When the Black Death plague pandemic swept Europe and Catherine’s community of Siena, she devoted her life to nursing, caring for the most seriously ill and those with cancer and leprosy.
Kidnapped and sold into slavery at the age of seven by Arab slave traders, this Sudanese child received the name Bakhita, meaning “fortunate,” from her captors.
Anthony became the disciple of a local hermit. When this proved not a strict enough way of life, he retired farther into the desert for twenty years and became known for his innumerable miracles.
Bernardine preached at great length, sometimes for as much as four hours. For nearly a quarter of a century he crisscrossed Italy on foot, calling people to repentance.
He was ordained a priest in 1841 and soon settled into his life work: the education and apostolate of boys and young men, especially of the working class.
Priscilla was one of a number of women who played a prominent role in the early church—not simply as “helpers” to the male apostles, but as evangelists and church administrators in their own right.
