Saints, Martyrs, and Heroes

Saints, Martyrs, and Heroes are ordinary individuals who provide us with role models and examples of how to live as disciples in a complex world. By learning about their lives and paying attention to their example, we can draw strength for our journey of faith as we strive to bring about the vision of love, justice, and peace.

Collage of saints and holy people who dedicated their lives to living out the values Catholic Social TeachingDiscover inspiring resources that highlight the lives of saints, martyrs, and heroes who embodied the values of Catholic Social Teaching. These extraordinary individuals serve as role models of faith, justice, and compassion, offering profound examples of how to live out the Gospel in service to others and the common good.

On this page, you’ll find:

  • Profiles of Saints and Martyrs: Stories of holy men and women who championed human dignity, social justice, and peace in their lives and missions.
  • Faith-Based Reflections: Prayers and meditations inspired by the actions and legacies of saints who upheld the principles of Catholic Social Teaching.
  • Educational Resources: Lesson plans and activities exploring the connection between the lives of these saints and the Church’s call to promote justice, solidarity, and care for creation.
  • Multimedia Content: Videos, articles, and infographics that bring to life the enduring impact of saints and holy people who worked tirelessly for the poor, marginalized, and oppressed.
  • Advocacy Inspiration: Tools and examples of how the lives of saints can inspire modern acts of faith-based advocacy and justice.

These resources offer a meaningful way to explore the practical application of Catholic Social Teaching through the lives of those who have gone before us. Perfect for educators, faith leaders, and advocates, they serve as powerful tools for fostering a deeper understanding of the Catholic Church’s social tradition and a call to action in today’s world.

Prayer

Pope Leo And Peace Be With You Prayer

This reflective and inclusive prayer for Pope Leo XIV expresses unity, hope, and a shared commitment to peace and justice. Embracing the spirit of synodality, the prayer highlights the global...
Prayer

Prayer At the Start of Pope Leo XIV's Pontificate

This prayer calls on the Holy Spirit to come into the hearts of the faithful and bless the leadership of our new Pope Leo XIV. It gives thanks for his vocation and asks for strength, wisdom, and...
Prayer

Prayer for Pope Francis

This heartfelt prayer honors Pope Francis's life, legacy, and passing, offering gratitude for his deep faith, compassion, humility, and tireless commitment to justice and care for creation. It...
Prayer

Prayer for Your Servant Francis

This prayer honors the life and legacy of Pope Francis, lifting him up in gratitude for his faithful service marked by love, compassion, and care for creation. It offers thanks for the many who...
Prayer

Visio Divina for Laudato Si

The resource “Visio Divina through the Lens of Laudato Si’” is a guided spiritual practice that weaves together the contemplative tradition of Visio Divina (“divine seeing”) with the...
Prayer

Praying for Pope Francis, Praying for Us

Offered as a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis (Jorge Mario Bergoglio), this prayer expresses deep gratitude for his faithful leadership, love, and commitment to justice. The prayer asks God to...
Prayer

Prayer of Thanksgiving for the Life of Pope Francis

On April 21, 2025, the Vatican announced the death of Pope Francis. Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he became the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church in March 2013. He was the...

Earth Day: Protectors of Creation

In his inaugural homily, Pope Francis calls us to be protectors of creation. To heed his call, we need to be informed and reflect on the signs of the times. This fast fact sheet helps launch the...
Prayer

Prayer for the Health of Pope Francis

We pray for Pope Francis's health, asking God to grant him more time to guide us through these uncertain times. We seek his wisdom, faith, compassion, and courage. May healing be sent to Pope...

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Social Media Package

Download EFJ social media images, crafted in 1080×1080 resolution for Instagram and Facebook, and share them on your social media feeds or bulletin. These images focus on Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King...
Prayer Service

Inauguration Prayer Service on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday

We offer an opportunity for prayer and reflection on the significance of Inauguration Day and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday, highlighting a call for peace, justice, and the...
Prayer Service MLK Mugshot.jpg
Prayer Service

Prayer Service on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Letter from a Birmingham Jail

This prayer service includes excerpts from Dr. King’s famous “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” and includes reflection questions after each reading. Commemorate Black History Month in your...