St. Gregory was born around 540 to a wealthy and influential Roman family. When his father died, Gregory turned the family villa into a monastery. He loved monastic life, and when elected pope in 590 he wrote extensively how he missed it. While pope, he instituted liturgical reforms and some are still used today. His most famous works include Commentary on Job, The Rule for Pastors, Dialogues, (this includes the story of St. Benedict's life) Sermons, and some 854 surviving letters. Western plainchant (known as Gregorian chant) is also one of his creations. He died on March 12, 604, and was immediately made a saint by "popular acclamation." His feast day is September 3.

St. Gertrude was born on January 6, 1256, the Feast of the Epiphany. She went to the monastery school at the age of four and received an excellent education. At the age of 25 she received her first vision. Her most famous writing, The Herald of Divine Love, demonstrates her wide knowledge. Gertrude wrote book 2 of the Herald, with books 3-5 written by a fellow nun. Book 1 was written as an introduction after her death. She had a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and she also created her own Spiritual Exercises and wrote many prayers which are still in use today. Her feast day is November 17.

Born November 8, 1897, Dorothy Day was initially baptized in the Episcopal church, but fell away from religion as she became more involved with the anarchist, communist, and labor movements. As a young woman, she worked as a journalist for several communist papers in New York. While living in Staten Island, she had a a daughter and became increasingly fascinated with Catholicism. After her conversion she returned to New York where she founded the Catholic Worker with Peter Maurin. The Catholic Worker provides direct help to those in need and works to change the systems that create poverty. Dorothy was a Benedictine oblate of our St. Procopius Abbey.