Melanie Rigney

St. Martin de Porres (1579-1639) was born to an unwed African-Native Peruvian mother, and under Peruvian law his ethnicity and illegitimacy disqualified Martin from life as a religious.

It takes trust—and often patience—to discern God’s plan for us. Zélie Guerin was a successful lacemaker when she met Louis Martin, and the two married just three months later.

St. José Gabriel del Rosario Brochero (1840-1914) improved the lives of his parishioners in rural Argentina through construction not only of retreat centers and schools, but also roadways and aqueducts.

Respected physician Marcus Ji Tianxiang (1834-1900), self-prescribed opium for an ailment. When he became addicted to the drug, his confessor forbade him to take communion until he overcame the addiction.

St. Monica (332-387) wasn’t embarrassed about the way she evangelized to her son—although Augustine certainly was from time to time!