Kidnapped and sold into slavery, Josephine miraculously was led to the Canossian Sisters serving others for forty-two years with her ever-present smile.

It was hearing the deathbed confession of a peasant that inspired Vincent de Paul to begin a lifetime of aid to the disadvantaged and bring souls to Christ.

Patrick was born in Roman Britain. At age 16, he was captured by Irish pirates and sold as a slave. He suffered many trials but would go on to convert Ireland.

Over 800 years ago, thousands of Christians, men, women, and children, were being captured by the Moslems and sold into slavery. St. John of Matha of France was concerned about the sufferings of these captives.