Saint John Neumann was born in 1811 in Bohemia of a German father and a Czech mother. John had a special interest in botany and astronomy and spoke seven languages.

John Neumann's ordination was delayed by the Austrian government so he began work with the North American mission in New York in 1836. After being ordained he was sent to minister to the German speaking immigrants who were clearing the forests by Niagara Falls. John was a traveling missionary on the East Coast, then a parish priest in Baltimore. He was consecrated Bishop of Philadelphia in 1852 and was responsible for the building of 100 churches and 80 schools.

John Neumann died in Philadelphia at the age of 49 in 1860. He was declared a Saint of the Church in 1977 and his feast day is Jan. 5th.