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St. Polycarp was a disciple of St. John the Apostle and was appointed the bishop of Smyrna by that same Disciple Whom Jesus Loved. Polycarp was martyred after he refused to burn incense to the Roman emperor; first he was burned at the stake, but after surviving untouched by the flames, he was impaled with a spear. Upon his imminent death, Polycarp said, "I bless you, Father, for judging me worthy of this hour, so that in the company of the martyrs I may share the cup of Christ." Lifetime:  69 to 155 Region:  Smyrna (Modern Turkey) Patronages:  Earache sufferers; Dysentery Iconograpy:  Epistle to the Philippians; Surrounded by flames but unburnt; Pallium Feast Day:  February 23

St. Scholastica is often referred to as the sister or twin of St. Benedict , though it is unknown whether they are biologically related or share more of a spiritual siblinghood. In any case, the two corresponded regularly and once Scholastica even prayed for a storm so that Benedict's visit with her would be extended - a miracle which God provided her. She is also the founder of Benedictine nuns. In 1355, there was a student riot on her feast day after the students complained about the quality of wine served at the nearby tavern; the entire town was imposed penance for nearly 500 years following. Lifetime:  ~480 to 543 Region:  Modern Italy Patronages:  Benedictine nuns; Education; Rainstorms Iconograpy: Nun habit; Crozier; Dove Feast Day:  February 10

St. John Bosco is most well-known for his ministry with orphaned and abandoned young men, helping them find work, building their faith, and ensuring their employers were treating them fairly. He founded a Salesian  order and wrote numerous essays and biographies, one of which was instrumental in the canonization of his student, St. Dominic Savio. Lifetime:  1815 to 1888 Region:  Italy Patronages:  Juvenile delinquents; Editors; Magicians; Youth Iconograpy:  Cassock; Biretta; Group of youths; Often portrayed with St. Dominic Savio Feast Day:  January 31

St. Francis de Sales is well-known as the patron saint of writers and especially for his book Introduction to the Devout Life . The book's popularity began immediately upon its release among both Catholics and protestants, and has persisted ever since. It was unique at the time for being written for laypeople and especially women; earlier books tended to target the clergy. Lifetime:  1567 to 1622 Region:  Modern France Patronages:  Writers; Deaf people; Educators; Confessors Iconograpy:  Bishop vestments; Pen and book; Sacred heart Feast Day:  January 24

Anastasia is considered the deliverer from poisons because she miraculously cured many from such afflictions. During her life, she also ministered to imprisoned Christians until she became imprisoned herself. Anastasia refused to deny her faith, even in the face of a particularly vile pagan priest, who was blinded when he tried to lay hands on her. She miraculously survived multiple attempts to execute her, including starvation and drowning, until she was finally martyred by being staked to the ground and burned alive. Lifetime:  281 to 304 Region:  Rome; Modern Serbia Patronages:  Weavers; Widows; Poisoned people Iconograpy:  Medicine bottle; Martyr's palm Feast Day:  December 22 (Eastern); December 25 (Western)

St. Juan Diego Cuāuhtlahtoātzin was an average Aztec man until he saw the Apparition of Mary that changed two continents forever. Not much is known about his life before the vision. He was married, but his wife died. He may or may not have had a son with her. He was very devout and especially fond of the Blessed Virgin even before he saw the famous vision of her, and the Apparition itself, and especially Her miraculous image on his tilma led to the rapid conversion of a huge number of indigenous people in Central America. Lifetime:  1474 to 1578 Region:  Modern Mexico Patronages:  Indigenous people of the Americas Iconograpy:  Roses; Tilma of Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast Day:  December 9