Nicetas was born around the year 335. He was a bishop, a missionary, and a great writer. His friend Saint Paulinus of Nola (see “Saint Who?” of September 7) describes how Nicetas brought the warmth and light of the Gospel to the frozen north (probably modern-day Germany), and melted the icy hearts of the inhabitants.

“O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the Father immortal: heavenly, holy, blessed Lord Jesus Christ!” The story of Saint Athenogenes of Pontus comes from ancient sources, including Saint Basil the Great.

Manchán lived in Ireland during the 7th century.

Patrick, patron and apostle of Ireland, was born in Britain.

“The man without Christ is dust and shadow.” Paulinus was the son of the Roman prefect of Gaul.

Born in the Canary Islands in 1534, José de Anchieta joined the Jesuits at seventeen.

“Come to the end, small aid is there in the songs of the Muses…./ Sweetness comes from the grave where a good man lies dead.” Venantius Fortunatus started to go blind in his late twenties, but was healed through the intercession of Saint Martin of Tours. He set out on pilgrimage to Saint Martin’s tomb in Gaul (modern France).

Karol Wojtyła’s mother died when he was eight.

Invoked as a patron of artists, Catherine de’ Vigri spent much of her childhood at court in the city of Ferrara, a center of art and culture.

Poetry has a somewhat sacramental character, making everyday words transcend mere talk.