Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki: Great Martyr, Myrrh-Streamer and Protector of the City
The martyr whose basilica stands in Thessaloniki and who became the city’s heavenly protector, told from the early sources and the question of whether he was a soldier.
Saint Menas of Egypt: Soldier, Martyr and Wonderworker of Abu Mena
The soldier martyr whose tomb at Abu Mena in Egypt drew pilgrims across the ancient world, told from the archaeology and the disputed traditions of his life.
Saints Sergius and Bacchus: Roman Officers, Martyrs and Patrons of the Syrian Frontier
Two Roman officers remembered as companions in faith and martyrs, whose shrine at Resafa in Syria became a great pilgrimage centre, told from the ancient sources.
Saint Artemios of Antioch: Roman Commander, Great Martyr and Healer
The Roman commander of Egypt beheaded under Julian the Apostate, whose complicated record and healing shrine in Constantinople are told from the ancient sources.
Saint Gordius of Caesarea: Centurion, Ascetic and Martyr
The life of Saint Gordius of Caesarea, Roman centurion who left the army, lived as an ascetic and confessed Christ publicly at Caesarea, as told by Saint Basil the Great.
Saint Florian of Lorch: Roman Official, Martyr and Patron Against Fire
The life of Saint Florian of Lorch, Roman provincial official martyred by drowning at Lauriacum, with the sources, the legends and his place as patron of firefighters.
Venerable Nelson Baker: Priest, Apostle of Charity and Builder of Our Lady of Victory
The life of Venerable Nelson Baker, Buffalo priest who rescued a failing orphanage, cared for abandoned children and mothers, and built Our Lady of Victory Basilica in Lackawanna.
Venerable Emil Kapaun: Priest, Army Chaplain and Prisoner of War
The life of Venerable Emil Kapaun, Kansas priest and Army chaplain who stayed with the wounded at Unsan and died caring for fellow prisoners in North Korea in 1951.
Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon: Samurai, Lord of Takatsuki and Martyr in Exile
The life of Blessed Justo Takayama Ukon, Japanese samurai lord and Catholic confessor, who gave up his lands rather than renounce Christ and died in exile in Manila in 1615.
Saint Maria of Paris: Nun, Poet, Mother and Rescuer of the Persecuted
The life of Saint Maria of Paris, Mother Maria Skobtsova: poet, mother and nun, her houses for the poor in Paris, her rescue of Jews, her death at Ravensbruck and where the sources disagree.
Saint Macarius of Optina: Monk, Spiritual Elder and Editor of the Fathers
The life of Saint Macarius of Optina, Russian monk and spiritual elder: his path from civil service to the monastery, his letters of direction, his work on editions of the Fathers, and his glorification.
Blessed Fulton J. Sheen: Bishop, Broadcaster and Apostle of the Holy Hour
The life of Blessed Fulton J. Sheen, American bishop, radio and television teacher and author: his Holy Hour, his work for the missions, the controversies of his career, his beatification in 2026 and his ties to Eastern Catholics.
Saint George the Great Martyr: Soldier, Victory-Bearer and Mor Girgis
The life of Saint George the Great Martyr, known as Mor Girgis in the Syriac tradition: what the early evidence shows, what the Passions and legends add, and where the sources disagree.
Saint Longinus the Centurion: Soldier, Witness of the Cross and Martyr
The life of Saint Longinus the Centurion: what the Gospels say about the soldier at the Cross, what tradition adds about his conversion, mission and martyrdom, and where the sources disagree.
Saint Agatha of Sicily: Virgin, Martyr and Patroness of Catania
The life and veneration of Saint Agatha of Sicily, virgin and martyr, patroness of Catania, honored in both Roman and Byzantine traditions. Separates the early evidence from the later Passion and local legend.
Saint Giuseppe Moscati: Physician, Scientist and Servant of the Poor
The life of Saint Giuseppe Moscati: Neapolitan physician, researcher and university teacher, a lay saint who treated the poor without charge and was canonized in 1987. Separates documented facts from devotion.
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini: Missionary, Educator and Patroness of Immigrants
The life of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini: Italian teacher, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, builder of schools, orphanages and hospitals for immigrants, first U.S. citizen canonized, and patroness of immigrants. Separates documented facts from tradition.
Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: Wife, Mother, Widow and Educator
The life of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton: New York wife, mother and widow, convert to Catholicism, founder of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, and the first person born in the United States to be canonized. Includes what is documented, what is tradition, and an honest look at slavery in her early community.
Saint Ignatius of Loyola: Soldier, Pilgrim and Founder of the Jesuits
The life of Saint Ignatius of Loyola, the Basque soldier wounded at Pamplona who wrote the Spiritual Exercises and founded the Society of Jesus. Includes what is documented, what is tradition, and his contact with Ethiopian Christianity.
Saint Camillus de Lellis: Soldier, Gambler and Founder of the Ministers of the Sick
The life of Saint Camillus de Lellis, the Italian soldier and gambler who reformed hospital care, founded the Camillians and became patron of the sick, nurses and hospitals. Includes what is tradition and what is documented.