The doctrine of the Assumption of Mary is recent: 1950. But the belief among the faithful that Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the time of her death dates to the early Church.

Concerned about the faith of single young men caught up in the industrial revolution in Germany, Blessed Adolph Kolping bucked social pressure by ministering to them. Today, the Kolping Society upholds the dignity of workers throughout the world.

Blessed Angela Salawa was a maid for many years, eventually becoming a Secular Franciscan who instructed other young domestics in their faith.

Blessed Angeline of Marsciano founded the first Third Order community of women in the Franciscan family; something new in her day. While briefly married, Blessed Angeline did not set aside the vow of perpetual chastity she’d made as a child. She spent her life caring for the sick and the poor.

Blessed Anthony Grassi had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Loreto from his childhood. He joined the Oratorian Fathers at 17, and was known as a very good student. Struck by lightning at age 29, Anthony was paralyzed for a few days before recovering, and becoming somewhat a changed man.

Blessed Bartholomew of Vicenza, a Dominican, challenged the heresies of his day. Known for his ability to preach, he overcame his adversaries and helped his diocese become more loyal to Rome in a time when anti-papal feeling ran high.

This millennial was a self-taught computer whiz, defender of bullied students, soccer enthusiast, and deeply devoted to the Eucharist—all this in a life cut short by leukemia at the age of 15.

Claudio was the youngest of nine children whose father died when the boy was only nine years old. At the age of 15 he entered the army where he served for three years. Eventually Claudio joined the Franciscans, and was known for his artistic abilities.