Forest Workers / John Gualbert, 985–1073, Feast Day: July 12

A wealthy soldier from Florence, Italy, John was dedicated to avenging his brother’s murder. When he found the man, who fell to his knees begging Christ to accept him, John could not kill him. He underwent a total conversion, eventually founding his own monastery dedicated to wiping out the corruption in the Church. His monks built everything by hand and transformed the wild and barren land into a lush park by planting numerous trees.

Other patronages: parks; park keepers