Our Lady of Sorrows, depicted as “Mater Dolorosa” (Mother of Sorrows) has been the subject of some key works of Roman Catholic Marian art. In other representations the Virgin Mary is depicted with seven swords in her heart, a reference to the prophecy of Simeon at the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple.
St. Sebastian was a Roman soldier and early Christian martyr (d. c. 288 AD), renowned for his secret support of persecuted Christians during the reign of Emperor Diocletian. A captain of the Praetorian Guard, he maintained his Christian faith in secret until it was discovered, leading to his condemnation.
According to tradition, Sebastian was tied to a post and shot with arrows, surviving this initial execution attempt through what was regarded as a miraculous recovery. After confronting Emperor Diocletian again for his persecution of Christians, he was executed a second time this time by clubbing securing his place among the most revered early martyrs.
St. Thomas, most commonly known as Saint Thomas the Apostle, was one of the twelve disciples of Jesus Christ. Often referred to as “Doubting Thomas” for initially questioning the Resurrection, he ultimately made one of the strongest professions of faith in the New Testament, declaring Jesus as “My Lord and my God.”
He holds a particularly significant place in Christian tradition in India. According to long–standing belief, St. Thomas traveled to India as a missionary, preaching the Gospel and establishing Christian communities. He is especially venerated by the Saint Thomas Christians (Syro-Malabar). Tradition states that he was martyred in Chennai (Mylapore) around 72 AD, where major shrines—most notably the San Thome Basilica—mark his burial site.
Saint George is one of the most celebrated early Christian martyrs, honored for his courage and strong faith. Tradition says he was born in Cappadocia around 275 AD and served as a Roman soldier.
During the persecution under Diocletian, he refused to renounce Christianity and was martyred around 303 AD. He is famously linked to the legend of Saint George and the Dragon, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
He is the patron saint of England and several other nations, and his feast day, April 23, is widely celebrated.
Francis de Sales was a Catholic bishop and spiritual writer known for his gentle leadership during the Protestant Reformation. His book, Introduction to a Devout Life, teaches that holiness can be lived in everyday life. He is a Doctor of the Church and the patron saint of journalists, writers, educators, and the
Born: August 21, 1567, in Savoy, France.
Education: Studied law and theology at the University of Padua.
Ordained: 1593.
Bishop of Geneva: Appointed in 1602; worked to bring many back to the Catholic faith through compassionate preaching.
Religious Order: Co-founded the Visitation Sisters in 1610 with Jane Frances de Chantal.
Died: December 28, 1622, in Lyon, France.