Living an educated and well respected life was not enough for Bernardine who found his true vocation only after becoming a Jesuit priest. His undying love for his people named him the patron saint of Lecce, Italy. Saint Bernardine Realino 1530-1616. Feast day: July 2. Show Host: Sophia Bauer Website: https://awakenthesaint.show Like our 3 minute sa…

Ireland has long been a land torn by violent division between Catholics and Protestants. Born into this conflict Oliver was no stranger to persecution. Yet he continued to serve the Lord in his vocation, in spite of the threat to his life. Saint Oliver Plunkett 1625-1681. Feast day: July 1. Show Host: Alina De La Torre Website: https://awakenthesai…

Anxiety, depression, addiction, and periods of darkness afflict all of us from time to time. But what do we do when our struggles don’t seem to go away? These saints know exactly what that feels like and we can look to them for help and consolation in the dark times. June 28, 2023 Show Host: Sophia Bauer Episode 388 Website: https://awakenthesaint.…

Age does not define faith or the power of a person’s witness. Some of the youngest canonized Saints in the Church reveal that age is not required to live incredible lives of faith and obedience to God. June 27, 2023 Show Host: Sophia Bauer Episode 387 Website: https://awakenthesaint.show Like our 3 minute saint stories? Check out Awaken the Word: h…

How does a person become an official Saint of the Church? We talk about the three step process for sainthood as well as what it means for us to be called to sainthood in our own lives. June 26, 2023 Show Host: Sophia Bauer Episode 386 Website: https://awakenthesaint.show Like our 3 minute saint stories? Check out Awaken the Word: https://awakenthew…

Beginning his austere life of faith as a pilgrim traveling around Italy, William was eventually beset by bandits who took what little possessions he had. Undiscouraged by this, he determined that he was meant to stay put and become a hermit. In time he formed a religious community. Seeing that his fellow monks did not want the extremely austere lif…

Although happily engaged to be married, Maria felt God call to her to become a nun instead. Together with her confessor, she founded a new religious order, who worked day and night to help the sick and ailing. Establishing several hospitals throughout Mexico she personally brought hope and healing to many and even hid members of the clergy during t…

Although born with a defect in his spine, Joseph did not allow his painful deformities to keep him from living a vibrant life of self-sacrifice and spiritual renewal. Recognizing his own mortality he ministered most especially to those who were imprisoned and condemned to death. Offering Reconciliation and the hope of heaven to criminals who wished…

A priest famous for his preaching and commitment to education, John was not afraid to speak out against King Henry IIIX’s selfish divorce from his first wife. His fierce opposition to Henry’s anti-catholic edicts made him a target and he was imprisoned and executed for defending the faith. Saint John Fisher 1469 - 1535. Feast day: June 22. Show Hos…

A revert from Protestantism back to Catholicism, John lived during dangerous times for Catholics in England. After only three years being Catholic he was discovered, arrested, and tortured for information about other traitors of the Church of England. In the face of such torture and threats he remained resolute and even displayed a cheerful attitud…

A professor of philosophy and theology, Dermot was accelerated to the position of Bishop because of his great faith and understanding of theology. Sent on a secret mission in Ireland to encourage the people to remain strong against heresy he was soon discovered when he spoke out against false teachings. Imprisoned and tortured he was then secretly …

Forever changed by a tragic event in his youth, Romuald decided to dedicate the rest of his life to holiness and austerity as a monk. His holiness inspired his father to become a monk as well and this began Romuald’s journey of reforming and founding many monasteries all over Italy. Saint Romuald 951 - 1027. Feast day: June 19. Show Host: Colleen M…

Experiencing many visions of saints, angels, and the Virgin Mary throughout her life, Elisabeth became a well known Benedictine nun who people sought out for her wisdom and guidance. Although her visions were never confirmed as legitimate, her heroic life of virtue and devotion have been well recorded. Saint Elisabeth of Schönau 1129 - 1164. Feast …

A fierce insurgent for Poland, Albert thought he would find purpose on the battlefield. After losing his leg to a battle wound he decided to leave the war and discovered his gift for creating beautiful art. Eventually becoming a Franciscan, he later founded The Servants of the Poor and dedicated the rest of his life to helping the destitute in soci…

Assigned as a parish priest, Donizetti lived what he preached, choosing a humble lifestyle while he spoke out to defend the rights of the poor. Over the years miracles of healing and other events began happening around him so that his fame spread as a miracle worker. Ever humble in the face of his growing fame, Donizetti always downplayed his own r…

Experiencing great loss in his youth, Luigi was no stranger to suffering. Raised with a strong foundation in the faith he soon found his calling as a priest and sought ways to help others who were suffering. Taking it upon himself to offer food, shelter, education, and love to orphaned children he later founded the Sisters of the Poor. Through his …

A fatherless slave to the Portuguese in Brazil, Francisca was raised by her pious mother who taught her to love the Lord. When she gained her freedom she dedicated herself fully to the service of God and the poor. Affectionately known by those in her community as a mother to the poor, she willingly gave everything to help benefit those in need. Sai…

Living a simple life in Poland, Marianna and her family worked on their small farm. Her life was punctuated by deep faith and the pain of loss. When the Nazis came to her door to carry her son and his pregnant wife away for execution she made the ultimate sacrifice and offered her own life in place of her daughter-in-law. Blessed Marianna Biernacka…

Entering the priesthood in the wake of the French Revolution, Gaspari was eager to help heal a wounded Europe. Times continued to be uncertain when Napoleon rose to power, yet he remained unfailing in his faith and continued to work as a leader in the church despite persecution. Devoted to guiding the youth, he started his own congregation that off…

Although blessed with multiple positions of substantial income, Juan recognized that he was called to live a simple life and left the comforts he enjoyed. In time he became a preacher whose honesty and passion for denouncing sin sometimes involved pointing out the vices of nobility, which made him many enemies. Even so, he was beloved among the com…

The tides were turning in France against the Catholic Church and any clergy who opposed the radical movement of the Revolution. When the radical “Committee of Public Safety” took over the French government all clergy who refused to pledge allegiance to man rather than God were rounded up, packed into large hulks, and left to suffer for months causi…

A worldly and vain housewife, Anna Maria made a conscious effort to change her bad habits and be open to the will of God in her life. With true repentance of heart and miraculous visions that gave her other worldly knowledge, she prophesied about many things. Blessed Anna Maria Taigi 1769 - 1837. Feast day: June 9. Show Host: Ethan Nagy Episode 369…

Accused of buying his position as an archbishop, William was hated by many clergy, who thought him unworthy of Church leadership. However, he never spoke ill of those who opposed him and instead carried out his duties with humble piety, even denouncing his wealth and living as a humble monk for a time. Saint William of York Died 1154. Feast day: Ju…

Seeking greater asceticism, Robert was ordained a priest, became a Benedictine, and joined a small group of monks dedicated to the most severe practices of their order. Living with practically nothing but full of joy he and his little band of monks established the abbey of Newminster. Eventually, he became so well known for his faith and zeal that …

Making enemies during polarizing times in Mexico, Rafael continued to work in secret as a priest to help minister to the sick and needy. Being forced to leave Mexico for a time he never abandoned his work with the sick, even tending to those suffering from plague. Eventually, he returned to Mexico, became a bishop, and ran a secret seminary to form…

Inspired at the tender age of 5 by a group of monks, Boniface made his dreams of religious life a reality when he was ordained a priest and left to be a missionary in Fresia. Never one to grow complacent, he refused to stay in one spot for too long. Instead he made bold moves to evangelize in regions of Germany and Thuringia. Saint Boniface 675 - 7…

After mistakenly receiving a letter not meant for him, Francis, so moved by its contents, reached out to John Adorno and together they began a new order of service and contemplative practices. In spite of several setbacks their congregation grew and Francis found himself as the humble superior of the order. Saint Francis Caracciolo 1563 - 1608. Fea…

When the young king of Uganda, Mwanga II, rose to power his deranged and illicit practices drew opposition from Catholic converts who spoke out against his violence and sought to protect those he exploited. Seeing Catholicism as a threat to his power he had many influential missionaries and converts murdered. United against the tyranny of the young…

Even though the early lives of these two saints remains a mystery we owe the story of their great faith and martyrdom to their executioner. Marcellinus, a priest, and Peter, an exorcist, were imprisoned together with many others during the reign of Diocletian. Their powerful witness strengthened many prisoners in their convictions so much so that t…

Growing up with a heart of compassion for the poor and orphaned, Hannibal made it his mission to bring the love of the Lord to the most destitute people of Italy. Although he ensured that poor and orphaned children were given education and a home, he felt that his efforts were a mere drop in the ocean in comparison with the millions of people who n…

Defying her father’s wishes Camilla refused to get married, proclaiming that she wished to be a nun. Her piety grew so great that he eventually allowed her to enter the convent where she began receiving visions, intensifying her faith, and writing many spiritual works. Saint Camilla Battista da Varano 1458 - 1524. Feast day: May 31. Show Host: Etha…

Growing up during the Hundred Years’ War, Joan was a simple peasant who received visions from several saints telling her to take action and reunite France under the rightful king. Although young and uneducated she took up a sword, commanded an army, and proved to be impossibly wise in matters of war as she led her army into battle. Saint Joan of Ar…

Following God’s call upon her life, Ursula became a nun and willingly took up a post as a teacher in the anti-Catholic Russian empire. Endlessly working to bring education and the gospel to young women she was not discouraged by the constant setbacks and opposition she faced. Ultimately, her kindness and stubborn nature allowed her to form her own …

Struck with a sudden illness as a young woman, Maria was unable to live a normal life and was forced to remain mostly bedridden for the rest of her life. This did not prevent her from living a deeply spiritual life that won her a reputation for great holiness, and was often sought out for her wisdom. Blessed Maria Bagnesi 1514 - 1577. Feast day: Ma…

A simple monk called by the king to be a leading missionary in pagan England, Augustine chose to continue his quest even in the face of terrifying tales about the Anglo-Saxons. Overcoming fear and trusting God he became instrumental in the conversion of the pagan nation. Saint Augustine of Canterbury Died 604. Feast day: May 27. Patron Saint of Sho…

A sudden change of heart caused Philip to abandon the typical worldly pursuits, study for the priesthood, and go out into the streets to directly minister to anyone who would listen. Recruiting other priests to help give talks, he developed a new community that drew people to the confessional and ultimately to salvation in dramatic numbers. Saint P…

Instructed in spiritual matters by her brother who had become a priest, Madeleine revealed her potential to do great things for God’s kingdom. Becoming a nun and eventually a Mother Superior at just 23 years old she went all over France reviving run down convents, founded new communities and instructed novices. In time her work became its own congr…

Finding his calling at an extremely young age, Simeon started living on top of a pillar while still a child, beginning a life of intense austerity that would inspire others to the faith. Becoming a priest and founding his own monastery, Simeon never left his pillar even when offering mass. Saint Simeon Stylites the Younger 521 - 596. Feast day: May…

From an early age Giovanni was plagued by frequent epileptic seizures that continued for his entire life. Despite this personal struggle he was able to become a priest and chose to give what little he had in service to those around him. He focussed on the needs of God’s people rather than his own pain. Saint Giovanni Battista de Rossi. Feast day: M…

Although she wanted to become a nun from a young age, Rita agreed to an arranged marriage. Finding herself in an abusive and unhappy relationship she chose to pray for her husband’s conversion as well as for the salvation of her two sons. Seeing her prayers answered Rita continued to live a holy life and when she died her body was found to be incor…

After experiencing a bout of depression, Eugene realized his calling to religious life and chose to help the suffering French church as a priest. Giving spiritual guidance to those in need he created a new congregation dedicated to helping the suffering people of France after the destruction of the Revolution. Saint Eugene de Mazenod 1782 - 1861. F…

Risking his life to tend to those suffering from the plague, Bernardino worked tirelessly to help those around him, losing many he loved in the process. After becoming a Fransiscan friar, he traveled across the country preaching with such eloquence and simplicity that he drew crowds everywhere he went. Saint Bernardino of Siena 1380 - 1444. Feast d…

After surviving a serious illness, Dunstan dedicated himself to the life of a monk, eventually becoming abbot and restoring his abbey to its former glory. As a man of unfailing honesty and spiritual wisdom he became an advisor to the king, even when it caused him to fall out of favor with the crown. Saint Dunstan 909 - 988. Feast day: May 19. Show …

As king, Eric is remembered as an intelligent and righteous ruler whose faith influenced his generous spirit and concern for the sufferings of others. His commitment to Christianity and to his people made him a symbol of wise and virtuous kingship. Saint Eric IX King of Sweden. Died 1160. Feast day: May 18. Patron Saint of: Sweden Show Host: Sophia…

Born into poverty, Paschal never sought greatness, wealth, or even to become a priest. Rather he chose to live the simple life of a friar and contented himself with menial tasks and hours of silent meditation and prayer. Saint Paschal Baylon 1540 - 1592. Feast day: May 17. Show Host: Colleen Manahan Episode 346 Website: https://awakenthesaint.show …

Becoming a hermit as a teenager, Simon spent 20 years living in solitude until he entered into religious life as a priest. Receiving a vision of the Virgin Mary, Simon was given the sign of the scapular to add to the Carmelite uniform and through this helped to save the Carmelites of the Middle East, who were experiencing persecution. Saint Simon S…

A very poor and uneducated farmer, Isadore was known for his complete lack of ambition as well as his limitless generosity. Trusting in God for his needs, Isadore never shied away from giving what little he had to help those in need, including strangers and animals. Saint Isidore the Farmer 1070 - 1130. Feast day: May 15. Show Host: Sophia Bauer Ep…

A passionate and honest priest, Michael developed a vision for a congregation of missionary priests who work directly with the people. Giving himself tirelessly to bring this vision to fruition he humbly accepted the constant roadblocks that halted the realization of his dream until after his death. Saint Michael Garicoïts 1797 - 1863. Feast day: M…

Wanting nothing more than to live in complete solitude and anonymity, John was a reluctant Bishop, but he led his people with great humility for many years. Still uncomfortable with his sense of unworthiness he eventually ran away from his position seeking to avoid the fame that came with his holiness. Saint John the Silent 454 - 558. Feast day: Ma…

A well educated young man, Epiphanius adopted an ascetic lifestyle, became a hermit in the desert, and was eventually famed for his holiness and miracles. As a bishop he was well known for his generosity to the poor and his strong distaste for idolatry through the dangers of worshiping holy images. Saint Epiphanius. Died 403. Feast day: May 12. Sho…