Saints

French priest. Founder of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary. John was born in 1601 to a farming family in Ri, Normandy. He was educated by the Jesuits at Caen. In 1623, inspired by Philip Neri, he joined the French Oratorians, staying with them for 20 years, preaching and caring for the sick during a series of epidemics that swept through France. He was one of the most popular preachers of his ... Read More

Empress. Helena was an innkeeper's daughter, born at Drepanum (later Helenopolis) in Asia Minor, around 270. Another story claims she was born in Britain and was the daughter of King Cole. She married the Roman general Constantius Chlorus, but when he became emperor in 292 he divorced her for political reasons. After his death, their son, who was to become the Emperor Constantine, reinstated his ... Read More

Cistercian monk and abbot of Clairvaux. Bernard was born in 1090 near Dijon in Burgundy. As a young man he was known for his charm, wit, eloquence and learning. At the age of 22, together with 32 companions, including four of his brothers, he became a monk at a poverty-stricken reformed monastery at Citeaux. After a few years probation, he was made abbot of a new foundation at Clairvaux. At firs... Read More