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.

Pope Benedict XVI Speaks about Social Justice

The Church continues to speak on social justice! This resource provides excerpts from Pope Benedict XVI's speeches, writings, and statements that focus on a wide range of social justice themes, from...

Journey to Justice with Pope John Paul II

Pope John Paul II is a beloved figure to many Catholics and reflecting on how his journeys around the world revealed his deep commitment to CST is a positive way to introduce these teachings to...

Pope John Paul II's Message for World Communication Day 2002

The Pope reflects on the positive and negative aspects of the Internet.

Woman of Faith, Woman of Justice: Dorothy Stang

This article is a tribute to Sr. Dorothy Stang, a Sister of Notre Dame de Namur Dorothy "Dot" Stang, moved to Brazil 40 years ago to help the poor build independent futures for their...

2006 Lenten Message of Pope Benedict XVI

In his Lenten Message, Pope Benedict II's reflects on Christ's compassionate gaze upon humankind and upon a world that desparately needs justice and peace. The Pope calls for a world that respects...

Outline of Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), Encyclical of Pope Benedict XVI

This is a three-page outline of Pope Benedict XVI's encyclical, Deus Caritas Est (God is Love), with selected quotes from the sections on charity and justice.

Pope Benedict XVI Writes about Migrants and Refugees

For the World Day of Migrants and Refugees, Pope Benedict XVI has written a message on justice for migrants. This resource highlights his message and offers an activity on the most recent U.S....

Mary's Vision: Luke 1: 26-38

For the Advent/Christmas season, two one-page reflections (with reflection questions) in this EfJ posting are based on the Gospel of Luke. In a beautiful reflection on Mary, Fr. Joseph Donders posits...
Prayer Service

Prayer Service on the Feast Day of St. Vincent de Paul

St. Vincent de Paul had a special heart for the poor and connected spirituality to action. Use this prayer service on his feast day, Sept. 27, or any other day to reflect on poverty.