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.

Walking the Road to Justice with Peace Pilgrim (July 18)

Prayer Service
Mildred Lisette Norman was a hiker and peace activist who began a challenging ministry as Peace Pilgrim, walking back and forth across the U.S. for years in order to promote peace. Her own words...

Walking St. Ignatius’s Pathway to Justice, July 31

Prayer Service
St. Ignatius of Loyola created a new pathway that is reflected in the many ministries that Jesuits and Jesuit volunteers engage in today. This prayer service celebrates their concerns for justice and...
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Prayer for Peace by Pope Francis

Prayer
Pope Francis’s words make up this Prayer for Peace and help us focus on what he sees as central to peacemaking today.  

Be Praised for Creation

Prayer
This prayer is a modern version of the St. Francis “Blessed Be” prayer that is referenced in the opening of Pope Francis’ new encyclical on ecology. It celebrates the themes of this significant...

Gustavo Gutiérrez: Father of Liberation Theology

Fact Sheet & Handout
Learn more about Gustavo Gutiérrez, O.P., a Peruvian theologian who has contributed so much to our understanding of the option for the poor and its expression in Liberation Theology.  

The Diary of Anne Frank

Film Discussion Guide
This film brings to life the writings of Anne Frank and her time in hiding in Amsterdam during World War II and the advance of Nazism in Europe. Anne Frank, born on June 12, 1929, braved unspeakable...
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Pope Francis’ Prayer to Our Blessed Mother for Migrants

Prayer
Pope Francis offered this prayer to Our Mother of Migrants, asking Mary to protect her lost and wandering children as they seek rest, welcome, refuge, and peace.  

Rhythms of Social Justice: The Life and Legacy of Bob Marley - Death May 11

This resource profiles Bob Marley, a world-renowned musician whose legacy continues today. Through his music, he was able to advance issues of social justice and unite people in working for justice...

Digna Ochoa: Facing Injustice in Mexico

This resource invites us to reflect on the life of Digna Ochoa, an attorney and human rights defender from Mexico, who was assassinated in 2001 for defending victims of human rights abuses in her...

Prayer Service for Mother’s Day

Prayer Service
This two-page, ready-to-print prayer service focuses on celebrating the gifts that all mothers bring to the world. The scripture passage on the Visitation reveals Mary in touch with the world around...

Mary, Mother of All Africa

Mary has been hailed as Mother of all Africa. In a continent rich with cultures and resources, many are impoverished and are suffering the results of war and greed. This litany is a prayer of...

Dolores Huerta: Woman of Justice - April 10

At 85, Dolores Huerta remains a woman of vision and courage, still speaking out for migrant workers, for women, and for all those whose human dignity and human rights have not been respected. This...