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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- Blessed Cyprian Michael Iwene Tansi
Michael Iwene Tansi was one of the first native born Nigerians to become a priest to minister to his own people. He was known for his humility and good work ethic. Father Michael Iwene also stood up against oppression or abuse of any kind against women. He took the name Cyprian when he trained to be a Trappist monk. In 1998, he became the first West African to be beatified. His feast is January 20th and he is the patron of Nigerian priests.
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Blessed Giovanni Della Pace
The English translation of this saint-to-be’s name is “John of Peace.” Trained as a soldier, he left the battlefield after surviving an ambush. John felt it was the hand of God that saved him and so he devoted the rest of his life to God. He convinced others to help him and started an association that cared for the poor of his town. Blessed Giovanni Della Pace’s feast day is November 12.
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Blessed Irene Stefani
Born Aurelia Mercede Stefani, Blessed Irene Stefani took her new first name when she became a Consolata Missionary Sister. A nurse by profession, Saint Irene was a missionary in Kenya where she was named "Nyaatha" (Say Nyina-WAH-tha), which means ‘Mother of Mercy’. Her feast day is October 31st. She is the patron of the Diocese of Nyeri, Kenya and the Consolata Missionary Sisters.
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Blessed Lucien Botovasoa
Lucien Botovasoa was a schoolteacher on the African island nation of Madagascar. He was dedicated to both secular and religious education and had a great admiration for the humble lifestyle of Saint Francis of Assisi. He spoke four languages and was a talented musician. Lucien was married; his wife was pregnant with their fifth child when he was killed by local authorities in hatred of his faith. Blessed Lucien’s feast day is April 14th and he is the patron of married couples, fathers, and teachers.
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Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot & the World Mission Rosary
At the age of 18, Blessed Pauline Marie Jaricot went into the silk factories of Lyons, France and organized people into groups of ten. They would come together once a week to pray and sacrifice for the missions. Each group member would go on to recruit more members to join her new organization – The Society for the Propagation of the Faith. Pauline would go on to start another worldwide membership organization, The Living Rosary. Pauline is the patron saint of the poor and impoverished. This lesson plan includes a coloring activity that teaches the meaning of the colors of the World Mission Rosary.
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Blessed Sebastian de Aparicio
Born in Spain, Blessed Sebastian de Aparicio emigrated to Mexico in search of a better life and more opportunity. He became a successful farmer and rancher, teaching the native people skills to raise their own crops. He is credited with the building of the first highway across Mexico to the sea in order to transport goods to other countries! Late in life, Sebastian joined the Franciscans as a lay brother and spent the rest of his years begging to support his fellow friars. Blessed Sebastian de Aparicio’s feast day is February 25th and he is the patron of the Mexican transport industry.
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Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez
This Spanish saint took a different path to religious life – first, he was married and had three children. By the time he was 40, Alphonsus Rodriguez’s wife and children had all passed away and he sought a new vocation. He was admitted to the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) as a layman with the job of answering the door. He was known to treat bishops and beggars alike – with respect and kindness. Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez’s feast day is October 30th and he is the patron saint of Majorca, Spain.
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Saint Angela Merici
Saint Angela Merici was an Italian religious educator who brought like-minded woman together to dedicate their lives to the education of girls. They took no formal vows but lived and taught in their own neighborhoods. She later opened orphanages and schools. Saint Angela Merici’s feast day is January 27th and she is the patron saint of people who have lost their parents and people who pray for courage and determination.
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Saint Bathilde
Known for her humility and modesty, Saint Bathilde was the wife of a king. She had three children. When her husband died and her eldest son, still a child, ascended to the throne, Bathilde ruled until he became of age. Her first act was to abolish the local slave trade. Her feast day is January 30 and she is the patron saint of children, widows, and sick people.
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Saint Bona of Pisa
With a great devotion to Saint James the Greater, this young saint had an adventurous spirit - she was even once captured by pirates! Saint Bona travelled far and wide and led many pilgrimages, which was very unusual in the 12th century. She walked the 1,000-mile Santiago de Compostela (way of Saint James) ten times. Her feast day is May 29th and she is the patron saint of travelers, flight attendants, pilgrims, and guides.
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Saint Casimir
Born a Polish/Lithuanian prince, Casimir loved school and reading. He was known for his acts of charity, wearing simple clothes so he could sell his royal garments to help the poor. Casimir also had a great devotion to the Blessed Mother. After experiencing life as a soldier, Casimir saw himself as a peacemaker and prayed for peace between nations. He died of tuberculosis at age 25 in Lithuania. Saint Casimir’s feast day is March 4th and he is the patron saint of Lithuania and that country’s youth.
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Saint Drogo
Saint Drogo’s mother died giving birth to him; his father died when Drogo was just a teenager. This gave him insights to others’ problems, and he gave great advice! He worked as a shepherd and then made many pilgrimages to Rome. Developing an awful skin disease, his deformed looks frightened townspeople and he lived out his life in a small room attached to the local church. Throughout his suffering, he never abandoned his prayer life. Saint Drogo’s feast day is April 16th and he is the patron saint of sick people, shepherds, and people who feel unattractive.
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Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
As a child Elizabeth Ann Seton loved nature, poetry, and music. She later married and had 5 children. After her husband’s death, she started a small school to support her family. When she converted to Catholicism, most families withdrew their children from the school. She then started a new school for girls as well as a religious community to care for the poor. Sometimes called “Mother Seton,” Elizabeth Ann Seton is known as the founder of the Catholic School system in the United States. She is also the first US citizen to be canonized. Mother Seton’s feast day is January 4th and she is the patron saint of Catholic schools and widows.
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Saint Frances of Rome
Born into a wealthy family, Saint Francis shared what she had with those around her. When natural disasters struck her homeland, she opened her estate to everyone and provided food and shelter. She found God in her daily work of raising children, running a huge household, and managing an estate. Legend has it that an angel held a lantern to light her way as she traveled at night to serve the poor. Saint Frances of Rome’s feast day is March 9th and she is the patron saint of safe driving.
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Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
Frances Cabrini loved to hear missionary stories when she was a child. She would make little “boats” of flowers and “send” them off on missionary journeys. Little did she know that she would grow up to found her own religious missionary community, becoming “Mother” Cabrini. She added “Xavier” to her name to honor Saint Francis Xavier, patron saint of the missions. Mother moved from her native Italy to the US with her Sisters and started orphanages and schools. She would become the first naturalized citizen of the US to become a saint. Saint Frances “Mother” Cabrini’s feast day is November 13th and she is the patron saint of immigrants.
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Saint Francis Xavier
As a boy, Francis Xavier wanted to grow up to be a great writer and fill libraries with his books. Instead, he became a Jesuit missionary that many have written about, travelling 11,000 miles first to India and then to Japan to spread the word of God. His dream was to evangelize China, but he died on the island of Sancian, with mainland China in sight. Saint Francis Xavier’s feast day is December 3rd and he is the patron saint of the missions. This lesson plans includes directions to make origami sailboats!
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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.
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Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys
Marguerite Bourgeoys felt called by God to be a nun. At the time, that meant living a cloistered life. After being rejected by two different orders, Marguerite joined an order of lay women. With an invitation from the mayor of Montreal, in New France (Canada), she set out on a journey to the New World that would see her face hardships, educate children, and empower women. Those she recruited to join her would become the first order of sisters to live and work outside a cloister. Saint Marguerite Bourgeoys is the first female saint of Canada. Her feast day is January 12th and she is the patron saint of people who are face rejection.
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Saint Mariana de Jesus de Paredes
Much of what we know about Saint Mariana de Jesus de Paredes comes from her own words – she kept a detailed diary during her short life. Mariana had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother and Jesus in the Eucharist. She decided at a young age to devote herself to religious life but did not enter a monastery. Find out why this Ecuadorian saint is compared to Saint Rose of Lima. Saint Mariana de Jesus de Paredes’ feast day is May 26th and she is the patron saint of Ecuador and people who are orphaned at a young age.
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Saint Mary MacKillop
Have you ever heard of a saint that was excommunicated in her lifetime? Meet Saint Mary Mackillop of Australia! A teacher by trade, she started a boarding school, a religious order, visited the pope, had a priest for a best friend, was excommunicated, and taken in by a Jewish family before she could practice her faith again. Find out why the order she founded is still nicknamed “The Brown Joeys.” Saint Mary MacKillop is the first Australian saint. Her feast day is August 8th and she is the patron saint of Australia and the Archdiocese of Brisbane, Australia.
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Saint Mathilda of Ringelheim
Saint Mathilda of Ringelheim was a woman of nobility born in what is now Germany. She was the mother of five children and a queen. Two of her sons were known to have gone to war over their fathers’ kingdom! What’s a mother to do? Pray, of course! Mathilda was known for her generosity and founded many convents, one of which she lived in after the death of her husband. Saint Mathilda’s Feast Day is March 14th and is the patron saint of parents of large families and widows.
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Saint Mother Teresa
Known for her white sari with a blue stripe, Mother Teresa was a world renown figure. When she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from the United States and the Nobel Peace Prize, she used her fame to point back to the Gospel message of service to the poor. Learn more about how Sister Teresa became Mother Teresa amidst the slums, poverty, and disease of Kolkata, India. Saint Mother Teresa’s feast day is September 5th and she is the patron saint of World Youth Day and her order, The Missionaries of Charity.
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Saint Paul Miki
Saint Paul Miki was a Japanese Jesuit who was known as an excellent preacher. He is one of 26 Japanese Martyrs killed during a persecution of Catholics. Forced to walk 600 miles to the site of his death, he sang the Te Deum, praising God in His glory. His feast day is February 6th and he is the patron saint of Japan. This lesson plan includes the words to the Te Deum, the prayer that Saint Paul Miki recited as he was marched to certain martyrdom.
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Saint Pedro de San José Betancur
Pedro Betancur was born to a poor family in the Canary Islands and grew up working as a shepherd. He wanted more from life, so headed to New Spain – present day Guatemala – hoping to find it. His money ran out by the time he got to Cuba! How often do things not turn out as we planned? Learn how Pedro came to take the name Pedro de San José (Peter of St. Joseph) and be referred to at his canonization by then-Pope John Paul II as “an outstanding example” of Christian mercy. Saint Pedro de San Jose Betancur’s feast day is April 26th and he is the patron saint of the Canary Islands, the homeless, and those who serve the sick.
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Saint Peter Claver
During his 40 years of ministry in what is now Columbia, Saint Peter Claver ministered to enslaved people, many times pushing past angry captains to enter the foul conditions of the slave ships to bring medicine, fresh water and food to the people who had been stolen their lands. The compelling story of his practice of Christian love for others is embodied in his own words: “We must speak to them with our hands before we try to speak to them with our lips.” Saint Peter Claver’s feast day is September 9th and he is the patron saint of enslaved people and race relations.
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Saint Peter Mary Chanel
Known as a cheerful student, Peter Chanel fell in love with the idea of being a missionary priest from listening to stories read to him about the missions. When he was ordained, he added the name “Mary” to his own to honor the Blessed Mother. His life took a great turn when his proposal to start a missionary order to the South Seas was accepted and the Society of Mary (The Marists) was born. Learn what it was like to be the first missionary to set foot on a remote island in this lesson. It includes instructions to make an origami sailboat. Saint Peter Mary Chanel was the first martyr of Oceania. His feast day is April 28th and he is the patron saint of Oceania (the Pacific Islands).
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Saint Philip Neri
Known as The Apostle to Rome, Saint Philip Neri used his gentle disposition and a great sense of humor to communicate the Gospel message. He was also known as a wonderful spiritual guide and helped people give great Confessions. Do you visit seven churches on the Wednesday before Good Friday? You can thank Saint Philip Neri for starting that pilgrimage tradition in Rome! Learn more about this great, affable saint! Saint Philip Neri’s feast day is May 26th and he is the patron saint of Rome, laughter, and a good sense of humor.
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Saint Scholastica
Imagine being the parents of twin saints! If you were the parents of twins Scholastica and Benedict, you’d know what it was like. Benedict liked to follow the letter of the law; Scholastica was more about the spirit of it. Both entered religious life and served God in their own way. Learn how Scholastica taught her brother a valuable life lesson in this class plan. Saint Scholastica’s feast day is February 10th and she is the patron of books, reading, women’s communities, and is invoked to keep storms away.
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Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Born Marie Françoise Martin, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux joined a Carmelite convent when she was only 15 years old. Her dream was to become a missionary to French Indochina – now Vietnam. Her poor health kept her confined to her convent until her death at age 24. So, how did this young woman who lived in a monastery become the patroness of missionaries and the missions? Learn about her life of prayer and her “Little Way.” The feast day of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux is October 1st and she is the patron saint of the missions.
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Saint Walburga
Saint Walburga (also known as Walpurgis, Walpurgis, and Valpurga) was a member of a wealthy, holy family. Her father, mother, maternal uncle and two brothers have also been declared saints! Because her uncle, Saint Boniface, was the first missionary to call for the aid of women in the cause of evangelization in another country, Walburga answered! Learn more about this “saint machine” of a family! Saint Walburga’s feast day is May 1st and she is the patron saint of sailors and invoked against storms at sea.
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Saint William and His Woods of Welcome Craft
Have you ever moved to a new place and wondered if you’d like it? Would you make new friends? Would you ever see your old friends again? Saint William of Eskilsoe went through the same thing and probably didn’t like some of the answers he got. Find out how prayer and the grace of God got him through some of the tough times as he followed God’s path for him – without being able to send old friends an email! Saint William of Eskilsoe’s feast day is April 6th. This lesson plan includes templates for craft to create a “family tree.” Write words of kindness, welcome, or friendship on your tree’s leaves and display it on a classroom door to welcome “travelers.”
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Saint Wulfstan of Worcester
Saint Wulfstan of Worcester, England was an interesting fellow – well educated, humble, creative, and kind. He was known to love to pray the Psalms but annoy his fellow travelers by reciting them aloud as they rode along. A learned man, he would be called as a witness in a court case, only to fall asleep if that matter did not pertain to faith! Learn more about this quirky vegetarian who must have sometimes had people shaking their head at his ways. Saint Wulfstan of Worcester’s feast day is January 19th and he is the patron saint of vegetarians and dieters.
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Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto
Brother and sister Saints Francisco and Jacinta Marto are two of the shepherd children who witnessed the apparition of the Blessed Mother in Fatima, Portugal in 1917. At first, no one believed them about their visions, and they were mocked and even detained by local secular authorities. Both died in the Spanish flu pandemic in the early 20th century. They are among the youngest of Catholic Saints. Their feast day is February 20th and they are the patron saints of Portuguese children, captives, and people ridiculed for their piety.
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Saints Louis and Zelie Martin
Saints Louis and Zelie Martin were a French married couple and the parents nine children. Five lived to adulthood and became nuns! One of them was Saint Therese of Lisieux, who is the patron saint of the missions! They are the first spouses to be canonized as a couple. Their feast day is July 12th and they are the patron saints of married couples.
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The Korean Martyrs
During the 19th century in Korea, between 8,000 and 10,000 Catholics were killed for their faith. In the face of such intense persecution, the faith grew. In 1984, 103 of those martyred were canonized en masse, including Father Andrew Kim Taegon, the first Korean born Catholic priest. In breaking with tradition, their canonization was not held in Rome, but in Seoul, Korea. Their feast day is September 20th and Saint Andrew Kim Taegon is the patron saint of Korea.
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The Mexican Martyrs
The Mexican Martyrs are a group of 25 people who were killed during the Mexican Cristero War for refusing to renounce their faith. Most were Catholic priests who continued to carry out their ministry after the government closed all Churches and made practice of our faith illegal. Their feast day is May 21st. Older students may learn more about this period and the story of the Cristero Wars by watching the movie For Greater Glory. (There are scenes of war violence)
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The Ugandan Martyrs
Twenty-two young men, between the ages of fourteen and twenty-two, led by Saint Charles Lwanga, were martyred for refusing to deny Christ. The remarkable story of their courage in the face of torture and brutality is one that is marked yearly when millions gather at a Shrine in Uganda – some of whom have walked hundreds of miles in honor of the martyrs being marched to their death. This story of faith is amazing, especially considering the age of these saints. The feast of the Ugandan Martyrs is June 3rd and they are the patron saints of Uganda. Included in this lesson are templates to make a small display of paper flames for a home or classroom altar to honor the martyrs.
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Venerable Fulton Sheen
How many saints or saints-to-be do you know who have won a television Emmy? Venerable Fulton Sheen is one! A radio and television host, a dynamic preacher, and the head of the Pontifical Mission Societies in United States, Archbishop Sheen’s resume is full. He even created the World Mission Rosary! Learn how this boy from Peoria, Illinois is on his way to sainthood – and help us to pray him there!
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Venerable Henriette Delille
Venerable Henriette Delille was born in 1812 in New Orleans – in a time and place when being bi-racial was certainly frowned upon. Her mother was a descendant of enslaved Africans and her father was a white Frenchman. Henriette learned the Catholic faith from her mother and would go on to leave a legacy that all citizens of New Orleans are proud to have as a foundation for faith-based education in their city. Read more here and then pray for the canonization of Henriette Delille!
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Venerable Pierre Toussaint
Venerable Pierre Toussaint was Haitian-American, brought to New York while still enslaved. He was freed upon the death of the person who enslaved him and became a well-known businessperson and philanthropist. He helped to finance the building of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and is the only lay person buried in the Cathedral’s crypt. The honor is normally reserved for Archbishops of New York. Read about the many other acts of charity performed by this heroic man and pray for his canonization!