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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 MAY

Image of St. Rose Venerini

Italy | Laity

Patron saint of teachers.

Image of St. Louise de Marillac

France | Laity

Co-founder of the Daughters of Charity.

Image of St. Damien of Molokai

Belgium | Priest

Known for his work with lepers.

Image of St. Matthias

Israel

Known for his election to replace Judas Iscariot.

Image of St. Victor and Corona

Italy

Martyrs known for their faith and courage.

Image of St. Dymphna

Ireland | Laity

Patron saint of mental health and those suffering from mental illness.

Image of St. Isidore, the Farmer

Spain | Laity

St. Isidore the Farmer was a model worker and martyr known for his piety and concern for the poor.

Image of St. Simon Stock

England | Priest

St. Simon Stock is credited with receiving the Brown Scapular from the Virgin Mary, which became a significant devotion in the Carmelite Order.

Image of St. Felix of Spoleto

Italy

Patron saint of Spoleto.

Image of St. Bernardine of Siena

Italy | Priest

Known for his preaching and devotion to the Holy Name.

Featured Pilgrimage Sites

Image of Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli

Basilica dei Santi XII Apostoli

Italy

Much-rebuilt basilica with Renaissance frescoes & sculpted marble tombs credited to Michelangelo.

Image of Basilica dell'Osservanza

Basilica dell'Osservanza

Italy

This 15th-century Renaissance-style church was rebuilt after it was destroyed in World War II.

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 Peregrine

Basilica of Saint Peregrine

Italy

Baroque basilica in Forlì, Italy; patron saint of cancer patients; houses Saint Peregrine's relics.

Image of Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia

Basilica of Santa Rita da Cascia

Italy

Basilica built in the 20th century containing the relics of St. Rita, bright frescoes & sculptures.

Image of Basilique du Bois-Chenu

Basilique du Bois-Chenu

France

Neo-Gothic basilica in Domrémy-la-Pucelle, built near Joan of Arc's birthplace, a significant pilgrimage site.

Image of BasĂ­lica de Sant Feliu

BasĂ­lica de Sant Feliu

Spain

Large church with a mix of romanesque, gothic & baroque architecture & several sarcophagi.

Image of Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans

Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans

France

Gothic cathedral associated with Joan of Arc offering guided tours & views of Byzantine enamels.

Image of Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal

France

Intimate art nouveau chapel associated with Marian apparitions & housing several saints' relics.

Image of Chiesa del GesĂą

Chiesa del GesĂą

Italy

Consecrated in 1584, this lavish church has a richly decorated interior by Giacomo della Porta.

Glossary Term of the Day

Devil’s Advocate

In the Catholic Church, the Devil's Advocate, formally known as the Promoter of the Faith, plays a crucial role in the canonization process. This role, abolished in 1983 but its function retained, ensures rigorous scrutiny during the Church investigation. The Devil's Advocate's purpose at a recognized stage of the process is to meticulously examine all evidence of holiness presented for a potential saint. They rigorously challenge the validity and sufficiency of the presented material, searching for flaws or contradictions. This adversarial approach aims to guarantee a thorough and objective assessment before a declaration by the Pope of sainthood. Their objective is not to oppose holiness but to ensure the integrity of the process.

See More Glossary Terms »

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