St Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, was a tax collector in Capernaum when Jesus called him to follow him: "Follow me". He immediately left his table and his past life to walk behind Christ. He became an apostle and evangelist, and wrote the Gospel that bears his name, transmitting the Lord's teachings with clarity and depth. Patron saint of bankers, accountants and all those who work in the economic field, he is also invoked as a model of conversion and fidelity. Read more...

Saint Andrew, the brother of Saint Peter, was one of the first to be called by Jesus to the shores of Lake Galilee. A fisherman turned disciple, he joyfully announced to his brother: "We have found the Messiah!". A tireless missionary, he took the Gospel to distant lands and sealed his testimony with martyrdom on an X-shaped cross, known as the "Cross of Saint Andrew". Protector of fishermen and travellers, and patron saint of many countries including Scotland, Greece and Russia, he is invoked as an intercessor in the faith and guide on the path to Christ. Read more...

Saint James the Greater, son of Zebedee and brother of Saint John, was one of the apostles closest to Christ. A witness to miracles and the Transfiguration, he was also the first apostle to shed his blood for the Gospel. Since the Middle Ages, his tomb in Compostela has attracted millions of pilgrims who have come to entrust their lives, their labours and their prayers to him. Patron saint of pilgrims and travellers, Saint James is invoked to obtain strength, perseverance and courage on life's journey. Read more...

St John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, is the apostle of love and fidelity. He was the youngest of the apostles and the only one to remain at the foot of the Cross, at the side of the Virgin Mary, receiving from her the mission to take her as his mother. The author of the Fourth Gospel, the Letters of John and the Apocalypse, he passed on to us profound words about the light, truth and love of God. He is invoked as a spiritual guide, protector of the faithful and intercessor with Christ. Read more...

St Paul, apostle to the nations, is one of the greatest witnesses to Christ. A persecutor of Christians in his youth, he was overwhelmed by his encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. After becoming an apostle, he travelled the Mediterranean world proclaiming the Gospel with unrivalled zeal. His letters, full of wisdom and love, continue to enlighten and strengthen the Church today. Saint Paul is invoked as a model of conversion, missionary zeal and fidelity to Christ in times of trial. Read more...