Pietro Claver - a missionary in the land of slaves. To him we entrust the numerous immigrants of today's society


Nicola da Tolentino - maybe more than one of you knows of the deal that an architect made with the devil relating to the construction of what is known as the 'devil's bridge'. And how this Saint intervened for his salvation.

Sperandea - "God will provide"


Giulio Pellegrino - initially chose to become a merchant. His first ship founded and he chose the life of a pilgrim.

Giovanni Crisostomo - destined to the life of the administrator, he followed God's call. Incidentally, how valuable a talent in the priestly ministry.

Materno di Colonia - and his battling with the Donatist schism to save the unity of Christians

Rolando - "che volle una vita di quelle che non dormi mai..."  quoting a famous contemporary Italian singer. In other words he chose not a debauched life though but the hardships of the hermit, avoiding contact with men not to fall into temptation.


Cornelio and Cipriano - the attention of the first for the lapsi, the fallen away, and his intervention for Christian unity in the opposition between indulgent and rigorous.

Ildegarda di Bingen - the relationship of the German Bishops with this Saint must have changed I guess.Given the openness of some to female priests (not endorsed on this blog).

Giuseppe da Copertino -  called himself a donkey friar. Tempting to have replied 'you will make a good Bishop' ;)

Gennaro - and his life martyrdom. Thoughts  go to clergy mauled by contemporary society's tides

Susanna di Euleutrepoli - whys she chose the convent and not the nunnery is a mystery to me. Anyone care explaining?

Matteo - represented with a scale...mmmh the Word of the Lord vs PCness

 Maurizio - Roman soldier martyrised for refusing idolatry. Represented with his armour, would make an ideal sticker for a potential album. Sticking to Sainthood.

Tecla - for an account of the power a woman can have, read Acta Pauli et Teclae. Always to be as for men be ascribed to God the Father.

So after a few days of absences I have caught up with the line of saintly figures climbing up Jerusalem Mount (see the poem by Montale  quoted below ...on how the poet is meditatively absorbed in contemplating the lines of ants climbing up the small mounts in the grounds...out of metaphore the effect of historical perspective)