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Seven Saints for Seven Virtues
To live a virtuous life might seem like a daunting task, but we are fortunate to have examples to follow—the saints who have faced sin through the embodiment and exemplification of virtue. In this book, the reader will meet seven saints who lived seven virtues, and will discover concrete ways that they can live those virtues in their own lives. Each chapter will include:
• A quote from the saint
• A personal reflection on each saint
• A brief biography
• A discussion on the spirituality of each saint, and concrete examples how to emulate this saint and grow in the virtue that saint models
• A prayer to conclude each chapter, asking for the intercession of that saint
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues covers a wide range of spirituality and life circumstances, demonstrating that everyone, in every role of life, has the opportunity to live a virtuous life.
• A quote from the saint
• A personal reflection on each saint
• A brief biography
• A discussion on the spirituality of each saint, and concrete examples how to emulate this saint and grow in the virtue that saint models
• A prayer to conclude each chapter, asking for the intercession of that saint
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues covers a wide range of spirituality and life circumstances, demonstrating that everyone, in every role of life, has the opportunity to live a virtuous life.
- GenresCatholic
147 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 26, 2014
10 people are currently reading
47 people want to read
About the author
Jean M. Heimann
6 books66 followersA Catholic freelance writer with an M.A. in Theology, a psychologist and educator, and an Oblate with the Community of St. John, Jean M. Heimann has had her work published in: National Catholic Register, Catholic Exchange, St. Anthony Messenger/America, and numerous other publications. She has also written short stories in several bestselling Catholic books.
She has been the author of the award-wining weblog, Catholic Fire, for fifeen years and a contributor to an additional five Catholic blogs.
She has served as a diocesan and parish presenter for 20+ years.
She has been the author of the award-wining weblog, Catholic Fire, for fifeen years and a contributor to an additional five Catholic blogs.
She has served as a diocesan and parish presenter for 20+ years.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
December 17, 2016
I have read over 80 Catholic books in the last 12 months. Over that time I have encountered numerous saints both the known and lesser known, and read a lot on the seven virtues. This is the first book that ties the two together. And Jean has created a powerful book for personal study or group study. For I doubt you can read this book and keep it theoretical. A few times while reading this book I had to stop and pray. I needed to pray to learn to live the example of the saint presented. Or pray to grow in a specific virtue. And twice I stopped to pray for specific friends that the chapter brought to mind.
The Seven saints that Jean presents as examples for us are:
Monica
Augustine
Mother Teresa
Agnes
John Paul II
Joseph
Catherine of Siena
The Seven virtues if you need a reminder are:
Chastity
Temperance
Charity
Diligence
Patience
Kindness
Humility
And the way the two line-up is:
Mother Teresa of Calcutta - Model of Charity
St. Agnes - Model of Chastity
St. John Paul II - Model of Diligence
St. Joseph - Model of Humility
St. Catherine of Siena - Model of Kindness
St. Monica - Model of Patience
St. Augustine - Model of Temperance
Each chapter begins with a quote from the saint. This is followed by a meditation or reflection from Jean. This is followed by specific examples of the virtue and how the saints modelled it. And then each chapter concluded with a prayer. Jean has drawn from a wide variety of sources and life circumstances for the saints in this book; a bishop, a pope, 2 nuns, a young woman, a mother a father.
Lisa M. Hendey in the beginning of the forward to this book says: "Would you consider yourself a virtuous person? If you're reading this book, perhaps your answer to that question is similar to mine: "I'm trying!" Ask most of us to paint a portrait of a "person of virtue," and we'll describe our beloved grandmother, a saintly nun or priest we know, or the second-grade teacher who prepared us for our first Holy Communion. We hold this individual in high esteem, equating their quality of character with some level of holiness we desire in our own lives. But if we're being totally honest with ourselves, perhaps we focus too often our own shortcomings, our limitations, and the sin nature that keeps us from fully giving our full "yes" to a life of virtue." And she concludes it with these words, "Will we embrace lives of vice or lives of virtue? The choice is ours. God cherishes each of us, even in our profound simplicity. Salvation awaits, and the seven virtues hold a key to our ultimate destination. I invite you to join Jean and me, the saints, and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ on the adventure of a lifetime." SO the question is will you pick up the book, take and read and then embark on the adventure of trying to live the virtues and growth in saintliness. And that is the focus of the final chapter 'Saints in the Making'.
This book was a wonderful read. I really believe you will enjoy it and be challenged by it if you give it a try!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
The Seven saints that Jean presents as examples for us are:
Monica
Augustine
Mother Teresa
Agnes
John Paul II
Joseph
Catherine of Siena
The Seven virtues if you need a reminder are:
Chastity
Temperance
Charity
Diligence
Patience
Kindness
Humility
And the way the two line-up is:
Mother Teresa of Calcutta - Model of Charity
St. Agnes - Model of Chastity
St. John Paul II - Model of Diligence
St. Joseph - Model of Humility
St. Catherine of Siena - Model of Kindness
St. Monica - Model of Patience
St. Augustine - Model of Temperance
Each chapter begins with a quote from the saint. This is followed by a meditation or reflection from Jean. This is followed by specific examples of the virtue and how the saints modelled it. And then each chapter concluded with a prayer. Jean has drawn from a wide variety of sources and life circumstances for the saints in this book; a bishop, a pope, 2 nuns, a young woman, a mother a father.
Lisa M. Hendey in the beginning of the forward to this book says: "Would you consider yourself a virtuous person? If you're reading this book, perhaps your answer to that question is similar to mine: "I'm trying!" Ask most of us to paint a portrait of a "person of virtue," and we'll describe our beloved grandmother, a saintly nun or priest we know, or the second-grade teacher who prepared us for our first Holy Communion. We hold this individual in high esteem, equating their quality of character with some level of holiness we desire in our own lives. But if we're being totally honest with ourselves, perhaps we focus too often our own shortcomings, our limitations, and the sin nature that keeps us from fully giving our full "yes" to a life of virtue." And she concludes it with these words, "Will we embrace lives of vice or lives of virtue? The choice is ours. God cherishes each of us, even in our profound simplicity. Salvation awaits, and the seven virtues hold a key to our ultimate destination. I invite you to join Jean and me, the saints, and our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ on the adventure of a lifetime." SO the question is will you pick up the book, take and read and then embark on the adventure of trying to live the virtues and growth in saintliness. And that is the focus of the final chapter 'Saints in the Making'.
This book was a wonderful read. I really believe you will enjoy it and be challenged by it if you give it a try!
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More.
(Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: A Year of Reading Intention - Catholic Reading!)
October 16, 2014
This book examines seven saints of the Church in association with a virtue for which each one is known.
Charity: Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Chastity: Saint Agnes
Diligence: Saint Pope John Paul II
Humility: Saint Joseph
Kindness: Saint Catherine of Siena
Patience: Saint Monica
Temperence: Saint Augustine
What’s inside: A thoughtful foreword by Lisa Hendey of CatholicMom.com, Jean’s own introduction to the book, and a short bio of each saint, supplemented by a discussion of that saint’s particular virtue, quotes by or about the saint, information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Jean’s reflection on the model of each virtue in her own life, suggestions for practicing each virtue, and a prayer at the end of every chapter. There’s also a generous Recommended Reading list in case you want to learn more.
Why I love it: Saints are often depicted as if they’re so holy, they’re almost not human. That’s not the case with this book. Jean brings out each saint’s special virtue and starts the reader on the path toward living that particular virtue.
Charity: Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Chastity: Saint Agnes
Diligence: Saint Pope John Paul II
Humility: Saint Joseph
Kindness: Saint Catherine of Siena
Patience: Saint Monica
Temperence: Saint Augustine
What’s inside: A thoughtful foreword by Lisa Hendey of CatholicMom.com, Jean’s own introduction to the book, and a short bio of each saint, supplemented by a discussion of that saint’s particular virtue, quotes by or about the saint, information from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Jean’s reflection on the model of each virtue in her own life, suggestions for practicing each virtue, and a prayer at the end of every chapter. There’s also a generous Recommended Reading list in case you want to learn more.
Why I love it: Saints are often depicted as if they’re so holy, they’re almost not human. That’s not the case with this book. Jean brings out each saint’s special virtue and starts the reader on the path toward living that particular virtue.
February 23, 2020
I really wanted to like this book but I struggled to. Which is a shame because the format had a lot of potential: Learn about a virtue, learn about a saint, explore how that saint exhibits that virtue, ideas on how to grow in that virtue, prayer.
The foreword and introduction were uninspiring, not a crime in itself but by the time I got to the real content I was already starting to lag. There was also a sentence around chastity, purity and violence that prickled me.
The rest of the book was mostly unfortunately a bit superficial for me. I learnt little about the virtues that I didn’t already know, disappointing given that I got the book because I don’t know enough about them. The mini saint biographies were fine but their ties to the particular virtues were at times painfully sketchy. They were mostly very obvious picks - St Teresa of Calcutta for Charity, St Agnes for Chastity etc so I don’t think it unreasonable to expect some decent depth of exploration.
The practical ideas varied from sensible ‘prat an act of charity daily’ (charity), to faintly ridiculous ‘throw someone a surprise party’ (kindness).
Parts of the book are valuable and informative, though looking at the bits that I highlighted they are almost exclusively quotes from saints or other Catholic writings. I had never heard mother Teresa’s 15 tips for cultivating humility before so the book deserves it’s 2 stars for that alone.
It is possible that I don’t fit the demographic that Heimann was writing for, but I’m not sure who that is. I suspect the main problem is that she didn’t know either. The lack of depth given on the virtues suggest it is a book for beginners, but paired with suggestions of making more time in your schedule to spend in your prayer room (who has a prayer room that isn’t already committed in prayer?) or fasting weekly for the conversion of unbelievers, it just doesn’t make sense.
The foreword and introduction were uninspiring, not a crime in itself but by the time I got to the real content I was already starting to lag. There was also a sentence around chastity, purity and violence that prickled me.
The rest of the book was mostly unfortunately a bit superficial for me. I learnt little about the virtues that I didn’t already know, disappointing given that I got the book because I don’t know enough about them. The mini saint biographies were fine but their ties to the particular virtues were at times painfully sketchy. They were mostly very obvious picks - St Teresa of Calcutta for Charity, St Agnes for Chastity etc so I don’t think it unreasonable to expect some decent depth of exploration.
The practical ideas varied from sensible ‘prat an act of charity daily’ (charity), to faintly ridiculous ‘throw someone a surprise party’ (kindness).
Parts of the book are valuable and informative, though looking at the bits that I highlighted they are almost exclusively quotes from saints or other Catholic writings. I had never heard mother Teresa’s 15 tips for cultivating humility before so the book deserves it’s 2 stars for that alone.
It is possible that I don’t fit the demographic that Heimann was writing for, but I’m not sure who that is. I suspect the main problem is that she didn’t know either. The lack of depth given on the virtues suggest it is a book for beginners, but paired with suggestions of making more time in your schedule to spend in your prayer room (who has a prayer room that isn’t already committed in prayer?) or fasting weekly for the conversion of unbelievers, it just doesn’t make sense.
October 30, 2014
Jean Heimann, the author of Seven Saints for Seven Virtues had a wonderful Catholic mother. She modeled charity in action; she baked goodies for neighbors, nursed her sick and cranky father in his final days and was a model of charity for her daughter. also grew up with the venerable old volume Lives of the Saints which in archaic diction and fascinating details, told fantastic stories of the heroic virtue of the saints. I wonder, if as a child, Jean thought, "saints are models of charity, so is my mother, therefore, she might be a saint". I know I didn't think that way about holy people whom I came across in my childhood; for me, saints were far off, ethereal beings who never even considered sinning. I think many Catholics were under that misapprehension, thanks to over zealous authors of saints' biographies and lack of role models in today's darkening world.
That's why this book is so important to Catholic spirituality. By describing how central growth in virtue is to attaining holiness, and by practically defining the seven virtues as well as the seven deadly sins, Jean Heimann gently reminds Catholics that holiness is not for a few lofty individuals, its for everyone. Charles Péguy once said "the greatest tragedy in life is not to be a saint." No one ever grew in holiness by comparing himself to the world. Seven Saints for Seven Virtues gives us vivid examples of who Catholics should emulate, paired with their best known virtue. It offers the reader a road map for growth in the virtues which leads to holiness.
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues offers brief biographies of the saints, filled with vivid descriptions of the lives of contemporary saints St. John Paul, Bl. Mother Teresa, perpetual favorites, St Joseph, St Catherine of Sienna,St Agnes, and the dynamic duo of mother and son; St Monica and St Augustine. Despite her Master's Degree in Theology, Mrs Heimann's explanations of why those saints exemplify a particular virtue are easy to understand for laypeople. Her faithful writing at "Catholic Fire", an award wining Catholic blog, has given her the ability to reach her audience, making the seven virtues seem attainable and attractive. By showing how virtue leads to union with Christ, and interior peace, she makes the reader long to practice virtue more in their own life.
But there's more. Just as her mother was a role model in her life, perhaps without her family's acknowledgement of her outstanding virtue, Mrs Heimann knows that many of us live among ordinary people whose lives exemplify a particular virtue. Six other people are held up as role models of virtue. One is Olympic skiier Rebecca Dussault, whose pure relationship with her childhood sweetheart Sharbel, grew to a chaste and fruitful marriage. A 32 year old mother of four children, Dussault is a model of modesty to her teammates, refusing to wear immodest clothing, be unfaithful to her beloved Sharbel, or be exposed to pornography. She was mocked by her teammates, but it never affected her resolve to live chastely as a married woman, athlete, mother and home educator. Sometimes her career as a skiier took a back seat to her convictions, "I also needed t be clear with my U. S. Ski Team coaches, letting them know that my husband and I practice NFP and that if I were to conceive--not that my chances were any better than any other woman contracepting on my team--we would yield to life unquestionably.I had many opportunities to share to share our use of NFP with others in light of marital chastity, trusting it even when the commitment to the Team was of Olympic proportions."
Mrs Heimann, a long time blogger friend of mine, saw the quality of diligence in my life (my family are still scratching their heads at this!) and included me in the chapter on the virtue of diligence with my great inspiration St. John Paul the Great. When I studied his encyclical "The Gospel of Life" I was given hope in the idea that even I, a home educating mother and part time writer, could become part of the New Springtime of Evangelization. Seven Saints for Seven Virtues continues what St John Paul did in his pontificate, calling laypeople to evangelize where they are by leading heroic lives of virtue, attracting others to the light of Christ.
That's why this book is so important to Catholic spirituality. By describing how central growth in virtue is to attaining holiness, and by practically defining the seven virtues as well as the seven deadly sins, Jean Heimann gently reminds Catholics that holiness is not for a few lofty individuals, its for everyone. Charles Péguy once said "the greatest tragedy in life is not to be a saint." No one ever grew in holiness by comparing himself to the world. Seven Saints for Seven Virtues gives us vivid examples of who Catholics should emulate, paired with their best known virtue. It offers the reader a road map for growth in the virtues which leads to holiness.
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues offers brief biographies of the saints, filled with vivid descriptions of the lives of contemporary saints St. John Paul, Bl. Mother Teresa, perpetual favorites, St Joseph, St Catherine of Sienna,St Agnes, and the dynamic duo of mother and son; St Monica and St Augustine. Despite her Master's Degree in Theology, Mrs Heimann's explanations of why those saints exemplify a particular virtue are easy to understand for laypeople. Her faithful writing at "Catholic Fire", an award wining Catholic blog, has given her the ability to reach her audience, making the seven virtues seem attainable and attractive. By showing how virtue leads to union with Christ, and interior peace, she makes the reader long to practice virtue more in their own life.
But there's more. Just as her mother was a role model in her life, perhaps without her family's acknowledgement of her outstanding virtue, Mrs Heimann knows that many of us live among ordinary people whose lives exemplify a particular virtue. Six other people are held up as role models of virtue. One is Olympic skiier Rebecca Dussault, whose pure relationship with her childhood sweetheart Sharbel, grew to a chaste and fruitful marriage. A 32 year old mother of four children, Dussault is a model of modesty to her teammates, refusing to wear immodest clothing, be unfaithful to her beloved Sharbel, or be exposed to pornography. She was mocked by her teammates, but it never affected her resolve to live chastely as a married woman, athlete, mother and home educator. Sometimes her career as a skiier took a back seat to her convictions, "I also needed t be clear with my U. S. Ski Team coaches, letting them know that my husband and I practice NFP and that if I were to conceive--not that my chances were any better than any other woman contracepting on my team--we would yield to life unquestionably.I had many opportunities to share to share our use of NFP with others in light of marital chastity, trusting it even when the commitment to the Team was of Olympic proportions."
Mrs Heimann, a long time blogger friend of mine, saw the quality of diligence in my life (my family are still scratching their heads at this!) and included me in the chapter on the virtue of diligence with my great inspiration St. John Paul the Great. When I studied his encyclical "The Gospel of Life" I was given hope in the idea that even I, a home educating mother and part time writer, could become part of the New Springtime of Evangelization. Seven Saints for Seven Virtues continues what St John Paul did in his pontificate, calling laypeople to evangelize where they are by leading heroic lives of virtue, attracting others to the light of Christ.
October 17, 2014
Most people have heard of the "seven deadly sins" and may even be able to name them, but fewer have heard of the seven cardinal virtues: charity, chastity, diligence, humility, kindness, patience and temperance. Jean Heimann's book "Seven Saints For Seven Virtues" (here at Seven Angels) spends time dwelling on the importance of each of these virtues and then giving examples of them from the lives of the saints.
Each virtue gets a similar treatment: a thorough description of the virtue and how it helps in one's spiritual life, followed by the life of a saint who embodied that virtue. In some cases, you'll be relieved to note, the saint had to work pretty hard to achieve that virtue. Next comes a depiction of a modern individual who exemplifies that virtue, not necessarily a saint. Heimann's examples include an Olympic skiier and her parents in order to show how ordinary individuals can express these virtues in daily life.
Following that are practical tips for practicing the virtue and a prayer for receiving the gift of that virtue.
I found the book to be accessible and drawn in broad strokes. You will not need a Master's of Divinity to understand the text, and Heimann never gets into such depth that you feel overwhelmed. The book is fairly short but gives plenty of material for you to dwell on in more depth over time.
Seven Saints For Seven Virtues would work well with someone who wants to learn more about her faith without feeling overwhelmed, or for someone who is just beginning her faith journey. Confirmation candidates may find the discussions fruitful as they pertain to the virtues as gifts of the Holy Spirit, plus they can get to know seven saints while choosing their Confirmation names. This book also gives a good introduction to why and how Catholics relate to saints as models of the Christian life.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I have received no other compensation from either the author or the publisher.
Each virtue gets a similar treatment: a thorough description of the virtue and how it helps in one's spiritual life, followed by the life of a saint who embodied that virtue. In some cases, you'll be relieved to note, the saint had to work pretty hard to achieve that virtue. Next comes a depiction of a modern individual who exemplifies that virtue, not necessarily a saint. Heimann's examples include an Olympic skiier and her parents in order to show how ordinary individuals can express these virtues in daily life.
Following that are practical tips for practicing the virtue and a prayer for receiving the gift of that virtue.
I found the book to be accessible and drawn in broad strokes. You will not need a Master's of Divinity to understand the text, and Heimann never gets into such depth that you feel overwhelmed. The book is fairly short but gives plenty of material for you to dwell on in more depth over time.
Seven Saints For Seven Virtues would work well with someone who wants to learn more about her faith without feeling overwhelmed, or for someone who is just beginning her faith journey. Confirmation candidates may find the discussions fruitful as they pertain to the virtues as gifts of the Holy Spirit, plus they can get to know seven saints while choosing their Confirmation names. This book also gives a good introduction to why and how Catholics relate to saints as models of the Christian life.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I have received no other compensation from either the author or the publisher.
November 9, 2014
Targeted at the Catholic reader, but I think there is a lot of value here for any follower of Jesus the Christ.
July 11, 2019
The author selects one saint to match with each of the seven virtues. The author follows by relating the virtues with a contemporary person following the highlighted virtue. Each chapter is thoughtful and thought-provoking. Great read.
January 17, 2021
“Each of us is called not only to imitate the Saints in holiness, but to become Saints ourselves.”
I love learning about the Saints and really loved how this book highlighted a specific virtue that each Saint excelled in!
I love learning about the Saints and really loved how this book highlighted a specific virtue that each Saint excelled in!
June 19, 2021
Read this with my Theresian sisters. Such a sweet little book.
April 9, 2015
Jean Heimann’s beautifully written and inspiring new book is entitled “Seven Saints for Seven Virtues.”
The author focuses on the seven virtues: charity, chastity, diligence, humility, kindness, patience and temperance as well as the saints who illustrate them so beautifully: Blessed Mother Teresa, St. Agnes, St. John Paul II, St. Joseph, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Monica and St. Augustine.
Each chapter begins with the author telling the reader about a saint whose life was an example of that particular virtue, defining the virtue, then sharing a modern example of someone (sometimes a personal relative or friend) who was also an example of that virtue. Next, the author asks: “How Can We Practice” each virtue. Each chapter ends with examples of that specific virtue in action and what we, the reader, can do to put that virtue into practice.
This is an absolutely wonderful book, inspiring, edifying, informative and beautifully written. It can be read slowly, reflecting on each chapter/saint/virtue or it can be read quickly, taking in each virtuous saint’s life story and example.
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues is an ideal gift for anyone who wishes to grow in holiness and virtue. Highly recommend!
The author focuses on the seven virtues: charity, chastity, diligence, humility, kindness, patience and temperance as well as the saints who illustrate them so beautifully: Blessed Mother Teresa, St. Agnes, St. John Paul II, St. Joseph, St. Catherine of Siena, St. Monica and St. Augustine.
Each chapter begins with the author telling the reader about a saint whose life was an example of that particular virtue, defining the virtue, then sharing a modern example of someone (sometimes a personal relative or friend) who was also an example of that virtue. Next, the author asks: “How Can We Practice” each virtue. Each chapter ends with examples of that specific virtue in action and what we, the reader, can do to put that virtue into practice.
This is an absolutely wonderful book, inspiring, edifying, informative and beautifully written. It can be read slowly, reflecting on each chapter/saint/virtue or it can be read quickly, taking in each virtuous saint’s life story and example.
Seven Saints for Seven Virtues is an ideal gift for anyone who wishes to grow in holiness and virtue. Highly recommend!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews