Real Moms of Real Saints

by Colleen Pressprich

“This book will be helpful for parents who sincerely try to place God at the center of their family.” —from the foreword by Antonia Salzano Acutis, mother of Saint Carlo Acutis How do you help your children love God and grow in holiness? Draw close to the moms of the saints and learn from their virtues, struggles, failures, and joys in this deeply personal exploration of the vocation of motherhood. Through the stories of women like Giuseppa, the mother of Padre Pio, and Martha, the mother of Venerable Augustus Tolton, author Colleen Pressprich offers profound spiritual, psychological, and practical insights into motherhood, including those that have inspired her own adventure of raising twice-exceptional (2E) children with special needs. Uniquely real, raw, and relatable, Real Moms of Real Saints will bring you face-to-face—and heart-to-heart—with new friends and intercessors for your own adventure of raising future saints. “A must-read for all those longing to connect with, learn from, and journey alongside women who’ve done what we all hope to do through our vocation of raise up a generation of saints.” —Kelsey Gillespy, author of In the Finding God Through Parenting Littles

208 pages, Paperback

Published August 8, 2025

Reviews

[Alex O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I REALLY enjoyed this book. It was the perfect mix of personal story / historical accuracy / spiritual inspiration. Written in a way that made each mother's life easy to read about (it didn't drag on at all)! I would recommend this book to any spiritual woman (mother or not). Although in motherhood it certainly "hits different". I was truly inspired by the lives of these REAL moms of REAL saints.

[Amanda Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What's not to LOVE?! So thought provoking and 100% relatable. This is Colleen's best book yet! I loved the inside (and WELL researched!) insights into the mothers of saints. Cannot recommend this one enough!!

[Kileen Medearis · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful testament to Mothers who, though imperfect, managed to raise Saintly children. This book was the perfect prayer companion with it's reflection questions at the end of each chapter and would also be a great addition to a monthly read with a book club. Highly recommend for any Mom desiring to raise their children for Heaven!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished this book earlier than planned! Read it with some other women and that’s the only reason it’s 4 stars — not a “win” book for sure. More a “build” book!! But loved it anyway, could have read it super quickly but happy I got to cherish it ◡̈

[Amy Heyse]

If you’re looking for a book to gift a Catholic mom (in any stage of motherhood) or are looking for a book for your small group, I think Real Moms of Real Saints is a great option! This book, to me, feels very real and very relatable. There are lots of books about the saints, but this one is unique because it offers a perspective on the moms. It’s like learning about the supporting characters to the main characters whose stories we have loved.

Each chapter starts with a passage from Colleen about her personal experiences as a mother. She ties in these moments from her life as she reflects on the lives of each mother, and there are questions for reflection at the end of each chapter.

Going into this book, I was unfamiliar with almost all of the women who were featured and I feel like there is a good variety of women who are featured. It’s kind of a Goldilocks “Just Right” length where you get some history and insight, but in a way that is digestible. A good read for busy moms. I could have easily read it in one or two sittings, but I took my time reading and meditating on each chapter.

[Brigette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen does an incredible job of capturing in several pages each of these ten women’s lives and virtues. Colleen’s own life reflections woven into the chapters give food for thought on how each woman can teach us, regardless of the separation of years since they’ve passed. I was inspired, in different ways, by the lives of each of these women, and I found myself disappointed for the book to be finished, because I wanted to keep reading. I hope that Colleen does a book now on the fathers of saints.

[Maria Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beacon of hope

I found this work to be a beacon of hope for mothers everywhere. It is so interesting to learn about the lives of mothers of children who would be considered saints. Author Colleen Pressprich has done a great service with her exploration of these intriguing women.

[Emily Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, especially because it didn’t shy away from the messiness of real moms and real families. It wasn’t like the saint books of my childhood, where sainthood looks like serenity and glowing eyes and a perfect prayer life.
I enjoyed the way the author wove stories of her own family into the narrative, including her own struggles in her relationships and parenting.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful little book filled with stories of wisdom, hope, encouragement, resilience, comfort, and much more.  If you are a mother, have a mother, and love a mother, this is a little treasure to read. 

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. I read it slowly, one mom at a time over several nights before bed. It was reassuring to read about real moms, with all their flaws, but with hearts full of love

[Allie Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any Catholic mom should pick up this beautiful work!

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this. Read a chapter a day over about 2 weeks (some mornings I missed) and it was wonderful to reflect on the stories.