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(Died 432 AD) Bishop Giovanni (John) I of Naples served his episcopate during a turbulent political period, as well as a time of religious upheaval. He is chiefly remembered today for transferring the remains of San Gennaro (St. Januarius) from Marciano, near Pozzuoli where the martyr died, to the then suburban Neapolitan cemetery. That sacred […]

(1416-1507) Francis was born in Paola, now province of Cosenza, in Calabria (the “toe” of the Italian “boot”). As a child he suffered a severe infection in his eye. His parents entrusted him to the intercession of Francis of Assisi, vowing that if he recovered, he would wear the Franciscan habit for a whole year. […]

(1053-1132) Hugh was born at Châteauneuf-sur-Isère, France. Even at a young age he showed piety and theological facility. While still a layman, Hugh was made a canon of Valence. At the Council of Avignon in 1080, he was elected bishop of Grenoble, though he was not yet ordained. The See of Grenoble had fallen into […]

(329-424 AD) Christians had enjoyed 12 years of peaceful worship when suddenly in 420 AD, Bishop Abdas, in the pitch of religious fervor, burned the Persians Temple of Fire. The Persian king Isdegerd threatened to destroy all the Christian churches unless bishop rebuilt the temple. Abdas refused to comply and built someplace dedicated to idolatry. […]

(1390-1456) Peter was born in the city of Valladolid, Spain to noble parents conspicuous for their wealth and virtue. Though he lost his father in his early youth, he was piously educated by his mother. At age 10, Peter begged to be admitted into the Seraphic Order, which was granted to him three years later […]

(Died 1195) Legends say that Berthold was born in Limoges, France, studied in Paris, and was ordained a priest there. He was a relative of Aymeric, the Latin patriarch of Antioch who was installed in Antioch during the crusades. The story continues when Berthold accompanied Aymeric on the crusades and found himself in Antioch when […]

(1304-1346) Venturino was born at Bergamo and joined the Order of Friars Preachers on Jan. 22, 1319. By 1335 he became famous preaching in all the cities of northern Italy. In 1335, he planned to make a penitential pilgrimage to Rome with about 30,000 of his converts. Pope Benedict XII, then residing at Avignon, thought […]

(660- 710) Tradition states that Rupert was a descendent of the first kings of France (the Merovingians). Though regarded for his wisdom and devoutness, he was forced to leave his post as bishop of Worms by the largely pagan population there. He was invited by the duke of Bavaria to spread Christianity among the people […]