Catholic Quiz Bowl Organization

While by no means an exhaustive list, CQBO finds that the following works of literature fit within the Catholic canon of knowledge and is valuable to know, especially when preparing for Catholic quiz bowl tournaments.

Title	Author	Date of Publication	Description
Confessions	St. Augustine	398	Spiritual autobiography detailing Augustine's conversion and theological reflections.
City of God	St. Augustine	426	Defense of Christianity and vision of the heavenly city in contrast to the earthly one.
The Rule of St. Benedict	St. Benedict of Nursia	530	Monastic guide emphasizing obedience, stability, and community life.
The Consolation of Philosophy	Boethius	524	Philosophical dialogue on fate, free will, and the nature of happiness.
Pastoral Care	St. Gregory the Great	590	Manual for bishops on spiritual leadership and pastoral duties.
The Ecclesiastical History of the English People	The Venerable Bede	731	Historical account of the Christianization of England.
On Loving God	St. Bernard of Clairvaux	1126	Treatise on the proper order and depth of love for God.
Summa Theologiae	St. Thomas Aquinas	1274	Comprehensive theological synthesis of Christian doctrine.
The Divine Comedy	Dante Alighieri	1320	Epic poem depicting the soul’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.
The Cloud of Unknowing	Anonymous	1375	Mystical work guiding souls to contemplative union with God.
Revelations of Divine Love	Julian of Norwich	1395	First known book written in English by a woman, reflecting on God's love.
The Imitation of Christ	Thomas à Kempis	1418	Devotional classic emphasizing humility and the inner life.
The Interior Castle	St. Teresa of Ávila	1577	Mystical treatise describing the soul’s journey to God.
Dark Night of the Soul	St. John of the Cross	1578	Poetic and theological work on spiritual purification.
Spiritual Exercises	St. Ignatius of Loyola	1548	Set of meditations and prayers for spiritual growth and discernment.
Introduction to the Devout Life	St. Francis de Sales	1609	Guide for laypeople seeking to live a holy life.
True Devotion to Mary	St. Louis de Montfort	1712	Classic Marian devotion outlining total consecration.
The Glories of Mary	St. Alphonsus Liguori	1750	Comprehensive defense and exaltation of Marian devotion.
Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine	Bl. John Henry Newman	1845	Exploration of how doctrine matures over time.
Apologia Pro Vita Sua	Bl. John Henry Newman	1864	Defense of his conversion to Catholicism.
The Story of a Soul	St. Thérèse of Lisieux	1898	Autobiography reflecting her 'Little Way' of spiritual childhood.
Orthodoxy	G.K. Chesterton	1908	Defense of the Christian faith through wit and paradox.
The Spirit of the Liturgy	Romano Guardini	1918	Influential work on the theology and aesthetics of liturgy.
The Confession	James Joyce	1914	Fictional narrative exploring Catholic guilt and identity.
The Everlasting Man	G.K. Chesterton	1925	Historical argument for Christianity’s uniqueness and truth.
The Belief of Catholics	Ronald Knox	1927	Explanation of Catholic doctrines aimed at non-Catholics.
The Diary of Saint Faustina	St. Faustina Kowalska	1938	Record of mystical visions emphasizing Divine Mercy.
The Lord	Romano Guardini	1937	Meditative reflections on the life and person of Jesus Christ.
The Reed of God	Caryll Houselander	1944	Spiritual reflections on Mary and divine receptivity.
The Seven Storey Mountain	Thomas Merton	1948	Memoir of a Trappist monk's journey from secularism to faith.
Lord of the Rings	J. R. R. Tolkien	1954	The beginning of the epic fantasy genre
Love and Responsibility	Karol Wojtyła (Pope John Paul II)	1960	Philosophical treatise on human love and sexual ethics.
Introduction to Christianity	Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)	1968	Modern theological exposition of the Apostles’ Creed.
The Catholic Catechism	Fr. John Hardon	1975	Comprehensive catechetical text explaining Catholic doctrine.
Love is Stronger than Death	Peter Kreeft	1979	Philosophical reflection on death and eternal life.
Theology of the Body	Pope St. John Paul II	1979–1984	Catechetical series on the dignity of the human body and love.
Crossing the Threshold of Hope	Pope St. John Paul II	1994	Personal reflections addressing major questions of faith.
Letter to Artists	Pope St. John Paul II	1999	Message encouraging artists to use their gifts to glorify God.
The Hidden Power of Kindness	Fr. Lawrence Lovasik	1999	Practical guide to cultivating kindness as a virtue.
Deus Caritas Est	Pope Benedict XVI	2005	Encyclical on the nature of Christian love.
Jesus of Nazareth	Pope Benedict XVI	2007–2012	Three-volume exploration of the life and mission of Jesus.
Spe Salvi	Pope Benedict XVI	2007	Encyclical on Christian hope.
Catholicism	Bishop Robert Barron	2011	Modern presentation of the Catholic faith through theology, art, and culture.
Evangelii Gaudium	Pope Francis	2013	Apostolic exhortation on the joy of the Gospel and evangelization.
Laudato Si'	Pope Francis	2015	Encyclical on care for creation and environmental stewardship.
Christus Vivit	Pope Francis	2019	Exhortation to young people on faith and vocation.

This is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to papal encyclicals, not to mention apostolic letters, etc. While by no means an exhaustive list, CQBO finds that the following works within the Catholic canon of knowledge and is valuable to know, especially when preparing for Catholic quiz bowl tournaments.

Title	Pope	Date of Issuance	Description
Ubi Primum	Benedict XIV	1740	First papal encyclical; addressed duties of bishops.
Mirari Vos	Gregory XVI	1832	Condemned religious indifferentism and liberalism.
Qui Pluribus	Pius IX	1846	Warned against rationalism, socialism, and secret societies.
Quanta Cura	Pius IX	1864	Accompanied the Syllabus of Errors condemning modernist ideas.
Immortale Dei	Leo XIII	1885	On the Christian constitution of states.
Libertas	Leo XIII	1888	Explored human freedom in light of Church teaching.
Rerum Novarum	Leo XIII	1891	Foundational social teaching on workers' rights and capitalism.
Providentissimus Deus	Leo XIII	1893	Encouraged scholarly study of Scripture.
Pascendi Dominici Gregis	Pius X	1907	Condemned modernism as synthesis of all heresies.
Quas Primas	Pius XI	1925	Instituted the feast of Christ the King.
Casti Connubii	Pius XI	1930	On Christian marriage and condemnation of contraception.
Mit Brennender Sorge	Pius XI	1937	Condemned Nazi ideology and violations of the concordat.
Mystici Corporis Christi	Pius XII	1943	On the Church as the Mystical Body of Christ.
Divino Afflante Spiritu	Pius XII	1943	Promoted modern biblical scholarship.
Mediator Dei	Pius XII	1947	On the sacred liturgy; precursor to Vatican II reforms.
Humani Generis	Pius XII	1950	On modern philosophical errors and evolution.
Orientales Ecclesias	Pius XII	1952	On the plight of Eastern Catholics under communism.
Ad Caeli Reginam	Pius XII	1954	Established the feast of the Queenship of Mary.
Ad Apostolorum Principis	Pius XII	1958	On the Church in China and loyalty to Rome.
Mater et Magistra	John XXIII	1961	Social teaching updating Rerum Novarum.
Pacem in Terris	John XXIII	1963	Peace and human rights during Cold War tensions.
Ecclesiam Suam	Paul VI	1964	On the nature and renewal of the Church.
Mysterium Fidei	Paul VI	1965	On the Eucharist and real presence.
Christus Dominus	Paul VI	1965	On the pastoral office of bishops.
Populorum Progressio	Paul VI	1967	Called for international justice and development.
Humanae Vitae	Paul VI	1968	Reaffirmed Church teaching against artificial contraception.
Redemptor Hominis	John Paul II	1979	First encyclical of his pontificate, on Christ and human dignity.
Dives in Misericordia	John Paul II	1980	On God’s mercy and the parable of the prodigal son.
Laborem Exercens	John Paul II	1981	On the dignity and rights of workers.
Slavorum Apostoli	John Paul II	1985	On Saints Cyril and Methodius as co-patrons of Europe.
Redemptoris Mater	John Paul II	1987	On the role of Mary in the mystery of Christ and the Church.
Sollicitudo Rei Socialis	John Paul II	1987	20th anniversary of Populorum Progressio; development and solidarity.
Redemptoris Missio	John Paul II	1990	On the missionary activity of the Church.
Centesimus Annus	John Paul II	1991	100th anniversary of Rerum Novarum; addressed communism’s collapse.
Veritatis Splendor	John Paul II	1993	On the fundamentals of moral theology.
Ut Unum Sint	John Paul II	1995	On commitment to Christian unity.
Orientale Lumen	John Paul II	1995	On the Eastern Catholic Churches.
Evangelium Vitae	John Paul II	1995	On the value and inviolability of human life.
Fides et Ratio	John Paul II	1998	On the relationship between faith and reason.
Ecclesia in America	John Paul II	1999	Post-synodal exhortation on the Church in the Americas.
Ecclesia in Asia	John Paul II	1999	Post-synodal exhortation on evangelization in Asia.
Rosarium Virginis Mariae	John Paul II	2002	Introduced the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.
Ecclesia in Europa	John Paul II	2003	On proclaiming the Gospel in Europe.
Ecclesia de Eucharistia	John Paul II	2003	On the Eucharist in the life of the Church.
Deus Caritas Est	Benedict XVI	2005	On Christian love; first encyclical of his pontificate.
Spe Salvi	Benedict XVI	2007	On Christian hope.
Caritas in Veritate	Benedict XVI	2009	Social encyclical on truth in love and economic justice.
Lumen Fidei	Francis	2013	On faith; largely drafted by Benedict XVI.
Laudato Si'	Francis	2015	On care for our common home; environmental stewardship.
Laetitia Amoris	Francis	2016	On love in the family and the joy of marriage.
Fratelli Tutti	Francis	2020	On fraternity and social friendship.

Here you will find a list of most of the great Catholic cathedrals by location and starting date of construction. Please comment below with the ones we missed.

While by no means an exhaustive list, CQBO finds that the following great works of architecture will be valuable to know, especially when preparing for Catholic quiz bowl tournaments.

Name	City and Country	Date of Construction	Description
Santiago de Compostela Cathedral	Santiago, Spain	1075	Major pilgrimage destination said to house the tomb of St. James, terminus of the Camino de Compostela
Speyer Cathedral	Speyer, Germany	1081	One of the largest and most important Romanesque churches.
Cluny Abbey (Cluny III)	Cluny, France	1088	Once the largest church in Christendom, center of Benedictine reform.
Durham Cathedral	Durham, England	1093	Masterpiece of Norman architecture and early rib vaulting.
Modena Cathedral	Modena, Italy	1099	Romanesque church renowned for its sculptural decoration.
Notre-Dame de Paris	Paris, France	1163	Iconic Gothic cathedral known for its façade, sculptures, and flying buttresses.
Monreale Cathedral	Monreale, Italy	1174	Blend of Norman, Byzantine, and Arab architecture with extensive mosaics.
Chartres Cathedral	Chartres, France	1194	Famous for its Gothic architecture and original stained-glass windows.
Siena Cathedral	Siena, Italy	1215	Known for its black and white marble and elaborate facade.
Amiens Cathedral	Amiens, France	1220	Largest cathedral in France by interior volume.
Basilica of St. Francis	Assisi, Italy	1228	Contains tomb of St. Francis; frescoes by Giotto and Cimabue.
Basilica of Santa Maria Novella	Florence, Italy	1246	Important Dominican church with frescoes by Masaccio.
Cologne Cathedral	Cologne, Germany	1248	Took over 600 years to complete; houses relics of the Magi.
Orvieto Cathedral	Orvieto, Italy	1290	Noted for its golden façade and Gothic frescoes.
Florence Cathedral (Duomo)	Florence, Italy	1296	Renowned for Brunelleschi's dome, a Renaissance engineering feat.
Milan Cathedral	Milan, Italy	1386	One of the largest Gothic cathedrals in the world.
Seville Cathedral	Seville, Spain	1402	Largest Gothic church and third-largest in the world.
Basilica of San Lorenzo	Florence, Italy	1421	Early Renaissance church designed by Brunelleschi.
St. Peter's Basilica	Vatican City	1506	Major pilgrimage site; masterpiece by Michelangelo and Bernini.
Church of the Gesù	Rome, Italy	1568	Mother church of the Jesuits; early Baroque architecture.
Cathedral of Mexico City	Mexico City, Mexico	1573	Largest cathedral in the Americas; blends Renaissance and Baroque.
Il Redentore	Venice, Italy	1577	Palladio's Renaissance masterpiece built in thanksgiving for ending plague.
Sant'Andrea della Valle	Rome, Italy	1590	Important Baroque church with a prominent dome.
Basilica of Bom Jesus	Goa, India	1594	Houses remains of St. Francis Xavier; example of Baroque architecture.
San Carlo alle Quattro Fontane	Rome, Italy	1638	Innovative Baroque design by Borromini.
Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar	Zaragoza, Spain	1681	First church dedicated to Mary; major Marian pilgrimage site.
St. Patrick’s Cathedral	New York City, USA	1858	Neo-Gothic landmark in the heart of Manhattan.
Basilica of the Sacred Heart	Paris, France	1875	Prominent white-domed basilica overlooking Paris.
Sagrada Família	Barcelona, Spain	1882	Gaudí’s ongoing masterpiece blending Gothic and Art Nouveau.
Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception	Washington, D.C., USA	1920	Largest Catholic church in North America.
Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré	Quebec, Canada	1923	Popular healing shrine dedicated to St. Anne.
Basilica of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa	Doylestown, USA	1953	Polish-American shrine modeled after Jasna Góra.
Cathedral of Mary Our Queen	Baltimore, USA	1954	Post-war modern-style cathedral.
Basilica of Our Lady of Aparecida	Aparecida, Brazil	1955	Second largest church in the world.
San Giovanni Rotondo	Foggia, Italy	1956	Modern pilgrimage site built near Padre Pio's monastery.
Cathedral of Brasília	Brasília, Brazil	1958	Modernist cathedral by Oscar Niemeyer with glass roof.
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral	Liverpool, England	1962	Modern circular cathedral known for its striking design.
Basilica of the Annunciation	Nazareth, Israel	1969	Modern church built over the traditional site of the Annunciation.
Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe	Mexico City, Mexico	1976	Modern church built to accommodate pilgrims to Marian apparition site.
Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels	Los Angeles, USA	1996	Modern cathedral with postmodern architectural style.
Jubilee Church	Rome, Italy	1996	Modern church by Richard Meier with symbolic sail-like design.
Our Lady of La Vang Basilica	Quang Tri, Vietnam	1998	Commemorates Marian apparition in Vietnam.
Cathedral of Christ the Light	Oakland, USA	2008	Modern cathedral using glass and wood symbolism.
St. John Lateran	Rome, Italy	324	The cathedral of the Bishop of Rome and oldest major basilica in the West.
Santa Sabina	Rome, Italy	422	Early Christian basilica with preserved classical architecture.
Basilica of San Vitale	Ravenna, Italy	547	Known for its exceptional Byzantine mosaics.
Monastery of St. Catherine	Sinai, Egypt	565	One of the oldest working Christian monasteries, at the foot of Mt. Sinai.
St. Mark's Basilica	Venice, Italy	832	Famous for its opulent Italo-Byzantine design and mosaics.
Old St. Peter's Basilica	Rome, Italy	c. 330	Original basilica built over the tomb of St. Peter; replaced in the 16th century.
Church of the Nativity	Bethlehem, Palestine	c. 339	Built over the site traditionally considered the birthplace of Jesus.

Here is a basic glossary, not intended to be exhaustive, of the vessels and items used during the Liturgy. While by no means an exhaustive list, CQBO finds that the following terms are valuable to know, especially when preparing for Catholic quiz bowl tournaments.

Term	Description
Alb	A long white garment worn by priests and servers, symbolizing purity.
Altar	The table used for the celebration of the Eucharist.
Altar Cloths	Cloth coverings placed on the altar, including the mensa
Altar Stone	A stone embedded in the altar containing relics of saints.
Ambo	The elevated stand from which the Scriptures are proclaimed.
Antiphonary	A book containing antiphons, the sung responses in the Liturgy of the Hours.
Aspergillum	A liturgical implement used to sprinkle holy water for Asperges
Burse	A case used to carry the corporal to and from the altar.
Chalice	A sacred vessel used to hold the wine that becomes the Blood of Christ.
Chasuble	The outermost vestment worn by the priest during Mass.
Ciborium	A covered container used to hold the consecrated hosts for distribution and reservation.
Cincture	A cord used as a belt to gird the alb.
Corporal	A square white linen cloth upon which the chalice and paten are placed.
Credence Table	A small side table in the sanctuary for holding items needed for Mass.
Crozier	A ceremonial staff carried by bishops as a symbol of their pastoral office.
Cruets	Small vessels used to hold water and wine for the Mass.
Gradual	A chant or book used in the liturgy, containing Psalms sung after the first reading.
Humeral Veil	A long scarf-like vestment used during Benediction to cover the hands.
Lavabo	A ritual washing of the hands by the priest, also refers to the bowl used.
Lectern	A stand for reading Scriptures or leading prayer, distinct from the ambo.
Lectio Divina	A meditative way of reading Scripture in stages.
Lectionary	The liturgical book containing Scripture readings for Mass.
Liturgical Colors	Colors used in vestments and altar coverings corresponding to the liturgical calendar.
Liturgical Year	The cycle of seasons and feasts that structure the Church’s worship.
Maniple	A liturgical vestment worn over the left arm, symbolic of the toils of the ministry.
Missal	The liturgical book containing the prayers, chants, and instructions for the celebration of Mass.
Missalette	A small booklet containing the readings and prayers for Mass.
Monstrance	A vessel used to display the consecrated Eucharistic host for adoration.
Ostensorium	Another term for a monstrance.
Pall	A stiffened square card covered with cloth used to cover the chalice.
Paschal Candle	A large candle blessed at Easter symbolizing the light of Christ.
Paten	A small plate, usually made of precious metal, used to hold the host during the Eucharist.
Processional Cross	The cross carried at the head of liturgical processions.
Processional Torch	A lighted candle carried in procession, typically during solemn liturgies.
Purificator	A small linen cloth used to wipe the chalice after each communicant.
Reredos	An ornamental screen or decoration behind the altar.
Sacrarium	A special sink in the sacristy where sacred substances are disposed directly into the ground.
Sacristy	The room where vestments and sacred vessels are kept and prepared.
Sanctuary	The sacred space around the altar.
Sanctuary Lamp	A lamp that burns near the tabernacle to indicate the presence of the Blessed Sacrament.
Sanctus Bells	Bells rung during the Mass to alert the faithful to key moments.
Stole	A long strip of cloth worn by clergy as a sign of their office.
Tabernacle	A locked box or container where the Eucharist is reserved.
Tabernacle Key	The key used to access the tabernacle.
Thurible	A metal censer suspended by chains, used for burning incense.
Thurible Boat	A small container used to hold incense before it is placed in the thurible.
Vestment Case	A case or container used to store or transport liturgical vestments.
Votive Candle	Candles lit for special intentions or prayers.
Zucchetto	A skullcap worn by bishops and the pope.

While by no means an exhaustive list, CQBO finds that the following devotions are valuable to know, especially when preparing for Catholic quiz bowl tournaments. Please comment below with the devotions that we still need to add to this list.

Devotion	Founder or Originator	Description
The Rosary	St. Dominic	Meditative prayer on the lives of Jesus and Mary according to the 4 groups of Mysteries
Divine Mercy Chaplet	St. Faustina Kowalska	Short prayer recited using rosary beads focusing on God's mercy, revealed in 20th-century Poland.
Eucharistic Adoration	Early Church, formalized in Middle Ages	Worship and silent prayer before the exposed Blessed Sacrament.
Sacred Heart of Jesus	St. Margaret Mary Alacoque	Devotion to Jesus' heart as a symbol of divine love and mercy.
Immaculate Heart of Mary	St. John Eudes and the Fatima visionaries	Honors the heart of Mary, full of grace and love for God and humanity.
Stations of the Cross	St. Francis of Assisi (popularized)	Meditation on 14 events from Jesus’ Passion and death.
First Fridays Devotion	St. Margaret Mary Alacoque	Receiving Communion on 9 consecutive First Fridays in honor of the Sacred Heart.
First Saturdays Devotion	Our Lady of Fatima	Confession, Communion, Rosary, and meditation on 5 first Saturdays in reparation to the Immaculate Heart.
Holy Face of Jesus	Sr. Mary of St. Peter, Leon Dupont, St. Thérèse	Reparation devotion focusing on the sufferings of Christ’s face.
Brown Scapular	St. Simon Stock	A Marian sacramental promising protection and grace to wearers.
Miraculous Medal	St. Catherine Labouré	Medal given in apparition of Mary promising graces to those who wear it faithfully.
Chaplet of St. Michael	Servant of God Antonia d’Astonac	Nine salutations to the nine choirs of angels invoking protection and assistance.
Devotion to Our Lady of Sorrows	The Servite Order	Honors the seven sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The Angelus	Medieval Franciscans	Daily Marian prayer at morning, noon, and evening commemorating the Incarnation.
Holy Hour	St. Margaret Mary Alacoque	One hour of prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, especially on Thursdays.
Novena to the Holy Spirit, others	First novena, between Ascension and Pentecost	Nine days of prayer asking for the gifts of the Holy Spirit
Divine Office (Liturgy of the Hours)	Early Church, formalized by St. Benedict	Daily cycle of psalms, readings, and prayers sanctifying the day.
Total Consecration to Mary	St. Louis de Montfort	Act of entrusting oneself entirely to Jesus through Mary.
Five Wounds Devotion	Medieval piety	Focuses on Christ's wounds from the Crucifixion as a source of mercy.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help	Redemptorists (icon made popular)	Marian devotion based on a Byzantine icon, invoking her aid.

Here is a list of the Biblical figures you will need to acquaint yourself with to compete in Catholic quiz bowl. This list also provides the immediate family of the particular Biblical figure.

While by no means an exhaustive list, CQBO finds that the following Biblical figures are valuable to know, especially when preparing for Catholic quiz bowl tournaments.

Name	Parents	Spouse(s)	Children	Notable Accomplishments
Adam	God (created)	Eve	Cain, Abel, Seth	First human; named the animals
Eve	God (created)	Adam	Cain, Abel, Seth	First woman; mother of all the living
Noah	Lamech	Unnamed wife	Shem, Ham, Japheth	Built the Ark; survived the Flood
Abraham	Terah	Sarah (and Hagar, Keturah)	Isaac, Ishmael	Father of nations; covenant with God
Sarah	Terah (traditionally)	Abraham	Isaac	Gave birth in old age; matriarch of Israel
Isaac	Abraham and Sarah	Rebekah	Esau, Jacob	Son of promise; nearly sacrificed
Rebekah	Bethuel	Isaac	Esau, Jacob	Helped Jacob receive the blessing
Jacob	Isaac and Rebekah	Leah, Rachel, Bilhah, Zilpah	12 sons including Joseph	Father of the 12 tribes of Israel
Joseph (OT)	Jacob and Rachel	Asenath	Manasseh, Ephraim	Interpreted dreams; rose to power in Egypt
Moses	Amram and Jochebed	Zipporah	Gershom, Eliezer	Led the Exodus; received the Ten Commandments
Aaron	Amram and Jochebed	Elisheba	Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, Ithamar	First High Priest of Israel
Miriam	Amram and Jochebed	None	None	Prophetess; sister of Moses and Aaron
Joshua	Nun	Unknown	Unknown	Succeeded Moses; led Israel into the Promised Land
Samuel	Elkanah and Hannah	Unknown	Possibly Joel and Abijah	Last judge; anointed Saul and David
Saul	Kish	Ahinoam	Jonathan, Michal, others	First king of Israel
David	Jesse	Michal, Bathsheba, Abigail, others	Solomon, Absalom, many others	Second king; united Israel; wrote Psalms
Solomon	David and Bathsheba	Many wives	Rehoboam	Built the Temple; known for wisdom
Elijah	Unknown	None	None	Prophet; taken to heaven in chariot of fire
Elisha	Shaphat	Unknown	None	Successor to Elijah; miracle worker
Isaiah	Amoz	Unknown	Unknown	Major prophet; foretold the Messiah
Jeremiah	Hilkiah	None	None	Weeping prophet; foretold exile
Ezekiel	Buzi	Unknown	None	Prophet in Babylon; had dramatic visions
Daniel	Unknown	None	None	Interpreted dreams; served in Babylonian court
Ruth	Unknown	Boaz	Obed	Great-grandmother of David
Boaz	Salmon and Rahab	Ruth	Obed	Redeemer of Ruth; ancestor of David
Esther	Abihail (uncle/father)	Ahasuerus (Xerxes)	None	Saved Jews from genocide in Persia
Job	Unknown	Unnamed wife	Sons and daughters	Famous for patience and faith under suffering
Mary (Mother of Jesus)	Saints Joachim and Anne	Joseph	Jesus	Mother of God
Joseph (NT)	Jacob (according to Matthew)	Mary	Jesus (foster father)	Guardian of the Holy Family
Jesus Christ	God the Father and Mary	None	None	Savior; Son of God; central figure of Christianity
Peter	Jonah (or John)	Unknown	Unknown	Apostle; leader of early Church; first Pope
Paul	Unknown	None	None	Apostle to the Gentiles; wrote many epistles
John the Baptist	Zechariah and Elizabeth	None	None	Forerunner of Christ; baptized Jesus
James (son of Zebedee)	Zebedee and Salome	None	None	Apostle; first martyred apostle
John (son of Zebedee)	Zebedee and Salome	None	None	Apostle; author of Gospel and Revelation
Andrew	Jonah	None	None	First-called apostle; brother of Peter
Thomas	Unknown	None	None	Apostle; doubted the Resurrection
Matthew	Alphaeus	Unknown	Unknown	Tax collector; Gospel author
Philip	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Apostle; evangelist
Bartholomew	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Apostle; identified with Nathanael
Simon the Zealot	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Apostle; little-known
Jude Thaddeus	Cleophas and Mary	Unknown	Unknown	Apostle; patron of hopeless cases
Stephen	Unknown	None	None	First Christian martyr
Barnabas	Unknown	None	None	Early Church leader; companion of Paul
Lazarus	Unknown	None	None	Raised from the dead by Jesus
Martha	Unknown	None	None	Sister of Lazarus; served Jesus
Mary Magdalene	Unknown	None	None	First witness of the Resurrection
Ananias	Unknown	Unknown	Unknown	Baptized Paul; early disciple in Damascus
Silas	Unknown	None	None	Missionary companion of Paul

While not an exhaustive list, this list contains the important, primarily early Church Fathers. There are a number of Desert Fathers missing, for example. Please comment below with any figures that have been left off this list.

CQBO finds that the following list of historical figures is very valuable to commit to memory, especially when preparing for Catholic quiz bowl tournaments.

Name	Years of Life	Religious Order	Notable Contributions
St. Ignatius of Antioch	c. 35–c. 107	None (Bishop)	Martyr; emphasized Church unity and hierarchy; coined "Catholic"
St. Polycarp of Smyrna	c. 69–c. 155	None (Bishop)	Martyr; disciple of John the Apostle
St. Clement of Rome	fl. c. 96	None (Pope)	Wrote epistles; early papal authority
St. Justin Martyr	c. 100–c. 165	None (Layman/Philosopher)	Early apologist; wrote First Apology and Dialogue with Trypho
St. Irenaeus of Lyons	c. 130–c. 202	None (Bishop)	Wrote Against Heresies; Apostolic Father
Tertullian	c. 155–c. 240	None (Layman)	Coined Trinitas; early Latin theology
St. Hippolytus of Rome	c. 170–235	None (Priest)	Apostolic Tradition; early liturgy
St. Melito of Sardis	d. c. 180	None (Bishop)	Early paschal theology
Origen	c. 184–c. 253	None (Layman)	Biblical scholar; allegorical interpretation
St. Cyprian of Carthage	d. 258	None (Bishop)	Unity of the Church; martyr
St. Eusebius of Caesarea	c. 260–c. 340	None (Bishop)	Church historian; supporter of Constantine
St. Athanasius of Alexandria	c. 296–373	None (Bishop)	Defended Nicene faith; wrote On the Incarnation
St. Ephrem the Syrian	c. 306–373	None (Deacon)	Theologian and hymnographer of the East
St. Hilary of Poitiers	c. 310–367	None (Bishop)	Latin defender of Nicene faith
St. Methodius of Olympus	d. 311	None (Bishop)	Anti-Origenist theology
St. Cyril of Jerusalem	c. 313–386	None (Bishop)	Catechetical lectures; defense of Nicene Creed
St. Basil the Great	c. 329–379	Monastic Founder	Father of Eastern monasticism; Cappadocian Father
St. Gregory of Nazianzus	c. 329–390	None (Bishop)	Cappadocian Father; theologian of the Trinity
St. Gregory of Elvira	c. 330–392	None (Bishop)	Anti-Arian theologian in Spain
St. Gregory of Nyssa	c. 335–c. 395	None (Bishop)	Mystical theology; Cappadocian Father
St. Ambrose of Milan	c. 340–397	None (Bishop)	Defended Church independence from the state; converted Augustine
St. Jerome	c. 347–420	None (Monk)	Translated the Bible into Latin (Vulgate)
St. John Chrysostom	c. 349–407	None (Bishop)	Golden-mouthed preacher; liturgical reformer
St. Augustine of Hippo	354–430	None (Bishop)	Wrote Confessions and City of God; doctrine of grace
St. Paulinus of Nola	c. 354–431	Monk/Bishop	Christian poet and ascetic
Pope St. Damasus I	r. 366–384	None (Pope)	Commissioned Jerome’s Vulgate
St. Cyril of Alexandria	c. 376–444	None (Bishop)	Defended Mary as Theotokos at Ephesus
St. Peter Chrysologus	c. 380–c. 450	None (Bishop)	Famous for concise homilies
St. Patrick	c. 385–461	None (Bishop)	Evangelizer of Ireland
St. Prosper of Aquitaine	c. 390–455	Layman	Defended Augustine on grace
Pope St. Leo the Great	c. 400–461	None (Pope)	Defined Christ's two natures; Tome of Leo
St. Vincent of Lérins	d. c. 445	Monk	Commonitorium: development of doctrine
St. Fulgentius of Ruspe	c. 462–527	Monk	Augustinian theology in Africa
St. Caesarius of Arles	c. 470–542	Monk	Popular preacher and synodal organizer
St. Gennadius of Constantinople	d. 471	None (Patriarch)	Balanced Christological theology
Pope St. Gregory the Great	c. 540–604	Benedictine	Papal reformer; Gregorian chant
St. Isidore of Seville	c. 560–636	None (Bishop)	Compiled encyclopedic Etymologiae
St. Maximus the Confessor	c. 580–662	Monk	Defender of Christ’s two wills
St. Bede the Venerable	c. 673–735	Benedictine	Ecclesiastical historian of England
St. John of Damascus	c. 675–749	Monk	Defender of icons; wrote Fount of Knowledge
St. Peter Damian	1007–1072	Benedictine	Reformer and Doctor of the Church
St. Anselm of Canterbury	1033–1109	Benedictine	Ontological argument; faith seeking understanding
St. Bernard of Clairvaux	1090–1153	Cistercian	Marian devotion; preacher of Second Crusade
St. Albert the Great	c. 1200–1280	Dominican	Universal doctor; teacher of Aquinas
St. Bonaventure	c. 1217–1274	Franciscan	Mystical theology; Scholastic synthesis
St. Thomas Aquinas	1225–1274	Dominican	Summa Theologiae; harmonized reason and faith

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