Saints' Names for Boys

Feast Day	Name	Meaning	Saint & Patronage
	Aaron	Lofty mountain	Brother of Moses, and High Priest of the Old Law
Dec. 20	Abraham Abram	father of many	God set into motion the plan of salvation by testing Abraham’s faith. He was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God, but God provided a substitute—a ram—as a sign of the coming of the Messiah.
	Adam Adan	first of the Earth	First man and father of the human race
Jan. 9	Adrian	Brave	Saint Adrian of Canterbury was a highly successful missionary in pagan England, and a great teacher of Bible study.
	Alan Alain, Allan, Allen	Harmony	Our Lady told Blessed Alan de la Roche to revive the ancient Confraternity of the Most Holy Rosary. He was a Dominican Father in Brittany, a theologian famous for his sermons.
June 20	Alban	White	Saint Alban was converted by a priest whom he sheltered from persecutions and rescued by changing clothes with him. Patron saint of converts.
Nov. 15	Albert	illustrious	Saint Albert the Great was a bishop who introduced Greek and Arabic science to medieval Europe, raising understanding of botany, biology, physics, and other studies of nature. A scientist himself, he wrote many books on these subjects.
Oct. 11	Alexander Alistair, Alec, Alex, Alejandro, Sacha, Sandor	helper of people	Saint Alexander Sauli became a bishop in a diocese where faith had died. Clergy and laity knew little about scripture and Church teachings. With the help of three friends, he inspired the people to new faith, corrected abuses, rebuilt broken down churches, and founded colleges and seminaries.
(July 17)	Alexis Alex, Alexei, Alexius, Sasha	Helper	Saint Alexius grew up wealthy but enjoyed helping beggars. He wanted to devote himself to God, but his parents arranged a marriage for him. On his wedding day his fiancee agreed to let him follow his vocation. Our Lady spoke from a picture at church, pointing him out and calling him the "Man of God".

June 21	Aloysius Louis, Alois, Lewis, Ludwig, Luigi, Luis	Famous warrior	Saint Aloysius Gonzaga, at age 16, gave up his right to be a prince to grow in sanctity through the Jesuit discipline. He died at age 23, because he contracted a disease from the sick people he had helped. Patron saint of youth.
Aug. 1	Alphonse	eager for battle	Saint Alphonsus Liguori was a civil and a canon lawyer who made it a point to always attend Mass before heading to court. His promised that he would never waste a moment of his life, and held fast to it for over 90 years, even when his rheumatism hurt so much that he could barely move.
Dec. 7	Ambrose	immortal	Saint Ambrose of Milan was called "the honey-tongued doctor" because of his gift of preaching and his reputation as an expert on Church doctrine. Words were very important to him and he said, "Let no word escape your lips in vain or be uttered without depth of meaning."
May 5	Angel Angelo	Angel	Saint Angelus of Jerusalem was born to Jewish converts and learned to respect Jews as well as to help them accept Jesus as the Messiah. After assisting in the formation of the first Carmelite house, he was sent to Italy where he converted many Sicilian Jews.
Nov. 30	Andrew Andre, Andreas, Andres, Drew	Manly	Saint Andrew was the first Apostle. He enthusiastically led other people to God, starting with his brother, Saint Peter.
April 21	Anselm	divine helmet	Saint Anselm of Canterbury actively fought against slavery in England, even getting politically involved and obtaining legislation that made it illegal to sell human beings.
June 13 Oct. 24	Anthony Tony, Anton, Antonio, Antony	Priceless	Saint Anthony of Padua was always a ready helper in time of need. Living as a hermit, he left his cave only to attend Mass and sweep the nearby monastery. When he filled in for a scheduled speaker who failed to keep his commitment, his reputation as a great preacher spread widely. Patron saint for finding lost articles. Saint Anthony Claret was convinced that the Church should use the power of the printed word to evangelize the world.
(July 8)	Arnold	Strength of an eagle	Saint Arnold was confessor in the court of Charlemagne who was noted for his charity to the poor.

Aug. 28	Augustine August, Austin, Augustin		Majestic		When Saint Augustine was a young adult, he rejected his upbringing, converted to a false religion and lived immorally. It was a lifestyle he did not want to give up, but he finally realized that nothing truly satisfied him except friendship with God. He said, "Our hearts were made for You, O Lord, and are restless until they rest in You."
June 11	Barnabas Barnaby		son of consolation		Saint Barnabas was converted shortly after Pentecost. He gave up all his possessions to detach from the world and follow the way of Christ. His helpful, compassionate and optimistic nature inspired other new Christians, including Saint Paul.
Aug. 24	Bartholomew Bart, Bartel, Barry		son of Talmai		Saint Bartholomew was an Apostle whose greatest desire was to know the truth. His initial reaction to Jesus was, "How can anything good come from Nazareth?" But when he met Jesus, he wanted to become one a disciple. Jesus said of him, "Here is a man in whom there is no deception."
Jan. 2	Basil Vasily, Vassily		Royal		Saint Basil the Great practiced law but decided to become a monk. He founded a monastery which he directed. He wrote a famous monastic rule that lasted longer than any others in the East. Patron of hospital administrators.
May 25	Bede		Life		Saint Bede the Venerable combined contemplative prayer with theological studies, always hungry to discover more of the riches of the Faith. He especially admired the spirituality of the Blessed Mother.
July 11 Jan. 12	Benedict Benoit, Bennett, Benito		Blessing		Saint Benedict believed in excelling and doing his very best to honor God. When he founded twelve monasteries, the demand for spiritual excellence in his Monastic Rule was so frustrating to lazy monks, some of them tried to poison him, but he blessed the drink and consumed it with no ill effects. After Saint Benedict Biscop made a pilgrimage to Rome, he added Roman elements of worship to English liturgies and thus became the patron saint of musicians and painters.
(Mar. 31)	Benjamin Benson		son of the right hand		Saint Benjamin was a Deacon who was imprisoned for his faith. Released on condition that he never preach about Christ again, he refused to comply and neglected no opportunity to talk about Jesus. He was martyred.
Aug. 20 May 28	Bernard Barnard,  Bernadine, Bernardo, Nardo, Bernhard		bold as a bear		Saint Bernard used to ask himself every morning, "Why have I come here?" and he answered, "To lead a holy life." He valued using all talents, resources, time, experiences, hurts, and spiritual growth for God so that no day would be wasted. Saint Bernard of Menthon protected travelers from thieves in the Alpine Mountains and established hospices for people making pilgrimages to Rome. The big dogs that are trained to search for missing victims in the mountains were named after him.
Feb. 3	Blaise Blase		Babbler		Saint Blaise was a physician who healed humans and animals. While imprisoned for his faith, he healed his fellow prisoners and saved a child who was choking on a fish bone. Thus he became the patron of throat ailments, colds and viruses.
July 15	Bonaventure		good attempt		Saint Bonaventure was one of the greatest thinkers of the Middle Ages. He was exceptionally gifted in his soul, mind, and personality.
June 5	Boniface		doer of good things		Saint Boniface left everything that was familiar to him to evangelize the German tribes and reorganize the Church in France. He traveled continuously, always willing to deal with change for the sake of the Lord.
(May 16)	Brendan Brandon, Brennan		Sword		Saint Brendan and a crew of other Irish monks voyaged across the Atlantic to America in a ship made of oxhides -- 400 years before the Vikings and almost 1000 years before Columbus!
(Dec. 1)	Brian Bryan, Bryant		Strong		Saint Alexander Briant was an English Jesuit whom people called "the beautiful youth" because of his handsome looks and purity of heart. When he was martyred, he felt no pain during the tortures. He said: "Whether this that I say be miraculous or no, God knows." He was 25 when he died.
(Nov. 13)	Brice Bruce		Breach		Saint Brice was a self-centered, overly ambitious cleric who repented. But when he became a bishop, he reverted to his old ways and neglected his duties. When exiled, he repented again and completely changed his attitude. Resuming as Bishop, he served with such humility, holiness and ability that the people venerated him as a saint before he died.
Oct. 6 July 18	Bruno		Brown		Saint Bruno knew that cheerfulness comes from serving God with hard work, fasting, and continual prayers. He said, "Try and you will see how rewarding it is to serve God with all the love of your heart." He felt great concern for those who lived in Satan’s grip and is the patron of possessed people. Saint Bruno of Segni was an avid defender of orthodox Christian teachings. One of the doctrines he strongly promoted was the real presence of Jesus in the Eucharist.
July 14		Camillus Camille, Camillo		Temple servant		Saint Camillus de Lellis repented from a wild-spent youth and gambling addiction to serve God, and although he was incurably diseased, he took care of others who were sick. He founded the Congregation of the Servants of the Sick, believing that the suffering people were living images of Jesus.
Nov. 4		Carl Charles, Carlo, Carlos, Carroll, Cary, Karl, Karol		Strong		Saint Charles Borromeo served as a bishop in a diocese that was plagued by superstitions and other faulty religious practices, but he resolved the problems by issuing wise rulings, instituting them with kindness, and setting an example through his own holy life. He learned from having a severe speech impediment that "we are all weak, but if we want help, the Lord God has given us the means to find it easily."
Mar. 4		Casimir Cass, Casper		Peaceful		Saint Casimir of Poland was the son of a king and held the high office of Grand Duke. He hated luxury and the temptations of the flesh. He secretly did many penances to keep himself focused on the growth of his spirit.
Mar. 3		Chad		martial		When Saint Chad became a bishop, he put tremendous effort into understanding ecclesiastical truth and maintaining purity of doctrine. He devoted much time to the activities of humility and self-sacrifice. When he traveled, he went by foot rather than by horseback, in imitation of the apostles. This spirituality made his preaching of the Gospel powerful and effective.
Nov. 4		Charles Carl, Carlo, Carlos, Carroll, Cary, Karl, Karol		strong		Saint Charles Borromeo served as a bishop in a diocese that was plagued by superstitions and other faulty religious practices, but he resolved the problems by issuing wise rulings, instituting them with kindness, and setting an example through his own holy life. He learned from having a severe speech impediment that "we are all weak, but if we want help, the Lord God has given us the means to find it easily."
		Christian		anointed, belonging to Christ		Jesus Christ is your patron! With this name and a heart that is devoted to Christ, you have the whole body of Christ -- the Communion of Saints -- as your prayer partners.
(July 25)		Christopher Cristobal, Chris		Christ- bearer			Saint Christopher died a martyr during the reign of Decius in the third century. However, he was quite possibly only a legend created by popular story-telling, so he is no longer on the official list of Saints. He is known for carrying travelers across a stream (which is why he is the patron of travelers), including a child who was surprisingly heavy. It turned out that the child was Jesus bearing the weight of the world.
(Nov. 4)		Clair Clare, Clarus, Clarence		clear			Saint Clarus was a priest who became a Benedictine monk and lived as a hermit. When he resisted the advances of a noblewoman, she had him killed.
(June 6)		Claude Claudius		lame			Saint Claud was a holy priest who served as a Benedictine Abbot and later a bishop, though he preferred not to have such status. In the 12th century (400 years later), his body was discovered to be incorrupt. His burial place became a favorite place for pilgrimages, and miraculous cures occurred there.
Nov. 23		Clement		merciful			Saint Clement knew the Apostles personally before they were martyred. As pope, he challenged his people to follow their examples. He said, "We ought to put aside vain and useless concerns and should consider what is good, pleasing and acceptable in the sight of Him who made us."
(Nov. 23)		Colin Columban, Colman, Colum, Cullen		dove			Saint Columban moved from place to place preaching the Gospel, forming a community who accompanied him, and being a witness of humility and love through his own life. He often took time out to be alone with God in the forrest, and the animals obeyed his voice.
Sept. 16		Cornelius Connor, Conor, Cornel, Neal, Neil		horn			Saint Cornelius was pope during terrible persecutions, and he anguished over the sufferings of his people. Saint Cyprian was his friend and said to him, "Let us relieve burdens and afflictions by mutual love."
Oct. 25		Crispin		curly haired			Saints Crispin and Crispinian were brothers who promoted Your kingdom by day and supported their families by night as shoemakers.
June 27 Mar. 18		Cyril Cyr, Kyril		lordly			Saint Cyril of Alexandria defended the Blessed Virgin Mary's title as Mother of God, at a time when there was much persecution against her. He called her "Hail, Mary, Mother of God, venerable treasure of the whole universe." Saint Cyril of Jerusalem was the bishop of Jerusalem when the persecutions ended and great heresies began. This new enemy tried to force him to accept false teachings about the Church, but he stood firm. When anti-Christians tried to prove that Jesus were wrong in His prophecies, Cyril's confidence came from knowing that Jesus would prove Himself right.

Sept. 26	Damian Damiano, Damien, Damon	tamer	Saints Cosmas and Damian were twins who became excellent doctors. They refused payment for their medical care because they believed that when they treated patients, they were also caring for Jesus. By conveying great love, they won the hearts of their patients as they taught them about the Faith.
(Feb. 16)	Daniel Dan, Niel	the Lord is judge	Saint Daniel and four companions were Egyptians who visited Christians condemned to do hard labor in the mines during persecutions, to comfort them. They were arrested for this, tortured and beheaded.
Mar. 1	David	beloved	Saint David of Wales received a vision from Jesus that sent him to Jerusalem where anti-Christian sentiment was strong. By relying on God, he preached so powerfully that he converted many who had been attacking the Faith.
(Oct. 9)	Denis Dennis, Dion, Sidney, Sydney	wild, frenzied	Saint Denis (also called Dionysius) was the first bishop of Paris and the Apostle of France.
Aug. 8 Mar. 10	Dominic Domingo, Dominick	I belong to the Lord	Saint Dominic de Guzman, founder of the Dominican Order, worked hard against heresies. When people refused to accept the truth, he grew discouraged, but the Blessed Mother appeared and asked him to pray the Rosary daily and to teach it to others. Through the Rosary, the heresies were conquered. Saint Dominic Savio was one of the children touched by Saint John Bosco’s ministry. An altar boy at age five, he started on the road to the priesthood at age twelve but died at fifteen. Yet, he accomplished much good in his short life because of his piety. His birthplace and childhood home are now retreat houses for youth.
(July 15)	Donald	dark stranger	Saint Donald had nine daughters, and when his wife died, the family formed a religious community, which he directed. In his native Scotland, natural features such as hills are called the "Nine Maidens" in memory of his daughters.
Nov. 20	Edmund	happy protection	Saint Edmund of East Anglia was a king who was captured by pagan invaders. The enemy wanted him to sign a treaty that would harm his country and Church, but he chose to die rather than to grieve God and hurt his people.
Oct. 13	Edward	prosperous guardian	Saint Edward the Confessor was one of the most popular English kings, because he trusted in God and greatly loved his people. By relying on God, he was able to rule wisely and maintain peace.
Oct. 12	Edwin	prosperous friend	Saint Edwin was a pagan king who listened to a Christian preacher publicly explain the Gospel. He accepted salvation, renounced his worship of the gods, and commanded his high priest to destroy their altars and temples.
(Feb. 16)	Elias Elijah	the Lord is God	Saint Elias ministered with Saint Daniel to Christians condemned to do hard labor in the mines during persecutions, to comfort them. When they were arrested for their beliefs, Elias bravely shared his mystical insights, even though this led to his death.
(Dec. 24)	Emil Emile, Emilian, Emilion, Emilius	excelling	Saint Gregory the Great had three aunts who led prayerful religious lives in their father's house, Tarsilla, Saint Emiliana, and Gordiana. They encouraged each another to growth in holiness.
(Dec. 25)	Emmanuel Immanuel, Manuel	God with us	Jesus Christ is your patron! Having a name associated with the joy of Christmas is a reminder that you are called to bring Christ to all those around you.
(May 18)	Eric Erick, Erich	ever-ruler	Saint Eric was a king of Sweden who codified Swedish law under Gospel principles. He used his power and authority to spread the Gospel through his kingdom.
(Nov. 7)	Ernest	serious	Saint Ernest was the abbot of a Benedictine Abbey in Germany. He went on the Crusades, preached in Arabia and Persia, and was captured by the Moors. He was tortured to death in Mecca.
(June 2)	Eugene Gene	well born	Saint Eugene I was a priest who had served in several different positions in the Church and became pope. He was widely known for his charity and holiness.
(Sept. 7)	Eustace	fruitful	Saint Eustace served as a parish priest until he was elected abbot. He later became the apostolic legate to England for Pope Innocent III.
Jan. 20	Fabian	prosperous farmer	Saint Fabian was filled with zeal and wisdom. As a layman and farmer, he entered Rome on the day a new pope was being elected. By God's design, a dove flew into the proceedings and landed on his head, an obvious sign that God had anointed him to serve as pope. Surprised but obedient, Saint Fabian said yes.
(Jan. 14)	Felix Felician, Felicio	happy	Saint Felix of Nola was a priest was was ordained by and worked with Saint Maximus of Nola. When Maximus was dying, Felix hid him from soldiers in a vacant building. God used a spider to spin a web over the door, fooling the soldiers into thinking no one had entered there.

May 30	Ferdinand Fernando, Ferde, Fernand, Hernando	adventerous	Saint Ferdinand III of Castile was a great administrator who had very deep faith. His friendship with God inspired him to be a just ruler, and he pardoned those who attacked his throne.
(April 24)	Fidelis Fidel	faithful	Saint Fidelis of Sigmaringen was a lawyer who grew disgusted by the greed, corruption, and lack of interest in justice by his colleagues. He changed careers to join the priesthood. He gave away his wordly wealth to poor seminarians and other needy people.
Oct. 4 Dec. 3	Francis Frank, Franz, Francesco, Francisco, Franco, Francois	free	When Saint Francis of Assisi turned his life over to God, he gave away his possessions, including the clothes on his back. He discovered that this freed him to experience His love more fully, so he said, "Let us give alms because these cleanse our souls from the stains of sin." Saint Francis Xavier was sent to evangelize the unexplored Far East. This was made difficult by sciatica, but he offered up his pain for the mission and he received many supernatural gifts, including prophecy, healing, calming storms, and raising people from the dead. He baptized more than 40,000 converts.
(July 18)	Frederick Fred, Federico, Frederic, Friedrich	peace-ruler	Saint Frederick was a bishop who established order throughout his diocese. He sent eager, faith-filled and holy missionaries to the places where paganism still existed. He was good at caring for the spiritual growth of converts.
Sept. 29	Gabriel	God's strength	God had given us archangels to assist us during our pilgrimage on earth. Saint Gabriel is a messenger of the Good News; he can help us hear God's voice and to teach us the truth.
Nov. 8	Geoffrey Godfrey, Jeffrey, Jeff, Gottfried, Goffredo	God's peace	Saint Godfrey was the abbot of a rundown abbey who restored it to good discipline and rebuilt it into a flourishing community.
April 23	George Georges, Giorgio, Igor, Jorge, Jurgen	farmer	Saint George was nicknamed the "Victory Bringer" because he relied on God's power to defeat evil wherever he went. Starting as a soldier in the army, he converted and became a soldier for Christ. Laying down the world’s armor by giving his wealth to the poor, he forever after carried the shield of faith and won many victories for those who sought God's help.
(Oct. 13)	Gerald Geraldo, Garcia, Jerold	spear rule	Saint Gerald of Aurillac was a Count who gave away his possessions and dedicated himself to God and ministry. Though he never joined an order, he lived in as if he did. He built a church and abbey on his property.
Oct. 3	Gerard Gerhard, Gerado, Girado, Girard	strong spear	Saint Gerard of Brogne joined a monastery in order to find a quiet, peaceful place to spend his time in prayer, although he willingly left his solitude to help others become stronger in their faith. He believed that if people realized the joy that came from praying, they would pray more often.
(June 15)	Germain	kin	Saint Germaine Cousin was a severely abused and neglected child. She turned to God, who taught her how to forgive her family and grow in holiness. She entrusted the sheep she tended to God's care while she went to daily Mass, and they were never attacked by wolves. One day when the rains flooded the river, a villager saw the water part so she could get to Mass. She died from her mistreatments at age 22; forty years later her body was exhumed and found incorrupted.
(June 19)	Gervais Gervas, Jarvis, Jervis	spear servant	Saint Gervasius was one of the first martyrs of Milan. He is the patron of haymakers and is invoked for the discovery of thieves. His relics were discovered by Saint Ambrose, who was guided to them by a vision.
(Feb. 4)	Gilbert	bright pledge	Saint Gilbert of Sempringham was exiled to Paris by his father to study the arts because he refused to become a soldier. When he returned home, he opened a school for poor children, giving them special training in religion. When his parents died, he spent his inheritance by founding monasteries and helping the poor.
Sept. 3	Gregory	watchman	Saint Gregory the Great was the first pope who referred to himself as "the servant of the servants of God," and all the popes since then have used the same title.
(Sept. 12)	Guy Guido	guide	Saint Guy of Anderlecht was born in poverty, and he believed this was a holy condition that God wanted for him. Once, he invested in an sea expedition in the hopes of getting rich. The ship sank, and Guy took it as a sign. He walked to Rome in penance for his greed, then to Jerusalem where he worked for a while as a guide to pilgrims.
(June 17)	Harvey Herve	warrior	Saint Harvey was blind, but this did not stop him from serving as a good abbot for his community. He was famous for miracles.

July 13	Henry Hank, Harry, Emeric, Enrico, Heinrich, Henri, Rico	home ruler	Saint Henry II was one of the best rulers of the Christian Roman Empire. He reformed the Church, assisted the growth of new monasteries, and oversaw the building of many beautiful churches. Because he believed that the Creed was essential to understanding our faith, he convinced the Pope to institute its use every Sunday and major feast day.
(Mar. 20)	Herbert Herve	shining warrior	Saint Herbert was the disciple and close friend of Saint Cuthbert. Herbert begged his spiritual father to pray that, as they had served God together on earth, they might be allowed to see God's glory at the same moment in heaven. Soon after, Herbert succumbed to a painful illness which lasted until they died simultaneously the following year.
(April 7)	Herman Armand, Ernan, Germain, German, Hermann, Herme, Hernando	soldier	Saint Hermann Joseph was a monk and mystic who had a special devotion to the Blessed Mother. He consecrated the Eucharist with remarkable reverence. He was gentle, friendly and humble. He prayed for hours at Our Lady's altar and experienced ecstatic visions there. He composed wonderful prayers and hymns to Our Lady.
Jan. 13	Hilary Hilarion, Hilaire	merry	Saint Hilary of Poitiers was an avid defender of Christ's divinity when many were claiming that He was only human.
(Nov. 3)	Hubert Umberto	bright mind	Saint Hubert turned to the religious life after his wife died, reputedly after seeing a crucifix between the horns of a stag while he was hunting. Thus he is the patron of hunters. He became a bishop who ended idol worship in his diocese, made numerous conversions, and became known for his miracles.
(April 29)	Hugh Hughes, Hugo, Ugo	thought	The father of Saint Hugh the Great wanted him to become a knight and secular leader, but his mother supported his interest in religious life, especially after a local priest had a vision about it. When he became a priest, he fought corruption in the Church and founded nearly 2000 houses for religious who shared his high standards.

July 31 Oct. 17	Ignatius Ignace, Ignazio, Inigo, Nacho	fiery	Saint Ignatius of Loyola was wounded in battle and had to spend months in recovery. He wanted to pass the time reading adventure books about knights, but all he could find were biographies on the saints. Reading these, he felt challenged to do what the saints had done. Saint Ignatius of Antioch was taken to Rome under military guard after he was condemned to die in the Roman amphitheater. On the way, he wrote inspiring letters to Christian communities. Nothing would stop him from carrying out his ministry of preaching the Gospel.
Dec. 20	Isaac	he laughs	God set into motion the plan of salvation by testing Abraham’s faith. He was willing to sacrifice his son Isaac in obedience to God, Who provided a substitute—a ram—as a sign of the coming of the Messiah. Isaac passed the promise onto his son Jacob, who was later renamed Israel.
April 4	Isidore Dore, Dorian	strong gift	Saint Isidore of Seville was one of the most learned men of his day and has become the patron saint of computer users and the Internet.
(May 19)	Ives Ivar, Iver, Ivo, Ivor, Yves	archer	Saint Ivo of Kermartin was a lawyer and a priest, often defending the poor for free. He fought the government over taxes and the rights of the Church. He was an incorruptible diocesan judge but eventually resigned from all law work to shepherd the people spiritually. He worked miracles, including feeding hundreds from one loaf of bread.
Dec. 20	Jacob Jake, James	holding by the heel, or supplanter	Jacob was the son of Isaac and grandson of Abraham. His name comes from his birth, when he emerged grabbing onto his twin brother's heel as they fought for first place. He later stole from his brother (Esau) the first-born's rights. He was renamed Israel by God after he wrestled with a divine visitor and was finally broken of his pride.
July 25	James Jacob, Diego, Jacques, Jaime, Santiago, Iago, Seamas, Shamus	supplanter	Saint James the Greater was one of the first Apostles, but he started out as a very impulsive, self-centered man. He dared to ask Jesus for a place of honor in His kingdom, and he wanted Jesus to destroy the villages that had rejected Him, but eventually he developed a true understanding of holiness.

(Feb. 16)	Jeremiah Jeremy, Jeremias	exalted of the Lord	Saint Jeremy and four companions were Egyptians who visited Christians condemned to do hard labor in the mines during persecutions, to comfort them. They were arrested for this, tortured and beheaded. The Old Testament writer Jeremiah (Jeremias) was called at a youthful age to become one of Israel's greatest prophets.
Sept. 30	Jerome Geronimo	holy name	Saint Jerome said that ignorance of the scriptures is ignorance of Christ. As secretary to the Pope, he received the commission to translate the Bible from its original languages into Latin—the Vulgate.
July 26	Joachim Joaquin	God prepares	The grandparents of Jesus, Saints Joachim and Ann dedicated their precious daughter Mary to the service of the Temple when she was three years old, preparing the way for her to become the Blessed Mother.
	Joel	the coming down of God	In the Old Testament, Joel was the second in the list of the twelve Minor Prophets. He warned of the judgment of Jahweh in order to awaken the people from their moral lethargy, while rejoicing in Jahweh's work of salvation.
Dec. 27 Sept. 13 Aug. 4	John Baptiste, Evan, Gian, Giovanni, Hans, Ian, Ivan, Jan, Johann, Johannes, Jon, Juan, Sean, Shane, Shaun	God has mercy	Saint John became one of Jesus' closest friends. He was the only one who stayed with Him until the end. On the cross, Jesus placed His Mother into his care. After Jesus rose, he ran ahead of the other Apostles to see the empty tomb and he was the first to recognize Him at the lakeside. Saint John Chrysostom was very vocal in condemning the sinful customs of his society, earning the name "John of the Golden Tongue." With his powers of persuasion, he stopped immoral performances of plays. Saint John Vianney is the patron saint of parish priests with a special concern for men who enter the priesthood late in life. He himself had a delayed vocation, and he managed to get through seminary only with great difficulty.

Mar. 19 Sept. 18	Joseph Josef, Jose, Gisseppe	increase	God chose Saint Joseph to care for Mary and Jesus because his holiness and love for Him was great, his compassion for others was outstanding, and his desire to protect and provide for his family was honorable. Saint Joseph of Cupertino endured much rejection—his mother disapproved of him and the religious orders he tried to join refused him—but rather than succumbing to self-pity, he turned to God for acceptance. He became a priest who worked miracles and conversed intimately with Christ in ecstasies.
Oct. 28	Jude	praised	Saint Jude was one of the first 12 Apostles. He was known for