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