Born in 1887 in Pietrelcina, Italy, as Francesco Forgione, Padre Pio even as a child was devoutly religious. By the age of 5, he had decided to devote his life to serving God. His parents, who were local farmers, were also devout Catholics, and as a family they attended Mass daily. Francesco even served as an altar boy and often took on penances to help others. Apparently, even from his early days, he saw and spoke with his guardian angels.| Catholic Stand
Born in Poland when it was still a part of the Russian empire, Raymund Kolbe was the son of a German father and a Polish mother. As a youngster, locals knew him for both his astute intellect and his profound piety. He also seemed inclined to follow a religious vocation, which was certainly underscored by his devout love for the Blessed Mother the Virgin Mary. All that shaped his devotion to God and his decision to serve God.| Catholic Stand