Saints & Heroes

July 20: Saint Vulmar's piety and devotion, even in his humble duties of keeping the cattle and hewing wood for the community, conveyed his virtue to his superiors.

July 2: Saint Otto of Bamberg was a pious, active, and clever bishop. Ordained a priest while still young, he entered the service of Emperor Henry IV, and he served as an exemplary model of diplomacy in the service of God’s interests.

July 3: Saint Thomas the Apostle, commonly known as "doubting Thomas," eventually spread the Gospel as far as India and died a martyr.

July 5: From childhood, St. Elizabeth of Portugal learned to practice self-discipline, mortification of wayward tendencies, the avoidance of sin and the pursuit of virtue, prayer and union with God’s holy will.

July 7: Around 430, Pope Celestine I consecrated Palladius a bishop, and sent him into Ireland as its first bishop, preceding St. Patrick.

July 8: Saint Withburga was born to a devout Christian King Onna, the youngest of his four daughters, all of whom are canonized saints.

July 9: Augustine Zhao Rong, is one of a group of 120 Catholics, among many more who were martyred between the years 1648 and 1930 in China.

July 10: Saints Antony and Theodosius greatly influenced the spiritual well-being of medieval Ukraine during their lifetime through the monasteries they founded.

July 12: In his youth, Saint John Gualbert had the opportunity to slay his brother's murderer on Good Friday, but was moved by grace to spare the culprit, embracing and forgiving him instead.