April 21 Blessed John Saziari

An Italian in the 14th century. What is known about him is that he was a bachelor farmer. Um, do all bachelor farmers become Blessed? If so, the Upper Midwest of the United Staes is quite the holy area.

February 19 Blessed Alvarez of Cordova

A late 14th century Dominican in Escalaceli, Spain, Alverez was known for his works of charity, preaching (he was a Dominican after all) and teaching. Although he died in 1430, two living testimonies to his life continue to live on in Escalaceli.

Legend says that Alverez found a man dying alone on the street. He wrapped the man in his cloak and carried him back to the monastery. When he arrived home and unwrapped his cloak, he and his fellow priest found a crucifix. That crucifix still hangs in the monastery in Escalaceli.

Just before a member of the monastery dies, the chapel bell which contains some of Alvarez’s relics begins to ring.