John the Baptist is born the son of a Levite, a member of the priestly class, but walks away from his father's traditions; then proclaims the coming of the Messiah, baptizing followers.

In the twilight years of the Roman Empire a soldier named Sebastian serves in the Praetorian Guard under the Emperor Diocletian; the Empire is declining and Diocletian is looking to restore it to glory.

Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland at the turn of the 20th century to devout parents; as a child he had a vision of a visit from the Virgin Mary set him on a path toward religious service and martyrdom.