Peter Canisius is the Patron Saint of Germany, Catholic press and Catechism writers. At the age of 15, he attended University and received a master's degree when he turned 19. He gained a reputation as a preacher and contributed greatly to reforming the Church in Vienna. He also won people over with his practice of charity, especially to the sick and the plague stricken. St Peter was named a Doctor of the Church, an honour given to him for clarifying the Catholic faith by his words and example.

Dominic of Silos is the Patron Saint of pregnant women, prisoners and shepherds. He was born in Spain around the year 1000 into a peasant family. He became a Benedictine monk and served in numerous leadership positions. After a dispute with the king, Dominic and two other monks were exiled to Silos. Dominic served at the monastery in Silos for many years, filling his days with good works, miraculous cures, prayer and ransom of captives. His gift of miracles drew many to the monastery and he cured them by the hundreds.

St John of the Cross was a 16th Century Spanish Carmelite. He is the Patron Saint of contemplatives, mystics and Spanish poets. He is said to have had visions of Christ in Avila, and drew Jesus looking down on him from above. St John was a key figure in the 16th century reform if the Carmelites amid a rift between the traditionalists and Discalced (liberal). St John was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church for his spiritual teachings, one of 36 saints recognised as Teachers who have made significant contribution to doctrine through their writing or study.

St Juan Diego and his wife were among the first indigenous people to accept Jesus and be baptised, when the Spaniards conquered Mexico in the 15th century. Mary appeared to Juan Diego 4 times. The apparition of Our lady of Guadalupe had proved to be a turning point in the evangelisation of the Americas.

St Ambrose is the Patron saint of Milan, and also the Patron of Bees, Beekeepers, Geese, Candlemakers, Police Officers and Students. He is 1 of 4 original Doctors of the Church. Ambrose lived in the year 340 to 397 and became the Bishop of Milan at 34. He introduced the Lectio Divina, a meditation of Scripture that we still use today.

Born in the 4th century in what is now Turkey, Nicholas was known for being very charitable and loving to people. He used his inheritance to help many who were in dire straits. As the Bishop of Myra, he was a strong defender of Christianity. When he died, his body remained incorrupt and exuded a fragrant myrrh called manna.

John was born in 676 AD to a family of Arab Christians and raised in Damascus. He was an outstanding champion of sacred images, and best known for his defense of icons. He is the patron saint of pharmacists, icon painters, philosophy and theology students.

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Francis Xavier is the patron saint for foreign missions and the Apostle of the Indies. He was first a disciple of St Ignatius of Loyola and one of the first Jesuits in the order. He gave us the silver spoon in his mouth when he was called to mission work in India and Japan. He died of a fever at the age of 46. Today, his incorrupt remains lie at the Church of the Good Jesus in Goa, India.