Saint Nicholas Owen, also known as John Owen or Little John, was born in the 16th century in Oxford, England. He came from a family that was deeply committed to the persecuted Catholic Church, with two of his brothers becoming priests and another working as a printer of underground Catholic books. Nicholas himself followed in his father's footsteps and became a carpenter and mason....
Saint Birillus of Catania, also known as Berillo, Beryl, Beryllus, and Brillus, was a prominent figure in the early Christian Church. He is widely celebrated as the first bishop of Catania, Sicily, and is believed to have been consecrated by Saint Peter the Apostle himself. Born in Antioch, modern-day Turkey, Birillus led an eventful life in service to the early Christian community. As a...
Saint Martin of Braga, also known as Martin of Dumio, Martin of Panónia, Martin of Dume, Martin Bracarense, Martin Dumiense, and Martinho, was a significant figure in the early Christian church during the 6th century. He was born between 515 and 520 in Pannonia, an ancient region located in present-day Hungary. As a young man, Martin embarked on a journey of faith and entered the monastic life...
St. Joseph (1st c.) was a descendant of Israel's King David and a carpenter by trade. Scripture tells us that he was a just and virtuous man who was betrothed to wed the young Blessed Virgin Mary. Upon finding her pregnant with the Son of God, Joseph, after a time of uncertainty, was encouraged by an angel to continue with the marriage plans. Because of his complete faithfulness and...
Saint Alexander of Jerusalem, also known as Alexander of Cappadocia, was a prominent figure in the early years of Christianity. Born in Cappadocia, he traveled to Alexandria, Egypt, to pursue his studies. It was there that he became a fellow student of the renowned theologian and scholar, Origen. After completing his education, Alexander returned to his homeland and eventually became the...