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He was ordained a priest when he took part in the council of Lyons in 1245. Thomas was appointed Bishop of Hereford on 14th June 1275. He became a trusted adviser to King Edward I. Even when differing from the king’s opinion he did not forfeit his favour. He was canonised in 1320 by Pope John XXII

John was born in Allerton, Liverpool. He spent his early childhood at Much Woolton, Lancashire. Aged 8 he was taken to Ireland. Aged 20 he went to the English College in Rome where he was ordained in 1598. He return to England in 1602 as a missionary. He laboured in his mission to the faithful for 10 years and spoke eagerly against the Anti-Catholic powers of the state. In 1608 he was arrested for the first time. In 1612 he was arrested again. Before his death he prayed , distributed alms to the poor and gave his final oration- To use this life well is the pathway through death to everlasting life. John was hanged , drawn and quartered on 5th December 1612 at Tyburn, London, England. He is the patron saint of Liverpool. On 25th October 1970 he was canonized by Pope Paul VI

Saint Aidan was an Irish monk from Saint Columbo’s monastery on the Isle of Iona. In 635 Aidan was made bishop and set off for Northumbria. He decided to make his new headquarters on Lindisfarne or Holy Island, a rocky island off the east coast of Northumberland. There he built a wooden church and monastery huts for his companions and himself and started a school for boys. The monks lived a life of prayer, study and austerity (no luxuries). From here they went on their missions. The monastery was in sight of Bamborough, the castle/capital of King Oswald. Initially he had a problem with the English language so the king interpreted for him. They soon became great friends. Saint Aidan was a simple and gentle man but quick to recognise goodness. He walked everywhere spreading the gospel and founded churches for his small Christian communities. (The king’s son Oswin , when he became king, offered him a horse but he gave it away) In his years of evangelism he was responsible for the the construction of churches, monasteries and schools throughout Northumbria. His friend King Oswald was killed after a battle with Penda, king of Mercia. Penda unable to take Bamborough created a fire which he hoped, wind assisted, would destroy the city. Saint Aidan prayed and the wind turned dramatically - Penda’s army retreated. A while later Oswy invaded Northumbria. Oswin, knowing he could not win, dismissed his army. One of his own earls betrayed him. Saint Aidan died of shock when he heard the news - August 31st 651. Saint Aidan is known as the Apostle of Northumbria. Joseph Lightfoot, Bishop of Durhamwent several steps further Augustine was the Apostle of Kent, but Aidan was the Apostle of the English*. I have included some information about the island of Lindisfarne. Sources used Wikipedia, * The Church’s Year* by Charles Alexander Marygate House

Francis was a Savoyard Catholic prelate and a saint of the Catholic church. He was noticed for his deep faith and his gentle approach to the religious divisions in his land resulting from the Protestant Reformation. In 1592 he received his doctorate in law and theology and made up his mind to become a priest. His father found him a wealthy noble heiress to be his bride. He refused to marry so he could focus on his chosen path. He was ordained in 1593. In 1602 Bishop Granier died and Francis became the new bishop of Geneva. His diocese became famous throughout Europe for its efficient organization, zealous clergy and well instructed laity. For 20 years he was the bishop of Geneva (1602-1622). He is known also for his writings on the topic of spiritual direction and formation through his books Introduction to the Devout Life* and the** Treatise on the Love of God. For 20 years he was the bishop of Geneva (1602-1622) Source Wikipedia

Saint Eustace, according to legends,was a pagan Roman general who converted to Christianity after he had seen a vision of the cross while hunting. He lost all of his wealth, separated from his wife and son sand went into exile in Egypt. He was called back by the Roman emperor Trajan to lead the Roman army. He was united again with his wife and two sons. On the death of Trajan he and his family were martyred. by Hadrian for refusing to sacrifice to pagan Roman gods. The historicity of Eustace cannot be substantiated and he is seen widely as a ‘fictitious saint’ but he is venerated in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and in the West. Read about his veneration.