American Saints

Not all the saints lived long ago or far away. America’s own saints lived, worked and prayed right here.

Poor health, the hardships of frontier life, loss of friends and family, disappointments, defeat – they faced and overcame all of these. America’s Saints did the work they were called to do. Teaching, ministering to the ill, the poor and the neglected, building hospitals, orphanages and schools …

Let us send you your master copy of America’s Saints and you can share their stories and the lessons of their lives with everyone in your parish:

Rose Philippine Duchesne (1769-1852)
How did an elderly, French-born nun become “Woman-Who-Prays-Always” to the Pottawatomie people in the frontier village of Sugar Creek, Kansas? The life of Rose Philippine Duchesne is a lesson in patience and courage – the virtues of America’s pioneers. She never gave up her dream of a mission to Native Americans.  In her seventies, but sustained by God, she found her way to them at last.

Elizabeth Seton (1774-1821)
The schools founded by Elizabeth Seton were the beginning of the parochial school system in the U.S.  She is our first native-born U.S. saint. A young wife and then a widow, rejected by friends and family, Elizabeth Seton had her heart broken again and again. But she showed us that personal sorrow need not keep us from the work we’re called to do as Christians.

John Neumann (1811-1860)
Like many immigrants, when John Neumann arrived in New York City aboard a crowded steamer, he was wearing the only clothes he owned and nearly penniless.  He became the first American bishop to be canonized. John Neumann’s example  shows us how, starting with little or nothing, we can do great things.  One small step after another to help ease the burdens of God’s people.

Frances Cabrini (1850-1917)
Frances Cabrini, the first American citizen to be canonized is the patroness of immigrants worldwide. She was determined that her poor health would not keep her from God’s work. Frances Cabrini shows us that even when we’re ill and tired and we can still show God’s love to those who need it.

Katharine Drexel (1858-1955)
Philadelphia heiress Katharine Drexel turned the usual American success story of ‘rags to riches’ on its head. Katherine Drexel was a member of a prominent family with a long and proud history of charitable work – but a visit to Rome changed everything. She shows us that when we think we’re doing all we can, we may be missing the critical element in our giving. 

Your copy of America’s Saints is just $20.

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