Scenic view of Cappadocia with hot air balloons

Discover Catholic Saints and the Sacred Places They Touched

Learn about the lives of Catholic saints, their legacies, and the holy places where they walked. Encounter stories of grace, virtue, and purpose.

Be Inspired with Saintly Ways — Stories & Reflections

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SaintlyWays invites you to explore the lives of holy men and women through the sacred places that shaped them. From the basilicas of Europe to the mission trails of Asia, uncover the stories, traditions, and pilgrimage routes of Catholic saints. Browse our growing directory of saints, pilgrimage destinations, and sacred terms in our Catholic glossary to deepen your faith journey.

Saints of JANUARY

Image of St. Anthony the Abbot

Egypt | Priest

Patron saint of those seeking healing and protection.

Image of Bl. Diana

Italy

Bl. Diana was a martyr known for her faith and courage in the face of persecution.

Image of St. Fabian

Italy | Priest

St. Fabian was a pope and martyr known for his efforts to strengthen the Church during times of persecution.

Image of St. Sebastian

Italy | Laity

Patron saint of athletes and soldiers.

Image of St. Agnes

Italy | Nun

Patron saint of young girls and chastity.

Image of St. Marianne Cope

USA | Laity

St. Marianne Cope was a missionary who dedicated her life to caring for lepers in Hawaii. She is known for her compassion and service to the sick.

Image of St. Francis de Sales

France | Priest

Known for his writings on spirituality and devotion.

Image of St. Timothy

Turkey

St. Timothy was a bishop and martyr known for his dedication to the faith and his courage in the face of persecution.

Image of St. Angela Merici

Italy | Nun

Founder of the Ursulines.

Image of St. Thomas Aquinas

Italy | Priest

Known for his philosophical and theological writings.

Featured Pilgrimage Sites

Image of Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice

Basilica di Maria Ausiliatrice

Italy

This 1860s church with a Palladian-style facade & frescoed cupola houses the tomb of St. John Bosco.

Image of Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva

Basilica of Saint Mary of Minerva

Italy

Lavish Gothic church known for its medieval tombs, Michelangelo sculpture & elephant obelisk.

Image of Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside The Walls

Italy

Magnificent papal basilica dating from the 4th century, with tomb of St Paul & elegant cloisters.

Image of Basilica of San Domenico

Basilica of San Domenico

Italy

Prominent historic basilica with a Romanesque facade, many paintings & Saint Dominic's remains.

Image of Basilica of St Sebastian Outside the Walls

Basilica of St Sebastian Outside the Walls

Italy

Catholic church built in 1714 & run by Franciscan friars, with catacombs & a Bernini masterpiece.

Image of Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls

Basilica of St. Agnes Outside the Walls

Italy

Striking church with gold mosaics & an ornate ceiling, plus guided tours of the catacombs below.

Image of Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

United States

Landmark Byzantine-Romanesque-style Catholic church featuring mass, tours & a vast art collection.

Image of Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

United States

Landmark Byzantine-Romanesque-style Catholic church featuring mass, tours & a vast art collection.

Image of Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse

Basilique Saint-Sernin de Toulouse

France

Medieval basilica with relics of 128 saints & a thorn said to have come from the Crown of Thorns.

Image of Catacombe di San Callisto

Catacombe di San Callisto

Italy

Ancient Christian burial tunnels containing 3rd-century frescoes & the crypts of martyrs & popes.

Glossary Term of the Day

Hagiography

Hagiography, the writing of saints' lives, plays a crucial role in the Catholic process of canonization. Before someone can be declared a saint, a rigorous Church investigation is undertaken. This investigation heavily relies on hagiographical accounts, which present evidence of holiness. These accounts, compiled over time, detail the individual's life, miracles, and virtues. The existence of substantial hagiographical material constitutes a recognized stage in the process. If the investigation reveals sufficient evidence of holiness, the process continues, culminating in a declaration by the Pope recognizing the individual as a saint. Hagiography, therefore, provides the crucial historical and biographical foundation for canonization.

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