Reference Library

Catholic Saints & Hagiography

A canonical reference repository of holy men and women who witnessed to Jesus Christ through heroic virtue, martyrdom, and dedicated vocations.

All A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Filter by Patronage

Charities & Service to the Poor Ecumenism & Unity Fathers & Families Hospitals & Healthcare Workers Impossible Causes & Desperate Situations Lost Things & Lost Souls Missions & Evangelization Mothers & Expectant Mothers Musicians & Sacred Music Soldiers & Protection The Dying & Happy Death The Universal Church Theologians & Scholars Travelers & Pilgrims Workers & Craftsmen Youth & Young Adults

SAINTFeast: Oct 4

Saint Francis of Assisi

Poverello of Assisi, Founder of the Franciscans, and Stigmatist

Saint Francis of Assisi (1181–1226) was the Seraphic Father and founder of the Order of Friars Minor (Franciscans). Born to a prosperous cloth merchant in Assisi, Francis abandoned wealth, chivalric ambitions, and worldly glory after hearing Christ speak to him from the San Damiano crucifix: "Francis, go and repair my house, which is falling into ruin." Embracing radical Gospel poverty, Francis wed "Lady Poverty," preaching penance, fraternal charity, and peace throughout Italy and traveling to Egypt to witness before the Sultan. He received papal approval from Pope Innocent III after the Pope saw in a vision a poor man propping up the Lateran Basilica. In 1224 on Mount La Verna, Francis became the first recorded saint in history to receive the sacred Stigmata—the marks of the Passion of Christ in his hands, feet, and side.

View Saint Profile →

SAINTFeast: Mar 19

Saint Joseph

Spouse of the Virgin Mary, Foster-Father of the Son of God, and Patron of the Universal Church

Saint Joseph was a just man of the line of David chosen by God to be the spouse of the Virgin Mary and guardian of the Redeemer. A carpenter by trade in Nazareth, Joseph obeyed God’s angel in dreams, protecting the Holy Family during the Flight into Egypt and raising Jesus in holy quietude. As the head of the Holy Family, Saint Joseph provided for the Lord Jesus through the manual labor of his trade, exemplifying sanctified work and silent obedience. Though no spoken words of Joseph are recorded in Scripture, his actions demonstrate prompt faith, paternal devotion, and heroic protection. Pope Pius IX declared Saint Joseph Patron of the Universal Church in 1870. Pope Francis further highlighted his quiet fatherhood in the Apostolic Letter Patris Corde (2020), honoring him as a beloved, tender, obedient, and accepting father who teaches the dignity of daily work and divine providence.

View Saint Profile →

SAINTFeast: Sep 21

Saint Matthew

Apostle, Evangelist, and Former Tax Collector

Saint Matthew (also known as Levi) was a publican (tax collector) in Capernaum who immediately left his toll booth and worldly wealth when Jesus called him with the words: "Follow me." Matthew hosted a banquet in his house where Jesus declared: "I came not to call the just, but sinners." Matthew authored the First Canonical Gospel, written originally for Jewish Christians to demonstrate that Jesus fulfills the Law, the Prophets, and the Old Testament covenant promises as Messiah and King of Israel. Following Pentecost, Matthew preached the Gospel in Judea and according to ancient tradition carried the faith to Ethiopia and Persia, where he suffered martyrdom while offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass.

View Saint Profile →