Saint Cecilia was an Italian lady. She probably became a martyr during the persecution of Decius (249-250). Her Acts were written around 450. See also, the Golden Legend.
Francesco de Assisi (1181-1226) was also Italian. He founded the Order of Friars Minor in the 1200's.
In 1221 he met Clara Sciffi (1194-1223), foundress of the Poor Clares. Saint Clare's mother, Blessed Ortolana, and sister, Saint Agnes (1197-1253) both became Franciscans. See The Perfect Joy of Saint Francis by Felix Timmermans, and The Little Flowers of Saint Francis by Brother Ugolino.
Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968) OFM was a Franciscan Friar who was born in Italy. He received the stigmata on September 20, 1918.
Saint James the Greater (-c75) was the son of Salome and Zebedee. He was probably the eldest son of the fisherman. He had at least two brothers, as mentioned in the gospels, Saint John the Evangelist, and Joseph.
Saint James the Less.
Sainte Jeanne d'Arc (1412-31) was canonized in 1920. Many books and films were based on her life. See Saint
Joan, which starred Jean Seberg, Joan of Arc starring Ingrid Bergman and Joan of Arc starring Lili Sobieski, a great silent film Passion of Joan of Arc, a favorite of John Paul II.
Saint John the Divine, the Beloved Apostle and Evangelist, was the brother of Saint James the Greater.
Saint Joseph of Arimathea.
Juan de la Cruz (1542-91) was a Carmelite priest and friend of Teresa de Avila.
Saint Maurice of the Theban Legions.
Saint Robert of Chaise Dieux was a French monk.
Teresa de Avila (1515-82) was a Spanish Carmelite nun, and mystic writer.
The life of Therese de Lisieux (1873-97) was a short one. She dreamed of beinag a missionary. Like her sisters, she became a Carmelite nun in France. She also wrote poetry, see The Eternal Canticle and The Canticle to the Holy Face.
Saint Vincent de Paul was a priest in France.
See Butler's Lives of the Saints