Saints

Benedictine abbot. Born in Ravenna in 950, Romuald is said to have fled the world in horror, after his father killed a man in a duel. He joined the Cluniac monks, but after years of study became attracted to a life of solitary prayer. He eventually left the monastery and walked from place to place, founding many hermitages and communities. The most important of these was Fonte Avellana and Camald... Read More

Matt Talbot can be considered the patron of men and women struggling with alcoholism. Born in Dublin in 1856, his father worked on the docks and had a difficult time supporting his family. After a few years of schooling, Matt obtained work as a messenger for some liquor merchants; there he began to drink excessively and soon became an alcoholic. For 15 years, until he was 30, he drank heavily. ... Read More

The first martyr of Britain. Alban was a Romano-Briton, living in Verulanium (now the city of St Albans). During the persecutions of the Emperor Diocletian he is said to have sheltered a Christian priest, St Amphilbalus, who baptised him. When soldiers came looking for the priest, Alban dressed in his clothes to help him escape. He was arrested and after refusing to offer sacrifice, was killed by... Read More