AMERICAN CITIES OF SAINTS (Many more not listed)
Saint Paul the Apostle (St. Paul, MN) — Once a savage Roman persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered God and became a relentless Apostle… endured lashings, near death stonings, riots, starvation, shipwrecks, arrests, and long imprisonments—and he would not be silenced. From prison cells to courtrooms and beyond, he preached Christ with fearless courage. His unwavering perseverance despite incredible suffering continues to inspire Christians throughout the world.
Saint Louis IX (St. Louis, MO) — A King of France whose holiness animated his public life: he fed the poor at his own table, established hospitals, and personally washed the feet of beggars. He reformed courts, insisted on due process, and promoted peace among warring nobles, seeking justice for rich and poor alike. He practiced daily prayer and penance while governing with integrity. He’s remembered for heroic charity and as a model of Catholic statesmanship and justice.
Saint Francis of Assisi (San Francisco, CA) — This devout Catholic saint renounced wealth to live radical poverty and restore a broken era of Christianity. He preached peace, founded the Friars Minor, and bore the stigmata (miraculous open wounds mirroring Christ’s crucifixion) with heroic love.
Saint Didacus of Alcalá (San Diego, CA) — A humble Catholic Franciscan lay brother, Didacus served as porter and infirmarian with extraordinary charity, especially to the sick and poor. During the 1450 Jubilee in Rome, he tended plague victims with heroic compassion, and traditions tell of quiet miracles. He is remembered in Catholic devotion for sanctifying the ordinary tasks of life.
Saint Joseph (San Jose, CA) — Venerated by Catholics as the guardian of the Holy Family, Joseph’s heroism is steadfast obedience—taking Mary as his wife, protecting Jesus, and leading them into Egypt. A working man, he dignifies labor and family life. He’s remembered in the Catholic Church as patron of the universal Church, of workers, and of a happy death.
Saint Clare of Assisi (Santa Clara, CA) — A Catholic saint inspired by Francis, Clare embraced the “privilege of poverty” and founded the Poor Clares with remarkable courage. Tradition holds she repelled invaders by raising the Blessed Sacrament in trust. Catholics remember her contemplative strength, luminous faith, and a rule that shaped women’s religious life.
Saint Bernardine of Siena (San Bernardino, CA) — This Catholic Franciscan preacher crisscrossed Italy calling people to conversion and reform. He promoted devotion to the Holy Name of Jesus (IHS) and offered practical moral guidance for merchants and civic life. He’s remembered in Catholic tradition for fearless, joyful preaching that renewed the Church at the grassroots.
Saint Peter (St. Petersburg, FL) — Venerated by Catholics as first Bishop of Rome (Pope), Peter’s bold faith and repentant heart formed him into the Church’s visible rock. Entrusted by Jesus with the “keys of the kingdom”, he led the early Church, preached at Pentecost, and strengthened his brethren. He accepted martyrdom in Rome, crucified on an inverted cross.
Saint Augustine of Hippo (St. Augustine, FL) — A great Catholic Doctor of the Church, Augustine’s conversion ignited a heroic life of preaching, debating, and writing. In his younger years he chased pleasure, parties and promiscuity, fathered a child, and hungered for fame. A jolting encounter with Scripture sparked a turnaround, and he owned his past with raw honesty. Now recognized as a Doctor of the Church, he shaped profound theology on grace, freedom, and the restless human heart in works like Confessions and City of God. He’s remembered for a heroic conversion that blossomed into a lifetime of teaching, writing, and practical care for people.
Saint Matthew the Apostle (San Mateo, CA) — A apostle who left his Roman tax booth at Jesus’ call, Matthew shows the Gospel’s power to redeem a compromised life. Traditionally credited with writing the first Gospel, he presents Christ’s teaching with clarity and order. He’s remembered for courageous conversion, evangelizing mission, and martyrdom.
Saint Raphael the Archangel (San Rafael, CA) — Honored in Catholic devotion and found in the Book of Tobit, Raphael the Archangel journeys with Tobias, heals Tobit’s blindness, and frees Sarah from oppression. His heroism is tender guidance and healing at God’s command. Catholics remember him as patron of travelers, the sick, and holy friendships.
Saint Monica (Santa Monica, CA) — A beloved Catholic saint and mother of Augustine, Monica’s heroism was perseverance: years of prayer, tears, and patient love for her son’s conversion. Her quiet fidelity also helped lead her husband toward faith. She’s remembered by Catholics as a powerful intercessor for wayward loved ones and a model of steadfast hope.
EXPLORE MORE HEROIC LIVES OF SAINTS THROUGHOUT HISTORY