Saints

Patron saint of parish priests. John Vianney - 'the Cure D'Ars' - was the son of a farmer. Born in 1786, he grew up during the aftermath of the French Revolution when clergy were outlawed and many schools were closed. He had little education, but at the age of 20, began training for the priesthood. His studies were interrupted by military conscription. Like many others, he deserted and got back t... Read More

Cistercian abbot. Of noble birth, (he was the son of Earl Simon of Northampton and Matilda, the great niece of William the Conqueror) Waldef (Waltheof) was born in 1100 and grew up in the Scottish court. He could have become a court cleric, but chose the monastic life, becoming an Austin canon at Nostell in Yorkshire. In 1134, he became prior of Kirkham. In 1140 he was a favourite to become Archb... Read More

King and martyr, Oswald was the son of Ethelfrith, king of Northumbria. When Edwin seized the kingdom in 616, he fled to Scotland with his family and became a Christian at Iona. When Edwin died in 633, the royal exiles returned to Northumbria. Oswald's brothers, Osric and Eanfrid, were killed by the tyrannical British king Cadwalla. Although he had a much smaller army, Oswald beat Cadwalla's forc... Read More