Missionary Childhood Association
Saint of the Month Archive
The saints are our friends in heaven, and we can count on them for their help, prayers, and intercession. These short lesson plans each tell a saint’s story, ask follow-up questions, and suggest activities that help your students understand that saints are ordinary people who follow the God’s path in their lives. Each saint will help your students become better missionary disciples!
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Saint Gabriel Possenti
As a boy, Francesco Possenti was known to have a quick temper; he matured into a popular teen and excelled in school. He was always well groomed, was a good dancer, and enjoyed the party life. Imagine his friends surprise when, after graduation, he headed to a Passionist seminary to become a missionary priest! He took the name Gabriel of Our Lady of Sorrows. His prayer life focused on the Passion of Jesus. Saint Gabriel Possenti’s feast Day is February 27th and he is the patron saint of college students and seminarians.
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Saint Guido Conforti, SX
Saint Guido Conforti founded the Xaverian Missionary Fathers in 1895, naming them for Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint of the missions. There are now over 800 Xaverian Fathers serving in 21 countries around the world. Guido was known for his very personal relationship with Jesus on the cross, even as a boy. His feast day is November 5 and he is the patron saint of Xaverian missionaries. This lesson plan includes directions for origami sailboats!
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Saint Hilary of Poitiers
Saint Hilary of Poitiers’ name comes from the Latin word for happy or cheerful and he was known for that attribute. In addition to his other faith accomplishments highlighted in this lesson, he was also the father of another saint, Saint Abra, who was known for her charity. His feast Day is January 13th and he is the patron saint of children with disabilities and lawyers.
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Saint Homobonus
Saint Homobonus was a married layman who believed that God allowed him to be prosperous so that, much to the chagrin of his wife, Homobonus could care for the poor. He was known for his honesty in business. His feast day is November 13th and he is the patron saint of tailors, shoemakers, businesspeople, and Cremona, Italy – his hometown!
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Saint Isaac Jogues & His Mission Dreamcatcher
Saint Isaac Jogues and His Companions were Jesuits missionaries and the first North American Martyrs. They travelled and worked among the Iroquois, Huron, and other Native American people in what is now New York State. Isaac Jogues was the first European to see Lake George, naming it Lac du Saint Sacrement (Lake of the Blessed Sacrament). The feast day of Isaac Jogues and his Companions is October 19th and they are the patron saints of North America. This lesson plan includes a craft activity to create a “Mission Dreamcatcher”.
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Saint Ita
Born in Ireland in the 5th century, Saint Ita was a founder of a small religious community, a teacher, and a spiritual guide. She led a life of simplicity and encouraged others not to waste the gits of nature, as they are gifts from God. One of her more famous students was Saint Brendan the Navigator! Saint Ita’s feast day is January 15th and she is the patron saint of the Catholic Diocese of Limerick, Ireland and Killeedy, Ireland where her grave and holy well are still visited.
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Saint John de Britto
Since his death, Saint John de Britto has often been called the “Portuguese Saint Francis Xavier” because of his missionary work in India. This would undoubtably please him as he had a great devotion to the saint. He understood well the concept of “inculturation” – understanding a people’s culture in order to introduce them to the Gospel instead of simply imposing it on them. Saint John de Britto’s feast day is February 4th and he is the patron saint of Portugal.
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Saint John Kanty
A Polish priest and professor, Saint John Kanty was an inspirational hero to Saint John Paul II. He was known for his kindness and frugality, which allowed him to be charitable in giving to others. He was once falsely accused of wrongdoing and dismissed from his post. His charitable personality was on display during this time as well and he was eventually cleared and reinstated. Saint John Kanty’s feast day is December 23rd and he is the patron saint of Poland.
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Saint Josephine Bakhita
Born in a small, rural village in what is now South Sudan, Josephine Bakhita could never recall her original name. Kidnapped and enslaved as a young girl, Josephine would be sold over and over before ending up in Italy where her “masters” temporarily left her in the care of Sisters. It was then that she learned how much God loved her – and that slavery was illegal in Italy. Her life story is one of endurance, faith, and devotion to spreading God’s love. Saint Josephine Bakhita’s feast day is February 8th and she is the patron saint of South Sudan and victims of human trafficking.
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Saint Juan Diego
Imagine the surprise of peasant farmer Juan Diego, who had a vision of the Blessed Mother as he hurried, barefoot, to the bedside of sick relative. Clothed in only a cloak made of cactus fiber, Juan even tried to avoid the duty to which he was called by Mary! Not believed by the local Church hierarchy, he was gifted with a miracle that would draw millions to faith in Mary’s Son, Jesus. This lesson includes an idea for students to make their own “tilma.”
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Saint Julie Billiart
A precocious learner, little Julie’s favorite subject was religion. By the time she was seven, she was already teaching others about Jesus, proving that she would go on to not only be an educator, but start a religious order of women to focus on education. Living during the time of the French Revolution made being an evangelizer a real challenge. Read how Julie met it! Her favorite saying was “Ah! Qu’il est bon, le bon Dieu! (Oh! How good is the good God!)” Saint Julie Billiart’s feast day is April 8th and she is the patron saint of the poor and sick.
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Saint Kateri Tekakwitha
Saint Kateri Tekakwitha (say Tek-ah-KWITH-ah), is known as the Lily of the Mohawks. This young lay woman’s life story is one of small acts of devotion to Jesus while trying to share her faith with her peers who did not know Him. Her feast day is July 14 and she is the patron saint of Native Americans, environmentalists, and those ridiculed for their faith.
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Saint Katharine Drexel
Katherine Drexel lived a life of privilege as a child – international travel, fine food, and the best schools were the norm for her. With the early death of her mother and sister, she learned the lesson that no amount of money can shield you from the hardships of life. Katherine would go on to use her massive fortune in a way that surprised high society – she gave up its personal use and became a missionary and educator to Native Americans. Read about the schools she founded, still in existence, on her way to sainthood. Saint Katherine Drexel’s feast day is March 3rd and she is the patron saint of philanthropists and those who work for racial justice.
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Saint Leobinus
Leobinus (also known as Lubin) started life as a peasant boy in the “Dark Ages” of history but longed for education. When his parents sent him to a monastery to work in exchange for education it started him on his path towards holiness, sacrificing himself for the good of others. If you know anyone who like to read in bed after “lights out’, this is the saint for you. Saint Leobinus’ feast day is March 14th and he is the patron saint of inn keepers and wine merchants.
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Saint Lorenzo Ruiz
Saint Lorenzo Ruiz is the first martyr from the Philippines, which makes him known as a protomartyr. Born to a Chinese father and Filipino mother, he was taught to speak both languages as a boy. Lorenzo was an altar boy and loved to pray the rosary with his family. As an adult, he married and had three children. He was martyred with missionaries while in Japan. Saint Lorenzo Ruiz’ feast day is September 28th and he is the patron saint of migrant workers, separated families, The Philippines, and Filipino altar servers.
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Saint Lucia
Though Saint Lucia’s name means “light”, there is not much to illuminate her life except legends passed down by word of mouth. All agree that she was a pious, Christian woman who had dedicated her life to God and refused to be dissuaded from her position. Learn about the various legends that have grown up around this luminous saint. Saint Lucia’s feast day is December 13yh and she is the patron saint of the blind.