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.

Many of these saints were key at building churches in remote pagan territory. Then during the Middle Ages, saints such as Francis Assisi and Dominic built two of the most famous religious mendicant orders (mobile friars). During the age of exploration new orders of missionaries emerged such as the Jesuits established by Igantius Loyala and Francis Xavier. During the Protestant Reformation a new revival was needed to defend and re-align the Catholic Church. Saints such as Borromeo, Vincent de Paul, and Philip Neri were instrumental in strengthening the church's new direction. There were even common folk such as Isidore the Laborer, Saint Rosa, 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 Gregory the Illuminator

• Years: 257-331
• 
  Nationality: Kingdom of Armenia
  
• Life: His father was involved in the assassination of the Armenian king and was executed as consequence. Gregory was then sent to Cappadocia, Turkey where he was raised as a Christian. He later returned to Armenia to serve the new king Tiridates III, however was persecuted for being a Christian. He was tortured and imprisoned for 13 years which was meant to be a death pit however miraculously Gregory survived. When the king got sick and none of his Zoroastrianism priests could cure him he called upon Gregory to attempt. Gregory was able to heal the king thru prayer, which led to his conversion to Christianity in 301 AD. From this point on Gregory was freed to establish the first Catholic church in Armenia and continue spreading the word. He established the community of Etchmiadzin, as the holy Vatican City of the Armenian Apostolic Church (a branch of the Oriental Orthodox Churches). Once he had converted the nation of Armenia he spent his final years in solitude living as a hermit until his death.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Armenia
• Symbols: Chains, pit, book, bishop's staff, model of a church
• Feast Day: Feb 20
• Famous Churches:
• Etchmiadzin, Cathedral (Vagharshapat, Armenia)- 301-484- One of the oldest cathedrals in the world that stores some of his relics
• St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral (Yerevan, Armenia)- 1997-2001- Modern impressive church that celebrates Armenia's 1700 anniversary of their Christian conversion
• Church of San Gregorio Armeno (Naples, Italy)- 1572-1687- Contains some of Gregory's 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 dedicated 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 Monica

• 
  Years: 332-387
  
• Nationality: Thagaste, Roman Empire (Algeria)
• Life: She was the mother of the great theologian Augustine of Hippo, who just like Saint Helena played a key role in her son's conversion. She was married to a Roman pagan officer, however stayed devout to her Christian faith despite many hardships in their marriage. She famously helped convert her son Augustine, who was practicing philosophy and Manichaeism as a young adult. At first Augustine rejected Christianity, however Monica prayed constantly with tears that he would join her faith. She even supported him throughout his travels in North Africa and into Italy. Finally St. Augustine converted in Milan inspired by St. Ambrose but also his mother's passion. She is venerated as a caring mother who truly loved her son with unending prayer and devotion. She is the essential example of a loving mother with unending Christian piety.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Married women, difficult marriages, disappointing children, victims of adultery, alcoholics, conversion of family, mothers
• Symbols: Tears, book, cross, widows' veil, church
• Feast Day: Aug 27
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica di Sant'Aogstina in Campo Marzio (Rome, Italy)- 1479-1483- Primary church dedicated to Saint Augustine and his loving mother Monica. Her tomb lies in a chapel within the church.
• Cathedral of Sant'Aurea (Ostia Antica, Italy)- 4th century; rebuilt 1483- Site of her original burial
• Santa Monica di Ostia (Rome, Italy)- 1968-1972
• St. Monica Catholic Church (Santa Monica, California)- 1886-1925- Famous church and city dedicated to Augustine's mother Saint Monica.

 

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 catechumen, 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

Saint Brigid

• Years: 451-521
• 
  Nationality: Faughart, Ireland
  
• Life: She is considered one of the patron saints of Ireland alongside Patrick and Columba. As the daughter of a pagan chief, she became a nun at a young age known for her charity, devoutness, and virginity. She later established a double monastery known as Kildare where she served as abbess. It quickly became one of the most important religious centers in Ireland comparable to the bishop of Ireland. Her historical details are limited however there are many legendary miracles attributed to St. Brigid; such as her turning water into beer, multiplying food for the poor, healing the sick, talking to animals, and by using her cloak to extend the land. It is very likely she was a real person whose story was romanticized with folk-tales from Celtic mythology.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Ireland, Kildare, healers, poets, blacksmiths, livestock, and diary workers
• Symbols: Brigid's cross, crozier of an abbess, flames, lamp, oak tree, milk, cows
• Feast Day: Feb 1
• Famous Churches:Kildare Cathedral (Kildare, Ireland)- 1223- Dedicated to St. Brigid, built on the site of her old abbey. This was her original burial site
• Down Cathedral (Downpatrick, Ireland)- 5th century- This is now her burial site alongside Patrick and Columba
• St. Brigid's Church (Dublin, Ireland)- 1928- Major church dedicated to St. Brigid with a relic of her head

Middle Age Confessors

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 Dominic

• 
  Years: 1170-1221 (50 years)
  
• Nationality: Caleruega, Kingdom of Castile (Spain)
• Life: He was born in Spain, devout in the faith and learning theology. He later became a priest, and while traveling thru southern France he witnessed the heresy of the Cathar movement. This inspired him to begin a new pursuit of theological teaching and preaching. He had many visions during this time and was inspired by the Virgin Mary. This devotion to Mary drove him to popularize the traditional rosary prayer. His true claim to fame however was establishing the Dominican Order of preachers. This was a monastic order that lived in poverty and traveled teaching and spreading the true word of Christ (in opposition to the heretical claims). Despite achieving some fame during his lifetime, he remained humble and always displayed great joy in his work. He is celebrated for his many contributions to the church and theology, but also more so for the example he set. He was truly a blessed holy man, and had many miracles attributed to him.
• Cause of Death: Exhaustion
• Patronage: Astronomers, natural science, Dominican Republic
• Symbols: Dominican monk robes, rosary, dog with a torch in it's mouth, star above his head, lilies, staff
• Feast Day: Aug 8
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of San Domenico (Bologna, Italy)- 1228-1240- Burial place and primary shrine dedicated to Saint Dominic
• Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore (Naples, Italy)- 1283- Dominican center
• Santa Sabina (Rome, Italy)- 1219- Headquarters of the Dominican order

Saint Francis of Assisi

• Years: 1181-1226 (44 years)
• 
  Nationality: Assisi, Italy (Holy Roman Empire)
  
• Life: He was born in a wealthy family and sought fame and glory as a knight and even joined the army. However one night while praying he heard the voice of Christ telling him to follow his master and rebuilt the church that had fallen into ruin. Francis underwent a major transformation at this point, not as a man for fame and glory, but as a humble man living for God. He sold all his possessions and began to live amongst the poor and share the Gospel with them. He lived as a beggar, but soon had many followers in the streets from his passionate preaching. He eventually got an audience with the pope to establish an on order of friars who miraculously approved. According to legend Pope Innocent III received a vision of Francis saving the Lateran Basilica and thus put his faith in this total stranger of poverty. His true claim to fame came after the establishment of his Order of Friars Minor which later became known as Franciscans. It was here that he experienced mystical occurrences such as visions, stigmata, and was even known to talk to the birds, wolves, and animals. He was quickly canonized after his death for his preaching, theology, but more so the holy life that he lived.
• Cause of Death: Exhaustion
• Patronage: Poor people, peace, ecology, animals, merchants, needle makers,
• Symbols: Franciscan monk robes, birds, animals, stigmata, crucifix, book, and a skull
• Feast Day: October 4
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi (Assisi, Italy)- 1228-1230- Primary shrine that contains his burial place
• Papal Basilica of Santa Maria degil Angeli (Porziuncola, Italy)- 1568-1679- The headquarters of the Franciscan Order, which contains the Chapel of the Transit (the site where he died).
• Church of San Damiano (Umbria, Italy)- 1205-1206- Site of his calling from God
• Basilica of Saint Clare (San Giorgi, Italy)- Was his first burial spot before it was relocated to the Basilica of Assisi

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

• Years: 1491-1556 (64 years)
• 
  Nationality: Azpetia, Kingdom of Castile
  
• Life: He began his young adult life by seeking honor thru the Spanish military. However during the Battle of Pamplona in 1521 his leg was shattered by a cannonball. During his recovery he was given a book about Christ and the saints. He was inspired by these stories, and they brought him a new outlook on pursuing internal peace vs honorably glory. He then spent months in prayer and meditation and wrote his most famous work Spiritual Exercises. After this he became a priest and studied theology in Paris. It was here where he was able to establish a new order with his companions known as the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). It was a missionary organization that would spread the word of Chrit. The pope fully supported the idea as this was at the dawn of the discoveries of America and Asia, and missionary work was hot-in-demand. The Jesuit organization quickly spread across Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. They also played a pivotal role in fighting against the counter-reformation.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Society of Jesus, soldiers, spiritual retreats, accidents and injuries
• Symbols: Priest robes, cassock, biretta, crucifix, rosary, holding a book
• Feast Day: July 31
• Famous Churches:
• Church of the Gesu (Rome, Italy)- 1568-1580- Church dedicated to the Jesuit missionaries, which contains St. Ignatius burial tomb
• Basilica of St. Ignatius of Loyola (Loyola, Spain)- 1689-1738- Dedicated to Ignatius as it is built is home town
• Sant'Ignazio di Loyola (Rome, Italy)- 1626-1650-Baroque church dedicated to Saint Ignatius

Saint Francis Xavier

• Years: 1506-1552 (46 years)
• Nationality: Xavier, Kingdom of Navarre
• 
  Life: He became a close companion of Saint Ignatius of Loyola while studying theology in Paris and became one of the co-founders of the Society of Jesus order. Unlike Ignatius, Francis actually did missionary work for the newly established organization. Over a ten year period he traveled into India, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, and Japan. His mission in Japan was his most ambitious project as he fully submerged into the culture. While he was able to establish a foothold in Japan, his mission would eventually meet heavy resistance from Japanese authorities. He eventually died during his travels from sickness and exhaustion. He is celebrated mostly as laying the groundwork in opening Christianity to Asia.
  
• Cause of Death: Sickness
• Patronage: African missions, India, foreign missions, Indianapolis, Indiana, plague epidemics, parish missions
• Symbols: Cassock, surplice, stole, ferraiolo, crucifix
• Feast Day: Dec 3
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Bom Jesus (Goa, India)- 1594-1605- Famous church dedicated to Francis Xavier what contains his burial site
• St. Francis Xavier Cathedral (Mdina, Malta)- 1693-1702- Dedicated to Francis Xavier and the Jesuit mission
• San Francisco Javier (Navarre, Spain)- 16th century- Built near his birthplace site

Saint Philip Neri

• 
  Years: 1515-1595
  
• Nationality: Florence, Italy
• Life: He was a devout man of faith from Florence who lived a simple life serving the poor. According to legend one day while praying in the catacombs of Saint Sebastian a globe of fire consumed his chest and he felt his heart was suddenly enlarged. This mystical event inspired him to become a priest which he became very popular due to his joyful and affectionate demeanor. Inn 1557 he established the Congregation of the Oratory which gave priests a fraternal organization to discuss scripture and practice. This was at the height of the Counter Reformation that served as a voluntary informal group that gave priests a network to collaborate with one another. Saint Philip also established various charitable efforts and groups to administer to the poor. He was very popular among his parishioners, fellow priests (such as Ignatius of Loyola), and even the pope. He rejected multiple promotions and remained a humble jovial priest for the rest of his life. His holy veneration honors his care for the church, the clergy, but especially his charity to the poor.
• Cause of Death: Old age
• Patronage: Rome, Italy, laughter, joy, comedians, artists, writers
• Symbols: Inflamed heart, dove, rosary, book, cheerful expression
• Feast Day: May 26
• Famous Churches:
• Chiesa Nuova (Rome, Italy)- 1575-1606- Dedicated to Mother Mary, but was the headquarters of the Congregation of the Oratory where St. Philip is buried
• San Girolamo della Carita (Rome, Italy)- 1540-1560- This was the first church used for the Congregation of the Oratory
• Brompton Oratory (London, England)- 1880-1884- One of the best known Oratory churches dedicated to Saint Philip

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

Saint Rose of Lima

• 
  Years: 1586-1617 (31 years)
  
• Nationality: Lima, Peru
• Life: In the Spanish colony of Peru, she was very devout Christian as a child. She lived in Lima seeking a life of total commitment to God, however she was admired for her natural beauty. She got the nickname "Rose" because her face would often glow like a rose even though she did not like the attention. She later joined the Third Order of St. Dominic which allowed her to live freely with her parents, but still a part of a devotional organization. She became known around the town for her long hours of prayer, fasting, manual labor, and charity to the poor and sick. She was so devoted to care for the poor, that she turned her parent's home into a clinic. She was also known to receive mystical visions from God but also states she went thru periods of spiritual doubt (similar to Mother Teresa). She died at the young age of 31 due to illness which caused a unique public mourning throughout Lima. Thru her holy life and the impact she made on the community of Peru she was venerated as a saint just 50 years after her death (the first canonized saint born in the Americas). She is a rare civilian saint (similar to Isidore the laborer), and without question the most famous South American saint.
• Cause of Death: Illness
• Patronage: Embroiderers, sewing lace, gardeners, florists, misunderstood people
• Symbols: Dominican robes, roses, anchor, baby Jesus
• Feast Day: Aug 23
• Famous Churches:
• Basilica of Santo Domingo (Lima, Peru)- 1535-1600- Primary shrine for Saint Rosa with her burial tomb. This is considered the most important church in South America as it also contains the tombs of Saint Martin de Porres and Saint John Macias
• Shrine of Saint Rose of Lima (Lima, Peru)- 1669- Built at the location of her family home where she lived her whole life doing ministry to the poor

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 Padre Pio

• Years: 1887-1968
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  Nationality: Benevento, Kingdom of Italy
  
• Life: He was a Capuchin friar and priest who is known for his mystical visions and experiences of transverberation. He was very disciplined in his prayer, so much so that he would receive the stigmata on his body (wounds of Christ) . These wounds never went away and even brought him great fame as a total scientific mystery. He did not seek fame or fortune however and spent most his time in humble prayer and service. He was a firm advocate of the importance of confession (the soul's bath) and would spend half his day listening to people's confessions. He received visitors from all around the world wanting to confess their sins to him and left feeling transformed. As his fame grew he was eventually challenged by the Vatican who questioned his credibility. They began to strip alot of his authority, including his right to hear confessions as a priest. Padre Pio did not fight them however and stayed humble. He also established a large modern hospital known as Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza to care for the poor. It is believed his stigmata vanished shortly before his death as he continued repeating the phrase "Jesus, Mary".
• Cause of Death: Old age, heart problems
• Patronage: Civil defense, volunteers, adolescents, stress relief, confession, January blues
• Symbols: Stigmata, Franciscan robes
• Feast Day: Sept 23
• Famous Churches:
• Sanctuary of Sant Pio of Pietrelcina (San Giovanni, Italy)- 2008- Contains his tomb and relics
• Church of Santa Maria della Grazie (San Giovanni, Italy)- 1538-1540- Church where Padre Pio celebrated mass

Saint Mother Teresa

• Years: 1910-1997 (87 years)
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  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