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.
Discover 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.
First Woman Saint of Switzerland
In mid-October, 2008, Pope Benedict XVI canonized this newest saint for her work in Ecuador and Columbia. She was known for her open heart, her compassionate care of...
November 13- Patron Saint of Immigrants
Mother Cabrini was a remarkable woman whose missionary heart and compassionate zeal changed countless lives. She was canonized in 1946. This patron saint of...
July 18 is the birthday of Nelson Mandela, who is a model of a life long non-violent justice activist whose dedication bought about the end of the racist apartheid government in South Africa. A...
St. Paul of the Cross is a saint who shows us what it means to make a preferential option for the poor in the world today. He lived in a turbulent time where people struggled for a meaningful...
The film, Romero, has become a classic in its depiction of a modern hero of social justice. In the film, set in the late 1970s, the civil war in El Salvador is heating up. This film guide provides a...
Throughout much of Central and Latin America, Saint Óscar Romero is revered as a prophet who truly lived and proclaimed the option for the poor and vulnerable--the voiceless. Today, the voiceless...
In his 2007 World Day of Peace Message, Pope Benedict XVI reflects on respect for the human person as the foundation for peace. Themes of the message include human dignity, respect for rights and...
This litany celebrates the lives and examples of the many women saints who continue to inspire us today. The litany is excerpted with permission from Sr. Joan Chittister's "Litany of Women for the...
This litany, available in both Spanish and English, celebrates the images of the Virgin Mary present in many different Hispanic cultures. Images correspond to each of the prayers in the litany.
Spend 5 minutes a day in prayer with Pope Benedict XVI, reflecting each day on a justice quote from the pope, reflection questions, and a prayer. The format of this resource is a short half-page to...
