Saints

Martyrs. Patron saints of doctors. According to legend, these two early Christian saints were twins. Born in Arabia, they are said to have studied medicine in Syria. They then set up a practice in Aegeae, in Cilicia. They were considered brilliant at their work, but what set them apart from other doctors at the time, was their refusal to charge any fees for their services. They believed that as ... Read More

Patron of Moscow and all Russia, Sergius was born in Rostov to a noble family in 1315, about 100 years after the Tartars conquered Russia. His family lost everything when he was 15 years old, in the civil war between Moscow and Rostov. Forced to flee, they settled at Radonezh, living as poor peasants 50 miles north of Moscow. After the death of their parents, Sergius and his brother Stephen went ... Read More

Patron of charitable societies. Founder of the Vincentian Congregation and the Sisters of Charity. Vincent was born in 1581 to a Gascon peasant family. He was educated by the Franciscans at Dax and then at Toulouse university. He was ordained priest at the very early age of 19. While sailing from Marseilles to Toulouse in 1605, his ship was captured by pirates, and Vincent, along with the rest of... Read More