<p>Bruno, founder of the Carthusian Order, was born in Cologne, Germany, about the year 1030. He studied at Rheims and was invited back as Professor of Theology and Grammar. During his 18 years at Rheims he taught many eminent scholars, and was chancellor of the diocese. When the archbishop died in 1068, his replacement was highly unsuitable and the objections of Bruno and other canons were met with persecution which forced them to flee the city. Eventually that archbishop was deposed.</p>

<p>Francesco Bernardone was born in Assisi, Italy, in 1181 or 1182. The son of a wealthy silk merchant, Francis lived a life of comfort and pleasure. As a young soldier and prisoner of war, he survived severe illness and gave up the idea of being a knight. Believing his call was to serve God and the poor, he chose the way of poverty and self-denial. In 1206, he felt called to repair God's house and decided to follow the command literally. His angry father disinherited him and denounced him as a madman. Francis began to live on alms and continued to repair churches.

<p>The word "angel" comes from the Greek word for messenger, and the Scriptures contain many references to their activities. In the Acts of the Apostles we read how Peter was assisted by an angel in his escape from prison. Then when he went to a gathering of the believers and was announced by the maid, they were incredulous and answered, "It is his angel" (Acts 12.15). It was widely believed that people had an angelic being, a guardian angel, assigned by God.

<p>Marie-Françoise Thérèse Martin was born in Normandy, France, in 1873, ninth and youngest child of Louis Martin, watchmaker, and Azélie-Marie Guérin, lacemaker; only five daughters survived to adulthood. Their mother died when Thérèse was only five years old and the family moved to Lisieux where she was raised by her father, her sisters and an aunt. Three of her sisters became Carmelite nuns and the fourth joined the Visitandines.</p>

Casimir was born in Poland in 1458, the son of Casimir IV, king of Poland. He was directly involved in government affairs and was renowned for his sense of justice and his care for the poor. He died of tuberculosis when he was 26 and was buried in Vilnius, Lithuania. Casimir is the patron saint of Lithuania and one of the patrons of Poland.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong&gt;. Reprinted with permission.

<p>Jerome was born in Dalmatia about 342. He studied Latin and Greek in Rome where he was baptized at 18 by Pope Liberius. Having experienced a vision of Christ, Jerome withdrew into the Syrian desert for four years, praying, fasting and learning Hebrew. He was ordained in 377.</p>

<p>Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are three of the seven archangels who stand before God and are venerated in both Jewish and Christian traditions. While this date was once dedicated solely to Michael (Michaelmas), it now commemorates all three.</p>
<p>Michael ('Who is like the Lord?'), considered the special protector of Israel (Daniel 12.1) and of the Church, is known as the 'captain of the heavenly host' (Revelation 12.7-9).</p>

<p>Perpetua, a young noblewoman, and Felicity, a slave, were killed for their faith on March 7, 203, in Carthage. Authentic detailed records consisting of Perpetua's diary and accounts by eye-witnesses provide a vivid picture of the martyrs' experiences.</p>

<p>Between 1633 and 1637, Lorenzo Ruiz and 15 companions were martyred in Nagasaki, Japan. Most of the group were members or associates of the Dominicans. Lorenzo, a husband and father, was a native of the Philippines. The group spent several years working as missionaries in the Philippines, Formosa (Taiwan) and Japan. Lorenzo Ruiz and his companions were canonized in 1987.</p>
<p><strong>Saint Wenceslaus</strong></p>

<p>Vincent is the founder of the Congregation of the Missions (Vincentians) and co-founder of the Daughters of Charity. Born in France in 1580, the son of a peasant farmer, Vincent attended university and was ordained at 20. His first inclination was to earn a good income, but, appointed to the Queen's household, he came under the influence of Bérulle (later Cardinal), and became a changed man. Vincent devoted the rest of his life to acts of charity.