Top 9 Best Books of Catholic Saints
Finding inspiration and solace can be a blessing. Whether you seek motivation, want to teach children about faith, or explore history, these nine books of Catholic saints offer more than stories. They offer hope, resilience, and spiritual growth. Each book introduces lives filled with courage and compassion. These books remind us that every day holds miracles. Grab a cup of your favorite drink and settle in. Explore these stories that light the way for believers everywhere.
Best Overall
Overall Best: A Saint a Day: A 365-Day Devotional Featuring Christian Saints
Best for Kids: Catholic Saints for Children
Best for Guidance: A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms: 52 Companions for Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul
1. A Saint a Day: A 365-Day Devotional Featuring Christian Saints
A Saint a Day is a daily devotional designed especially for young readers (ages 8–12). It introduces over 300 saints through short, engaging stories that make the rich history of faith accessible and inspiring.
Key Features:
- Daily Inspiration: 365 entries featuring a scripture verse, prayer, a brief saint’s story, and a notable fact.
- Kid-Friendly Design: Fresh artwork and a format that is both engaging and easy for children to read.
- Historical Highlights: Includes the lives of well-known figures like Mother Teresa, St. Patrick, and St. Jerome.
Reader Feedback:
Readers rave about its quick, impactful daily read that helps set a positive tone for the day. Both parents and children find it engaging and accessible, making it a perfect gift for milestones such as First Communion or Confirmation. Few reviewers mention any drawbacks, with nearly all feedback emphasizing its inspirational value.
2. Pray for Us: 75 Saints Who Sinned, Suffered, and Struggled on Their Way to Holiness
This book offers a refreshingly honest look at the lives of 75 saints, highlighting their human imperfections and struggles before they embraced holiness. It serves as a reminder that God’s grace can transform even the most unlikely individuals.
Key Features:
- Unconventional Profiles: Features saints with surprising backstories—from a chain-smoking socialist, former satanic priest—showing that everyone is capable of transformation.
- Real-Life Struggles: Focuses on the hardships and sins that these saints overcame, making their journeys relatable to modern readers.
- Broad Historical Range: Covers figures from the early church to contemporary times, including lesser-known saints alongside well-known ones.
Reader Feedback:
Reviewers appreciate its candid portrayal of flawed heroes, finding comfort and inspiration in knowing that sanctity is accessible to all. The book’s bite-sized stories are ideal for reflection, especially for those dealing with personal challenges. Its honest tone and modern perspective are frequently highlighted, though the rawness of some accounts may not suit every reader’s taste.
3. Picture Book Of Saints
This classic picture book offers beautifully illustrated and straightforward narratives of over 100 saints, making it an excellent resource for both parents and children to explore the lives of iconic figures in the Catholic faith.
Key Features:
- Vibrant Illustrations: Full-color artwork brings the saints’ stories to life, appealing to readers of all ages.
- Accessible Storytelling: Written in a clear, easy-to-understand style that resonates with both young readers and nostalgic adults.
- Wide Range of Saints: Includes celebrated figures such as Mother Teresa, Padre Pio, and St. Faustina, as well as several lesser-known saints.
Reader Feedback:
Readers admire the book’s artistic quality and nostalgic charm. It’s often praised as a timeless resource for introducing children to Catholic traditions. One reviewer noted that the emphasis on religious vocations (priesthood or convent life) might seem limiting, but overall, its beauty and engaging content win hearts.
4. Catholic Saints for Children
Tailored specifically for young readers, this book presents 30 saintly lives in a simple, engaging narrative accompanied by memorable watercolor illustrations and prayers that capture each saint’s unique gifts.
Key Features:
- Child-Friendly Format: Concise biographies paired with relatable language and vivid illustrations.
- Interactive Elements: Each saint’s story is followed by a prayer that reflects the virtues for which they are known, fostering personal reflection.
- Diverse Selection: Covers a range of saints from the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. John Paul II, offering both well-known and inspirational figures.
Reader Feedback:
Parents and teachers praise the book as an ideal resource for bedtime reading or classroom discussion. It’s celebrated for its clarity and the way it encourages both learning and spiritual growth. Some readers wished for an even broader selection of saints, but the overall response is overwhelmingly positive.s.
5. Stories of the Saints: Bold and Inspiring Tales of Adventure, Grace, and Courage
Geared toward kids aged 10 and up (and adults alike), this book delivers 70 riveting narratives of saints whose lives were marked by miracles, bravery, and transformative acts of faith.
Key Features:
- Dramatic Storytelling: Presents captivating tales of saints like Joan of Arc, Francis of Assisi, and St. Thomas Aquinas with an emphasis on adventure and courage.
- Striking Visuals: Full-color, stylized portraits add a dynamic, modern feel to the historical accounts.
- Broad Appeal: The narrative style works well for both children and adults, making it a versatile addition to any faith-based library.
Reader Feedback:
Enthusiastic reviews highlight the engaging writing and beautiful illustrations that draw readers into each story. Many applaud its modern take on traditional saintly lives, though some mention that its energetic style may contrast with more traditional devotional texts.
6. Lives of the Saints
A timeless devotional that offers over 70 short biographies of saints, this classic volume is perfect for daily reflection, providing easy-to-read stories that inspire and educate on the virtues and challenges of a life of faith.
Key Features:
- Daily Devotional Format: Organized so readers can discover a new saint each day, complete with a brief biography and a reflective prayer.
- User-Friendly Layout: Large, easy-to-read type and sturdy design make it a practical choice for daily use.
- Rich Historical Content: Features both familiar and lesser-known saints, offering a comprehensive overview of Christian heroism.
Reader Feedback:
Readers value its consistency as a daily devotional and appreciate the informative yet accessible narratives. The book is often described as a comforting companion for both young and mature readers, though some note that the black-and-white illustrations might not appeal to everyone.
7. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Saints: An Authoritative Guide to the Lives and Works of Over 300 Christian Saints
This extensive encyclopedia is a must-have for anyone interested in the vast history of sainthood. It provides concise, well-researched biographies of over 300 saints, complete with hundreds of illustrations that span from the early church to modern times.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Coverage: Organized chronologically, it spans from the Apostles and early martyrs to contemporary saints.
- Rich Visual Content: Over 500 images and themed pages (e.g., Celtic Saints, Saints in Art) enhance the learning experience.
- Scholarly Yet Accessible: Offers a blend of academic detail with engaging storytelling suitable for both casual readers and scholars.
Reader Feedback:
Users praise the book for its depth, beautiful artwork, and practical layout, making it a valuable reference tool. Minor critiques include occasional packaging issues, but these do little to detract from its overall excellence and appeal as an inspirational resource.
8. A Book of Saints for Catholic Moms: 52 Companions for Your Heart, Mind, Body, and Soul
Brief Description:
Specifically designed for Catholic mothers, this guide pairs the inspiring lives of 52 saints with practical reflections, prayers, and activities to enrich the journey of motherhood and deepen spiritual growth.
Key Features:
- Weekly Format: Each week of the year features a new saint along with thematic prayers, scripture meditations, and personal reflections.
- Family-Oriented: Includes activities that help moms share the stories and lessons with their children, making it ideal for family devotions.
- Balanced Approach: Blends biographical insights with practical advice, helping mothers integrate faith into everyday life.
Reader Feedback:
Reviewers find this book both practical and uplifting—a cherished resource for personal reflection and teaching in RCIA classes. Its targeted approach for moms is widely appreciated, .
9. The Little Book of Saints
This elegant keepsake is a compact treasure trove of around 90 saintly stories, beautifully illustrated with vintage holy card imagery. It’s perfect as a devotional read or a thoughtful gift for anyone who cherishes the legacy of the saints.
Key Features:
- Elegant Design: Features gilded edges, a padded cover, and a ribbon marker, giving it a luxurious, gift-worthy feel.
- Concise Entries: Each saint’s story is succinct yet evocative, capturing the essence of their life and legacy.
- Historical Illustrations: Incorporates vintage art from prayer books and holy cards, lending a nostalgic and reverent atmosphere.
Reader Feedback:
Readers are enchanted by its aesthetic appeal and find the compact format ideal for both casual reading and deeper reflection. While most praise its nostalgic design, one reviewer cautioned that the use of the term “worship” might be misleading, as the proper reverence for saints is to honor them, not to worship them.
Whether you are seeking daily inspiration, a visual feast of saintly art, or a deep dive into the rich history of Catholic heroes, these nine books offer a wealth of guidance, comfort, and inspiration. Each one is a testament to the diverse and transformative journeys of faith, inviting you to explore and be inspired by the lives of those who have walked the path of holiness before us.