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.

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Prayer

Prayer of Accompaniment

This prayer, taken from EFJ’s Prayer Service on Pope Francis’s Message for the 2016 World Day of Migrants and Refugees, stirs us into action to help the millions of refugees around the world...
Prayer

Prayer to the Lord (English and Spanish)

This prayer by Pope Francis asks Mary, the mother of our Lord, to guide us as we “step outside ourselves” and transform the world through mercy and compassionate love.
Prayer

In Memory of Berta Cáceres (English and Spanish)

Berta Cáceres was murdered in 2016 for her outspoken advocacy as she sought environmental justice for her indigenous people in Honduras; this prayer remembers her sacrifice.
Reflection

Pope Francis’s 2017 Message for the World Day of Peace

The theme of Pope Francis’s 2017 Message for World Day of Peace is “Nonviolence: A Style of Politics for Peace.” This artistic reflection is based on his words: http://bit.ly/2j1m4sa.
Prayer Service

Pope Francis’s Message for the 50th World Day of Peace: “Nonviolence: A Style of Politics for Peace”

This prayer service invites reflection on Pope Francis’s message on nonviolence for the 50th World Day of Peace.
Lectionary Reflection

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God [a] January 1, 2017

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God [a] January 1, 2017 ADD DESCRIPTION
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Video

Pope Francis’s Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees - 2017

The theme of Pope Francis’s 2017 Message for World Day of Migrants and Refugees is “Child Migrants, the Vulnerable and the Voiceless.” This artistic reflection is based on his words:...
This family rejoices in communion while feasting. Reflect on the communion in your life during this Easter season.
Prayer

Prayer to the Holy Family (English and Spanish)

This prayer is offered in both English and Spanish and calls upon the Holy Family of Nazareth to be with all families who suffer from violence, rejection, and division.
Aj Muste stands firm in the face of oppression as bystanders watch him chase after justice. Aj is a reminder of the power of nonviolence when trying to achieve justice.
Prayer Service

Abraham Johannes “A.J.” Muste: A Gentle, Nonviolent Peace Agitator

This resource draws on the wisdom and witness of A.J. Muste, a nonviolent activist who was influential in the global pacifist movement of the mid-20th Century.
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Litany

Abraham Johannes “A.J.” Muste: An Invitation to Action, not Despair

This two-page litany draws on the wisdom and witness of A.J. Muste, a nonviolent activist who was influential in the global pacifist movement of the mid-20th Century.

Where God is Born, Hope is Born

This artistic reflection is based on Pope Francis’s 2015 Urbi et Orbi Christmas message: http://bit.ly/EFJChristmas16.
Prayer

For the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

We join with Our Lady of Guadalupe on December 12th to remember the women who have been murdered and mutilated in Guatemala, Mexico, and El Salvador since 2006.