Heroes and Heroines Canonized in the Twentieth Century
Book I (1900 - 1950)
by
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Chapter 10, pages 22 & 23 – St. Therese of
Lisieux
She looked on God as a dear Father full of mercy and
love and placed simple childlike trust in Him.
Therese clearly understood the mystery of the cross. “I accept everything for love of God, and
even when I have nothing to offer I shall give Him my nothing. My whole strength lies in prayer and
sacrifice. I have no other way to prove
my love for Jesus than to throw flowers, that is, to let no sacrifice, word, or
glance escape. I draw profit from the
smallest deeds and do them for love.”
These constituted her little way of spiritual childhood.
Chapter 30, page 67 & 68 – St. John Bosco
Don Bosco had the gift of reading souls and helped
boys in sin to return to grace.
Throughout his life he was guided by his vivid, prophetic dreams. By 1856 the Oratory or hospice, which had
expanded, also included printing presses and Latin classes. Don Bosco had the special charisma to help
and teach boys without inflicting any physical punishment to be effective. This rather scandalized educators of that
time. Frequent confession and Communion
and removal of occasions of sin, along with catechetical training, were part of
the training the boys received. And,
being they were also taught trades made Don Bosco a pioneer of vocational
schools.
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About the Book
Biographies of the saints are uplifting and encouraging reading and, at this time in history, are greatly needed. “Heroes and Heroines Canonized In the Twentieth Century: Book I” contains a biography of every saint canonized from 1900-1950, not just the more well known saints. It gives the religious and political climate of time of saint’s life.
Guided by the Holy Spirit, these canonized (officially declared) saints were placed in the Church calendar and liturgy for us to ask their help, after Mary, Jesus’ mother, in going to Jesus/God. Saints know getting to heaven is a serious spiritual business and are willing to help us. We in turn imitate them.
Biographies of the saints canonized in the latter half of the twentieth century are forthcoming in Book II.
About the Author
One day in elementary school, the teacher asked us
to look up our patron saint for a report in class the next day. I chose St. Therese of the Child Jesus and
Holy Face. She did little things well
for love of God, and I felt I could emulate her as my patron.
Over the years I learned about more saints. I had a strong yearning for biographies of
recently canonized saints and felt others wanted the same.
Years later, a fellow Secular Carmelite friend
familiar with my writing ability, suggested I write these biographies. I felt with prayer and determination and
God’s help, I could accomplish it. In
my spare time over the years, I succeeded.