Diocese of Port Pirie

PO Box 1206

Port Pirie South Australia 5540

30-Oct-14

SAINTS of the

PORT PIRIE

DIOCESE

Mary of the Immaculate Conception was proclaimed Patron of our diocese when it

was established in 1887.

In teaching that Mary was conceived immaculate, the Catholic Church teaches that

from the very moment of her conception, the Blessed Virgin Mary was free from all

stain of original sin. This simply means that from the beginning, she was in a state

of grace, sharing in God's own life, and that she was free from the sinful

inclinations which have beset human nature after the fall.

Feast day: 8 December

AGENCY SAINT FEAST DAY

St Joseph's Nursing Home Pt Pirie St Joseph 19 Mar

St Catherine’s Nursing Home Berri St Catherine 29 Apr

Star of the Sea Nursing Home Wallaroo Our Lady Star of the Sea 27 Sep

St Vincent de Paul Society St Vincent de Paul 27 Sep

BoysTown St John Baptist De La Salle 7 April

Centacare Catholic Family Services St Mary of the Cross 8 Aug

SCHOOL SAINT FEAST DAY

St Joseph's Barmera St Joseph 19 Mar

Our Lady of the River Berri St Joseph 19 Mar

St Joseph's Gladstone St Joseph 19 Mar

St James Jamestown St James the Apostle 25 Jul

St Albert's Loxton St Albert 15 Nov

St Joseph's Peterborough St Joseph 19 Mar

Caritas College Pt Augusta St Joseph 19 Mar

St Joseph’s Pt Lincoln St Joseph 19 Mar

St Mark's College Pt Pirie St Mark 25 Apr

St Mark's College Pt Pirie St Benedict 11 Jul

St Mark's College Pt Pirie St John Bosco 31 Jan

St Joseph's Renmark St Joseph 19 Mar

St Barbara's Roxby Downs St Barbara 4 Dec

St Mary MacKillop Wallaroo St Mary of the Cross 8 Aug

Samaritan College Whyalla Our Lady Help of Christians 24 May

Samaritan College Whyalla St Therese of Lisieux 1 Oct

Samaritan College Whyalla St John the Evangelist 27 Dec

Samaritan College Whyalla St Benedict 11 Jul

Samaritan College Whyalla Blessed Edmund Rice 5 May

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop was proclaimed Patron of our diocese by Bishop

Greg O’Kelly on the Feast of St Joseph, 19 March 2011.

It is for the life of holiness that she displayed that we consider Mary of the Cross so

appropriate as our Patron Saint. She was a Saint who traversed our roads and

tracks, got hot and dusty and tired as she went through our little towns, visiting the

schools and the families of the young women who had joined her as Sisters. We

have her letters written from many of our towns where she stayed overnight during

her visitations. Her life reminds us that holiness is not distant from our ordinary

lives, that a Saint is not one who has to live outside our shores, that the love of God

can transform anyone of us into a person of radiant sanctity, that the Gospel

message to serve Christ in the smallest of our brothers and sisters was able to be

exercised very much here in our land and our places by a woman now proclaimed

to be a Saint of the Universal Church, a model for all Christians. (Proclamation)

MARY OF THE CROSS MACKILLOP (1842 – 1909) was born to Scottish Catholic immigrant parents in Fitzroy, Melbourne. From her often troubled and humble beginnings to the establishment of a school in a stable in Penola SA, Mary’s early life showed her great desire to do God’s will and help those in need. Together with Fr Julian Tenison Woods, she founded the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart in 1866, a new form of religious life well suited to Australian conditions. Through all the trials and tribulations that came from her own family and from the Church, she never lost her belief in the God of life. Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed Mary’s sainthood in Rome on 17 October 2010.

Patron: Sisters of St Joseph, Feast day: 8 August

School: St Mary MacKillop Wallaroo

AGATHA (died 251) was a virgin and martyr widely venerated in

Sicily. Legend has it that she was born into a wealthy family and

made a vow of virginity, which the Roman consul attempted to

violate; upon refusal, she was subjected to torture, including the

cutting off of her breasts; subsequently, however, she was

healed by a vision of the Apostle Peter. She is said to have died

in prison as a result of her sufferings. She is invoked against

diseases of the breast as well as against volcanic eruptions and

earthquakes. She is also patron saint of nurses and firefighters.

Feast day: 5 February Church: Narridy

AGNES (died ca. 305) was one of the most famous of the early

Roman martyrs. She was killed during the persecution of

Diocletian in what is now known as the Piazza Navona. Because

of the similarity of her name to the Latin word for lamb (agnus),

the lamb is depicted as her emblem. On her feast day in Rome,

there is a blessing of the lambs that produce the wool from

which the pallia for archbishops are woven by the nuns of St

Agnes’s convent. She is the patron saint of young girls.

Feast day: 21 January Church: Booleroo Centre

AIDAN (died 651) Monastic founder, bishop, and miracle worker known for his kindness to animals. Aidan was born in Connaught, Ireland. Aidan founded a monastery in Ferns, in Wexford and became bishop of the region as well. His miracles brought many to the Church. Aidan is represented in religious art with a stag. He is reported to have made a beautiful stag invisible to save it from hounds.

Feast day: 31 August Church: Colton

CHURCH SAINT FEAST DAY

Renmark St Therese of the Child Jesus 1 Oct

St Columba (Closed)

Roxby Downs St Barbara 4 Dec

Snowtown St Canice 11 Oct

Spalding St Augustine 28 Aug

Streaky Bay St Canute 10 Jul

Terowie Sts Michael & John 29 Sep & 27 Dec

Tumby Bay St Leo 10 Nov

Waikerie St Thomas More 22 Jun

Wallaroo Star of the Sea 27 Sep

Warnertown Sts Gervase & Protase (Closed ) 19 Jun

Whyalla Our Lady Help of Christians 24 May

St Teresa 1 Oct

Whyte Yarcowie Sts Simon & Jude (Closed) 28 Oct

Wilmington St Alexis 17 Jul

St John Nepomucene 16 May

Willochra St Dominic 8 Aug

Willsdon St Paul (Closed) 29 Jun

Wirrabara St Augustine 28 Aug

Woomera St Michael 29 Sep

Wudinna St Anne 26 Jul

Yatina St Virgilius 27 Nov

Yongala Our Lady of Sorrows (Closed) 15 Sep

CHURCH SAINT FEAST DAY

Morgan St Ursula 27 Jan

Mt Bryan St Brendan 16 May

Murray Town St Brigid 1 Feb

Nackara St Patrick 17 Mar

Narridy St Agatha (Closed) 5 Feb

Orroroo St Joseph 19 Mar

Paruna St Ailbe (Closed) 12 Sep

Pekina St Catherine 29 Apr

Peterborough St Anacletus 26 Apr

St Sebastian (Closed) 20 Jan

Petina St Brigid (Closed) 1 Feb

Port Augusta All Saints 1 Nov

Port Broughton St Margaret 16 Nov

Port Lincoln St Mary of the Angels 2 Aug

St Clare 11 Aug

St Francis of Assisi 4 Oct

Port Pirie St Mark 25 Apr

St Anthony of Padua 13 Jun

Our Lady of Fatima (Closed) 13 May

Quorn-Carrieton Immaculate Conception 8 Dec

Radium Hill St Barbara (Closed) 4 Dec

Redhill St Martin of Tours 11 Nov

AILBE (died ca.526) Bishop, is the patron saint of the diocese of

Imlech in County Tipperary, Ireland. He preached with such

power and authority that many were not only converted to

Christianity but were inspired by his example of Christian living

as well.

Feast day: 12 September Church: Paruna

ALBERT (1200-1280) Born near Ulm in Germany, sometimes called

The Great, was a highly respected Bishop, Doctor of the Church

and Dominican teacher and writer. He was Thomas Aquinas’

teacher and frequently defended his student against attacks on his

orthodoxy. Albert’s writing fills thirty-eight volumes and covers

subjects ranging from astronomy and chemistry to geography and

physiology. Albert is the patron saint of scientists, medical

technicians and students of the natural sciences.

Feast day: 15 November Church: Loxton

ALEXIS (4th – 5th century) the only son of a rich Roman

senator, on the day of his marriage felt called to give up his

wealth and honours and live in poverty in Syria. After seventeen

years, our Blessed Mother spoke telling people that this beggar

was very holy. To avoid acclaim, Alexis fled back to Rome and

lived, unrecognised, as a beggar in his parents’ home, going out

only to church and to teach children about God. After Alexis

died, his family found a note which told them who he was and

how he had lived his life of penance for the love of God. He is

the patron saint of beggars and pilgrims.

Feast day: 17 July Church: Wilmington

ANNE (1st century) The Gospel of St James (an unreliable,

second century document) has it that Anne and Joachim are the

parents of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Anne is the patron saint of

Canada and also childless women, expectant mothers, women in

labour, homemakers and cemeteries.

Feast day: 26 July Church: Wudinna

ANACLETUS (died ca. 92) Pope Anacletus, also known as Cletus,

was the third Bishop of Rome, following Saint Peter and Pope

Linus. Anacletus served as pope between c. 79 and his death, c.

92. St. Anacletus was traditionally understood to have been a

Roman who served as pope for twelve years.

Feast day: 26 April Church: Peterborough

ANTHONY OF PADUA (1195 – 1231), Franciscan friar and Doctor

of the Church, born in Lisbon of a noble Portuguese family, felt a

call to missionary work and is considered one of the greatest

preachers in the history of the Church. He is best known as the

one to whom one prays to find a lost article. He is the patron

saint of Brazil, Portugal, travellers, the poor, barren women and

harvests.

Feast day: 13 June Church: Solomontown, Pt Pirie

CHURCH SAINT FEAST DAY

Elliston St Francis of Assisi 4 Oct

Farina St Brigid (Closed) 1 Feb

Georgetown Immaculate Heart of Mary 2 Jul

Gladstone St Peter 29 Jun

Gordon The Sacred Heart (Closed)

Gulnare South St Luke (Closed) 18 Oct

Hallett The Good Shepherd

Hawker Sts Philip & James 3 May & 25 Jul

Hammond St Dominic 8 Aug

Hookina St Thomas (Closed) 22 Jun

Iron Knob St Patrick (Closed) 17 Mar

Jamestown St James The Apostle 25 July

Kadina Sacred Heart

Kimba Sacred Heart

Kyancutta St Patrick 17 Mar

Lancelot St Celestine (Closed) 19 May

Laura St John the Evangelist 27 Dec

Leigh Creek The Good Shepherd 29 Apr

Lock St Martin De Porres 3 Nov

Loxton St Albert 15 Nov

Melrose St Clement (Closed) 23 Nov

Minnipa Christ The King

Moonta St Francis of Assisi 4 Oct

CHURCH SAINT FEAST DAY

Appila St Philip & St James (Closed) 3 May & 25 Jul

Cathedral St Mark 25 Apr

Barmera St Francis Xavier 3 Dec

Bendleby St IsIdore (Closed) 4 Apr

Berri St Mary’s 8 Sep

Booborowie St Dymphna 30 May

Booleroo Centre St Agnes 21 Jan

Brinkworth Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (Closed) 27 Jun

Bute Our Lady of the Rosary 7 Oct

Burra (Kooringa) St Joseph 19 Mar

Calca Sacred Heart

Caltowie St Killian (Closed) 8 Jul

Carrieton St Raphael 29 Sep

Ceduna - Thevenard Our Lady Star of the Sea 27 Sep

Chandada St Michael 29 Sep

Cleve St Vincent De Paul 27 Sep

Colton St Aidan (Closed) 31 Aug

Coober Pedy Sts Peter & Paul 29 Jun

Cowell Our Lady Star of the Sea 27 Sep

Crystal Brook Holy Trinity 3 Jun

St John Francis Regis (Closed) 16 Jun

Cummins St Andrew 30 Nov

Cungena Holy Family

Dawson Our Lady of Mt Carmel (Closed) 6 Jul

ANDREW (died ca.70) was one of Jesus’ first disciples and one

of the twelve apostles. Born in Bethsaida, on the north east

shore of the Sea of Galilee, he was the brother of Simon Peter.

He is the patron saint of Scotland, Russia and Greece and also

of fishermen and sailors.

Feast day: 30 November Church: Cummins

AUGUSTINE OF HIPPO (354-430), bishop and Doctor of the

Church, son of St Monica, born in Algeria North Africa. In his

Confessions, which draw especially upon the Letters of St Paul to

the Galatians and to the Romans, we read of his conversion from a

hedonistic life. He was a distinguished theologian who influenced

the shape and character of Western theology and philosophy. He

is the patron saint of brewers, printers and theologians.

Feast day: 28 August Church: Spalding, Wirrabara

BARBARA (died ca. 303), an early Christian saint and martyr of

Nicomedia (Turkey). Her cult was popular in the later Middle Ages,

especially in France. According to legend, after her father killed

her for becoming a Christian, he was struck dead by lightning. That

is why she is the patron saint of those in danger of death by

lightning and also of fire fighters, artillerymen, stonemasons,

architects and builders (the last two because she is said to have

lived for a time in a tower).

Feast day: 4 December School: St Barbara’s Roxby Downs

Church: Radium Hill

BENEDICT (480 – 543)born in Nursia, Italy, is revered as Patron

of Europe. Following a period of student life in Rome he

withdrew to the caves of Subiaco to live as a hermit. It was not

long before shepherds came asking guidance of this holy man

and some monks prevailed upon him to be their leader.

Benedict began to form communities and many followers joined

him. At Monte Cassino he completed his Rule. The core of his

message is to ‘listen’ – with the ear of one’s heart, to God and to

each other.

Feast day: 11 July Patron: The Sisters of the Good Samaritan

Schools: St Mark’s College Pt Pirie, Samaritan College Whyalla

BRIGID (died ca. 525), along with Patrick, is patron saint of

Ireland. Born near Kildare, she is said to have been baptised by

Patrick himself. She established a monastery at Kildare which

later became a double monastery (for men and women) that

contributed significantly to the spread of Christianity throughout

the country. She is patron saint of Kildare, poets, scholars and

dairy workers.

Feast day: 1 February Church: Petina & Farina

Murray Town

BRENDAN (ca. 486 – 575) of Clonfert, was the founder of several Irish abbeys. The legendary story in The Navigation of St Brendan contributed greatly to his reputation as patron saint of sailors and whales.

Feast day: 16 May Church: Mt Bryan

CONGREGATION SAINT FEAST DAY

Jesuits Ignatius of Loyola 31 Jul

Francis Xavier 3 Dec

OLSH Sisters Our Lady of the Sacred Heart 12 Sep

Sisters of Mercy Venerable Catherine McAuley Nov 14

Sisters of the Good Samaritan Benedict 11 Jul

Sisters of Saint Joseph St Joseph, St Mary of the Cross 19 Mar & 8 Aug

Missionary Sisters of Service St John Vianney 4 Aug

Dominican Sisters St Dominic 8 Aug

TITLES OF OUR LADY CHURCH FEAST DAY

Immaculate Conception Quorn/Carrieton 8 Dec

Immaculate Heart of Mary Georgetown 28 Jun

St Mary’s Berri 8 Sep

St Mary of the Angels Port Lincoln 2 August

Our Lady Help of Christians Whyalla 24 May

Our Lady of Fatima Port Pirie 13 May

Our Lady of the River Riverland

Our Lady of the Rosary Bute 7 Oct

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Patron: OLSH Sisters 12 Sep

Our Lady of Sorrows Yongala 15 Sep

Our Lady Star of the Sea Wallaroo 27 Sep

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Dawson 16 Jul

Our Lady of Perpetual Succour Brinkworth 27 June

TITLES OF OUR LORD CHURCH

Christ the King Minnipa

Good Shepherd Hallett & Leigh Creek

Holy Trinity Crystal Brook

Sacred Heart Calca, Gordon, Kadina & Kimba

CANICE (ca. late 5th century – early 6th century) According to

legend, Canice was born at Glengiven, Ireland. He became a

monk under St. Cadoc at Llancarfan, Wales, and was ordained

there. He preached for a time in Ireland, and then went to

Scotland. He was a most successful missionary, building a

monastery at Aghaboe, Ireland, and probably one at Kilkenny. He

is also known as Kenneth and Cainnech.

Feast day: 11 October Church: Snowtown

CANUTE (died 1086) the King of Denmark who lavished benefits

on the Church, but made two unsuccessful attempts to invade

England, whose throne he also claimed. He was killed when his

subjects rebelled against the heavy taxes he imposed. Canute is

the patron saint of Denmark.

Feast day: 10 July Church: Streaky Bay

CATHERINE OF SIENA (1347 – 1380) a reformer of popes, was

the first layperson and one of the first two women named a

Doctor of the Church. Deciding not to marry, she joined the third

order of Dominicans and after several years of solitude, prayer

and fasting she became involved in nursing the sick in a local

hospital. Later, with a disparate group of disciples she went on

journeys to call people to reform and repentance in the spirit of

Christ crucified. She is one of the patron saints of Italy and of all

of Europe.

Feast day: 29 April Church: Pekina,

Nursing Home: Berri

CATHERINE MCAULEY (1778 – 1841) was born in Dublin, Ireland.

She opened the first House of Mercy in Baggot Street in 1827 on

the Feast of Our Lady of Mercy. Catherine's work with destitute

women, orphan girls, the hospitalised and incarcerated became

attractive to other women. The Religious Institute of the Sisters

of Mercy began in 1831. The sisters went out to the needy and

were dubbed the "walking nuns" of Dublin. In 1990, Pope John

Paul II declared Catherine McAuley "Venerable", the first stage

in the process of recognition of a saint.

Feast day: 14 November Patron: The Sisters of Mercy

CELESTINE (1210 – 1296) Pope Celestine V born in Sicily is one of

the few popes in history to have resigned his office only a few

months after his election at about the age of eighty-five. He

returned to his life as a Benedictine hermit, but under house

arrest lest his supporters try to make him a rival pope and create

a schism in the Church. He is the patron saint of bookbinders.

Feast day: 19 May Church: Lancelot

CLARE of ASSISI (1193 – 1253) is an Italian saint and one of the

first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of

Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the

Franciscan tradition, and wrote their Rule of Life the first

monastic rule known to have been written by a woman.

Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her

honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today

as the Poor Clares. Clare is the patron of sore eyes.

Feast day: 11 August Church: Pt Lincoln

VINCENT DE PAUL (1581 – 1660) was ordained a priest

quite early at the age of 19. On a ship voyage he was

captured by pirates and sold as a slave, but was eventually

set free. He was chaplain to the galley slaves. In 1617 with

the help of St Louise de Marillac he founded the Daughters

of Charity and later became the leader of an Order of

priests whom we now call Vincentians who prepare young

men for the priesthood.

Feast day: 27 September Church: Cleve

Patron : Society of St Vincent de Paul

VIRGILIUS OF SALZBURG (ca.700 – 784) was an Irish churchman, an early astronomer, bishop of Ossory and later, bishop of Salzburg. He was called "the geometer".

Feast day: 27 November Church: Yatina

JOHN VIANNEY (1786 – 1859) priest, universally known as the Curé of Ars a remote French hamlet. His reputation as a confessor and spiritual director made him known throughout the Christian world. His life was filled with works of charity and love. He is the patron saint of priests.

Feast day: 4 August

Patron: Missionary Sisters of Service

URSULA (4th century) is thought to have been a British princess

who fled to Cologne to preserve her virginity and was

martyred there with some companions. She is patron saint of

archers, orphans and students.

Feast day: 21 October Church: Morgan

THERESE OF LISIEUX (1873 – 1897) Also known as the Little

Flower of Jesus. A Carmelite nun who devoted herself to God

at a young age. She lived a simple life and strived to do little

things well. Though she did not travel anywhere, because of

her prayer and strong support she is patron of the missions.

Feast day: 1 October Church: Renmark , Whyalla

School: Samaritan College Whyalla

THOMAS MORE (1478 – 1535) studied law, was a member of

parliament and Lord Chancellor to King Henry VIII. Thomas

More was the most famous victim of Henry’s persecution of

Catholics who refused to accept royal supremacy over the

Church in England. He was beheaded at Tower Hill London,

declaring that he was "The king’s good servant, but God's first".

He is the patron saint of lawyers.

Feast day: 22 June Church: Waikerie, Hookina

CLEMENT (died ca. 101) of Rome, is best known for his likely

authorship of the most important first century Christian

document outside the New Testament – a letter from the Church

of Rome to the Church in Corinth. Clement, one of the

presbyters in the many house churches of Rome, was charged

with corresponding with communities in other cities and

probably also with dispensing aid to those in need. He is patron

saint of marble workers and stonecutters.

Feast day: 23 November Church: Melrose

DOMINIC (ca. 1170 – 1221) born in Castile-Leon, Spain, was a

priest and the founder of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans).

The spread of the rosary as a popular devotion is attributed to

the preaching of St Dominic. He is the patron saint of the

Dominican Republic and also of astronomers.

Feast day: 8 August Patron : The Dominican Sisters

Church: Hammond, Willochra

DYMPHNA (7th century) an Irish woman who is said to have

been murdered by her own father after she fled to Belgium to

escape his advances. She is the patron saint of the mentally ill

and of sleepwalkers.

Feast day: 30 June Church: Booborowie

EDMUND RICE (1762 – 1844) missionary and educationalist,

was born in Ireland at a time when Catholics faced oppression

enforced by the British penal laws. He forged a successful

career in business and, after a tragic accident which killed his

wife and left his daughter disabled, devoted his life to providing

education to boys from needy families, servicing the poor and

the Irish republican cause. He was Founder of the Christian

Brothers.

Feast day: 5 May Patron: Samaritan College, Whyalla.

FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1181 – 1226) patron saint of animals and

the environment, founded the Franciscan Order. He took the

gospel literally by following all Jesus said and did. Convinced

that violence and war were wrong, St. Francis believed in

peaceful dialogue with all our brothers and sisters and with the

whole of creation. He calls us to be instruments of peace and

healing.

Feast day: 4 October Church: Elliston, Moonta

FRANCIS XAVIER (1506 – 1552) was born in Navarre in Spain,

met Ignatius of Loyola in Paris and became one of the original

group of seven Jesuits who were ordained priests in Venice in

1537. Francis was one of the greatest missionaries in the

history of the Church. He is patron saint of the foreign missions

and is also known as “apostle of the Indies and of Japan.”

Feast day: 3 December Patron: Jesuits

Church: Barmera

RAPHAEL (from the Hebrew, “God heals”) one of the seven

archangels “who stand before the Lord” (Tob 3: 12, 15),

healed Tobit’s blindness and provided Sarah with a husband

(Tob 3:16-17). He is God’s messenger who hears people’s

prayers and brings these before God. He is depicted as the

patron saint of travellers, physicians, nurses, lovers, health

inspectors and the sightless.

Feast day: 29 September Church: Carrieton

SEBASTIAN (died ca. 300) was martyred under Diocletian

and buried on the Appian Way close to the site where a

basilica was erected in his honour. He is usually depicted

being pierced with arrows which, according to legend, did

not kill him. He is regarded as the patron saint of archers,

physicians, athletes and local police and is invoked against

plagues.

Feast day: 20 January Church: Peterborough

SIMON (1st century) was one of the twelve apostles. His

nickname was the Cananaean, Aramaic for “Zealot”. His

zeal may have been on behalf of Israel’s independence or

for the law. According to tradition, he engaged in missions

to Egypt and Persia, where he and Jude were martyred

together on the same day.

Feast day: 28 October Church: Whyte Yarcowie

PHILIP (1st century) was one of the original twelve apostles and,

with James, is the patron saint of Uruguay. He came from

Bethsaida in Galilee. At the feeding of the five thousand, it is

Philip who points out to Jesus that they have only two hundred

denarii worth of bread and this would not be enough to feed

the crowd. He is listed among those who were in the upper

room awaiting the Spirit at Pentecost.

Feast day: 3 May Church: Appila, Hawker

PETER (died ca. 64) A native of Bethsaida, near the Sea of Galilee, his original name was Simon. He was son of Jonah and brother of Andrew and they were fishermen. Simon, the first to be called by Jesus, was given a new name – Cephas or Peter which means “rock”. Peter had a special role within the company of Jesus’ disciples – as chief apostle, one of the three closest to Jesus, as chief witness of Jesus and the “rock” on which Jesus would build his church. Peter travelled to Rome, is regarded as the first Bishop of Rome and was martyred there.

Feast day: 29 June Church: Gladstone, Coober Pedy

PEDRO CALUNGSOD (1654 – 1672) martyr, is the second Filipino saint after San Lorenzo Ruiz. As skilled catechists, he and Diego Luis de San Vitores prepared many for the sacraments, especially baptism. They were both killed while doing missionary work in Guam. Pedro Calungsod is the patron of youth, Overseas Filipino Workers and altar servers. The Jesuits celebrate his feast with Diego Luis de San Vitores on 21 October.

Feast day: 2 April Patron: Filipino Communities

IGNATIUS OF LOYOLA (1491 – 1556) born in the Basque region

of Spain, the youngest of 13 children, he became a soldier of

Spain to fight against the French. After a cannon ball and a

series of bad operations ended his military career, Ignatius

read the lives of the saints and decided to dedicate himself to

becoming a soldier of the Catholic Faith. After travelling and

studying in different schools, he finished in Paris, where he

received his degree at the age of 43. Along with Francis Xavier

and seven other students he started the Society of Jesus or the

Jesuits in 1534.

Feast day: 31 July Patron: Jesuits

GERVASE and PROTASE (2nd Century) twin

brothers, are venerated as the first

Christian martyrs of Milan. They are the

patron saints of Milan and of haymakers

and are invoked for the discovery of

thieves.

Feast day: 19 June Church: Warnertown

ISIDORE (1070 – 1130) the Farmer, is the patron saint of Madrid, farmers and labourers. Born in Madrid, he worked as a farm labourer all his life. His life, although lived in obscurity, was marked by many devotional practices and generosity to the poor. His incorrupt remains lie in the church of St Andrew, Madrid.

Feast day: 15 May Church: Bendelby

JAMES the APOSTLE (died ca. 44) often called 'The Great', and

his brother John the Evangelist were sons of Zebedee and

Salome. James and John were fishing when Jesus approached

them to come and follow him. He was present at many of Jesus'

miracles, at the Transfiguration and at his death. James' mother

asked for her sons to have a place of honour in Jesus' future

Kingdom. After Pentecost, James preached in Spain and then

returned to Jerusalem where he is believed to be the first of the

apostles to be martyred.

Feast day: 25 July Church: Jamestown, Appila & Hawker

School: Jamestown

JOHN the EVANGELIST (died ca. 101), one of the disciples of

Jesus who preferred to refer to himself not by name but as "the

disciple whom Jesus loved." John is credited with writing the

Gospel of John. He was present at the crucifixion of Jesus with

Mary and the other women. He was asked by Jesus to care for

Mary as he would his own mother. He was the only one of the

apostles to die not of martyrdom but of old age.

Feast day: 27 December, Church: Laura, Terowie

School: Samaritan College Whyalla

JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE (1651 – 1719) was born at Rheims, France, the eldest of ten children in a noble family. John was known for his work with the poor and was very involved in the education of poor children. He founded the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools (De La Salle Brothers), established schools, teacher colleges and reform schools for boys. He is the patron of teachers.

Feast day: 7 April Patron: BoysTown

MICHAEL the Archangel, the leader of the ranks of angels

and the guardian and protector of the people of Israel. He is

venerated as the head of the heavenly armies and as patron

saint of soldiers and police officers.

Feast day: 29 September

Church: Chandada, Woomera & Terowie

PATRICK (ca. 389 – ca. 461) the “apostle to” and patron saint of

Ireland and Nigeria. Born in Roman Britain, Patrick was captured

by Irish pirates while in his mid-teens, sold and kept as a slave

herding livestock for six years. He either escaped or was freed

and returned home a much changed person. He trained for the

priesthood and was appointed successor to the first bishop of

Ireland. From his base in the north, at Armagh, he undertook

missionary journeys and was hugely successful in making

converts, ordaining clergy and consecrating virgins. His writings

reveal his sincere simplicity and deep pastoral concern.

Feast day: 17 March Church: Kyancutta, Nackara & Iron Knob

PAUL (ca. 5 – ca. 67) born in Tarsus in Asia Minor, was known

as the “apostle to the Gentiles.” He received a Greek and

Jewish education and probably possessed Roman citizenship. A

self-described Pharisee, he was zealous in his persecution of

the early disciples of Jesus. After his profound experience of

conversion on the road to Damascus he heard the call to

preach the Risen Christ to the Gentiles. During demanding

missionary journeys, Paul wrote letters to various communities.

He is patron saint of Greece and Malta.

Feast day: 29 June Church: Coober Pedy, Willsdon

MARTIN DE PORRES (1579 – 1639) is the patron saint of race

relations and of social justice. He was born in Lima Peru to a

Spanish knight and a freed slave from Panama. He became a

Dominican lay brother, devoting himself to the care of the sick

and the poor, regardless of race, and to menial tasks in the

monastery. He gained a reputation for spiritual insight and for

the power of healing. He committed himself to a life of prayer

and rigorous penances.

Feast day: 3 November Church: Lock

MARTIN OF TOURS (ca. 316 – 397) is a patron saint of France

and was founder of monasticism in France. He was born in

Sabaria – a territory that is now part of Hungary. While still a

catechumen , he refused any military service as a matter of

conscience and was imprisoned. In 360 Martin was given land at

Liguge on which to live as a hermit. Disciples joined him there,

forming the first monastery in all of France. He was popularly

acclaimed bishop of Tours in 372 but continued to live as a

monk.

Feast day: 11 November Church: Redhill

MARK (died ca. 74) was associated with the growth of the early

Church, accompanying the Apostle Paul on his first missionary

journey, and later travelling with him to Rome. The second

Gospel is attributed to him. According to ancient tradition, Mark

was the first to preach Christ in Egypt. His emblem, the lion, is

one of 'the four living creatures' mentioned in the Book of

Revelation.

Feast day: 25 April Church: Cathedral Pt Pirie

School: St Mark’s College Pt Pirie

JOHN BOSCO (1815 – 1888) Italian educator and writer who

became a priest, and a friend and father to thousands of poor,

neglected boys for whom he provided education and a place

where they could feel at home. His work of Christian

education spread to many countries of Europe and South

America during his own life time. John Bosco founded the

Order of priests and brothers known as the Salesians, after

Saint Francis de Sales whom he adopted as his role model.

Feast day: 31 January Patron: St Mark’s College Pt Pirie

JOHN FRANCIS REGIS (1597 – 1640), was a French Jesuit who

spent most of his priestly life as a missionary among those who

had lapsed from the faith during the Wars of Religion between

the Calvinists and Catholics. He is patron saint of social

workers and of marriage.

Feast day: 16 June Church: Crystal Brook

JOHN NEPOMUCENE (1350 – 1393) was a martyr and is the

patron saint of the Czech Republic. He is also the patron saint

of confessors and those who have been slandered. In his early

childhood, he was cured of a disease through the prayers of his

good parents. In thanksgiving, they consecrated him to the

service of God. After he was ordained, he was sent to a parish

in the city of Prague. He became a great preacher, and

thousands of those who listened to him changed their way of

life.

Feast day: 16 May Church: Wilmington

JUDE (1st century) one of the twelve apostles, best known as the

patron saint of hopeless causes as well as of hospitals. There are

three brief mentions of him in the New Testament: Luke 6:16,

John 14:22 and Acts 1:13.

Feast day: 28 October Church: Whyte Yarcowie

KILLIAN (died 689) an Irish monk who went to the continent,

became Bishop of Wurzburg, and was murdered after a dispute

with the King over the propriety of his marriage to his widowed

sister-in-law. Killian is the principal patron saint of Bavaria.

Feast day: 8 July Church: Caltowie

JOSEPH (1st century) husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus,

loved and protected his family. While Joseph was a carpenter

and a working man, he came from royal lineage. He was a

descendant of David, the great king of Israel. Joseph is the

patron of the dying as it is assumed he died before Jesus' public

life, with Jesus and Mary close to him. Joseph is also patron of

the universal Church, fathers, carpenters and social justice.

Feast day: 19 March Church: Burra & Orroroo

Schools: Barmera, Gladstone, Peterborough, Port Lincoln &

Renmark

Nursing Home: Port Pirie Patron: Sisters of St Joseph

LEO the Great (died 461) pope and Doctor of the Church,

was born in Rome of Tuscan parents. He was elected to the

papacy while still a deacon and while away in France on a

diplomatic mission. He was a strong advocate of papal

authority and of the teachings of the Council of Chalcedon

on the humanity and the divinity of Jesus Christ.

Feast day: 10 November Church: Tumby Bay

LUKE, Evangelist (1st century) is the traditional author of the

Third Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles and was a fellow

worker of St Paul and companion on his missionary

journeys. He was considered to be a Syrian physician from

Antioch who wrote his gospel in Greece. Luke’s writings

underscore the love and compassion of Christ and his

concern for the poor. Luke is patron saint of physicians.

Feast day: 18 October Church: Gulnare South

MARGARET (1046 – 1093), queen and patron saint of

Scotland. Probably born in Hungary where her father had

taken refuge from the Danish rule in England and returned

to England with her parents before the Norman Conquest in

1066. For safety she went to Scotland where she married

king Malcolm III ca. 1070. She used her influence to

promote the reform of the church in Scotland, founded

monasteries and provided lodgings for pilgrims. Margaret

was devoted to her children and to the poor, but also found

time for a rich prayer life.

Feast day: 16 November Church: Pt Broughton