Memorial of Saints (July 31)

St. Ignatius of Loyola was converted from a worldly career to a life of holiness in Christ after he was wounded seriously in battle in 1521 A.D. Upon recuperating at his family's castle, he read books on the Lives of the Saints and a Life on Christ. This reading inspired him deeply that he searched more into the spiritual life. From his spiritual experiences, he wrote a guidebook on meditation called "The Spiritual Exercises". This was to be instrumental in his obtaining followers, and founding of the Jesuit Order. Through his leadership, the Jesuits influenced much of Europe and the rest of the world. The Jesuits evangelized many people in their missions and educated leaders through their education system. St. Ignatius spent the rest of his years in Rome, where he directed the members of the Order (died ca. 1556 A.D.).

St. Neot was a monk at Glastorbury, England. He was ordained a cleric and decided to become a hermit in Cornwall (which is now known as St. Neot). Because of his exemplary life of holiness, his relative, King Alfred, went to visit him to seek his advice. Nothing else is known about St. Neot's life except that he was the reason Cornwall, England came to be known as St. Neot (died ca. 880 A.D.).

St. Helen of Skövde was a Swedish noblewoman who gave her possessions to the poor upon the death of her husband. She then made a pilgrimage to Rome, but upon her return to Sweden, she was accused of the death of her son-in-law. Though she was executed for a crime she never committed, it was later discovered that her son-in-law had been murdered by his own servants. Miracles were reported to have numerously happened at her tomb (died ca. 1160 A.D.).

St. Germanus of Auxerre studied in Gallic schools and pursued a legal profession in Rome. In 418 A.D., he was named bishop of Auxerre. Upon his ascent to the episcopate, he led a holy life and worked for the good of his diocese. St. Germanus was a strong defender of the Church against the Pelagian heresy. And aside from combatting this heresy, he also had to contend with hostile groups like the Picts, the Saxons and other savage tribes (died ca. 448 A.D.).

St. Justin de Jacobis joined the Vincentians and was ordained. He served as local superior in Lecce before he was sent to the Catholic mission at Adua, Ethiopia. Though he had difficulties at first, he was able to meet the Pope in Rome. After the meeting with the Pope, St. Justin founded a college and seminary in his mission. By 1853 A.D., there were some five thousand Catholic Ethiopians. However, in 1860 A.D., a new king launched a persecution against the Catholics. St. Justin was arrested. After months in prison, he was released and was able to find his way to Eritrea, where he spent his last years (died ca. 1860 A.D.).