The Saints, our ancestors in the faith, are our friends in high places. As our brother and sisters in Christ, they look forward to living with us forever and left us sound advice for joining them in their letters, sermons, and prayers. My new book, Destination Heaven: Daily Advice from the Saints, offers 365 saintly quotations. They are consoling, enlightening, striking, and even humorous.
Some of My Favorites
• “The soul of one who serves God always swims in joy, always keeps holiday, and is always in the mood for singing.” St. John of the Cross
• “If God causes you to suffer much it is a sign that he has great designs for you, and that he certainly intends to make you a saint.” St. Ignatius
• “Feeding the hungry is a greater work than raising the dead.” St. John Chrysostom
• “We can do no great things, only small things with great love.” St. Teresa of Calcutta
• “If we are to give an account for an idle word, let take care that we do not have to give it also for an idle silence.” St. Ambrose
• “Nothing seems tiresome or painful when you are working for a master who pays well.” St. Dominic Savio
• “You will find something more in woods than in books.” St. Bernard
• “If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze.” St. Catherine of Siena
• “The purpose of clothing is to keep warm in winter and to cover your nakedness, not to serve your vanity.” St. Cyril of Jerusalem
Loyola Press Choices
Loyola Press, my publisher, pulled these words out for their website:
New Version of an Old Song
This is an unusual and stirring rendition of the familiar “When the Saints Go Marching In.” It’s the first time I heard all the verses.
What biography of a Saint have you read and recommend?
Which Saint do you most admire?
Is there a movie about a Saint that impressed you?
