Gianna Beretta Molla was an Italian pediatric physician, a working mother, an avid outdoorswoman, and a loving wife best known for her decision to not abort her child when complications arose during her fourth pregnancy. However, she displayed heroic virtue throughout her life, joining the St. Vincent de Paul Society at the age of twelve, and Catholic Action later in life. She earned her medical degree in 1949 intending to use her skills to help the poor in Brazil, but when poor health prevented that, she opened her own office, focusing especially on helping poor women. Discover more about her life.
Saint Blaise • Saint stories
St. Blaise, whose feast is celebrated on February 3, is another saint who lived a LONG time ago–during the 4th century, when being a Christian was a crime. He was a bishop and a doctor for people and animals. To avoid being caught, he lived in a cave outside of the city. Legend has it that sick animals would come to him to be cured. But if St. Blaise was praying, the animals would patiently wait so as not to disturb his prayers. On his feast day, some people go to church to have their throats blessed. You’ll find a St. Blaise activity online.
St. Raymond of Peñafort
St. Raymond of Penyafort, whose feast we celebrate on January 7, was a Spanish Dominican friar in the 13th century, who compiled the Decretals of Gregory IX, a collection of canon laws that remained a major part of Church law until the 20th century. Watch a short video about him online.
St. Albert the Great and polar bears, oh my!
Why was St. Albert so great? He was an amazing priest and preacher whose most famous student was St. Thomas Aquinas! Watch the video and find out how St. Albert […]
Meet St. Thérèse of Lisieux! • Saints for kids
Meet Saint Thérèse of Lisieux! She’s one of the Church’s most honored saints—but that doesn’t mean loving Jesus was always easy for her. Here’s the story of how she decided to turn her sacrifices into “flowers” for Jesus. Plus: Seven sayings from the saint to help you grow in holiness.