8 Saints in May to put on your calendar

The celebration of Jesus' Ascension often falls during May, but the month also features a large number of influential saints in the Church, such as Our Lady of Fatima, Sts. Philip and James, St. Damien, St. Matthias and St. Philip Neri.

Here is a list of 8 of the most influential saints to imitate and celebrate in May.

Sts. Philip and James the Lesser were among the 12 Apostles and both established churches and spread the Gospel.

Missionary in Hawaii to a leper colony, St. Damien was a humble priest who died serving his flock.

St. John of Avila, a Doctor of the Church, was the spiritual advisor of St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross.

May 13 marks the feast day of Our Lady of Fatima, the anniversary of the first apparition of Mary to Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco.

St. Matthias was the "replacement apostle," who was chosen as one of the twelve after Judas' betrayal and death.

St. Brendan is best known as an Irish missionary who made many legendary voyages, including one to America.

St. Bernardine was a holy Franciscan who loved to spread devotion to Jesus' Holy Name.

St. Philip Neri is known as the "second apostle of Rome," and was known as a joyful priest.