Saint Simon, nicknamed "the Zealot" or "the Canaanite", was one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus. His nickname no doubt recalls his ardour and religious fervour. We know few details of his life, but tradition has it that he courageously proclaimed the Gospel to the ends of the earth and sealed his mission with martyrdom. He is invoked as a model of passionate loyalty to Christ and as an intercessor in the battles of faith. Read more...

Saint Jude Thaddaeus, one of the twelve apostles, is often called "the saint of desperate causes". A close relative of Jesus, he witnessed his miracles, Passion and Resurrection. After Pentecost, he proclaimed the Gospel with zeal and courage, facing persecution and danger until his martyrdom. His intercession is particularly sought by those who find themselves in situations of suffering, injustice or human impasse. To invoke Saint Jude is to turn one's heart to a faithful apostle who encourages us to hope even when all seems lost. Read more...

Saint Bartholomew, also called Nathanael in the Gospel of John, was presented to Jesus by the apostle Philip. Sincere and straightforward, he received these words from the Lord: "Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is no guile". Having become an apostle, he courageously proclaimed the Gospel to the ends of the earth, and sealed his testimony with a cruel martyrdom. Patron saint of butchers, tanners and bookbinders, he is above all invoked as a model of transparency, fidelity and courage in the faith. Read more...

Saint Philip was one of the first disciples called by Jesus, a native of Bethsaida like Peter and Andrew. It was he who, moved by the encounter with Christ, announced to Nathanael, "We have found him of whom the Law and the Prophets speak." We find him in the Gospel questioning Jesus with simplicity and a thirst for understanding, making him a model of faith in search. According to tradition, he took the Gospel as far as Asia Minor and died a martyr. We invoke Saint Philip to grow in trust, receive light in our doubts and become joyful witnesses to the Good News. Read more...

St Thomas, one of the twelve apostles, is often called "the unbeliever", because he doubted Christ's Resurrection until he could touch his glorious wounds. But this doubt became an immense act of faith, as he cried out: "My Lord and my God! A tireless missionary, he is said to have proclaimed the Gospel as far away as India, where he gave his life for Christ. Saint Thomas is invoked to strengthen faith, overcome doubts and walk confidently in the light of the Risen Lord.. Read more...