John Neumann was born in Bohemia in 1811. He moved to New York and was ordained a priest at the age of 25, joined the Redemptorists at 29, and was bishop of Philadelphia at 41. Neumann's frugality, compassion, and fluency in the languages of regional immigrants endeared him to his flock, which grew rapidly under his care. A gifted organizer, Neumann created the diocesan school system we know today.

Feast Day: January 5