St Mark was of Jewish descent of the priestly Tribe of Levi. He was born in Cyrene, North Africa which is modern day Libya. His Jewish name was John to which the Latin Marcus was added (Greek Markos), and he was therefore called both John and Mark. He is mentioned repeatedly in the New Testament and is also the author of the Gospel of Mark which sought to record the lessons of St Peter to the Romans.
Saints
Biographies, feast days, prayers and devotions of saints.
St. Anselm, also known as Anselm of Canterbury, was a medieval Catholic theologian, philosopher, and Benedictine monk who made significant contributions to theology, philosophy, and apologetics during his lifetime. His deep intellect, profound insights, and unwavering faith continue to inspire and influence scholars, theologians, and believers today.
Pope St. Anicetus was a Syrian born Pope in Rome who defended the Church from the errors of Gnosticism and Marcionism. He is most particularly noted for the importance of the See of Rome, and of his advocacy for the day of Easter being on the Sunday following the Passover ,rather than the day of Passover itself. He died a pope, saint and martyr in 168 AD.
The Feast of Divine Mercy is a day of great significance for Catholics, as it offers an opportunity to renew their commitment to trust in Jesus and His mercy. It is a day to reflect on the profound message of Divine Mercy and to seek God’s forgiveness and grace in our lives. It is a day to rejoice in the abundance of God’s mercy and to share His love and compassion with others.
St. Justin became known for his eloquent defence of the Christian faith, often engaging in public debates with philosophers and intellectuals to explain and defend the teachings of Christianity. He wrote several works, including his famous “First Apology,” in which he provided a systematic defence of Christianity and refuted the false accusations against Christians. His writings were considered instrumental in presenting Christianity as a rational and philosophical faith.
St. Hermenegild was born into a royal Visigothic family in Spain during a time of religious and political turmoil. His father, King Leovigild, was an Arian Christian, while his mother, Theodosia, was a devout Catholic. Despite being raised in a divided household, Hermenegild embraced the Catholic faith and became a fervent Christian.
Saint Barbara was a late 3rd century saint and martyr who was born in Nicomedia (modern day Turkey) but who was beheaded by reason of her faith in Christ.
Pope Martin I is known for his unwavering defence of orthodoxy, particularly in the face of the Monothelite heresy, which denied the full humanity of Jesus Christ. He convened the Lateran Council in 649 AD, which condemned the Monothelite heresy and affirmed the doctrine of the two wills of Christ – human and divine. Despite facing opposition and threats from political powers, Pope Martin I remained steadfast in upholding the teachings of the Church and defending the true faith.
St. Faustina Kowalska’s was a visionary whose mystical life was marked by her unwavering devotion to the Divine Mercy and her mission to spread this message to the world. Her writings, prayers, and personal example have left a profound impact on countless lives, and her canonization as a saint has further solidified her significance in the Catholic Church.
St Mark was of Jewish descent of the priestly Tribe of Levi. He was born in Cyrene, North Africa which is modern day Libya. His Jewish name was John to which the Latin Marcus was added (Greek Markos), and he was therefore called both John and Mark. He is mentioned repeatedly in the New Testament and is also the author of the Gospel of Mark which sought to record the lessons of St Peter to the Romans.