Saint Teresa of Avila, the great Carmelite reformer and Doctor of the Church, was a woman of fire and prayer. Born in Spain in the 16th century, she experienced spiritual fervour from an early age, but also illness and inner struggle. Her deep love for Christ led her to a life of intense mystical union, marked by absolute trust in God. A founder, writer and spiritual guide, she taught people to seek peace in the silence and presence of the Lord. Read more...

Glorious Saint Christopher,you whose name means "bearer of Christ",you who had the courage to seek to serve the greatest of masters,and who found your true mission in carrying the Infant Jesus on your shoulders,come to our aid and accompany us on the roads of life. Read more...

St Barnabas, a companion of St Paul, was one of the first disciples to devote himself entirely to proclaiming the Gospel. His name means "son of consolation", and he lived up to this title by supporting persecuted believers, encouraging communities and opening the doors of the Church to pagans. A figure of gentleness and missionary courage, he is invoked as a protector of evangelisers and an intercessor in times of discouragement. Read more...

Saint Stephen was one of the first seven deacons chosen by the apostles to serve the poor and proclaim the Word of God with zeal. Filled with the Holy Spirit, he courageously preached the truth of the Gospel, arousing the hostility of the religious leaders. Falsely accused, he gave his life in imitation of his Master: as he was about to die, he prayed for his executioners, saying: "Lord, do not count this sin against them". The first martyr of the Church, he is invoked as a model of fidelity, charity and forgiveness. Read more...

Saint Simon, nicknamed "the Zealot" or "the Canaanite", was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus. His nickname no doubt recalls his ardour and religious fervour. We know few details of his life, but tradition has it that he courageously proclaimed the Gospel to the ends of the earth and sealed his mission with martyrdom. He is invoked as a model of passionate loyalty to Christ and as an intercessor in the battles of faith. Read more...