Saints for All Ages

When my son was little, we enjoyed listening to Saint Stories for Kids, a podcast for Catholic families with young children. Those stories of holy men and women inspired us to be closer to God, to rely on him, and to do our best to act in accordance with his holy will.  

Even though they were brief and age-appropriate for children, the anecdotes really helped us to see that the Saints had many great trials and their simple and deep trust in the Lord is what allowed miracles to occur.  We also recognized the profound influence our Mother Mary had on the lives of the Saints, always leading us to her son.

As my son matured, we began reading books from the Encounter the Saints series (Pauline Books & Media).  Intended for younger audiences, we learned more about the early lives of individual Saints, the significant events that led to their formation in Christ, and ultimately the profound and lasting contributions they made to the one true faith. These more detailed stories captivated our imaginations and heightened our commitment to God.

I will soon be renewing my annual consecration to Jesus through Mary using Father Michael Gaitley’s 33 Days to Morning Glory, which involves reflections on four great Marian Saints.  Each year as I do this, I reunite with these Saints and feel their encouragement as I try to model my life after theirs.  

This year, I have invited my husband to complete the consecration with me. I look forward to his being introduced to these Saints because I know what great inspiration they provide and I firmly believe I will grow and learn more as we journey together.  

I have found that sharing Saints with your loved ones is a great blessing, a chance to unite with another to glorify God in your trust, your thanks and your adoration. I have also found that it is very exciting to invite a Saint into your home and into your family. Miracles and graces continue to flow.  

I invite you to consider sharing a favorite Saint story with someone in your family. Their stories are for all ages.     



Charla Misse, a native of New Orleans, supports various charitable organizations, sits on the finance committee for St. Dominic Church and is a Boy Scouts of America den leader and religious emblems coordinator. She loves to laugh with her family, bake for her loved ones, exercise outdoors, visit the adoration chapel and pick her son up from school.