St. Matthew, also called Levi, was one of the twelve Apostles and one of the four Gospel writers. Born in Galilee, he worked as a tax collector in Capernaum before being called by Christ. Matthew authored the first Gospel, likely written between 60 and 90, originally in Hebraic or Aramaic, possibly while in Antioch, Syria. He preached in Jerusalem and later in Ethiopia, where he was martyred. His Gospel portrays Christ’s genealogy, ministry, Passion, and Resurrection, emphasizing Jesus as the Messiah. In liturgical art, Matthew is often depicted with an angel holding a lance, coin, pen, or money box. St. Matthew the Apostle Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: September 21 Title/Attributes: Apostle, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Matthew is one of the twelve Apostles and one of the four Gospel writers. He is also called Levi, or Matthew the Levite. He was probably born in Galilee and worked as a tax collector at Capernaum (Matthew 9:9-13) when Christ called him to follow him (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27-32). Matthew was the author of the first Gospel, written between 60 and 90. It was probably in Hebraic or in Aramaic in its original form. Some scholars believe Matthew was in Antioch, Syria, when he wrote the Gospel. He preached in Jerusalem and then went to Ethiopia, where he was martyred in Persia or in Ethiopia. Matthew provides a telling portrait of Christ in his Gospel, including his genealogy, ministry, Passion, and Resurrection. The entire work is designed to provide a true recognition of Christ as the Messiah. Matthew is represented in liturgical art by an angel holding a lance, a coin, a pen or a money box. Next Item Previous Item

St. Sebastian was a Roman martyr during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Diocletian. Likely from Milan, he served as an officer in the imperial guard while secretly practicing the Christian faith. When discovered, he was sentenced to death and shot with arrows by archers from Mauretania. Miraculously surviving, he was healed by St. Irene. Fully recovered, Sebastian boldly confronted the emperor, who, shocked by his survival, ordered him to be beaten to death. He was buried on the Via Appia, and the basilica of San Sebastiano is named in his honor. He is a patron of athletes and soldiers. St. Sebastian Time Period: c. 255 - 288 Feast Day: January 20 Title/Attributes: Soldier, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Sebastian is a Roman Martyr during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. Sebastian was most likely from Milan, Italy and was buried on the Via Appia, probably giving his name to the basilica of San Sabastino. Sebastian served as an officer in the imperial guard under Emperor Diocletian until it was discovered that Sebastian followed the Christian Faith. Sentenced to death, he was shot by archers from Mauretania. The arrows failed to kill him, and he was healed by Irene, widow of the martyr St. Castulus. Once fully recovered, Sebastian went before teh emperor who, after overcoming his shock at the miracle, commanded that Sebastian be clubbed to death. Next Item Previous Item

St. Fortunatus, a young Roman legionary from Upper Egypt, was martyred in 286 AD in the Agaunum Valley (now Switzerland) as part of the Theban Legion. Composed of Christian soldiers from Egypt and Nubia, the legion refused Emperor Maximian’s order to sacrifice to pagan gods, choosing fidelity to Christ over life itself. Fortunatus, steadfast in faith, met death by clubbing during the legion’s extermination. His relics were later discovered in the Roman catacombs of St. Callistus, transferred to Santa Maria in Via Lata, and then to Casei, Italy, in 1765. His feast honors courage, faith, and devotion to Christ unto death. St. Fortunatus Time Period: d. 286 Feast Day: October 16 Title/Attributes: Martyr Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Fortunatus, a young Roman legionary from Upper Egypt, was martyred in 286 AD in the Agaunum Valley (now Switzerland) as part of the Theban Legion. Composed of Christian soldiers from Egypt and Nubia, the legion refused Emperor Maximian’s order to sacrifice to pagan gods, choosing fidelity to Christ over life itself. Fortunatus, steadfast in faith, met death by clubbing during the legion’s extermination. His relics were later discovered in the Roman catacombs of St. Callistus, transferred to Santa Maria in Via Lata, and then to Casei, Italy, in 1765. His feast honors courage, faith, and devotion to Christ unto death. Next Item Previous Item

St. Leonard of Port Maurice was a Franciscan proponent of the Blessed Sacrament, the devotion of the Sacred Heart, the Stations of the Cross, and the Immaculate Conception. He was born in Port Maurice, Italy in 1676. In 1697 he joined the Franciscans of Strict Observance. He was then ordained a priest in 1703 and began preaching all over Italy. By 1736 he was attracting huge crowds in Rome and elsewhere and he established six hundred Stations of the Cross and promoted various devotions. Leonard died at his friary in 1751 and is named the patron saint of parish missions. St. Leonard of Port Maurice Time Period: 1676-1751 Feast Day: November 26 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Franciscan Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Piece of Habit (Clothing) St. Leonard of Port Maurice was a Franciscan proponent of the Blessed Sacrament, the devotion of the Sacred Heart, the Stations of the Cross, and the Immaculate Conception. He was born Leonard Casanova in Port Maurice, Italy in 1676. In 1697 he joined the Franciscans of Strict Observance. He was then ordained a priest in 1703 and began preaching all over Italy. By 1736 he was attracting huge crowds in Rome and elsewhere and he established almost six hundred Stations of the Cross. In 1744 he was sent by Pope Benedict XIV to preach on Corsica, and then returned in 1751. Leonard died at his friary in 1751 and is named the patron saint of parish missions. Next Item Previous Item

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a Hungarian princess, was betrothed in childhood and married at 14 to Louis IV of Thuringia. A deeply devout woman, she was known for her extraordinary acts of charity, including feeding the poor and tending to the sick—deeds once symbolized in the miracle of roses turning into bread to feed the poor. After Louis’s death during a crusade, Elizabeth was exiled by her in-laws but found refuge with her uncle and joined the Third Order of St. Francis. Despite personal hardship and illness, she devoted her remaining years to caring for the destitute in Marburg, founding a hospital, and serving the poor until her death at age 24. She is venerated as a model of Christian charity and humility. St. Elizabeth of Hungary Time Period: 1207-1231 Feast Day: November 17 Title/Attributes: Widow, Mother, Princess Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Piece of tunic St. Elizabeth of Hungary was a Hungarian princess and renowned for her charity and deep spirituality. She was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and at the age of four she was betrothed to the nobleman, Louis IV of Thuringia. She married him in 1221 after his succession as ruler of Thuringia. Elizabeth toiled constantly to ease the suffering and hunger of the poor and infirm, although the expense incurred by her charity angered her husband. Once, when he complained bitterly about her activities, a basket of roses was changed miraculously into a basket of bread. Thereafter, he supported all of her charities, held her hand while they kept vigils, and prayed with her. Louis died in 1227, and Elizabeth came under the control of her brother-in-law, Henry Raspe. Declaring himself unable and unwilling to pay for her many charities, he exiled her. She fled to her uncle, the bishop of Eckbert, and became of member of the Third Order of St. Francis. Settling at Marburg, she fell under the harsh influence of Conrad of Marburg, whose demands upon her were so severe that she was finally removed from his spiritual direction. After recovering her health, she returned to the care of the poor in the area around Marburg and founded a hospital there. She died at the age of 24 from illness. Next Item Previous Item

St. Philip was one of the twelve Apostles, originally from Bethsaida. He was a disciple of John the Baptist before being called by Jesus to follow Him. Philip is mentioned in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and the Gospel of John provides deeper insights, highlighting his role in the feeding of the multitudes and his conversation with Jesus about seeing the Father. After the Ascension, details of his life are unclear, though tradition suggests he preached in Phrygia and was martyred by crucifixion upside down. He is also known for his two revered daughters, as mentioned by Polycrates. St. Philip the Apostle Time Period: 1st Century Feast Day: May 3 Title/Attributes: Apostle, Martyr Location of Relic: Main Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Bones St. Philip was one of the twelve Apostles. According to John (1:43-51), Philip came from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter, and belonged to the group of disciples who surrounded John the Baptist. Philip was apparently present when John pointed to Jesus as the Lamb of God. Christ called him to be a disciple only one day after choosing Peter and Andrew. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke give reference to Philip in their lists, usually placing him fifth, behind Peter, Andrew, James, and John (Luke 6:13-16; Mark 3:14-19; Matthew 10:2-4). The Gospel of John offers much more insightful information about the disciple, mentioning Philip in the episode of the feeding of the multitudes (6:5-7); the desire of several Greeks to meet Jesus (12:21-23); and the memorable exchange with the Lord when Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us,” to which Jesus replied, “Have I been with you for so long a time and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (14:9). Philip thus appears as a realist, a pleasant personality, and a disciple hesitant to force his views upon others. Few details are known of his Activities after the Ascension. Some confusion in accounts has occurred between Philip the Apostle and Philip the Evangelist mentioned in chapter 8 of the Acts of the Apostles. Eusebius and other writers preserved assorted traditions about Philip’s later life. He supposedly preached in Phrygia, in Asia Minor; Clement of Alexandria reported that Philip died a martyr during the reign of Domitian by being crucified upside down; perhaps he died at Hierapolis, in Asia Minor. His two daughters were mentioned by Polycrates, bishop of Ephesus. Both Philips had daughters who were much revered in the early church. Next Item Previous Item

St. John Berchmans was a Jesuit priest, confessor, and patron saint of altar servers. The eldest son of a shoemaker, John was born in Diest, Belgium, and entered the newly founded Jesuit college at Malines, in 1615. In 1618, he was sent to Rome and became known for his intense holiness. He died at the age of twenty-two after displaying heroic fidelity as a religious. Many miracles were reported after his death, and he was canonized in 1888. St. John Berchmans Time Period: 1599-1621 Feast Day: August 13 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Jesuit Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Left Section Type of Relic: Piece of Cassock (Clothing) St. John Berchmans was a Jesuit priest, confessor, and patron saint of altar servers. The eldest son of a shoemaker, John was born in Diest, Brabant, and entered the newly founded Jesuit college at Malines, in 1615. In 1618, he was sent to Rome and became known for his intense holiness. He died at the age of twenty-two after displaying heroic fidelity as a religious. Many miracles were reported after his death, and he was canonized in 1888. Next Item Previous Item

St. Louis de Marillac was a foundress and patroness of social workers. She was born in France and later married Anthony Le Gras who unfortunately died in 1625. As a widow, she then met St. Vincent de Paul and assumed the task of directing the Ladies of Charity. In 1633, she opened her home to train workers for the poor, founding the Sisters of Charity of St. Paul, which received formal approval in 1655. Louise traveled throughout France to establish orphanages, hospitals, and other services for the poor, founding forty houses before she died on March 15. St. Louise de Marillac Time Period: 1591-1660 Feast Day: March 15 Title/Attributes: Widow, Mother, Foundress Location of Relic: Back Right Reliquary - Center Section Type of Relic: Clothing St. Louis de Marillac was a foundress and patroness of social workers. She was born in France and later married Anthony Le Gras who unfortunately died in 1625. As a widow, she then met St. Vincent de Paul and assumed the task of directing the Ladies of Charity. In 1633, she opened her home to train workers for the poor, founding the Sisters of Charity of St. Paul, which received formal approval in 1655. Louise traveled throughout France to establish orphanages, hospitals, and other services for the poor, founding forty houses before she died on March 15. Next Item Previous Item

Saint Anthony of Padua was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal on August 14, 1195. Born into a wealthy family, he left home at age 15 to become an Augustinian Canon. Around 1220 AD, he was inspired by the faith of some Franciscan martyrs, and joined the Franciscan Order. While living in Italy, his preaching and energetic defense of the Catholic faith earned him the nickname “The Hammer of Heretics.” He led the friars in Northern Italy for many years before his death in 1231. He was officially recognized as a Doctor of the Church in 1946. His feast day is June 13th. St. Anthony of Padua Time Period: 1195-1231 Feast Day: June 13 Title/Attributes: Confessor, Doctor of the Church, Franciscan Location of Relic: Main Church - Near St. Anthony Statue Type of Relic: Piece of Clothing Saint Anthony of Padua, a holy miracle worker, humble preacher, and Doctor of the Church was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões in Lisbon, Portugal on August 14, 1195. Born into a wealthy family, his father was a captain in the royal army in what would one day become Portugal. Fernando’s journey as a servant of Christ began at a young age, when he left home at age 15 to become an Augustinian Canon. He studied theology and latin at the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Coimbra, before being named guestmaster of the abbey at 19 years old. Around that same time, some of the first members of the Order of the Friars Minor, which St. Francis had founded in 1206 AD, traveled to Coimbra to reside in a small hermitage outside of town. Fernando was attracted to their simple, evangelical lifestyle. Around 1220 AD, some of these friars went as missionaries to preach the Gospel in Morocco, where they were brutally killed for their faith. The bodies of the Franciscan martyrs were recovered, with their relics returning to Coimbra. Upon seeing the relics, Fernando felt an intense longing to join the Franciscan order, so that he too could set out and become one of those closest to Jesus: those who die for the Good News. Moved by the martyr’s heroic example, Fernando begged his superiors to allow him to depart, eventually receiving permission to join the Franciscan Order in their small hermitage in Olivais. He changed his name to Anthony, taken from the name of the chapel located at the hermitage, named in honor of Anthony the Great. In the same year he joined the Order, Anthony was sent on mission to Morocco to preach to the Moors. Shortly after arriving though, Anthony was struck with a severe illness, leaving him grievously weak. Resigned to return home, he boarded a ship back to Portugal. Unexpectedly, a storm drove the ship off-course, and the boat landed in Sicily. Anthony was given shelter by the Franciscans there, eventually residing in a quiet convent near Forli, where he spent most of his time praying, reading Scripture and doing small tasks around the kitchen. That all changed though, when Anthony attended an ordination ceremony, and the priest who was to give the sermon fell sick. One of the Franciscan superiors quickly asked the friars in attendance to fill in, but one-by-one, they excused themselves. Finally, Anthony was called upon, and in his humble nature, he accepted, and proceeded to speak with incredible eloquence, learning and passion that all in attendance were amazed. St. Francis took notice of Anthony’s preaching abilities, and commissioned him to not only preach throughout Italy, but also to teach theology to the other friars. Many traveled from far away to hear Anthony’s preaching, which was leading way to miracles left and right. Three stories in particular helped shape the legend of St. Anthony. First, his energetic defense of the Catholic faith led many lost heretics to return to the church, thus earning the nickname “Hammer of Heretics”. Secondly, one novice at the hermitage decided to leave the hermitage, and stole one of Anthony’s valuable books he used for teaching. When Anthony discovered it missing, he prayed it would be found or returned swiftly. Not only did the thief return the book, but he also returned to join the Order as well! Lastly, while staying the night at a man’s home, Anthony was found by the man holding in his arms the Child Jesus, surrounded by heavenly light. This is the reason St. Anthony is often depicted holding a young Jesus in his arms. He led the friars in Northern Italy for many more years before settling in the city of Padua to continue preaching and serving the Lord up to his death. Anthony fell ill and on June 13th, 1231 AD, received the last sacraments, all the while smiling in the distance saying “I see my Lord”. He died at 36 years old. St. Anthony of Padua is one of the quickest canonized Saints in the history of the Catholic Church, with Pope Gregory IX declaring him among the saints the very next year. He was revered by many for helping those who had lost God find Him again, and still today, many pray to Anthony to help them in finding what is lost. In 1946, Pope Pius XII officially recognized him as a Doctor of the Church. To be declared a Doctor of the Church, you have to meet three basic requirements: First, you must have lived a life of exemplary holiness, or insignis vitae sanctitas (outstanding sanctity). In short, you have to be a saint. Second, to be a Doctor of the Church you must have deepened the whole Church's understanding of the Catholic Faith with emins doctrina (eminent teaching). Which is to say, sanctity isn't enough. There are thousands of saints, but only 37 Doctors of the Church. To be a Doctor one must do more than just live the Faith. Rather, one must significantly and profoundly contribute to our understanding of Divine Revelation, helping us to know more deeply some truth about God and His actions in the World. And third, a pope must officially declare you a Doctor. That being said, as the Church understands it, when a pope declares someone a Doctor of the Church, he's not so much making someone a Doctor as he is recognizing what the Holy Spirit has already done - that He has conferred the charism of Doctor upon them. Next Item Previous Item

Carlo Acutis was a devout young Catholic and Apostle of the Eucharist. Known for his deep faith, computer skills, and joyful spirit, he combined his love for technology with devotion to the Eucharist. After receiving First Communion at age 7, he attended daily Mass, practiced charity, and created a website on Eucharistic miracles (miracolieucaristici.org) He was admired for his kindness, catechetical work, and Marian devotion. At 15, Carlo died from leukemia, offering his suffering for the Church and the Pope. His legacy inspires youth to pursue holiness and embrace Christ, especially through the Eucharist and acts of love. St. Carlo Acutis Time Period: 1991-2006 Feast Day: October 12 Title/Attributes: Confessor Location of Relic: Back Left Reliquary - Right Section Type of Relic: From the linen Carlo Acutis was born in London (Great Britain) on May 3, 1991, to Italian parents: Andrea and Antonia Salzano, who were in the City for work. He was baptized on May 18 in the church of “Our Lady of Dolours” in London. In September 1991 the family returned to Milan. At the age of four, his parents enrolled him in nursery school, which he attended with great enthusiasm. When the time came for compulsory schooling, he was enrolled at the San Carlo Institute in Milan. After three months he was transferred to primary school at the Tommaseo Institute of the Marcelline Sisters, because it was closer to his home. June 16, 1998 marked a decisive stage in his life: he received his first Communion, earlier than the usual age, thanks to a special permission from his spiritual director, Don Ilio Carrai, and Archbishop Pasquale Macchi, former personal secretary of Saint Paul VI. The celebration took place in the Monastery of the Romite of the Order of Saint Ambrose ad Nemus in Bernaga di Perego (Lecco). Another important milestone for Carlo was the Sacrament of Confirmation, on May 24, 2003, which was conferred on him in the church of Santa Maria Segreta, by Monsignor Luigi Testore, former secretary of Cardinal Carlo Maria Martini and parish priest of San Marco in Milan. At fourteen, he went to the classical high school of the Leone XIII Institute in Milan, directed by the Jesuit Fathers, where he fully developed his personality. With a computer engineering student, he took care of the website of the Milanese parish to which he belonged. Although his studies were particularly demanding, he spontaneously decided to dedicate part of his time to preparing children for Confirmation, teaching Catechism in the parish of Santa Maria Segreta. That same year, he designed the new website for volunteering at the Leone XIII Institute, and promoted and coordinated the creation of commercials for volunteering by many classes as part of a national competition. He spent the entire summer of 2006 designing the website for this project, also organizing that of the Pontifical Academy “Cultorum Martyrum”. At the school of St. Francis of Assisi Because of his affability and cordial hilarity, Carlo was always the center of attention of his friends, also because he helped them in using the computer and its programs. There are many certificates of recognition of his computer skills and his complete willingness to make them available to his schoolmates and anyone who needed them, including family members. One of Carlo's characteristics was to spend most of his holidays in Assisi in a family home. In the Umbrian town, in addition to having fun with friends, he learned to know Saint Francis and Saint Clare. From the Poverello he learned to respect creation and to dedicate himself to the poorest. The examples of the Seraphic Father and Saint Anthony of Padua pushed him to practice charity towards the poor, the needy, the homeless, and immigrants, whom he also helped with the money saved from his weekly allowance. Love for the Eucharist and devotion to the Madonna The core of Carlo's spirituality was the daily encounter with the Lord in the Eucharist. He often repeated: "The Eucharist is my highway to Heaven!" This was the center of his entire existence spent in friendship with God. This translated, after his first Communion, into attending Mass every day, with the permission of his spiritual director. A great devotee of the apparitions and the message of Fatima, in imitation of the Little Shepherds, he offered small sacrifices for those who did not love the Lord Jesus present in the Eucharist. When, due to school commitments, he could not go to Mass, he made spiritual Communion. He also carried out a valuable work of apostolate among his schoolmates and friends, explaining to them the Eucharistic mystery with the use of the stories of the most important Eucharistic miracles that had occurred over the centuries. Thus, as an apostle of the Eucharist, Carlo chose to use his computer genius to design and create an international exhibition on “Eucharistic Miracles”. It is a large photographic exhibition with historical descriptions, which presents several of the main Eucharistic miracles (about 136) that have occurred over the centuries in countries around the world and recognized by the Church. The other fundamental pillar of Carlo's spirituality was devotion to the Madonna. This was expressed in the daily recitation of the Rosary, in the consecration to her Immaculate Heart and in the planning of a scheme of the pious exercise that he reproduced with his computer. He dedicated particular attention to the Last Things, which projected his existence into the reality of eternal life. Illness and death In October 2006, Carlo contracted type M3 leukemia, considered the most aggressive form, which was initially mistaken for a strong flu. He was admitted to the De Marchi Clinic in Milan. Later, due to the worsening of his condition, he was transferred to the San Gerardo hospital in Monza, where there is a specialized center for that type of leukemia. A few days before being admitted, he offered his life to the Lord for the Pope, for the Church, to go to Heaven. In the hospital, a priest administered the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick to him. Some of the nurses and doctors who were treating him were edified by his acceptance of his illness and suffering. Brain death occurred on October 11, 2006; his heart stopped beating at 6:45 a.m. on October 12. The news of his birth into Heaven spread immediately among his classmates and those who had known him. After his body was laid to rest in his home, a continuous influx of people paid him their last respects. The funeral was held in the church of Santa Maria Segreta in Milan on 14 October 2006. His body was buried in the family tomb in Ternengo (Biella), then in February 2007 it was transferred to the municipal cemetery of Assisi to satisfy his wish to remain in the city of Saint Francis. On 5-6 April 2019, Carlo's mortal remains were transferred to the Santuario della Spogliazione, church of Santa Maria Maggiore, in Assisi. Traits of spirituality In the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, Carlo learned to recognize God's love for humanity. In it he found the quickest way to access the treasures of divine grace and it made him a faithful disciple of the Master. In love with Jesus, he never tired of announcing to the world the indescribable joy of friendship with God. The real presence of Jesus Christ in the consecrated Host was for Carlo a reality from which every good thing came to him. It was also the guarantee that man is never left alone, not even in the hardest moments of trial. His days therefore became centered around the Mass and, when he could, he also stopped in Eucharistic adoration. In his short life, he continually put evangelical values into practice, making himself a herald of Christ not only with words, but above all with the testimony of his life. Carlo's Legacy As a young layman, he was able to revive the fervor and Christian practice in many consecrated people and Priests. He lived entirely focused on the Absolute, on Jesus who he felt close and present. He was also a witness in the school environment, as a model for students of all levels. The main legacy that Carlo left, especially to the new generations, is the coherence of life with the values of the Gospel. Precisely because of his ability to share the mysteries of faith with others, Carlo can be defined as a true apostle in all the environments in which he lived, which are typical of an adolescent: family, school, sports, free time, travel, games. In particular, to children and young people of all times, Carlo indicates that in the Eucharist is found the salvation that never disappoints. Living intensely the mystery of the Mystical Body of Christ, he shows everyone the need to practice charity. In fact, he promoted acceptance and peace between people of different ethnic groups, languages and traditions. He asked to embrace the needs of the homeless and the poorest that are encountered on the streets of the world. In the face of violence, wars, conflicts even within families, Carlo suggests opting for Christ and his Gospel and entrusting oneself to the maternal protection of Mary. An authentic witness of Christ in all the environments in which he lived, his existence is a shining example for today's youth. In fact, the message that Carlo transmits to the new generations is more important and timely than ever. He invites us not to look at the limited earthly horizon, but to project life towards a reality that already begins in this world and will have its fulfillment in the afterlife. Next Item Previous Item