A fourth-century monastic, missionary, and bishop known for his humility, charity, and service to the poor. A patron saint of France. Feast day: Nov. 11.

A 19th-century founder of the Christian church in India and Iran who translated Scriptures into Hindustani, Persian, and Arabic. Feast day: Oct. 19.

A person killed for remaining loyal to their faith in the face of persecution.

Hundreds of Christians were crucified or otherwise murdered during a period when Christianity was banned in Japan. The first 26 were killed in 1597. Feast day: Feb. 6.

See Blandina.

Nine Australian missionaries and two Papuan Christians who died at the hands of Japanese invaders in 1942. Feast day: Sept. 2.

Thirty-two young men, pages in the court of King Mwanga, were burned alive in 1886 after refusing to renounce Christianity and submit sexually to the king. Feast day: June 3.

These sisters offered hospitality to Jesus. Martha prepared food, while Mary sat at Jesus' feet and listened to his teaching. Feast day: July 29.

A disciple of Jesus from the Judean city of Magdala, who was the first to witness the resurrected Christ. Feast day: July 22.

The mother of Jesus, Mary is venerated for her humility and obedience to God. Feast day: Aug. 15.