While no canonized saint is a recognized serial killer, some figures considered saints by certain groups or proposed for sainthood had histories as convicted murderers or criminals, like Mariam Soulakiotis (a nun convicted of murder) or Jacques Fesch (a criminal who became devout in prison), while figures like Juan Severino Mallari, a Filipino priest-turned-killer, and medieval knights like Gilles de Rais (a supposed monster/saint) are associated with immense violence but not necessarily modern "serial killer" definitions within official sainthood.
Today the church honors a 4th Century saint who is more story than history, and yet that story is interesting and has lasted the ages: Saint Julian the Hospitaller, Patron Saint of Traveling Musicians, Innkeepers, Hunters, and yes, Murderers.
And then she did the unthinkable: She forgave Serenelli, her murderer. “For the love of Jesus, I forgive him, and I want him to be with me in Paradise.” And then, Saint Maria Goretti passed into Paradise.
Saint William of Perth (died c. 1201), also known as Saint William of Rochester or Saint Liam was a Scottish saint who was martyred in England. He is the patron saint of adopted children.
After Mary's Assumption, John began his missionary expeditions throughout Asia Minor. He was arrested under the reign of the Emperor Domitian, who tried to boil him in oil. John was miraculously preserved, not only from death but also from any harm.
The skin refers to his martyrdom: Saint Bartholomew was flayed alive and beheaded on an evangelical mission to the East. Thus, tanners and artisans who worked with animal skins venerated Saint Bartholomew, making him their patron saint.
St. Carlo Acutis has been popularly called “the patron saint of the Internet” because of his interest in computers and because he built a website that documented miracles related to the Eucharist. Born in 1991, he was also dubbed “the first millennial saint” once his cause for sainthood was under way.
10 February: Saint Scholastica. Scholastica, the twin sister of Saint Benedict of Nursia, is inextricably linked to her brother's name. She served God in contemplation and communal life.
St. Philomena was removed from the roll on the ground she had been neither a saint nor a martyr. Her popularity for nearly 200 years was acquired through religious fervor.
St. Jerome, Doctor and Curmudgeon. Today the Church celebrates St. Jerome, patron of librarians, scholars, students, translators…and grumpy people like me.
Saint Jerome's Story
Most of the saints are remembered for some outstanding virtue or devotion which they practiced, but Jerome is frequently remembered for his bad temper!
Summary : St Rita of Cascia: born in 1381 at Rocca Porena (Italy); died on this day in 1457 at her convnt Cascia. Obedient to the will of elderly parents, she accepted an abusive husband and remained faithful for eighteen years until his violent death.
Matthew 5:21-26 “You have heard that our ancestors were told, 'You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment. ' But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court.
Lillian. She is the patron saint of those with the name Lillian, Lily or Elizabeth. She is also the patron saint of those seeking strength in upholding the faith.
The body of Saint Rita of Cascia, found to be incorrupt by the Catholic Church.
According to tradition, Agnes was born in 291 into Roman nobility, and raised as a Christian. She suffered martyrdom on 21 January 304, aged 12 or 13, and during the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian.
Some suggested that the tiles covering her tomb had been re-used, and that the relics were not of Philomena at all. On account of these doubts, Philomena was removed from the calendar during the changes to the order of liturgical worship introduced in the wake of the Second Vatican Council during the 1960's.
Matthias – Patron Saint of Alcoholics. Matthias is the patron saint of persons who are struggling with any form of addiction (whether to alcohol or anything else)Matthias preached that the Holy Spirit will empower people to exercise self-control so they can experience good health in both body and soul.
Benedict is one of the most revered and most powerful Sacramentals of the Church There is no special way prescribed for carrying or wearing the Medal of St. Benedict. It can be worn on a chain around the neck, attached to one's rosary, kept in one's pocket or purse, or placed in one's car or home.
The Cathedral Parish will host an exhibition featuring the relics of Carlo Acutis, affectionately known as the “Saint in the Blue Jeans.” Carlo, born in 1991 and hailed from Milan, is nearing canonization following Vatican approval of two miraculous healings attributed to his intercession.
Peter's canonisation by Pope Innocent IV on 9 March 1253 was the fastest in papal history. St Peter the Martyr's feast day is 6 April although his Dominican brothers celebrate it on 4 June.
St. Carlo Acutis's first miracle involved a Brazilian boy born with a malformed pancreas being healed after praying to Acutis. A second miracle was recognized in May 2024, after a young Costa Rican woman was healed from a serious head injury.