Life of the Saints

Saint Maximilian Kolbe: the martyr of charity who gave his life to save a family man

Among the great Christian figures of the 20th century, Saint Maximilian Kolbe holds a very special place. A Polish Franciscan priest, missionary, apostle of the Virgin Mary and martyr at Auschwitz, he remains to this day an extraordinary witness to faith, courage and charity. Read more...

The Visitation of the Virgin Mary: a meeting of faith, joy and charity

The Feast of the Visitation of the Virgin Mary is celebrated on 31 May in the Catholic Church. This event, recounted in the Gospel according to Saint Luke (Lk 1:39–56), is one of the most beautiful episodes in the life of Mary. It shows us the Mother of God humbly placing herself at the service of her cousin Elizabeth, just a few days after receiving the announcement from the Angel Gabriel. Read more...

The story of Bernadette Soubirous

A childhood marked by povertyBernadette Soubirous was born on 7 January 1844 in Lourdes, into a very modest family. Her father was a miller, but the family soon fell on hard times financially. They ended up living in an old disused prison called the Cachot. Read more...

Saint Cecilia: life, martyrdom and miracles of the patron saint of musicians

Saint Cecilia is one of the most beloved saints of the Christian tradition. A luminous figure of the early centuries, she embodies the gentle strength of faith, purity of heart and heroic courage in the face of oppression. Her name has been associated with sacred music since the Middle Ages, and countless composers, painters and poets have celebrated her as a symbol of divine harmony.Yet behind the delicate image of the young virgin musician lies a powerful story, marked by faithfulness to the point of martyrdom. Here is the full story of her life, as handed down by Church tradition. Read more...

The story of the canonisation of Carlo Acutis

Carlo Acutis was born on 3 May 1991 in London, into a wealthy Italian family. Shortly after his birth, his parents moved to Milan, where he grew up. From an early age, Carlo showed an uncommon spiritual sensitivity. Although his parents were not practising believers, it was he who, at the age of just seven, expressed the desire to make his First Communion. That day, he wrote in his diary: "To be united with Jesus, that is my life plan. Read more...