A doctor at the heart of the faithSaint Pantaleon was born in Nicomedia (now Turkey) at the end of the 3rd century, into a noble family. His name means "all compassionate". His father, Eustorgius, was a pagan, but his mother, Eubulus, was a Christian. She died when he was still young, and he was brought up in the pagan faith. Gifted in the sciences, he studied medicine with one of the most famous physicians of the time and soon became a respected practitioner at the court of the Emperor Maximian.His life was turned upside down when he met a Christian priest, Hermolaos. The latter introduced him to Christianity and invited him to reflect on the power of Christ in the art of healing. Pantaleon began to heal not only through his medical skills, but also through prayer. One day, he healed a blind man in the name of Jesus. This miracle confirmed his faith: he asked to be baptised and devoted his life to serving the sick, free of charge. Read more...

Grandparents of the MessiahSt Anne and St Joachim are the parents of the Virgin Mary, and therefore the maternal grandparents of Jesus Christ. Although they are not mentioned in the canonical Gospels, their story is transmitted to us by the apocryphal Gospels, in particular the Protevangel of James. These ancient texts, although not recognised as inspired, have nourished Christian tradition and devotion since the first centuries.Joachim and Anne lived in Jerusalem, or perhaps in Galilee, according to some traditions. They were pious, generous to the poor, faithful to Jewish Law, but their couple suffered a great sorrow: they had no children. In the Jewish culture of the time, this was seen as a disgrace, a sign of divine disgrace. They bore this burden in prayer and hope. Read more...

A fisherman called by ChristSaint James the Greater was the son of Zebedee and the brother of John the Evangelist. He was one of the first disciples called by Jesus, when he was a fisherman on Lake Tiberias. Jesus chose him, along with his brother John, to form part of the very intimate circle of apostles. He witnessed key moments in Christ's life: the Transfiguration on Mount Tabor, the resurrection of Jairus' daughter, and the agony in the Garden of Olives.Named with John the "sons of thunder" (Boanergès), James was distinguished by his fiery temperament, his ardent zeal and his unshakeable loyalty. Jesus channels this energy into making him a fiery witness, ready to give his life for the Gospel. Read more...

A childhood in Lebanon, between poverty and faithYoussef Antoun Makhlouf was born on 8 May 1828 in the remote village of Bekaa-Kafra, in northern Lebanon. His father died when he was still a child, and his mother brought up her five children alone. From an early age, Youssef showed great piety. Fascinated by the example of two of his uncles, Maronite monks, he decided at the age of 23 to enter the Notre-Dame de Mayfouq monastery. There he received the religious habit and took the name Charbel, in homage to a 2nd century martyr. This change of name marked the beginning of a life devoted entirely to God. Charbel was born in the monastery of Notre-Dame de Mayfouq, in Paris. Read more...

A childhood marked by faith and sufferingSaint Brigid was born in 1303 in Finsta, into a noble Swedish family. Her father, Birger Persson, was an influential and deeply Christian governor. From childhood, Brigitte showed exceptional spiritual sensitivity. At the age of 7, she had her first vision of Christ crucified, a deeply moving image that would mark her whole life. This vision was no mere impression: she entered into a personal and burning relationship with the suffering Christ.At 13, she was married to Ulf Gudmarsson, a pious young nobleman. From this union eight children were born, including the future Saint Catherine of Sweden. Despite her domestic, political and social duties, Brigitte remained focused on God, living the life of a fervent Christian wife. She founded hospitals, helped the poor and supported the works of the Church. Read more...