frequent moves. Seeking work to support...
Saint Gerard of Toul, also known as Gerhard, was born in 935 to a noble family in Cologne, Germany. Even as a young boy, he displayed great piety and devotion to his faith. Gerard received a solid education in Cologne, studying theology and various languages, including Greek and Latin. Tragedy struck Gerard's life when his mother was tragically killed by a lightning strike. This event...
Saint Opportuna of Montreuil, also known as Opportune, was an esteemed Catholic saint and Benedictine nun, born at the castle of Exmes in Argentan, Normandy, France. She was the sister of Saint Chrodegang of Séez and the niece of Saint Lanthilda. Saint Opportuna dedicated her life to serving God and became renowned for her faith and piety. At a young age, Opportuna entered the convent near...
Saint Apollonius of Antinoë, also known as Apollonius the Apologist, was a courageous Christian martyr who lived during the time of the persecutions of Diocletian. Although little is known about his early life, his extraordinary act of faith and self-sacrifice has made him an inspiration for Christians throughout history. During the reign of Diocletian, Christians faced immense persecution,...
St. Anicetus was the pope from 155-166. He succeeded Pius and was a Syrian from Edessa. Anicetus was a notable enemy of the heresies of his era, and during his reign a controversy arose between the Eastern and Western Churches. St. Polycarp, then rather advanced in age, came to confer with Anicetus, and spent two years, from 160-162, discussing a difference of opinion about the date of...