The Book of Saints

by Jenny Schroedel

Catholic saints

Genres: Catholic, Religion, Nonfiction

286 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 2007

About the author

Matushka Jenny Schroedel has published essays and book reviews in a variety of magazines, including Books & Culture, Portland Magazine, and First Things. She has a Masters in Theology from St. Vladimir's Seminary. She lives in Hawaii with her husband John, an Orthodox priest, and their two daughters.

Reviews

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the patron of midwives: "St Raymond Nonnatus (August 31). Thirteenth-century Spanish cardinal who was born by cesarean section after his mother died in labor. His surname means 'not born'--an odd but interesting choice, since he obviously was" (267)

On the patron of teachers "St. John-Baptiste de la Salle (April 7). A French priest born in 1651, Jean-Baptiste founded the Brothers of the Christian Schools--or Christian Brothers as they came to be known. He had avant-garde ideas about education, one of them grouping children in classes rather than receiving individual instruction" (275).

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book as it contained many facts that didn’t necessarily pertain to a certain saint, I.e, there was a chapter dedicated to relics. Some areas of the book I wish were in greater detail which is why I only gave 4 stars.

[Johanna Lemon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been fascinated with the lives of saints for a while, and this was the perfect book to cozy up with to find out more. I found the segmenting of the types of saints helpful, and frankly, I’ve kept this book as a reference.

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was expecting to read something that highlighted the saints in the Bible. Unfortunately this book did not live up to my expectations. The martyrs were individual people not necessarily Biblical.

[Fredrick Danysh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Catholic Church haas many saints, some of which are recognized by non-Catholics. The first section of the book discusses the process by which a person is named a saint. It is followed by biographies and histories of numerous saints. Patron saints of various professions are listed. For example, brewers claim St Augustine of Hippo and St. Nicholas of Myra. A calendar of feast days is also provided. This is a handy reference.

[Ted Hinkle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Book of Saints explores the lives of numerous Saints of both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. Jenny Schroeder presents the saints in various categories, including martyrs, healing saints, literary, holiday saints, saints and animals, etc. I also found the appendixes informative; Saintly lives in historical context, Doctors of the Church, Calendar of Saints' Feast Days and Patron Saints by occupation. Good reference to keep for study and inspiration.