St. Silvester studied law at first but then switched to theology. He was ordained, and became a canon at Osimo, northeast of Rome in central Italy. He resigned in 1227 A.D., and lived an eremitical life near Osimo and then at Grotta Fucile. When he began to have followers, he organized them into a monastery at Monte Fano, thus founding the Silvestrine Benedictines. The congregation was approved by Pope Innocent IV in 1247 A.D. and grew to eleven monasteries before Silvester's death (died ca. 1267 A.D.).
St. Peter of Alexandria was named head of the catechetical school in Alexandria because of his learning and knowledge of Scripture. In 300 A.D., he was named Patriarch of Alexandria. Peter had to contend with Bishop Meletius, who was causing a schism in Alexandria. He also had to contend with the Christian persecutions under Emperor Diocletian and then continued by Emperor Maximin. It was under Maximin that Peter was arrested and then executed (died ca. 311 A.D.).
St. Siricius was elected Pope in 384 A.D., succeeding Pope Damasus. Siricius upheld the truth on the perpetual virginity of Mary against the monk Jovinian, and insisted much on clerical celibacy. He supported St. Martin of Tours and excommunicated Felix of Trier for causing the execution of Priscillian (died ca. 399 A.D.).
St. Basolus was a soldier who left the military to become a monk at the monastery of Verzy. He then became a solitary on a hill overlooking Rheims and remained there the last forty years of his life. Also known by the name of Basle, he is reported to have performed numerous miracles (died ca. 520 A.D.).
St. Conrad of Constance was educated at the cathedral of Constance and was ordained. He was made provost of the cathedral and was elected bishop in 934 A.D. Coming from the noble Guelph family, he gave his share of inheritance to the Church and to the poor, and built many churches in the diocese of Constance. During the forty-two years that he was bishop, he avoided secular affairs to concentrate on his ecclesiastical duties and responsibilities (died ca. 975 A.D.).
St. Nikon "Metanoeite" became a monk at Khrysopetro. After 12 years, he was sent as a missionary to the island of Crete. Nikon was successful in reconverting many of the Cretans from Islam back to the Christian faith. He earned the surname "Metanoeite" because of his practice of beginning every sermon with the word "metaoneite" which means, repent. Nikon then preached to various parts of Greece and was known for his miracles (died ca. 998 A.D.).
St. John Berchmans as a youth wanted to be a priest and so became a servant in the household of John Froymont - a cathedral canon at Malines. In 1615 A.D., John entered the Jesuit college at Malines, and the following year he became a Jesuit novice. He was sent to Rome in 1618 A.D. for further studies. John was known for his diligence and piety, impressing many with his holiness and emphasis on perfection in little things. He had a short life and passed away in Rome (died ca. 1621 A.D.).
St. Leonard of Port Maurice entered the Jesuit Roman College at thirteen years of age. His uncle Augustine wanted him to become a physician. Leonard refused and instead joined the Franciscans of the Strict Observance at Pontcelli, Italy in 1697 A.D. After his ordination, he preached all over Tuscany with tremendous success. In his missions, he started to attract huge crowds. He was an ardent promoter of the Stations of the Cross, devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, the Sacred Heart, and Mary. He was sent to Corsica for a mission but was unsuccessful there. Suffering from exhaustion, he returned to Rome were he passed away (died ca. 1751 A.D.).
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