Monday 4th, St. John Damascene, priest and doctor of the Church, 675-749, was a Syrian Christian theologian. He became a priest in the monastery of St. Sabas near Jerusalem and was a leading figure in the defence of icons in the iconoclastic controversy.
Wednesday 6th, St. Nicholas, is a fourth-century bishop of Myra in modern-day Turkey of whom little is known. Tradition gives him a reputation of great generosity. He is patron of Russia, sailors, pawnbrokers and of children.
Thursday 7th, St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church, 339-397, became governor of the Roman province whose seat was in Milan. In 374, the laity insisted on his becoming bishop though he was still not baptised. He defended orthodoxy in brilliant preaching and through his writing. Patron of Milan, beekeepers and domestic animals.
Saturday 9th, St. Juan Diego, 1474-1548. Saw the vision of Our Lady of Guadalupe in December 1531.