Saint Maria Goretti

Franciscan Media July 6

Saint Maria Goretti has captured the love and affection of thousands of people because of the simplicity and purity of her life.

Saint Anthony Zaccaria lived only 36 years, but he founded three religious communities and contributed to the reformation of the Church. He insisted on various religious or devotional practices to renew the spiritual life of the clergy, religious, and laity.

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal

Franciscan Media July 4

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal did not have an easy time in spite of the fact that she was royalty. She spent her life seeking peace between herself and her unfaithful husband, and between many of her relatives. Elizabeth saw some progress in this endeavor before retiring to a Poor Clare monastery where she died.

Saint Thomas

Franciscan Media July 3

We don’t know a lot about Saint Thomas the Apostle, but tradition has it that he traveled to and preached the gospel in India, where he was eventually martyred. His name means “twin,” and due to his skepticism, he is also known as “Doubting Thomas.”

Saint Oliver Plunkett

Franciscan Media July 2

Saint Oliver Plunkett may not be a household name in the United States but he certainly is well known in the British Isles. The Archbishop of Armagh, Plunkett led his archdiocese through the rough days of persecution of Catholics.

A statue of St. Junipero Serra sits among flowers outside San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo Mission in Carmel, Calif. The Spanish missionary was canonized by Pope Francis last year under the title of "apostle of California." St. Junipero's feast is July 1. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

Saint Junipero Serra

Franciscan Media July 1

Mission San Gabriel Arcangel in San Gabriel, Calif., is seen in this 2015 file photo. The fourth mission established by St. Junipero Serra caught fire before sunrise July 11, 2020. (CNS photo/Nancy Wiechec)

First Martyrs of the Church of Rome

Franciscan Media June 30

Around the year 64, the city of Rome experienced a devastating fire. Emperor Nero blamed it on the Christians, and a severe persecution followed. Included in the mass murder of Christians were the First Martyrs of the Church. We don’t know their names, but their witness to the faith is certain.