Hagiography: The Confessor Saints

So now we move to the confessor saints. These are saints who were not martyred for their faith, but rather lived in the example of Christ. They were like John the Apostle, martyrs by will but not by deed. They were so devout in their faith that they would have died had they faced the trial. These confessor saints mostly includes missionaries, priests, kings, queens, and even some common folk. Thru their evangelization, devotion, and charity they set a Christian example that was worthy of canonization. Many of these saints lived thru brutal repression, and heroically spread the word of Christ in pagan lands. Missionaries such as St. Patrick and St. Martin endured great challenges to help build the church in western Europe.

Then there was the kings and queens who played a vital role in the progression of Christianity. I consider Constantine the Great as one of the most important figures in Christian history. He completely changed the narrative when he accepted Christianity and made it legal in 313 AD. During the Middle Ages, kings and queens also played a vital role at strengthening Christianity. They took bold steps to accept the faith and set an example of piety and charity for their people to follow. Then there were priests who strived for the sanctity and preservation of the church amidst trying times during the Protestant Reformation. There were even common folk such as Isidore the Laborer or Elizabeth Ann Seton, who were true examples of Christ's holy influence. 

Early Confessor Saints

Saint Silas

• Years: 10-65 AD
  
• Nationality: Judea, Roman Empire
• Life: Silas joined the early Christian movement after the Resurrection of Christ and is considered one of the 70 disciples. He quickly became an affluential leader among the apostles at the Council of Jerusalem. He was later chosen to join Paul, Barnabas, and Timothy on their missionary work in Antioch and the Baltic region. According to scripture he was beaten and imprisoned repeatedly, however there is no record if he was a martyr. He later became a bishop of Corinth prior to his death.
• Cause of Death: Unknown, old age
• Patronage: Missionaries, prisoners, those who are persecuted
• Symbols: Chains, shackles, palm branch
• Feast Day: Jan 26

Saint Timothy

• 
  Years: 15-97 (82 years)
• Nationality: Lystra, Anatolia (Roman Empire)
  
• Life: He was a devout believer of God from Lystra, and was personally chosen by Paul as a close companion. Timothy became Paul's personal assistant and student, considered his spiritual son. He joined Paul on his missionary travels throughout Asia Minor and was also an evangelist transcribing many of Paul's teachings. Timothy eventually goes on his own missionary work to oversee the church in Ephesus, Turkey. It is believed he died here in Ephesus of old age.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Stomach and intestinal sickness
• Symbols: Pastoral staff
• Feast Day: Jan 22
• Famous Churches:
• Cathedral of Termoli (San Timoteo, Italy)- 11th- 13th century- Dedicated to Saint Timothy with many of his relics
• Church of the Holy Apostles (Constantinople, Turkey)- 330- Destroyed in 1461. Had many of St. Timothy's relics

Saint Thecla

• 
  Years: 30-90 (60 years)
  
• Nationality: Iconium, Turkey
• Life: She was a follower of Paul the Apostle after she heard him preaching in Iconium (Turkey). She was a young noblewoman who decided to renounce her possessions and follow Christ to the full. She was engaged to be married, but later rejected the marriage so she could devout herself completely to God. This of course caused a great scandal with her husband and the nobles and they had her sentenced to death. She was to be burnt at the stake but miraculously a rainstorm put out the flames. She was then thrown to the beasts, but they refused to devour her. She manages to baptize herself in the midst of this chaos and is eventually let free. She then goes on to live an ascetic life in isolation and prayer for the remainder of her life.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Virgin women, survivors of violence, preachers
• Symbols: Lioness, flames, scrolls, water
• Feast Day: Sept 23
• Famous Churches:
• Aya Tekla Cave Church (Selecuia, Turkey)- Believed to be the location where she lived as a hermit

Saint Helena

• Years: 246-330 (82 years)
• 
  Nationality: Bithynia, Roman Empire (Modern day Turkey)
  
• Life: She was the mother of Constantine the Great who helped change the course of Christian history. She was a devout Christian of low social status, and had a child with the Roman officer Constantius which would become Constantine the royal heir. However since she was not of noble birth she was set aside for some time. When Constantine became emperor he brought his lowly mother back into the royal court life. Despite being in her 70s at this point she took an administrative role in her son's empire promoting charitable policies towards the poor. Her true claim to fame was her pilgrimage to the Holy Land, where according to tradition she found the True Cross of Jesus Christ. She had many of the sites explored and excavated near the site of Calvary where a Roman temple stood. It was under this temple she found the crosses buried and knew it was the true cross when it miraculously healed a child. She went on to build churches on the sacred sites across the Holy Land which included the Church of The Holy Sepulchre, Church of Nativity, and Church of the Ascension. She played a crucial role in convincing her powerful son to convert and make Christianity acceptable as well as glorying the Holy Land with churches.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Archeologists, converts, difficult marriages, divorcees, empresses, new discoveries
• Symbols: crown, cross, nails
• Feast Day: Aug 18
• Famous Churches:
• The Church and Mausoleum of St. Helena (Rome, Italy)- 326-330- Primary church dedicated to St. Helena with her burial site.
• Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Jerusalem, Israel)- 326-335- Helena disovered the true cross at this location, and had the Roman temple destroyed and replaced with this famous church
• Church of the Nativity (Bethlehem, Israel)- 327-333- She also had a church built in the location of Christ's birth
• Chapel of the Ascension (Mount of Olives, Israel)- 390- She also played a role in developing this shrine on the location of Christ's ascension
• Trier Cathedral (Trier, Germany)- 1235-1270- Allegedly has her skull on display in the church's crypt
• Basilica of Saint Mary of the Altar in Heaven- (Rome, Italy)- 12th century- Also has some of her relics
• Saint-Leu-Gilles-de-Paris (Paris, France)- 1235-1780- Although it is dedicated to Saint Giles, it contains many of her relics

Saint Nicholas

• 
  Years: 270-343
  
• Nationality: Patara, Roman Empire (Turkey)
• Life: He was born into a wealthy family, here his parents died at a young age, thus giving him a large inheritance. Saint. Nicholas became a devout Christian while it was still considered illgal, however he also lived during Constantine's Edict of Milan in 313 which made it legal. St. Nicholas famously became a steward for charity and giving gifts thru his wealthy inheritance. One of the more popular stories include him giving gold to a poor family so their daughters weren't sold into prostitution. He also famously rescued sailors from a storm, brought children back to life, and saved a man from execuion. He became bishop of Myra where he continued to defend the poor, innocent, and downtrodden. It is even believed he attended the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD. According to some legends he did face persecution and even torture, however survived and did not die as a martyr. His charitable persona slowly evolved into the embodiment of Santa Claus that we know him as today. He is also very popular in the Eastern Orthodox church.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Children, coopers, travelers, sailors, fishermen, merchants, toymakers, broadcasters, unmarried people, brewers, pharmacists, archers
• Symbols: Bishop red robes, omophorion
• Feast Day: Dec 5
• Famous Churches:Basilica of Saint Nicholas (Bari, Italy)- 1089-1197- Houses the relics of Saint Nicholas
• Church of Saint Nichoals (Demre, Turkey)- 520- Built over the original tomb of St. Nick. Considered his oldest church dedicaed to him
• St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral (Kronstadt, Russia)- 1903-1913- Memorial to sailors and Nicholas as their patron
• Basilica of St. Nicholas (Amsterdam, Netherlands)- 1884-1887- Central catholic church in Netherlands dedicated to the Sinterklaas tradition

Saint Constantine

• Years: 272-337
• 
  Nationality: Nicomedia, Roman Empire (modern day Turkey)
  
• Life: He was a game changer of world history, who made Christianity legal and ended the 300 years of persecution. Although his mother Helena, was a devout Christian, Constantine did not convert until later in his reign. According to legend Constantine received a vision from Jesus Christ prior to the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312. In the vision he saw a cross of light, which made him order all his soldiers to put the cross on their shields. The Romans then went on to win the battle and Constantine became converted overnight. He quickly began to repeal some of the harsh laws against Christianity, most notably by making it legal in the 313 Edict of Milan. He eventually began a new campaign of Christian advocacy, locating relics and building churches. In 325 he took part in the Council of Nicea, the first time an emperor sat in on a church council. He was officially baptized right before his death in 337. He is only recognized a saint by the Eastern Orthodox and not the Western Roman church. The case against his sainthood is his involvement in war, however I think he was a crucial figure in the acceptance of the religion.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Rulers, statesmen
• Symbols: The Chi-Rho, Roman military banner, crown and imperial robes
• Feast Day: May 21
• Famous Churches:
• Church of the Holy Apostles (Constantinople, Byzantine Empire)- 4th century- 1453- Central church of Christianity in Constantinople that was destroyed in the Ottoman sack of 1453. The church was the mausoleum of Constantine with relics of Constantine, St. Luke, St. Timothy, and St. John Chrysostom.
• Hagia Eirene (Istanbul, Turkey)- 330
• Church of Saints Constantine and Helena (Jerusalem, Israel)- 4th- 6th century
• Church of St. Constantine and Helena (Rome, Italy)

 

Saint Martin of Tours

• Years: 336-397 (61 years)
• 
  Nationality: Candes, Gaul (France)
  
• Life: He was a Roman soldier who underwent a conversion while stationed in Gaul (France). He saw a cold beggar and decided to cut his cloak in half so as to give him warmth. Later that night he received a vision from the Lord, thanking him, which inspired St. Martin to baptize himself. He then decided to leave to the Roman army and begin work as a monk and missionary. He became a student of St. Hilary of Poitiers and eventually went out on his own missionary work and established the monastery of Marmoutier. He was then convinced to be bishop of Tours, which he reluctantly accepted, however continued spreading the Gospel across France until his death. According to legend during his lifetime he performed many miracles to help convince the people of the power of God. Such as having a tree fall towards him then change directions, raising a dead catchumen, and performing exorcisms over demons. He became very popular during his lifetime and is regarded as the St. Patrick confessor of France.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Against poverty, against alcoholism, calvary, France, geese, horses, innkeepers, riders, soldiers, tailors, wine makers
• Symbols: Man on horseback sharing his cloak with beggar, man cutting cloak in half, globe of fire, goose
• Feast Day: Nov 11
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Saint Martin (Tours, France)- 397-471(destroyed during French Revolution); rebuilt in 1886-1924- This is the site of St. Martin's tomb
• Abbey of Marmoutier (Tours, France)- 372- Founded by St. Martin it is one of the earliest monasteries in western Europe
• Liguge Abbey (Poitiers, France)- 360- Monastery founded by St. Martin
• St. Martin's Church (Canterbury, England)- 580-597
• Martinikerk (Groningen, Netherlands)- 1220-1230- Dedicated to St. Martin with a massive iconic church steeple known as St. Martin's Tower  

Saint Germanus of Auxerre

• Years: 378-448
• 
  Nationality: Auxerre, Burgundy (France)
  
• Life: He was born into a noble aristocrat family with a solid Roman education. Thru his nobility he became a civil administrator of Burgundy with great authority. However he later had a conflict with Bishop Amator over a sacred tree. Bishop Amator felt Germanus was gifted with the holy spirit, and was able to convert him by shaving his head and appointing him as bishop against his own desire. Germain thus succeeded Amator as bishop of Auxere and quickly took on to the Christian life. He gave up much of his wealth and title to humbly serve Christ. He was a devout Christian renown for his preaching, caring for the poor, healing the sick, and casting out demons. He later traveled to Britain to fight against Pelagianism ( which believed salvation came thru free wall and not thru Christ and God). His transformation was quite miraculous on par with St. Paul.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Bishops, church leaders, missionaries, defenders of the faith, Alleluia, France
• Symbols: Priest robes, book, scroll, bare feet,
• Feast Day: July 31
• Famous Churches:
• Abbey of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre (493-500)- His primary shrine and location of his tomb and relics. It later developed into a Benedictine abbey

Saint Patrick

• 
  Years: 385-461 (76 years)
  
• Nationality: Britain, Roman Empire
• Life: His father was a deacon, however he did not feel Christ's calling at first as a child. However at the age of 16 he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and enslaved as a shepherd for six years where he found Christ. He was eventually able to escape back to Britain with a new found devotion to the teachings of Christ. He decided to later return to Ireland to do missionary work after receiving various visions calling for him to be the Voice of the Irish. He was eventually ordained a priest and bishop in Ireland and was able to convert many pagans to Christianity while establishing many churches. According to legend he used various signs to convince people of the power of Christ such as shamrocks, expelling snakes, and creating a circle of purgatory. He lived the majority of his life in Ireland where he died of old age and thus is considered the Apostle of Ireland.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Ireland, Boston, New York, snakes
• Symbols: Shamrock, bishop robes, snakes, the color green
• Feast Day: March 17
• Famous Churches:
• St. Patrick's Cathedral (Dublin, Ireland)- 1191-1370 (near the site of Patrick's baptismal well)
• St. Patrick's Cathedral (Armagh, Ireland)- 1840-1904 (where Patrick built his first church)
• Down Cathedral (Downpatrick, Ireland) 461 (The burial site of Patrick)
• St. Patrick's Cathedral (New York City, USA)- 1858-1878 (Largest Gothic cathedral in America)

Saint Augustine of Canterbury

• Years: 550-604
• Nationality: Rome, Italy 
  
• Life: He was the famous missionary sent by Pope Gregory the Great to convert England to Christianity. Augustine traveled to Kent to meet the Anglo Saxon king Ethelberht and establish the first Catholic church in Canterbury. At the time England was still heavily influenced by pagan Celtic religions, despite growing Christian popularity in Ireland and Wales. King Ethelberht was the key piece that allowed the conversion to happen since he was married to a Frankish princess who was a Christian. The timing and organization was perfect, taking advantage of Ethelberht's strong influence across the Anglo Saxon kingdoms. Augustine used his skills of coordination but also preaching the church law so that it was successfully implemented across the kingdoms. Even after establishing this church however, England would still compete with Celtic practices for some time after. However Augustine is regarded as the founder of Christianity in England, where Canterbury still remains it's Christian center.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: England, English Church, missionaries, evangelizers
• Symbols: Crozier, book or gospels, church
• Feast Day: May 26
• Famous Churches:
• Canterbury Cathedral (Canterbury, England)- 597 AD- The central church of the archbishop of Canterbury established by Augustine. It was the first church in England.
• St. Augustine's Abbey (Canterbury, England)- 598- Monastic residence for Augustine and his monks which is also his burial site.
• St. Martin's Church (Canterbury, England)- 597- This church was also used during Augustine's foundational mission in England
• St. Augustine's Church (Ramsgate, England)- 1846-1852

Middle Age Confessors

Saint Vladimir the Great

• Years: 958-1015
  
• Nationality:
• Life: He was the Grand Price of Kyiv who played a crucial role in converting the Slavic region of Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia to Christianity. His early life as a pagan ruler was of course violent as was the norm in those days, however in 988 he accepted Christianity and was baptized in Crimea. He then made Christianity the new state religion and had many of the pagan idols and temples destroyed. He completely changed after his baptism and set a new example of moral discipline for his people to follow. He established many churches across the Slavic region, encouraged literacy, marriage, and took care of the poor. He is considered the key confessor of the eastern European region, celebrated in both Roman and Eastern Orthodox traditions.
• Cause of Death: Sickness
• Patronage: Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Baptism, Conversion
• Symbols: Crown, cross, thorn
• Feast Day: July 15
• Famous Churches:
• St. Vladimir's Cathedral (Kyiv, Ukraine)- 1862-1896- One of the most important churches in Eastern Europe
• St. Vladimir's Cathedral (St. Petersburg, Russia)- 1708-1789
• Church of St. Vladimir Equal to the Apostles (Moscow, Russia)- 17th century

Saint Henry II Holy Roman Emperor

• Years: 973-1024
• 
  Nationality: Bavaria, Germany (Holy Roman Empire)
  
• Life: He is the only Holy Roman Emperor who is a saint, as he ruled as a servant of the church instead of thru war mongering. He saw himself as the moral authority of keeping his people in tune with the laws of the church. He served as an example himself by practicing celibacy with his wife St. Cunigunde sharing constant devotion and prayer. He partook in the reform of churches, clergy, and building many new churches and dioceses across the empire. Even though there were still wars fought under his reign he was an example of religious piety. He tended to fight defensive wars against rebellions rather then campaigns of conquest or civil brutality. For his constant devotion and contributions to the church he was canonized a saint.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Benedictine orders, disabled people
• Symbols:
• Feast Day: July 13
• Famous Churches:
• Bamberg Cathedral (Bamberg, Germany)- 13th century- St. Henry II built this church and it's diocese. It is considered his primary church and holds his tomb and relics along with his wife, St. Cunigunde.

Saint Stephen of Hungary

• 
  Years: 975-1038 (62)
  
• Nationality: Esztergom, Hungary
• Life: He was born as Vajk prince of the ruling pagan people known as the Magyars, and later was baptized with the new name of Stephen. When he became king he aligned his kingdom with the Roman Church which marked the beginning of the Kingdom of Hungary. During his reign he crushed rebellions that sought to fight against the statehood of Christianity. He established churches, dioceses, and appointed clergy members across the kingdom. He worked closely with the Papacy seeking to establish a counter balance between chuch and state. While he had to use violence to fight against his enemies he also was known for his almsgiving and protection of the poor. Towards the ends of this death, he dedicated the Kingdom of Hungary to the Virgin Mary. He was canonized as a confessor saint he worked to convert his pagan people and spread the faith across the nation.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Hungary, kings, masons, stonecutters, protector against sick children
• Symbols: Crown, scepter, globe
• Feast Day: Aug 20
• Famous Churches:
• St. Stephen's Basilica (Budapest, Hungary)- 1851-1905- Dedicated to St. Stephen of Hungary; displays the relics of his holy right hand
• Cathedral Basilica of St. Stephen the King (Szekesfehervar, Hungary)- 1758-1768- Dedicated to St. Stephen

Saint Edward the Confessor

• Years: 1003-1066 (63 years)
• Nationality: Oxfordshire, England
• 
  Life: He was the last Anglo Saxon king and a very devout Christian. He faced continuous Viking raids, however ultimately he sought peace and prayer over war and violence. There are many claims that he preferred the monastic life over his royal duties, and even remained celibate in his marriage. His greatest achievement was establishing the iconic Westminster Abbey in 1065 (which still stands today as one of England's great landmarks). He did not
  have any children, which led to a succession crisis, that became the precursor to the Normandy Conquest of 1066. He was canonized as a saint for his great humility and temperance towards Christ, choosing prayer over violence.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Monarchy, United Kingdom, difficult marriages
• Symbols: Royal garments, crown, a ring, scepter and cross,
• Feast Day: Oct 13
• Famous Churches:
• Westminster Abbey (London, England)- 1040-1065- Built by King Edward the Confessor originally dedicated to St. Peter but considered Edward's primary church where he is buried.
• St. Edward the Confessor Church (Essex, England)- 1400
• St. Edwards Church (Cambridge, England)- 13th century

Saint Margaret of Scotland

• 
  Years: 1045-1093 (47 years)
• Nationality: Edinburg, Scotland
  
• Life: She is the patron mother saint of Scotland, who used her position as queen consort to set an example of being a pious Christian. She took in active role in reforming the church and state law, with daily prayer, fasting, church services, and updating the liturgy. She also took care of the poor, captives, and slaves. She taught her husband King Malcolm III how to show justice, thru the compassion of Christ. She raised her children to be devout Christians, which included three future Scottish kings, such as David I. She played a pivotal role in spreading and establishing the Christian practice across Scotland.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Scotland, queens, widows
• Symbols: Crown, books, black rood, bowl
• Feast Day: Nov 16
• Famous Churches:
• St. Margaret's Chapel (Edinburgh, Scotland)- 1130- Oldest standing building in Edinburgh
• Dunfermline Abbey (Fife, Scotland)- 1070- Founded by Maragaret, that is her burial site and other famous Scottish kings

Saint Isidore the Laborer

• 
  Years: 1070-1130 (59 years)
• Nationality: Madrid, Kingdom of Castile (Spain)
  
• Life: He was a peasant and a farmer from Madrid who lived a simple life with his wife Maria. They were hard workers, devout in their faith which brought on several miracles. The most famous was when Isidore's employer witnessed him standing alongside two angels who were helping him plow the field. Another legend was that while feeding the hungry, his pot miraculously never went empty. There is also a legend of his son falling into a well, by which Isidore prayed, and the water rose his son back up. His story is a very unusual one, of a common person with deep faith, who experienced many miracles. There are approximately 438 reported miracles that occurred throughout his lifetime (with testaments and witnesses). Whether legend or not, the holy character of St. Isidore made a major impression on his peers, which inspired the church to identify him as a saint. His story also gives homage to the dignity of work, especially for humble laborers that are often associated with the lower-class peasants (as Jesus himself was a lowly carpenter and fishermen). There are also many posthumous miracles associated to his grave and patronage, that give his story all the more credibility.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Agriculture, farmers, laborers, Madrid, Spain
• Symbols: Peasant holding a sickle, staff, angels alongside him plowing, white ox near him, spade, plough
• Feast Day: May 15
• Famous Churches:
• Collegiate Church of San Isidro el Real (Madrid, Spain)- 1620-1664- Jesuit church that was later dedicated to St. Isidore and his burial place
• Church of St. Andrew (Madrid, Spain)- 11th century- First major site that recognized Isidore's holiness.

Saint Ferdinand III of Castile

• Years: 1201-1252
• 
  Nationality: Kingdom of Leon (Spain)
  
• Life: He was the pivotal leader of re-establishing Christianity throughout Spain during their Reconquista from the Muslim occupancy. He reunified Castile and Leon thru peace talks, ending a long civil war. He restored the central authority of the church throughout Cordoba, Jaen and Seville. He ruled with humility and Christian devotion instead of thru violence and war. He fought against corrupt, and worked closely with the church to establish a balanced relation with the church-and-state. The church celebrated him as a person of justice, piety, and responsible use of power.
• Cause of Death: Sickness (Dropsy)
• Patronage: Cities, Seville, engineers
• Symbols: Crown, royal robes, sword, cross bearer, kneeling in prayer
• Feast Day: May 30
• Famous Churches:
• Royal Chapel (Seville, Spain)- 1401-1506- Burial place of St. Ferdinand III
• San Fernando Cathedral (San Antonio, Texas)- 1738-1750- Dedicated to Saint Ferdinand and is one of the oldest cathedrals in the United States.

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

• Years: 1207-1231 (24 years)
• 
  Nationality: Kingdom of Hungary (modern day Bratislava, Slovakia)
  
• Life: She has a very intriguing story at the height of the Medieval ages. She was born a princess, however had a strong calling to the faith. Nonetheless she was married off, and genuinely loved her husband alongside Christ (a rare example of a married female saint). She put much of her effort and resources into caring for the poor and sick. During the Sixth Crusade her husband was killed and she became a widow and quickly loss favor with the nobles. She eventually gave away all her wealth and possessions to live among the poor. She died at the young age of 24 likely due to the harsh reality of poverty.
• Cause of Death: Poverty (exhaustion, malnutrition, illness)
• Patronage: Hospitals, nurses, bakers, brides, homeless people, widows
• Symbols: Roses, crown, food basket
• Feast Day: November 17
• Famous Churches:
• Church of St. Elizabeth (Marburg, Germany)- 1235-1283- One of the earliest Gothic churches. It is dedicated to Elizabeth and contains her tomb and many of her relics

Saint Louis IX of France

• 
  Years: 1214-1270 (56 years)
  
• Nationality: Poissy, France
• Life: He was a very pious Christian king, who to enforce every aspect of Christianity upon his kingdom. He was a king for justice, who restricted the wealthy power elite and opened up more privileges for the common people and the poor. He practiced his devotion every day thru prayer, fasting, and works of charity. He was also a warrior king, who led several crusades against heretics, most notably the Albigensian Crusade against the Cathars. He also led the Seventh and Eighth Crusade of which he was briefly captured and later died of sickness. He was canonized by the church not for his crusades but for his dedication to the church and protecting the poor.
• Cause of Death: Sickness
• Patronage: France, New Orleans, Saint Louis, MO
• Symbols: Crown of thorns, crown, sceptre, sword, fleur-de-lis, mantle
• Feast Day: Aug 25
• Famous Churches:
• Cathedrale Saint-Louis de Versailles (Versailles, France)- 1743-1754- Primary shrine dedicated to St. Louis IX
• Cathedrale Saint-Louis de Blois (Blois, France)- 1699-1704
• La Rochelle Cathedrale (La Rochelle, France)- 1742-1784
• Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (Saint Louis, MO)- 1834
• Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis (New Orleans, LA)- 1855-1923
• Saint-Chapelle (Paris, France)- 1241-1248- Incredible royal chapel commissioned by King Louis IX which was to house the crown of thorns and other important relics

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal

• 
  Years: 1271-1336 (65 years)
  
• Nationality: Kingdom of Portugal
• Life: She was Queen of Portugal thru her marriage to King Denis and played a crucial role in the kingdom thru her faithful devotion. Despite being married to a cruel husband, Queen Elizabeth displayed piety and charitable works throughout her life. She also played a significant role in establishing peace by riding out in the midst of a battlefield to lead the negotiations and avoid a deadly civil war. Her most famous story is the Miracle of Roses, when her husband caught her smuggling food and money to the poor. When she lied and told him it was roses, the money miraculously turned to roses to convince the husband. Towards the latter part of her life after King Denis died, she gave away much of her wealth and possessions to the poor. She lived her final years in silent prayer, devotion and humility towards God.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Peacemakers, disrespected wives
• Symbols: Olive branch, dove, holding roses
• Feast Day: July 5
• Famous Churches:
• Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova (Coimbra, Portugal)- 17th- 18th century- Her burial place that was built just for her
• Igreja de Santa Isabel (Lisbon, Portugal)- 18th century

Saint Charles Borromeo

• Years: 1538-1584 (46 years)
• 
  Nationality: Milan, Italy
  
• Life: During the Protestant Reformation, St. Charles Borromeo was a key figure in leading the Counter-Reformation of the Catholic Church. He played the lead role in organizing the Council of Trent (1562) to completely update church law. The church had become clouded with scandal, corruption, and simony and needed a major facelift. Borromeo pushed for stronger discipline and laws among the clergy body, as well as updated liturgy and sacramental practice. For his administrative role during the Council of Trent he was later appointed archbishop of Milan in 1564. As bishop he continued to fight against corruption and superstition while updating the church's catechism. Some of his rules were so strict, that he was nearly assassinated. During the Plague of Milan in 1576-1578 he stayed put to help organize charity and relief for the sick. He is someone who lived as he preached in total spiritual devotion to the scripture. He can be considered the savior of the church as it was starting to falter after the Renaissance and during the Protestant Reformation.
• Cause of Death: Illness
• Patronage: Against ulcers, apple orchards, bishops, catechists, intestinal sickness, Italy, spiritual leaders, stomach sickness
• Symbols: Cord, red cardinal robes
• Feast Day: Nov 4
• Famous Churches:
• Milan Cathedral (Milan, Italy)- 1386- Chapel of St. Charles Borromeo contains his burial tomb and many of his relics
• Basilica of Saints Ambrose and Charles on the Corso (Rome, Italy)- 1612- National church that honors the two great Milan Christians; Ambrose and St. Charles Borromeo
• San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane (Rome, Italy)- 1638-1646- Built in honor of St. Charles
• Colossus of San Carlo Borromeo (Arona, Italy)- 1614-1698- 115 massive statue commissioned by his cousin Cardinal Frederico Borromeo

Saint Vincent de Paul

• Years: 1581-1660 (79)
• 
  Nationality: Gascony, France
  
• Life: He was born as a peasant in southern France but was very ambitious and sought education and the priesthood as a way to escape his poverty. Once he became a priest he continued on an upward trajectory seeking power, fame, and respect. However in 1605 he underwent a massive transformation when he was kidnapped by pirates and sold to slavery in North Africa. He was a prisoner for two years where he discovered a new form of humility in Christ. After converting many of his captors to Christianity, he was able to escape, and begin a new mission in his priesthood. He began campaigns to support the sick and poor thru charitable organizations such as the Daughters of Charity and the Congregation of the Mission. This gave more care for the pare but also gave women more of a vital role in administrating the faith. This sisterhood was encouraged to leave their monasteries and care for the poor, sick, orphans, elderly, and homeless throughout the streets. His charitable organizations became his true claim to fame, and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul remains one of the most popular hospital, school, and charitable institutions.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Hospitals, charities, horses, leprosy, prisoners, spiritual help, volunteers
• Symbols: Poor, beggars, crucifix, book
• Feast Day: Sept 27
• Famous Churches:
• Eglise-Saint-Vincent-de-Paul (Paris, France)- The site where Saint Vincent did much of his work
• St. Vincent de Paul Chapel (Paris, France)- 1827- Contains many of his relics and his burial place

Modern day Confessors

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

• 
  Years: 1774-1821 (46 years)
  
• Nationality: New York, America
• Life: She was raised in the Episcopalian faith during the early years of American independence. As a young girl she was very devout in her prayer and study of scripture. She later married at the age of 19, had five children, then moved with her husband to Italy who was growing ill from tuberculosis. At the age of 29 her husband died, and she was left to care for all five children on her own. During this time Elizabeth relied on various local Italian families where she began to understand their practice of Catholicism. She was especially moved by the reverence towards the eucharist as well as their charity, discipline, and sacrifice. When she returned to the United States she found it difficult to return to her Episcopalian life, and officially converted to Catholicism. She eventually found stability in Maryland where she established the first free Catholic school for girls as well as the Sisters of Charity congregation (modeled off the St. Vincent organizations). She died at the young age of 46 also from tuberculosis but was celebrated as a devout missionary and confessor. She was the first native-born citizen to be canonized as a saint and is without question the most famous American saint.
• Cause of Death: Tuberculosis
• Patronage: Catholic schools, widows, converts, parents,
• Symbols: Book, keys, church, rosary, children, pen
• Feast Day: Jan 4
• Famous Churches:
• National shrine of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (Emmitsbug, Maryland)- 1965- Musuem and basilica on the site of her home, that contains her tomb

Saint Mother Teresa

• Years: 1910-1997 (87 years)
• 
  Nationality: Albanian
  
• Life: Born in North Macedonia, Mother Theresa felt the calling for religious vocation at a very young age and joined the Sisters of Loreto at the age of 18. She was sent to do her missionary work in India, teaching and caring for the poor in Calcutta. She later decided to act on a call she had received from Christ to leave her convent life and administer to the impoverished slums of India. This was a very dangerous move, as it essentially cut her ties from the missionary orders and put her out in the wild. However Mother Teresa was determined in her passion to care for the poor and eventually she established her own organization known as the Missionaries of Charity in 1950. Her sisterhood lived among the poor in the streets, thru active care and attention. By 1979 she had achieved international recognition for her sacrificial service to the poor and won the Noble Peace Price. She later confessed to having periods of doubt and emptiness in her faith, however she endured with the dedication to her work. She is one of the most famous saints of our era, alongside Pope John Paul II.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Missionaries of charity, religious youth, Calcutta
• Symbols: Religious robes, rosary
• Feast Day: Sept 5
• Famous Churches:
• Mother House- (Culcutta, India)- 1953- Considered her primary shrine of devotion that contains her tomb
• Kalighat Home for the Dying (Culcutta, India)- 1952- A hospice Mother Teresa established for the sick that is still operating to this day.
• Sacred Heart Church Site- (Skopje, North Macedonia)- 2009- The shrine of her birthplace that contains museum, relics, and a chapel

Hagiography: Modern Age Martyrs

A new age of exploration emerged by the 1500s with the discoveries of the Americas and the Asian islands. This meant not only colonization but also Christianization of what was considered savage people. In America the conversion moved much faster since the explorers arrived with armies of conquistadors that could easily subjugate the Natives. With 100 years of Columbus arriving, a good majority of Latin America had officially converted to Catholicism. The trend was the same in North America, however they arrived with Protestant pilgrim explorers, and met a little heavier resistance in Canada. Most of Asia however wanted nothing to do with Christianity and were quite brutal in the repression. This could also be because the Europeans did not send armies to back the missionaries in Asia the same way they did in the Americas. Nonetheless thousands of Jesuit priests and their Christian converts were massacred. This was a scale of martyrdom not seen the ancient days of the Roman persecutions.

By around the 1900s, most of the world had been discovered and established. Christianity continued to flourish in Europe and the Americas, while missionaries continued peacefully throughout Asia and Africa. By this point we had achieved a modern age of religious tolerance free from major religious wars (not counting the present day Middle Eastern crisis between Jews and Muslims). Persecutions of Christians had become a very rare thing by this point. Yet there were still isolated cases of political assassinations similar to the late medieval days. These martyrs of the modern age were devout Christians, who found themselves caught in a terrible political conflict. They were killed more so because of their courageous beliefs, rather then for just being Christian. Yet still the church celebrates these heroes for choosing peace over violence.   

Overseas Missionary Martyrs

Japanese Martyrs

• 
  Years: 1597-1639
• Nationality: Japan
  
• Life: The Christian Jesuits from Portugal and Spain began sending missionaries (led by Francis Xavier) into Japan after it was discovered in the mid 1500s. Unlike Latin America however the religion was repressed brutally and led to many persecutions. This was a large-scale purging of both missionaries and the followers, that had not been seen since the Roman Persecutions. While there were thousands of executions the church officially recognizes several groups that are canonized. 26 Martyrs of 1597 led by Saint Paul Miki; 205 Martyrs of 1598-1632 during the Great Genna and Great Edo Martyrdom; Augustine Recollects Martyrs of 1632; 16 Martyrs of 1633-1637; 188 Martyrs of 1603-1639. While some are recognized as saints, others have been recognized with beatification (meaning they are blessed). These martyrs are depicted in the Martin Scorsese film Silence (2016).
• Cause of Death: Fire, crucifixion
• Patronage: Japan, Religious freedom
• Symbols: Crucifixion poles, fire, pit/ropes, martyrs palm
• Feast Day: Feb 5, July 7, April 23, Sept 28
• Famous Churches:
• Oura Church (Nagasaki, Japan)- 1864- It is the oldest surviving Christian church in Japan
• Twenty Six Martyr Museum (Nagasaki, Japan)-1962- Not a church but is a museum and monument that honors these early Christian martyrs near the site of the martyrdom.

Saint Jean de Brebeuf

• 
  Years: 1593-1649
  
• Nationality: Normandy, France
• Life: He was a French Jesuit who traveled to the newly discovered America in Canda, to convert the native Americans. He began work with the Huron natives, adapting to their language and customs. The Hurons welcomed him into their society, learning from one another, even though they blamed the explorers from bringing new disease. In 1649 his Huron village was attacked by the enemy Iroquois tribe, who captured him and his companion Gabriel Lalemant. They then proceeded to torture Brebeuf beating him with clubs, burning him with hot irons, scalping, and pouring boiling water over his head. Throughout the whole ordeal he continued to pray for all his fellow Christian captives. He became a martyr with 7 other Jesuit missionaries that are referred to as the Canadian martyrs. Brebeuf is one of the most famous saints to achieve martyrdom in North America. There are many schools dedicated to him including the Preparatory schools in Indianapolis.
• Cause of Death: Torture
• Patronage: Canada, missionaries, anthropologists
• Symbols: Pyx container
• Feast Day: March 16
• Famous Churches:
• Shrine of Canadian Martyrs (Midland, Ontario)- 1925- Built near the martydom site, has many relics of Jean de Brebeuf including his bones.
• St. John Brebeuf Catholic Church (Niles, Illinois)- 1966  

Chinese Martyrs

• 
  Years: 1648-1930
  
• Nationality: China
• Life: Many Jesuit Christian missionaries were also pouring into China throughout the 1600-1700s spreading the faith. There was similar resistance that saw this new religion as a threat to their established customs and traditions. The empire began to see this as some form of western influence and waves of persecution began over the next several hundred years. In 1724 Christianity was completely banned from China by the Kangxi Emperor. The early persecutions were sporadic and mostly targeted at the missionaries at first, but eventually reached the followers. Approximately 60,000 were killed during this 300-year span. The peak crisis came during the Boxer Rebellion of 1899-1901 where some 30,000 Christians were killed (mostly nonviolent civilians, who were seen as supporters of Western influence). The Church had these victims venerated as the 120 Saints of China. One of the most famous of the group is the Chinese priest St. Augustine Zhao Rong.
• Cause of Death: Hanged, Sword, Fire
• Patronage: China
• Symbols: Palm branch, cross, red garments, crown, kneeling, group of people
• Feast Day: July 9
• Famous Churches:
• Shrine of Chinese Martyrs (Shanghai, China) 1871; Rebuilt in 1911-1935- The central memorial for the Chinese martyrs

Vietnamese Martyrs

• Years: 1745-1862
• 
  Nationality: Vietnam
  
• Life: During the missionary era of the 1600-1700s, many Dominicans and Jesuits traveled to Vietnam to convert their people. However similar to Japan there was widespread resistance from the Vietnamese dynasties who felt Christianity threatened their religion of Confucianism. Throughout the 17th to 19th century it is estimated that nearly 300,00 Vietnamese Christians were killed for this faith (ranging from missionaries, clergy, to the followers). It is one of the largest widespread martyrdoms in Christian history (worse then the Romans and Japanese). One of the most famous of this group was the Vietnamese priest St. Andrew Dung-Lac who was beheaded in 1839. The church had these martyrs canonized as a group of 117 saints.
• Cause of Death: Beheading, torture
• Patronage: Vietnam
• Symbols: Palm branch, crucifix, red garments, large group with Christ and Mary
• Feast Day: Nov 24
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of the Immaculate Conception (Ha Nam Province, Vietnam)- 1877-1883- Major national shrine for the Vietnamese martyrs
• Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang (Quang Tri Province, Vietnam)- 1820 (Destroyed during perseuctins); 1886 (Destroyed in Vietnam War); 1995-2004- Basilica for Mary that also honors the 117 Vietnamese martyr saints.

Korean Martyrs

• Years: 1791-1888
• Nationality: Korea
• 
  Life: Unlike Japan and Vietnam, there weren't any major Catholic missionaries sent into Korea during the 1600s. The faith somehow migrated from China during the 1700s. By the time a first Catholic priest entered the country there were already around 4000 Christian followers. Once the Korean dynasty got word of this movement, they swiftly began to persecute it as an enemy of their state religion of Confucianism. It is estimated that nearly 10,000 Korean Christians were killed during the 1800s. It happened in five persecution waves beginning with the Sinhae persecutions in 1791, Sinya 1801, Gihae 1839, Byeongo 1846, and the largest wave in Byeongin 1866. The church later honored these martyrs by canonizing 103 and beatifying 124. Two of the most iconic Korean priest martyrs were French missionary St. Laurent Imbert, and Korean priests St. Andrew Kim Taegon (1821-1846) and St. Paul Chong Hasang (1795-1839).
• Cause of Death: Beheading, strangulation, torture
• Patronage: Korea
• Symbols: Palm Branch, red stole, cross, sword
• Feast Day: Sept 20
• Famous Churches:
• Seosomum Martyrs Shrine and History Museum (Seoul, Korea)- 1898- site where 41 of the canonized martyrs were executed.
• Haemi International Martyr Shrine (Seosan, Korea)- 1929- site of mass execution during the Byeongin Persecution (1866).
• Namyang Martyr Shrine (Hwaseong, Korea)- 1983

Modern Political Martyrs


Uganda Martyrs

• 
  Years: 1885-1887
  
• Nationality: Uganda
• Life: King Mwanga II of the Kingdom of Uganda considered Christianity a threat to his total authority. From 1885 to 1887 he had 22 Catholics and 23 Anglicans executed at Namugongo. These young Christians refused to renounce their faith and declare the king as a supreme god. They were then executed by spearing, beheading, and burnt to death. This martyrdom was quite similar to the Roman persecutions where Christians were slaughtered for defending their Christian faith and not worshipping a pagan religion. The church canonized all 45 in this group known as the Uganda Martyrs.
• Cause of Death: Beheading, burnt
• Patronage: Uganda,
• Symbols: Fire, Palm branch, light, bare feet, rejected crown
• Feast Day: June 3
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of the Uganda Martyrs (Namugongo, Uganda)- 1967- The primary basilica built at the martyrdom site, dedicated to these martyrs

Holy Martyrs of the Armenian Genocide

• Years: 1915-1917
• 
  Nationality: Armenia
  
• Life: From 1915-1917 during WWI the Ottoman Empire conducted a large scale persecution of Christians throughout Armenia, Syria, Turkey, and Greece. The primary persecution targeted Christian pockets throughout Anatolia on the eastern region in present day Armenia. Since the Ottoman Empire was a proud Muslim nation at war with Western powers, they considered Christians the enemy of the state. This became one of the largest Christian genocides in history resulting in up to 1.5 million deaths. Many were offered a chance to convert to Islam however refused and faced their death as Christian martyrs. The church later recognized the whole collective number of people who were killed during this genocide and had them canonized saints.
• Cause of Death: Shootings, beheading, mass execution
• Patronage: Armenia
• Symbols: Desert landscape, group of people, golden halo
• Feast Day: April 24
• Famous Churches:
• Holy Martyrs Church (Yerevan, Armenia)- 2015- Dedicated formally to the martyrs

Saints of the Cristero War

• Years: 1926-1929
• 
  Nationality: Mexico
  
• Life: Surprisingly this is a rare instance where Christians were martyred in Latin America, which is one of the most devout Catholic regions in the world. After the Mexican Revolution, a new military dictatorship came to power and sought to limit some of the Catholic church's authority. In 1917 new restrictions were put on the church which slowly evolved into a complete persecution under president Plutarco Elias Calles. This led to the Cristero War of 1926-1929 where many Catholic citizens rose up in resistance to this oppressive government. During this time many priests and innocent civilian Christians were murdered. The Catholic church later came to recognize these wartime executions as martyrs. 25 nonviolent Christians who were killed during the conflict were canonized as martyrs of Mexico. This famously included a 14 year old boy named St. Jose Sanchez del Rio for refusing to renounce Christ, as well as St. Miguel Pro, a Jesuit priest who was discovered secretly celebrating an Easter mass.
• Cause of Death: Shooting, mass execution
• Patronage: Mexico, Youth
• Symbols: Palm branch, crucifix, rifle, arms outstretched, youth in simple clothing, Viva Cristo Rey
• Feast Day: Nov 20
• Famous Churches:
• Santuario de los Martires Maxicanos (Guadalajara, Mexico)- 2001-2007- National shrine for these martyrs
• Santuario de San Jose Sanchez del Rio (Sahuayo, Michoacan)- 1959
• Shrine and Tomb of St. Miguel Pro (Mexico City, Mexico)- 1925

Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War

• Years: 1936-1939
• 
  Nationality: Spain
  
• Life: During the Spanish Civil War, the leftwing anarchist militias conducted mass persecutions on Christians. They targeted the Catholic Church as an ally of the right-wing nationalist force they were fighting (which would later evolve into a fascist dictatorship under Francisco Franco). This period of civilian violence is referred to as the Red Terror, and specifically targeted Spanish priests, bishops, clergy members, and parishoners. 6,832 Catholics were killed, which included over 4000 priests. The church is still currently in the process of canonizing these victims. 2,255 have been beatified while 11 have been canonized. Despite it's political annotations, the church simply wants to recognize Christians who were killed just for being Christian. Some notable cases included the 233 Martyrs of Valencia, the 51 Martyrs of Barbastro, and the 8 Martyrs of Turon.
• Cause of Death: Shooting, mass execution
• Patronage: Spain
• Symbols: Crown of martydom, martyr's palm, rosary
• Feast Day: Nov 6
• Famous Churches:
• Almudena Cathedral (Madrid, Spain)- 1883-1993- Dedicated chapel that honors the Martyrs of the Spanish Civil War
• Cathedral of Barbastro (Huesca, Spain)- 13th century- Chapel and relics dedicated in 1992 to the martyrs

Saint Maximilian Kolbe

• 
  Years: 1894-1941
• Nationality: Polish
  
• Life: He was a Polish Franciscan friar who had visions of Mary as a child which inspired him to establish the Army of the Immaculate order. He took advantage of mass media to spread the word of Christ throughout Warsaw and Europe. He even did missionary work in Japan and established a monastery in Nagasaki. However at the outbreak of WWII his mass publications came to a quick halt. He was safe as a Christian, however later got caught for hiding Jewish refugees. Furthermore he refused to recognize the Nazi's authority in Poland and was eventually sent to the concentration camps. While in Auschwitz he continued his priestly duties by serving all followers of Christ. His martyrdom came, when he volunteered to take the place of a Jew who was condemned to die by starvation. This act of sacrificial charity is considered one of the most famous stories of Christian martydom during the Holocaust, but also the modern era.
• Cause of Death: Starvtion
• Patronage: Prisoners, drug addicts, families, journalists, radio, people with eating disorders
• Symbols: Friar robes, Holocaust uniform, crucifix, rosary
• Feast Day: Aug 14
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Our Lady Immaculate (Teresin, Poland)- 1948-1954- The foundation of his Army of the Immaculate order, that was turned into a basilica in his honor. Contains many of his relics.

Saint Oscar Romero

• Years: 1917-1980 (62 years)
• Nationality: El Salvador
  
• Life: He was an archbishop of San Salvador during the Salvadoran Civil War. His politics were mostly conservative leaning until he witnessed his fellow priest Rutilio Grande killed. He then became a voice for social justice, defending the poor and downtrodden. He preached for an end to violence and to defend the oppressed. Although he sought to stay out of a political dispute his public sermons eventually got him in trouble with the right-wing militias. On March 24th, 1980 he was assassinated by a paramilitary firing squad while giving a sermon in mass. This was an unusual case in the modern era of a political killing of a very devout Christian leader. He was canonized for this martyrdom for defending the Christian faith.
• Cause of Death: Shooting
• Patronage: El Salvador
• Symbols: Bishop robes, crown of martyrdom, martyrs' palm, rosary
• Feast Day: March 24
• Famous Churches:
• Metropolitan Cathedral of San Salvador (San Salvador, El Salvador)- 1956- Contains Romero's tomb and is considered his primary shrine.
• Chapel of the Hospital of Divine Providence (San Salvador, El Salvador)- 1980-1990- The site of his martyrdom

Hagiography: The Medieval Martyrs

Now moving on to my favorite era, (at the present moment) the Middle Ages. After Constantine made Christianity legal in 313, the Roman Persecution came to an official end. That's not to say there weren't still pockets of anti-Christian sentiment across the Roman empire. However by the time the Roman Empire fell, Christianity had spread across Europe and into Asia Minor like a wildfire. No longer were there mass murders of genocide. Cases of martyrdom became more isolated mostly in the northern barbaric regions. By the 600s the Roman church began sending missionaries to help convert the Celtic, Anglo-Saxons, Scandinavian, Germanic, and Slavic peoples. Naturally this took time and some welcomed the change more than others. Many of these brave missionaries suffered terrible deaths during the early part of the Middle Ages.

Once Charlemagne was crowned king by the pope in 800, Christianity was the majority across most of western Europe. By 1000 AD it had completely converted the majority of northern, central Europe, and eastern Europe. This was no doubt the peak of Christianity, where anyone who wasn't a Catholic was considered a heretic. Soon the church established their own form of persecutions known as the Inquisitions. The only cases of Catholic martyrdom that occurred during this period of the high middle ages were political cases. Situations where the monarchy was able to get the support of the church, so that they could execute an enemy (even if they were a devout Christian). Then came the wave of the Protestant Reformation during the 1500-1600s and a new era of religious wars and Catholic purges began. Here are my favorite saints of the Medieval ages (the heroic adventurers that movies are made about).     


Early Missionary Martyrs


Saint Boniface

• Years: 675-754 (79 years)
• Nationality: Crediton, Roman-Britain
• 
  Life: He was an English missionary who felt the call to convert pagans in Germany. He eventually got approval from the pope in Rome, and arrived in the German regions of Hesse and Thruingia. He made quite the public spectacle when he chopped down an oak tree of Thor challenging the god to strike him down. According to legend he later used the wood from this sacred Norse tree to build the first German Catholic church. He continued to establish churches and monasteries all throughout Germany, and eventually became archbishop of Mainz. In this post he continued to work closely with Rome on church policy and doctrine. At the age of 80 he pressed on with his missionary work in Netherlands but was eventually killed by a group of raiders thus making him a Christian martyr. He was basically like the St. Patrick of Germany, who made great contribution in spreading Christianity throughout the Dark Ages.
• Cause of Death: Sword or axe
• Patronage: Germany, Fulda, England
• Symbols: Bishops robes, book pierced by a sword, or axe
• Feast Day: June 5
• Famous Churches:
• Fulda Cathedral (Fulda, Germany)- 744; Rebuilt in 1704; This is where he is buried and is considered the heart of German Catholicism
• Mainz Cathedral (Mainz, Germany)- 975-1009- Was once the administrative center of the Archbishop of Mainz for the Holy Roman Empire. Contains statues and relics associated to him.
• Fritzlar Cathedral (Fritzlar, Germany)- 11th century- Near the site where Boniface chopped down an oak tree to build a Catholic church
• St. Boniface Chapel (Dokkum, Netherlands)- 1871-1872- The site of his martydom which contains some relics

Martyrs of Cordoba

• Years: 850-859
  
• Nationality: Spanish
• 
  Life: When the Islamic Caliphates took control of Spain in the 9th century they quickly came at odds with local Christians. At the time Cordoba was one of the most advanced cities in Europe and had a large population of Christians. Surprisingly the Muslims allowed for religious tolerance, however they would not tolerate any blasphemy towards Islam or converts to Christianity. The Umayyad al-Andalus had approximately 50 Christians in Cordoba executed for either speaking poorly of Islam or for apotheosizing Islam. The church later canonized these martyrs who were killed for defending their faith. Some famous martyrs from this group include St. Eulogius, St. Prefectus, and St. Roderick.
• Cause of Death: Beheading, torture
• Patronage: Spain
• Symbols: Palm branch, sword, crown
• Feast Day: July 27
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica de San Pedro de Cordoba (Cordoba, Spain)- 1264-1320- Primary shrine dedicated to the martyrs of Cordoba

Saint Edmund the Martyr

• Years: 855-869
  
• Nationality: England
• 
  Life: He was king of East Anglia during the Viking Danish raids throughout the 850-860s. He was a deeply devout Christian far more concerned with the faith over the ongoing threat of the Great Heathen Army. Once the Vikings reached his kingdom, they offered him a puppet kingdom as long as he renounced Christ. Edmund rejected their offer and bravely refused to renounce Christ. As a consequence they had him tied to a tree, whipped him, and shot him with many arrows (just like St. Sebastian). He was then beheaded and died as a martyr. According to legend his head was guarded by a wolf in the forest, who later helped his followers recover the head.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Kings, pandemics, wolves, torture victims, plague
• Symbols: Arrows, swords, handhelf orb, wolf
• Feast Day: Nov 20
• Famous Churches:
• Abbey of Bury St. Edmunds (Suffolk, England)- 1095 (Destroyed in 1539)- Now it is just ruins, considered the martyrdom site of Saint. Edmund
• St. Edmundsbury Cathedral (Suffolk, England)- 1065- Originally dedicated to Saint James, but later included St. Edmun after the destruction of the Abbey site.
• St. Edmund, King and Martyr Church (London, England)- 1292- Destroyed in Great Fire of 1666. Rebuilt in 1670 as an Anglican church honoring the great royal martyr

Saint Wenceslaus

• 
  Years: 907-935 (28 years)
• Nationality: Bohemia (Czech Republic)
  
• Life: He was a duke of Bohemia, famous for the Christmas Carol good king Wenceslaus where he had his page follow his footsteps. He was a devout Christian who put his faith into his policy, especially in regards to protecting the peasants and the poor. This of course upset many of the nobles as they felt their privileges were beginning to be restricted under his leadership. Wenceslaus founded many churches in Bohemia and was very involved in clergy affairs. His final straw against the nobles however was when he made a truce with the German King Henry the Fowler, which many Bohemians saw as betrayal. He was later killed by his brother who sought to take advantage of his unpopularity and assume his role. This is another example of a political assassination however he was classified a martyr saint due to his charity for the poor, his good deeds, and dedication to the church, makes him considered a medieval martyr.
• Cause of Death: Dagger
• Patronage: Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic
• Symbols: Crown, dagger, burning eagle
• Feast Day: Sept 28
• Famous Churches:
• St. Vitus Cathedral (Prague, Czech Republic)- 1344- He has a chapel in this famous Czech cathedral that contains his relics and tombs
• Basilica of St. Wenceslaus (Stara Boleslav, Czech Republic)- 1039-1046- Built near the site of his martyrdom

St. Adalbert of Prague

• Years: 956-997 (41 years)
  
• 
  Nationality: Duchy of Bohemia (Czech Republic)
• Life: He was born in Bohemia as a nobleman educated at Magdeburg one of the top academic institutes in the Holy Roman Empire. He was devout in the faith, became a priest, and quickly became Bishop of Prague by 982 AD. He pushed for reform in the church regarding polygamy, clerical corruption, and slave trade. He was also committed to convert the remaining pagan pockets throughout the Slav region of Central Europe. His ambitious goals eventually made him enemies with the Bohemian elite who had him removed from his office and even exiled. He later became a Benedictine monk and did missionary work in Hungary and Poland. It was in 997 where he was killed by Baltic Prussians while attempting to preach and convert the pagans.
• Cause of Death: Spears
• Patronage: Poland, Czech Republic, students of Polish literature
• Symbols: Spears
• Feast Day: April 23
• Famous Churches:
• Gniezno Cathedral (Gniezno, Poland)- 12th century- Considered the site of his martyrdom. Contains his relics and tombs. This that later became the coronation site for Polish kings during the middle ages.
• St. Vitus Cathedral (Prague, Czechia)- 1344- Dedicated to Saint Vitus but contains many of his relics

Saint Olaf

• Years: 995-1030 (35 years)
• 
  Nationality: Ringerike, Norway
  
• Life: Olaf Haraldsson was a Viking king of Norway who led many violent raids along the Northern Sea. He discovered Christianity in 1013 in Normandy/England and was baptized as a follower. He then changed his primary mission to convert his entire pagan culture to Christianity. This of course made many enemies as he used his violent means to force the conversion and eventually a civil war broke out in Norway. Olaf was eventually killed by Cnut the Great at the Battle of Stiklestad (1030 AD). Despite his violent nature he was canonized a saint for his dedication to spreading the Christian faith. The argument for his sainthood is that he was surrounded by a violent society and fully committed himself to die for this cause. This is the rare exception of a canonized saint who used forced pressure and violence to spread the word of Christ. He quickly became considered a cult legend, as miracles and healings occurred at his grave. He eventually became the patron of Norway, a confessor like Patrick or Boniface, who was also a political martyr.
• Cause of Death: Sword or axe
• Patronage: Norway
• Symbols: Sword, Axe, Crown
• Feast Day: July 29
• Famous Churches:
• Nidaros Cathedral (Trondheim, Norway)- 1300- This was originally built as his main tomb, however the Shrine of Olaf was eventually dismantled in the mid 1500s when Denmark abolished Catholicism in replace of Lutheranism.
• Stiklestad Church (Stiklestad, Norway)- 1180- It is a historical site where the Battle of Stiklestad occurred and is also the martyrdom site of Saint Olaf. It was built as a Catholic church but is now a Luthern church.

Saint Stanislaus

• Years: 1030-1079
• Nationality: Szczepanow, Poland
• 
  Life: He was a devout Christian in Poland, where there was still a heavy Pagan prescence throughout Central Europe and into the Baltics. In 1072 he reached the position of Bishop of Krakow which gave him closer connections with the royal crown. He preached for repentance, moral reform and spoke against social injustice in defense of the poor. He quickly came at odds with the Polish King Boleslaw II who considered himself above the church. Stanislau later took the bold act of excommunicating the king for his insistence that he was above God's law. In response to this King Boleslaw sent soldiers to arrest and kill the Polish Bishop as he was attending to the Eucharist of Mass. His story is somewhat similar to many other medieval disputes between the church and state (such as Becket and Henry II).
  
• Cause of Death: Sword
• Patronage: Poland, Lithuania, Krakow, moral order
• Symbols: Episcopal robes, sword, resurrected pior
• Feast Day: April 11
• Famous Churches:
• Wawel Cathedral (Krakow, Poland)- 1000-1025 (destroyed by fire); 1320-1364- One of the most popular churches in Poland contains a shrine dedicated to Saint Stainslaus with his relics
• Church of the Rock (Krakow, Poland)- 14th-15th century- Built on the site of Stainslaus' martyrdom
• Cathedral Basilica of St. Stainslaus and St. Vladislaus (Vilnius, Lithuania)- 13th century
• Basilica of St. Stainslaus Bishop and Martyr (Chicopee, Massachusetts)- 1890-1908

Medieval Political Martyrs

St. Thomas Becket

• Years: 1119-1170 (50 years)
  
• Nationality: London, England
  
• 
  Life: He was the famous archbishop of Canterbury who was murdered by King Henry II in a power dispute between the church and the state. He first served under Theobald of Bec for some time as archdeacon where he learned of the ecclesiastical laws. He was quickly appointed to King Henry II's personal Lord Chancellor where he counseled him on political and church affairs (mostly as the king's yes-man). In 1162 Becket became the archbishop after the death of Theobald which led him to resign his post as chancellor. He began to openly oppose the king on the church's separation from royal authority (emphasizing that the church should govern itself). The former friendship quickly blew up to a feud where King Henry II had the archbishop exiled and in response Becket had Henry II excommunicated. The hostility finally hit it's breaking point when the king famously uttered "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest". His knights took this request literally and had Becket murdered by sword at Canterbury. Becket instantly became a martyr-saint and Henry II was faced with public outrage over the matter that damaged his reputation. This was more so a political dispute instead of being executed solely for being Christian, however he is still regarded as a very important martyr.
• Cause of Death: Sword
• Patronage: Oxford, secular clergy, exiles
• Symbols: Sword, bishop vestments, palm branch, books
• Feast Day: Dec 29
• Famous Churches:
• Canterbury Cathedral (Canterbury, England)- 1070- The site of his martyrdom. His shrine, relics, and tombs were famously destroyed during the reign of Henry VIII during the English reformation. The Trinity Chapel has a candle in the cathedral that continues to honor his martyrdom.

Saint Peter of Verona

• 
  Years: 1205-1252 (46 years)
• Nationality: Verona, Italy
  
• Life: Born into a heretic household he became a passionate Dominician preacher speaking out against heresy. His parents were Cathar converts who rejected the sacraments and the authority of the church. Peter refused to follow his parents and joined the Dominican order as a young man. He was noted for his sharp persuasive and skill in theological debate. This skill secured him the position of Inquisitor for Lombardy where he conducted fierce investigations and challenge any heretic movements (quite often thru violence). He especially targeted the movement of Catharism in northern Italy which led to his martyrdom. He was eventually assassinated by a group of Cathars, who stuck Peter in the head with a blade, while traveling on the road to Milan. His famous last words as he fell to his death covered in blood were, "I believe in God".
• Cause of Death: Blade
• Patronage: Preachers, Inquisitors, midwives, Lombardy,
• Symbols: Dominican robes, hatchet, cleaver, blade in the head,
• Feast Day: April 29
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Sant'Eustorgio (Milan, Italy)-4th century- Considered the primary shrine for Saint Pete of Verona that contain his relics
• Sanctuary of San Pietro Martire (Seveso, Italy)- 1253; 1660-1685 (rebuilt)- Built on the site of Peter's martyrdom

St. Joan of Arc

• Years: 1412-1431 (19 years)
• Nationality: Domremy, France
  
• 
  Life: One of the most remarkable stories in sainthood, Joan of Arc experienced visions and the calling from Christ at a young age. She passionately believed she was called to save France and arranged an audience with the Dauphin Charles VII despite not having any noble blood. After having her examined the Dauphin believed her story and gave her armor, weapons, and an army to help rally the French Army during the Hundred Years War. Joan of Arc played a crucial role in leading the French Army to victory at the Siege of Orleans (1429) and various other battles which inspired the coronation of King Charles VII. However she was not finished here, and continued to lead the French army to reclaim Paris. Eventually she was captured by the English Army, imprisoned, and put on trial for heresy. The French did not come to her rescue and she was found guilty of witchcraft and burned at the stake. Her martyrdom was more so a political one since she had proved to be a great threat to England, however her accusers did make the case that she was a witch and heretic.
• Cause of Death: Burnt at the Stake
• Patronage: France, soldiers, prisoners, captives
• Symbols: Armor, sword, banner, Fleur-de-lis
• Feast Day: May 30
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica Sainte-Jeanne-d'Arc (Domremy-la-Pucelle, France)- 1881-1939- This is the hometown of Joan, where it is believed she first had her visions.
• Cathedral Sainte-Crox d'Orleans (Orleans, France)- 1278- Chapel with stained glass window inside dedicated to Joan of Arc.
• Notre-Dame de Reims (Reims, France)- 1211-1345- Chapel dedicated to Joan of Arc inside.

St. Thomas More

• 
  Years: 1478-1535
  
• Nationality: London, England
• Life: He was a lawyer, scholar, writer, and humanist who became famous after his book Utopia in 1516. This book depicted the injustice in the current state that lacked proper morals and ethics. He quickly rose to power from this book, finding a seat in Parliament and eventually as the Lord Chancellor of England in 1529 counseling King Henry VIII. He was loyal to the king at the beginning of his reign, however division began to grow when Henry considered to split from the Catholic Church. When Henry VIII finally decided to ignore the pope and annul his marriage with Catherin of Aragon, Thomas decided to resign from his post. When the vote came to the parliament to accept the King as the head of the church (and NOT the pope), More boldly refused to sign it. He was eventually imprisoned and put on trial for treason. He bravely argued his case that the English monarchy could not redefine the Catholic Church. For this he was sentenced to beheading. He was yet another political martyr, who boldly stood against a tyrannically regime to support the doctrine of the Catholic church.
• Cause of Death: Beheading
• Patronage: Statesman, lawyers, politicians
• Symbols: Dressed in robes, wearing the Collar of Esses, axe
• Feast Day: June 22
• Famous Churches:
• Cathedral of St. Thomas More (Arlington, Virginia)- 1942
• St. Thomas More Catholic Church (London, England)- 1528- This chapel was built by More during his lifetime and remains a historical pilgrimage site of the saint.

40 Martyrs of England and Wales

• Years: 1535-1679
  Nationality: England and Wales
• Life: During the English Reformation King Henry VIII passed the Act of Supremacy which declared himself Supreme Head of the Church. While there was not widespread persecutions against Catholics, any person who refused to recognize this was accused of treason. This reached a new level of threat under Queen Elizabeth (who was likely responding to Bloody Mary's persecution of Protestants). Elizabeth saw Catholic missionaries as a threat and had many executed. Laws against Catholicism became even harsher after the 1605 Gunpowder terrorist plot. Anti-Catholic sentiment reached new heights after the Popish conspiracy plot during the reign of Charles II 1678-1679. While there were likely hundreds of Catholics killed during this time the church recognized 40 in this group with notable names such as St. Edmund Champion,
• Cause of Death: Hanged, drawn, and quartered
• Patronage: United Kingdom
• Symbols: Palm branch, knife, eucharist, keys, trapdoors
• Feast Day: Oct 25
• Famous Churches:
• Church of the English Martyrs (London, England)- 1875
• Church of Our Lady of the Assumption and the English Martyrs (Cambridge, England)- 1885-1890-
• Shrine of the Forty Martyrs (Westminster Cathedral)- 1950s- Shrine within the famous English cathedral honoring the 40 Martyrs.