1 Charles de Foucauld, Hermit in the Sahara, 1916 3 Francis Xavier, Missionary, Apostle of the Indies, 1552 4 John of Damascus, Monk , Teacher of the Faith, c.749 Nicholas Ferrar, Deacon, Founder of the Little Gidding Community, 1637 6 Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, c.326 7 Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, Teacher of the Faith, 397 8 The Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 13 Lucy, Martyr at Syracuse, 304 Samuel Johnson, Moralist, 1784 14 John of the Cross, Poet, Teacher of the Faith, 1591 17 O Sapientia Eglantine Jebb, Social Reformer, Founder of 'Save The Children', 1928 24 Christmas Eve 25 Christmas Day 26 Stephen, Deacon, First Martyr 27 John, Apostle and Evangelist 28 The Holy Innocents 29 Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr, 1170 31 John Wyclif, Reformer, 1384 Principal feasts and holy days Festivals Lesser festivals Commemorations