St Alphonsa

She was born in India just over 100 years ago and her name was Annakutty, her family called her Anna. Sadly, when Anna was very young her mother died so her aunt looked after her.

When Anna was 13 years old, she had an accident and her feet were badly burned.

Her family wanted her to fall in love and get married. But she was disabled and people were unkind to her. 

Anna continued to love God and forgave the unkind people.

John Paul II

John Paul was born Karol Józef Wojtyła on May 18, 1920, in Wadowice, Poland. His father was an officer in the Polish army. His mother died when he was eight years old.  After his father’s death in 1941, Wojtyła decided to become a priest. He had to study in secret.  John Paul preached that people should work for change in non-violent ways.

St Martin de Porres

Saint Martin de Porres was a kind and helpful man from Peru. He lived a long time ago and was part of a Catholic group called the Dominican Order. Later, the Church made him a saint.

Martin cared deeply for others, especially the poor and sick. He helped people in need, looked after animals, and even started a home for children without families and a small hospital. He is the patron saint of people who help others, people of mixed-race, and animals.

St Bernadette

Saint Bernadette was a young girl from France who lived a long time ago. She came from a poor family and was often sick, but she always kept her strong faith in God.

When she was just 14 years old, Bernadette saw the Virgin Mary in a cave near her home in Lourdes. Mary appeared to her many times and gave her special messages. Because of these visits, a beautiful shrine was built in Lourdes, where many people now go to pray and ask for healing.

Saint Bernadette is remembered for her deep faith, her courage, and her simple, loving heart.