When we think of saints, we think of, well, people who were perfect. They didn’t hold grudges or stereotype people. Well, Saint Fiacre is proof that God can write straight with crooked lines.

Saint Pietro Parenzo • d. May 21, 1199 • Canonized: 1879 • Memorial: May 21

An hour north of Rome, beyond the dreamily bucolic countryside of Lazio and Umbria, stands the fairytale town of Orvieto. One moment all that lies before the traveler is plain. The next moment a huge rock crowned by a once impregnable fortress juts out of the ground, and it is immediately apparent why popes sought safety here in times of danger.

Page through a history book for epic, decisive events, such as battles, treaties, and technological advances. Besides the major players, consider the others who helped make these things possible, most of whom are not even a footnote.