1. St.

Augustine of Hippo Converted from a former life of moral laxity, which included merriment, drinking and sexual innuendos With the help of Gods word, he overcame strong heresies (Donatism, Manichaeism, Pelagianism) From a former life of sin, he practiced great poverty after repentance Fought greatly against paganism from the Vandals, Visigoths and other tribes after the fall of the Roman Empire On the death of his mother, St. Monica, he sold all his properties, gave the proceeds to the poor and formed a monastery in Tagaste, Africa Wrote works profusely in defense of the Christian faith (200 treatises, 300 sermons) He struggled much to be free from a life of sin, and inspired others that with faith, they can do the same

Reference: Saint Augustine of Hippo. Saints.SQPN.com. 6 December 2013. Web. 18

January 2014. http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-augustine-of-hippo/

2. St. Francis of Assisi Gave up a life of luxury, and instead chose the life of poverty and simplicity teaching the Gospel message with great joy Extensively tried to give to the poor, serve the sick in the hospitals and wore rags to humble himself Despite constantly being called a madman & encountering thugs and thieves, his faith for Christ didnt wane as he continued to preach Established the Franciscan Order and helped St. Claire of Assisi form the Order of the Poor Ladies to help the men and women who wanted to live out their faith Had great love for all creatures made by God, especially animals as he was known to preach to them and tame them Traveled to Egypt and the holy places of Palestine hoping to conquer the Muslims with love rather than war

Reference: "Biographies for Kids: Saint Francis of Assisi." Ducksters. Technological

Solutions, Inc. (TSI), Jan. 2014. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. http://www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/saint_francis_of_assisi.php

3. St. Vincent de Paul Through hard work and perseverance, he finished priesthood and a degree in theological studies despite having limited means at an unconventionally young age of twenty

 Gave up a comfortable life as the chaplain of Queen Marguerite de Valois and a tutor to the wealthy Goldi family to live as a pastor helping the peasants of France Established the Congregation of the Mission/Lazarists and Daughters/ Sisters of Charity with St. Louise de Marillac to work especially among the poor Fought the heresy of predestination (Janseniesm) Best known for being charitable: He took care of criminals who worked on the sailing ships He started the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity He opened hospitals and homes for orphans and old people He collected large sums of money for poor areas He sent missionaries to many countries and bought back prisoners from the Mohammedans He taught catechism to rural children in Paris

Reference: "The Story of St. Vincent De Paul." eCatholic. WebPro Productions, LLC.
Web. 18 Jan. 2014. http://www.ducksters.com/history/middle_ages/saint_francis_of_assisi.php

4. St. Louise de Marillac Helped directed the Sisters/ Daughters of Charity to assist in caring for the poor, the sick and the neglectedthrough St. Louises fervent and helpful heart, the congregation had almost 40 houses all over France by the time of her death After her marriage, she shared her wealth to the poor by visiting them in their homes, bringing them food and taught them catechism She affectionately called the poor her masters, and relentlessly served them all her life By her example of hands-on service, she inspired hundreds of wealthy women to join the efforts contributing not only their finances but also themselves, as laborers Even at the onset of plague, St. Louise didnt fear and still continued her charitable works even to the plague-stricken Her humility shone through as she did the meanest work of the house and never allowed anything new to be bought for her. Secondhand clothing she considered quite good enough. Reference: "Saint Louise de Marillac." Imprimasur. Daughter of Charity. Web. 18 Jan.
2014. http://www.catholicpamphlets.net/pamphlets/SAINT%20LOUISE%20DE%20MARILL AC.pdf

5. Elizabeth Ann Seton Established the American Sisters of Charity, catholic schools and orphanages to form the religious foundation of the people in New York She realized that God was calling her to become a Catholic, so she renounced the Episcopalian faith, despite her friends and family turning away from her

 Remained a steadfast follower of Christ despite having suffered great trials of sickness, misunderstanding, the death of loved ones (her husband and two young daughters) and the heartache of a wayward son Reference: "Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton." American Catholic. Franciscan Media. Web.
18 Jan. 2014. http://www.americancatholic.org/features/saints/saint.aspx?id=1250