Alphonsus was born into a wealthy family in Segovia, Spain in 1533. He inherited the family textile business at 23. Within the space of three years, his wife, daughter, and mother died; and the business was poor. After his setback, he reassessed his life. He sold the business, and with his young son, moved into his sister’s home. There he learned the discipline of prayer and meditation. After the death of his son, he felt a strong call to religious life at the age of 35. He joined the Society of Jesus as a lay brother, as his poor health and limited education did not make him a suitable candidate for either priesthood or religious brotherhood. His reputation for holiness spread beyond the college walls. People came to seek his intercession and advice. He’s known for his deep spirituality, knowledge and soundness of doctrine. He loved Our Lady and distributed copies of “Little Office of the Immaculate Conception” which he had handwritten. He’s the patron saint of the Jesuit brothers.

Sts Simon and Jude were Apostles - 2 of the twelve that Jesus hand-picked as his closest companions. They travelled together to teach the Gospel of Christ. Simon the Zealot first believed firmly in following the Mosaic Law, but after he met Jesus, he followed Jesus and His teachings. Jude taught the people that they should stand firm in their faith, even though they might suffer many trials in their lives. He is popularly known as the saint of lost causes.

Crispin and Crispinian were brothers from Rome who went to Soissons, France, in the late 3rd century to preach the gospel. Crispin and Crispinian spoke about Christianity with such profound conviction and made a strong impression on those who heard them. For about forty years, the brothers were able to urge many to renounce their false gods and convert to Christianity. During this time, they were undisturbed by the authorities. When Emperor Maximian arrived in the city and was told about Crispin and Crispinian, he arrested them. Maximian ordered them to be tortured to death as a warning to others. Through all these torments the brothers coolly recited verses from the psalms that spoke of their reliance on God's protection. And, God indeed preserved them from every harm! They are the patron saints of shoemakers, saddlers and tanners.

St John Paul II was the 'Pilgrim Pope' who truly loved and was loved by all. Despite losing his mother, brother and father by the age of 21, he displayed an immense capacity to love all people. He even forgave the person who attempted to assasinate him. Throughout his 27 years in office, he travelled extensively, using his gift of speaking multiple languages to bring the messge of God's love to the world.

St Luke was one of the 4 Gospel writers. He is also hte patron saint of artists, physicians and surgeons. He was a physician by profession and was converted to Christianity when he first met St Paul when the latter was sick and needed to see a doctor. He then followed Paul to bring the Word of God to the Gentiles and on his second and third missionary journeys. Much of Luke's inspiration and information came from Paul. He placed emphasis on God's universal mercy for both Jews and Gentiles who believe in Jesus. His feast day is on 18 October.

Teresa was born in Avila, Spain in 1515. As a young child, she was fascinated by the saints. At the age of seven, she convinced her older brother to run away with her to Africa so that they could be beheaded by the Moors and become martyrs. Teresa had visions, experienced ecstasies, levitations and received other extraordinary graces. The Lord spoke to her personally and she experienced spiritual espousal. Teresa struggled on, courageous and faithful, clinging to God and prayer. Her writings on prayer that were drawn from experience were powerful, practical and graceful. She is the patron saint for headache sufferers and Spanish catholic writers.

Born Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, it was written that St John XXIII was known for his "ordinariness". When he was elected Pope at age 78, many thought that he would be in office for a short time and not acheive much. But his papacy would become a turning point in the history of the Church. He enlarged and increased the international representation in the College of Cardinals and convened the Vatican Council II. His feast day is on 11 October, which commemorates the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962.

St Maria Faustina Kowalska was the first saint to be canonised in the new millenium. Her name is forever linked to the Divine Mercy. She recorded her visions of the suffering Jesus in her diary from the age of 19. In one of her journal entries, she described an image of Jesus where from His robe and where His heart was, a red and pale light were visible. Jesus told Faustina to paint this picture of Him with the words, "Jesus, I trust in You!". Two years later, the image of the Divine Mercy which we are familiar with today, was painted by her confessor's colleague.

St Francis, the founder of the Order of Friars Minor, called himself "God's Court Jester", because he loved to have fun and was always singing praises to God. He was born to a rich merchant family and loved to party with his friends, but he also had a heart for the poor and sick, and used his wealth to care for them. In everything, Francis praised the Lord, even in his final years when he was suffering from illness and from the marks of the stigmata.

Also known as St Therese of Lisieux, she joined the Carmelite order of nuns at the young age of 15. Life was tough for her, being the only teenager among all the older nuns. Whenever she was washing dishes, one of the sisters would splash dirty dishwater on her face on purpopse, but Therese would willing put up with it. She believed that it was not necessary to accomplish heroic acts or great deeds but that Love proves itself in the little things.