St Hilary is known as a defender of the faith, and wrote some of the greatest theology on the Holy Trinity. He is the patron saint of lawyers, children with disabilities, mothers, and sick people. He also wrote hymns which were the first in the West by a known writer, and one of them, known as the Morning Hymn, is used in the Liturgy of the Hours today.

St Raymond of Peñafort was born in 1175 to Spanish nobility. He was a lawyer, preacher, and priest who made a profound influence on the history of Spain and the Church. He is the patron saint of canon lawyers. His feast day is on January 7th.

St Andre Bassette was known as the “Miracle Man of Montreal”. He was born in Quebec, Canada in 1845. Many healings and miracles have been attributed to his prayers. His feast day is on January 6th.

Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen were born in the year 330. They both made many selfless contributions, as priest and bishop respectively. They opposed and countered the countless heresies of that age. Their feast day is on January 2nd.

St Vincent was well-known as “the holy Passionist preacher” because he often preached in the city of Rome to the local clergy, the cardinals, bishops and the papal court at the Pope’s request. He had an intense prayer life; rising at midnight for the divine office and spending at least five hours daily in prayer. He brought this spirituality of prayer, prudence, and pastoral dedication to the poor - who were close to his heart.

On 29th December, we honour St Thomas Becket, the Patron Saint of Roman Catholic Secular Clergy. When he got close to King Henry II after he was invited into the household of the Archbishop of Canterbury, he became proud, ambitious and selfish. But all these changed after he was made the Archbishop of Canterbury in 1162. He became a completely changed man. When he upset and clashed with his friend, King Henry II, he became grossly unpopular with nobles and knights. He was violently assasinated and became a martyr.

On 28 December, we celebrate the feast of the Holy Innocents. When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, King Herod was jealous and feared that this child would overthrow him as king. When the wise men didn't go back to Herod to inform him where Jesus was, he was outraged and ordered the massacre of all the boys who were two years old and below. Around 14,000 children were estimated to have been killed. These first martyrs are the patrons of infants and unborn babies. Their death protected Jesus from the wrath of Herod.

St John was one of the original twelve apostles and writer of five books in the New Testament. Tradition says that after the resurrection, John took Mother Mary from Jerusalem to Ephesus to live out the rest of her life until her Assumption. St John is the Patron Saint of Love, Loyalty, Friendships and Authors.

St Stephen is given the tile of protomartyr as he is recognised as the first Christian martyr. First mentioned in the Acts of the Apostles as one of the seven deacons appointed by the Tweleve, he was persecuted for his faith and died bearing witness for Christ at 29 years old. Stephen was described as being 'full of grace and power and did great wonders and signs among the people'. He was said to have preached fervently, performed miracles and successfully converted many to follow Jesus.

St John of Kanty was named after his birthplace, Kant, in the countryside of Poland. He was appointed Professor of Philosophy theology and scripture at the University of Krakow after his priestly ordination. He became well known among the city's residents and his students for his generosity and compassion toward the poor. By the time he died, John was so well-loved that his veneration began immediately. He was declared the Patron Saint of Poland and Lithuania in 1737, thirty years before his canonisation.