Growing up in a small town in Italy, Guido di Pietro was interested in two things. He wanted to follow Christ’s example in all things, and he wanted to develop his talent for painting. God showed him how these two things were his vocation. Our vocation is God’s call to share in Jesus’ life and work.
Francisco was only 10 years old when our Blessed Mother appeared to him, his sister Jacinta, and his cousin Lucia, in their small town of Fatima, Portugal. The visions, which we call “apparitions,” occurred in 1917, between May and October. Mary appeared to the children five times.
Peter was born in Italy in 1007. When his parents died, he went to live with one of his older brothers, who treated him cruelly. Sometimes Peter was forbidden to eat any of his brother’s food. Another brother helped solve the problem by giving Peter money so that he could afford to go away to school.
Paula Montal Fornés de San José de Calasanz was born in Barcelona, Spain, in 1799. She was the oldest of five daughters. Her father died when she was only 10, and Paula had to go to work to help her mother support the family. She also helped her mother raise her younger sisters. Paula was disappointed that she could not attend school. She promised God that she would devote her life to the Christian education of girls and young women.
Feast Day: February 6
Canonized: October 14, 2018
Beatified: June 21, 1992
Venerated: March 3, 1990
Francesco Spinelli was born in Milan, Italy, on April 14, 1853. As a child, he would join his mother in visiting and helping the poor and the needy of Milan. He entertained other children by putting on puppet shows.
Josephine Vannini was born in 1859 in the city of Rome. Orphaned at an early age, she was sent to Via Sant’Onofrio for her care and education.
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