10 February saints and feasts to honor and celebrate

The month of February is notable for its connection to the secular celebration of St. Valentine, but it also features an array of many remarkable men and women who can inspire us in our daily lives.

Here is a list of 10 of the most notable saints to imitate and feasts to celebrate in February.

St. Brigid of Ireland is a patron saint of Ireland and one of St. Patrick's disciples.

The Church celebrates the Presentation of the Lord on February 2, marking the final "Christmas" related feast.

St. Blaise is known for the special blessing of throats that occurs on his feast.

Sold into slavery, St. Josephine Bakhita was eventually baptized, gained her freedom and joined a religious order in Italy.

Sister of St. Benedict, St. Scholastica became the founder of the female branch of the Benedictine Order.

Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to St. Bernadette on February 11, 1858, and millions continue to travel to Lourdes in hopes of healing.

Known for his association with lovers, St. Valentine was a 3rd-century saint who was martyred for his Christian faith.

St. Claude de la Colombiere was the spiritual director for St. Margaret Mary Alacoque and helped her spread devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

St. Peter Damian is highly regarded for his role in reforming religious and clergy life in the 11th century.

This feast celebrates the office of St. Peter as pope by honoring his sede ("chair"), a symbol of his teaching authority.