St. Alexander Sauli

Alexander Sauli was born at Milan in 1533 to a notable family. After studying under the best teachers, Alexander entered the Barnabite Congregation at a young age. He taught at the University of Pavia and was elected superior general of the Barnabites. Pope Pius V sent him to Aleria on the island of Corsica in 1571; the region had been devastated by war and neglect and many people were ignorant of the Faith. Alexander gradually brought the people back to the knowledge and practice of their faith. He established colleges and seminaries and rebuilt destroyed churches. Alexander became bishop of Pavia a year before his death in 1591. He was canonized in 1904 and his feast day is October 11. He is known as the Apostle of Corsica.