Martin provides an excellent summary of the lives of several of the saints, with appropriate applications to modern life. His writing style is approachable and engaging. ( )

Collection of Saints

This was a very intriguing book. When I first picked it up, on recommendation from my wife, I had my doubts. After the first saint, I still had my doubts. After the third, I was hooked. Its not so much a history of the saints that got me. Its the way Martin interwove his life around the saints. Both were inspiring. In fact, I have to cut this review short and go do some saintly work :)

My wife and I had great discussions after we both read this book. Enjoy! ( )

James Martin was a typical American Catholic, not involved in his faith, when after several years in the business world he felt a call to something more and joined the Jesuits. This book is a memoir as well as a collection of histories of the saints. Each chapter tells of Fr. Martin’s encounter with each saint and furthermore how the inspiration of the saint manifested in his own life. The best part is that Fr. Martin has a very contemporary perspective on devotion to the saints, which is something that may otherwise may seem old fashioned.

Joan of Arc - encountered on a post-collegiate trip through France and in a young adult book club.

Therese of Lisieux – Introduced to the little way through the film Therese by Alain Cavalier.

Thomas Merton – A Merton documentary on public TV introduced the notion of religious life to Fr. Martin. Later in life he goes on retreat (from a retreat) to the Abbey of Gethsemani.

Ignatius of Loyola – At seminary, Fr. Martin read numerous books by and about Ignatius. While the saint seems distant, the Spiritual Exercises are inspired.

Pedro Arrupe – The Father General of the Jesuits in the 20th century and a controversial figure who took up the cause of the poor and helpless, while never refusing obedience.

“The longstanding tradition of the church, after all, is of the primacy, dignity, and inviolability of the informed conscience… There is a long list of saints and holy persons who felt duty-bound to speak out about matters concerning the good of their church, even at risk to themselves. Their consciences impelled this.” P. 124

Bernadette Soubirous – Famed subject of The Song of Bernadette, the dramatization of the visitations at Lourdes. Traveled with the Order of Malta on a pilgrimage to Lourdes.

Mother Teresa – Never met her, but received a rejection letter from her while writing for America. Worked with the Missionaries of Charity in Jamaica.

“This was a great grace, which would deepen over the course of my novitiate: the understanding that ‘the poor’ and ‘the sick’ and ‘the homeless’ were not categories but individuals.” P. 176

Pope John XXIII – the great pope of the Second Vatican Council is known for his wit, but also an inspiration on chastity. “The central aim of chastity and celibacy is an increased capacity to love.” – p. 199

Dorothy Day – Fr. Martin read The Long Loneliness unwittingly while living blocks away from the Catholic Worker House.

Peter – The rock of the church teaches humility because Peter is the epitome of the limitations of flawed humanity. Whether suffering through pain in the hands or crises of faith, the poverty of spirit leads to following Christ.

Thomas Aquinas – Philosophy lessons with Sr. French at Loyola opens of the mystical side of the great rational thinker.

Francis of Assisi – Following along with Brother Bill in the projects of Chicago to minister to gang members and help prevent gang violence and taking care of refugees with Sr. Luise in East Africa, just two examples of modern-day fools for Christ.

Joseph – Tells the story of dining with the Little Sisters of Jesus in East Africa, and the hidden life/

The Ugandan Martyrs – Starting small business projects in Nairobi with the Jesuit Refugee Service.

Aloysius Gonzaga – Visiting Gonzaga’s rooms in Il Gesu on a trip through Rome.

Mary – Talking about Mary with women in pri ( )

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