Memorial of Saints (December 12)

St. Jane Frances de Chantal was a widow with seven children before she met St. Francis de Sales. Francis de Sales wanted her to lead the religious community he wanted to found. So, in 1610 A.D., Francis and Jane Frances founded the Congregation of the visitation - a community for widows and young girls who want to live a religious life. Before her death, this community grew to more than sixty houses (died ca. 1641 A.D.).

Sts. Epimachus and Alexander were imprisoned, tortured and burned to death during Decius' persecution of Christians. Four women were also martyred together with Epimachus and Alexander: Ammonaria, Mercuria, Dionisia, and another unnamed woman martyr. All of these six Christians of the 3rd century were martyred at Alexandria, Egypt (died ca. 250 A.D.).

St. Finnian of Clonard was an Irishman who spent several years in Wales at monasteries led by St. Cadoc and St. Gildas. After living as a monk in Wales, he returned to Ireland and founded several monasteries, the most notable of which was Clonard in Meath. He is popularly called the "Teacher of Irish Saints" (died ca. 549 A.D.).

St. Corentin was a hermit in Britanny, before he was chosen bishop by its inhabitants. Reputed to have performed many miracles, he came to be known as the first bishop of Quimper, Brittany (died 6th century).

St. Edburga was an Englishwoman who succeeded St. Mildred as abbess of Minster-in-Thanet. She went on a pilgrimage to Rome and met St. Boniface - who came to be known as the "Apostle to Germany". After this encounter with St. Boniface, Edburga conducted a lot of correspondence with him. St. Edburga was also noted as a good calligrapher (died ca. 751 A.D.).

St. Vicelin was ordained by St. Norbert at Magdeburg. In 1126 A.D., he began missionary work among the Wends. He also founded many monasteries, and was very successful in his work. When pirates attacked his area, members of his community were able to escape. Vicelin eventually was named bishop of Staargard. However, he could not administer his diocese due to Emperor Frederick Barbarossa's opposition (died ca. 1154 A.D.).