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

Prayer for the Four Churchwomen of El Salvador

On December 2, we commemorate the martyrdom of Sr. Dorothy Kazel, Sr. Maura Clarke, Sr. Ita Ford, and Jean Donovan in El Salvador. As we reflect on their courageous witness, we offer a prayer to...
Fact Sheet & Handout

Fratelli Tutti Infographics

The Vatican prepared these infographics to accompany the release of Pope Francis' third encyclical, Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship. They visually summarize key themes and points...
Activity

Women's History Month Card

In honor of Women's History Month, print this card template to thank the women who are models for justice in your own life. Use the line at the bottom of the cover to write the name of the person...
Reflection

Love Requires Justice: Art as a Medium to Address Systemic Racism

High school senior Chloe Becker reflects on the mural she painted of important African and African American saints as a medium to start a conversation in her community about systemic racism and white...
Activity

The Salvadoran Martyrs and their Legacy for Justice

On November 16 we commemorate the anniversary of the martyrdom of the Jesuits and their companions in El Salvador. Explore a brief history of the Salvadoran civil war and discover the enduring legacy...
Reflection

Prophets of Liberation: Moses and Saint Oscar Romero

Learn about the similarities between how Moses and Saint Oscar Romero were called to overcome fear and to use their voices prophetically. Then consider how you are being called to work as a prophet...
Malala Yousafzai
Prayer

Prayer for the Voices of Women and Girls

A prayer that uplifts the voices of women and girls who are speaking out for solidarity around the globe and remembers the voices that are still silenced.
Two purple candles sit lit in dirt and dust, denoting the second week of Advent, awaiting our Promise - Jesus
Litany

Second Sunday of Advent - December 9, 2018

The prophetic tradition echoes in today's readings; and the reflections of a prophet of our time, Daniel Berrigan, S.J., offer us hope in a dark time.
Activity

Service and Justice: the Center of Our Lives

This video uses quotes from Center of Concern’s co-founder and Superior General of the Society of Jesus, Pedro Arrupe, S.J. To view the artistic reflection, click here: http://bit.ly/2zYHsJH....
Prayer

Prayer to St. Martin de Porres

This video puts the lines of “Prayer to St. Martin de Porres” to music for an easy-to-use resource to start a parish meeting, youth group event, service trip, or religion class. To view the...
Prayer Service

Living CST: Robert F. Kennedy

This prayer service uses quotes from Robert F. Kennedy, a transformed leader who spent his career as a politician putting the marginalized and impoverished at the center of his policy...
Activity

A True Encounter with the Poor: Quotes on Poverty by Pope Francis

This video uses quotes from Pope Francis on the issue of global poverty. To view the artistic reflection, click here: http://bit.ly/2O6pp8Y. Quotes and citations used in this video are listed in the...