Christians

At some time during their lives, the following people have publicly identified themselves as Christian.   Inclusion in this list does not indicate approval or disapproval of the person, of their orthodoxy or lack of it, or of their actions.  Readers are encouraged to suggest persons who should be included on this list.  This is a recurring segment in this blog.

Catherine of Vadstena: (b. ca. 1331, Sweden - d.1381, aka: Catherine of Sweden) Abbess of Vadstena. Daughter of Bridgit of Sweden.  Catherine and her husband lived an ascetic, celibate life.  Returned her mother’s body to Sweden from Rome.

Dismas: (aka: The Good Thief) While hanging on his own cross as punishment for robbery, he asked Jesus to remember him in heaven and Jesus said he would be in paradise that day. (Luke 23:42-43) 

Ludger of Munster: (b. ca. 742, Germany - d.809, aka: Liuger)  Bishop of Munster.  Evangelis in Westphalia and Eastphalia. He built churches and founded a Benedictine monastery on his family estate.  He is considered to be the patron saint of Munster.

Isidore the Farmer: (b. ca. 1080, Spain – d.1130) . Peasant farm laborer. He is considered to be the patron saint of Madrid. Canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 1622.

Mary Margaret d’Youville (b. 1701, Canada – d. 1771; aka: Marie-Marguerite d”Youville; Marguerite Dufroste de Lajemmerais) First native-born Canadian Roman Catholic saint. She was the widow of Francois d-Youville, a bootlegger.  Founded the Sisters of Charity of the General Hospital (the Grey Nuns).  The Grey Nuns care for poor, sick, aged women, prisoners, mentally ill, and prostitutes.  “Go to the Grey Nuns, they never refused anybody, or any honest work.”  She was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 1990.  Patron saint of widows and difficult marriages.