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All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, & Witnesses for Our Time
From Therese of Lisieux to Mother Teresa, from Moses to Gandhi, this inspiring treasury combines traditional saints with other spiritual giants whose livs speak to the meaning of holiness forever.
600 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 3, 2025
some of the reflections here are really inspiring, but too often i am left feeling upset… and i feel like that shouldn’t happen with a daily saints reflection book, lol. first of all, the title of the book is “all saints,” but a lot of the people here aren’t saints. the title subtext includes “…prophets and witnesses for our time,” so um maybe rename your book. but that’s not what really bothers me. i’ll get to that. before that though i have a different gripe worth mentioning!
there are reflections in this book that aren’t even reflections. on today’s date (oct 3rd), for example, a martyr is reflected on instead of Mother Théodore Guérin. which is totally cool because they’re both saints. but the reflection of the martyr is nothing more than a description of the facts about her life and then her horrific death. not a single word about how her suffering was transformed or anything. or how she profoundly affected the lives of others throughout her lifetime. it lacks substance, it lacks reflection, i mean come on, for the second time, name your book something else. this book doesn’t contain daily reflections, it contains every-other-day reflections at best, and therefore fails at its aim and sole purpose. and this happens all throughout the book. there are some really cool reflections but “some” isn’t good enough when the book claims to provide this each day.
okay, now onto what actually upsets me (and honestly i probably would have a lot more specific examples to list here but i haven’t read every single reflection,, i’ve seen enough)… november 7th. feast day of St. Engelbert. who was written about here? Albert Camus. okay… interesting… initially i am optimistic about this because i don’t like judging things without full knowledge and because Camus positively influenced me a lot in the past. the write-up of Camus’ supposedly Christian-influenced works was a bit of a nothingburger. its whatever; i’ve come to expect that from this book. its the last paragraph here that i thought was crazy. it reads: “the number of those who serve Christ is not confined to self-professed Christians. paradoxically, Camus served Truth by keeping faith with his conscience and denying God. the alternative for him would have been to ‘love a scheme of things in which children are put to torture.’ this, to his credit, he would not do.” BOLD!!! notice how truth is capitalized. that capitalization itself has a bold connotation, though the sentence’s meaning would stay the same without it. God is truth itself (ST I, q. 16, a. 5) and every Catholic knows that. so how can one serve God by following his own will and denying God? that is the opposite of serving God and Truth, lol! there is no workaround this logic! theologically and logically incorrect. and to write this in a Catholic book and fail to reflect upon the distinction between false personal belief and Truth indicates either ill-will or lack of intelligence. i’m thinking its definitely the latter after reading hundreds of fancy empty sentences that pass themselves off as profound but miss the mark of truth, goodness, and beauty.
the one good thing this book has done in spite of its shortcomings is that after being completely unsatisfied with the reflections i’ve read, i’ve felt moved to get real answers and have researched the saints talked about as well as the saints that should have been reflected upon on days where “prophets and witnesses for our time” were talked about instead.
there are reflections in this book that aren’t even reflections. on today’s date (oct 3rd), for example, a martyr is reflected on instead of Mother Théodore Guérin. which is totally cool because they’re both saints. but the reflection of the martyr is nothing more than a description of the facts about her life and then her horrific death. not a single word about how her suffering was transformed or anything. or how she profoundly affected the lives of others throughout her lifetime. it lacks substance, it lacks reflection, i mean come on, for the second time, name your book something else. this book doesn’t contain daily reflections, it contains every-other-day reflections at best, and therefore fails at its aim and sole purpose. and this happens all throughout the book. there are some really cool reflections but “some” isn’t good enough when the book claims to provide this each day.
okay, now onto what actually upsets me (and honestly i probably would have a lot more specific examples to list here but i haven’t read every single reflection,, i’ve seen enough)… november 7th. feast day of St. Engelbert. who was written about here? Albert Camus. okay… interesting… initially i am optimistic about this because i don’t like judging things without full knowledge and because Camus positively influenced me a lot in the past. the write-up of Camus’ supposedly Christian-influenced works was a bit of a nothingburger. its whatever; i’ve come to expect that from this book. its the last paragraph here that i thought was crazy. it reads: “the number of those who serve Christ is not confined to self-professed Christians. paradoxically, Camus served Truth by keeping faith with his conscience and denying God. the alternative for him would have been to ‘love a scheme of things in which children are put to torture.’ this, to his credit, he would not do.” BOLD!!! notice how truth is capitalized. that capitalization itself has a bold connotation, though the sentence’s meaning would stay the same without it. God is truth itself (ST I, q. 16, a. 5) and every Catholic knows that. so how can one serve God by following his own will and denying God? that is the opposite of serving God and Truth, lol! there is no workaround this logic! theologically and logically incorrect. and to write this in a Catholic book and fail to reflect upon the distinction between false personal belief and Truth indicates either ill-will or lack of intelligence. i’m thinking its definitely the latter after reading hundreds of fancy empty sentences that pass themselves off as profound but miss the mark of truth, goodness, and beauty.
the one good thing this book has done in spite of its shortcomings is that after being completely unsatisfied with the reflections i’ve read, i’ve felt moved to get real answers and have researched the saints talked about as well as the saints that should have been reflected upon on days where “prophets and witnesses for our time” were talked about instead.
May 27, 2013
*Everyone* should read Robert Ellsberg's "All Saints: Daily Reflections on Saints, Prophets, and Witnesses for Our Time." That's right, I mean *everyone*. Everyone on the planet. All six billion of you. Normally I would never say that in a book review. Some audiences prefer thrillers, some like mysteries, some, romances.
No matter who you are, though, no matter where you live, what language you speak or what religion you've been raised in, you face the same questions as every other person on the planet: Why are you here? How do you live a worthy life? Is there a God? What happens after you die? Why do you suffer? How do you do anything good in a bad world? Do you have any significance at all? Are you just a cosmic accident?
Robert Ellsberg's "All Saints" answers these questions better than any other book out there, excepting core spiritual classics like the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, and other ancient texts. Ellsberg doesn't answer the big questions with airy fairy bloviating. He doesn't make stuff up. He answers the big questions with the real lives of real people who really lived and breathed and faced every question you have faced, and fallen into every trap you've fallen into.
Ellsberg provides a saint's biography for every day of the calendar year. These brief biographies run, in length, from a couple of paragraphs to a couple of pages. Their literary style is straightforward. A child could understand every biography here, and an adult could be rewarded by reading them.
This is a universal book. African, European, Asian, North and South American saints are covered. There is Dr. Takashi Nagai, who survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Josephine Bakhita, who was born into slavery in Sudan, and Pandita Ramabai, an Indian Christian feminist. Many of the saints recorded here are Catholic. At least one, Albert Camus, was a self-identified atheist, Gandhi was a Hindu, and Martin Buber was a Jew.
These saints face the exact same trials we all face. Sor Juana, who lived in seventeenth century Mexico, faced misogyny. Oscar Romero confronted powerful political opponents. Peter Claver took on the overwhelming evil of slavery. Augustine committed many sins.
When we look for the answers to the big questions, we aren't inventing the wheel. Others have gone before us, and offer us the example of their wisdom, their strength, and their endurance. Really, gentle reader, you cheat yourself by not buying and reading this book. Daily.
These biographies aren't just inspiring, they are also some of the best stories every written. They are entertaining, and moving, and unforgettable. There is a reason that the account of the life of St. Genesius has lasted almost two thousand years. It is simply a great, great story.
No matter who you are, though, no matter where you live, what language you speak or what religion you've been raised in, you face the same questions as every other person on the planet: Why are you here? How do you live a worthy life? Is there a God? What happens after you die? Why do you suffer? How do you do anything good in a bad world? Do you have any significance at all? Are you just a cosmic accident?
Robert Ellsberg's "All Saints" answers these questions better than any other book out there, excepting core spiritual classics like the Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, and other ancient texts. Ellsberg doesn't answer the big questions with airy fairy bloviating. He doesn't make stuff up. He answers the big questions with the real lives of real people who really lived and breathed and faced every question you have faced, and fallen into every trap you've fallen into.
Ellsberg provides a saint's biography for every day of the calendar year. These brief biographies run, in length, from a couple of paragraphs to a couple of pages. Their literary style is straightforward. A child could understand every biography here, and an adult could be rewarded by reading them.
This is a universal book. African, European, Asian, North and South American saints are covered. There is Dr. Takashi Nagai, who survived the atomic bombing of Nagasaki, Josephine Bakhita, who was born into slavery in Sudan, and Pandita Ramabai, an Indian Christian feminist. Many of the saints recorded here are Catholic. At least one, Albert Camus, was a self-identified atheist, Gandhi was a Hindu, and Martin Buber was a Jew.
These saints face the exact same trials we all face. Sor Juana, who lived in seventeenth century Mexico, faced misogyny. Oscar Romero confronted powerful political opponents. Peter Claver took on the overwhelming evil of slavery. Augustine committed many sins.
When we look for the answers to the big questions, we aren't inventing the wheel. Others have gone before us, and offer us the example of their wisdom, their strength, and their endurance. Really, gentle reader, you cheat yourself by not buying and reading this book. Daily.
These biographies aren't just inspiring, they are also some of the best stories every written. They are entertaining, and moving, and unforgettable. There is a reason that the account of the life of St. Genesius has lasted almost two thousand years. It is simply a great, great story.
May 28, 2007
This book offers a short daily reflection on the life of saints -- and saint is interpreted rather widely which I admire greatly. Some of the selections are excellent but some mystify me, perhaps because I'm not a Catholic? for instance, those Russian mystics who rolled around in pigpens and were called names by the local peasants. Amusing story...but a prophet? anyway, definitely worth reading.
September 17, 2009
This book has a place of honor on my night table. It is a treasure, and is endlessly readable, inspiring and informative.
April 18, 2016
I use this in my reference section - I still dig into it bimonthly as needed.
Great book!!!
Great book!!!
November 15, 2019
Robert Ellsberg’s All Saints is a collection of daily reflections on saints, prophets, and witnesses for our time. This great resource brings together spiritual figures of many faiths. These include mystics, martyrs, social activists, artists, writers, and composers. Some of these individuals have been canonized, many have not been, and others would not. But the book tells a story of 365 holy ones in 365 days of devotion.
This devotional is a rich collection that is well suited for daily prayer and meditation. It makes the “biblical cloud of witnesses” come alive. In this diverse text Ellsberg’s has shone the light on individuals with unique and amazing spiritual paths. This book is therefore a rare treasure that broadens the Catholic notion about sanctity. With this work Ellsberg has undoubtedly proven himself to be a major spiritual writer.
This devotional is a rich collection that is well suited for daily prayer and meditation. It makes the “biblical cloud of witnesses” come alive. In this diverse text Ellsberg’s has shone the light on individuals with unique and amazing spiritual paths. This book is therefore a rare treasure that broadens the Catholic notion about sanctity. With this work Ellsberg has undoubtedly proven himself to be a major spiritual writer.
December 31, 2022
A book with 365 readings on saints, prophets and witnesses for our time.
Firstly, I loved it enough to actually see it through till the end of the year! (I usually abandon books of daily readings somewhere around June- lol!)
I love that this book has not just saints and prophets but martyrs. Not just famous saints but unknown ones. There are lots of female saints, African Americans, Latin Americans, Catholics, protestants, a few quakers, and people of no faith. The thing they all have in common is that they lived a life or had a message that is inspiring or exemplary or thought-provoking for a Christian of any denomination.
The biographies are taken from all periods of history.
I ended up buying a few books by or about some of the ´saints´ included in this book, so I will have to get busy in 2023.
Firstly, I loved it enough to actually see it through till the end of the year! (I usually abandon books of daily readings somewhere around June- lol!)
I love that this book has not just saints and prophets but martyrs. Not just famous saints but unknown ones. There are lots of female saints, African Americans, Latin Americans, Catholics, protestants, a few quakers, and people of no faith. The thing they all have in common is that they lived a life or had a message that is inspiring or exemplary or thought-provoking for a Christian of any denomination.
The biographies are taken from all periods of history.
I ended up buying a few books by or about some of the ´saints´ included in this book, so I will have to get busy in 2023.
December 31, 2023
Great way to start each day!
Just finished "All Saints" by Robert Ellsberg, a collection of reflections that examines the lives of saints, prophets, and witnesses.
Ellsberg's brief narratives and profound insights provide a daily dose of inspiration and spiritual enrichment. The author's deep understanding of the human experience creates a captivating journey through the lives of these remarkable individuals. Each reflection is a gem, offering wisdom that transcends time.
"All Saints" is a literary treasure that describes the beauty of human virtue and the enduring power of faith. Great way to start or end each day with an uplifting reflection. Check it out!
Just finished "All Saints" by Robert Ellsberg, a collection of reflections that examines the lives of saints, prophets, and witnesses.
Ellsberg's brief narratives and profound insights provide a daily dose of inspiration and spiritual enrichment. The author's deep understanding of the human experience creates a captivating journey through the lives of these remarkable individuals. Each reflection is a gem, offering wisdom that transcends time.
"All Saints" is a literary treasure that describes the beauty of human virtue and the enduring power of faith. Great way to start or end each day with an uplifting reflection. Check it out!
December 31, 2024
Not just a collection of lives of saints, even if we accept the author's definition of saint to include non-Christians like Gandhi and Camus, who have a lot to teach us about how to live a Christian life.
It's more than a collection of lives. It is almost a history and proposed direction for the Church as it continues to engage with the world beyond the West. As someone who would be considered "left-leaning" in the Catholic Church, I found that this book is the closest articulation for where I'd like to see the Church move than anything.
It's more than a collection of lives. It is almost a history and proposed direction for the Church as it continues to engage with the world beyond the West. As someone who would be considered "left-leaning" in the Catholic Church, I found that this book is the closest articulation for where I'd like to see the Church move than anything.
March 19, 2021
Instead of reading this one person a day I read it as one of several books I am reading for Lent this year. Over all it was interesting to learn about a wide range of individuals with a wide range of responses to faith (manly but not exclusively Christian Faith) over a wide range of time periods and locations. I was surprised at how many modern day individuals made it into the book. Over all I am glad I decided to sit down and work through this book this lent.
October 25, 2018
While I'm marking this as "read," I won't be done with it until sometime next June. Which is the way this book should be read. And used. Each day I read about a "saint," whether Church-sanctioned or one shared by Robert Ellsberg as worthy of attention, devotion, and respect.
Reading about "saints" inspires me to find and develop my own sense of self and call.
An excellent read!
Reading about "saints" inspires me to find and develop my own sense of self and call.
An excellent read!
December 12, 2017
There is nothing better than seeing what others have done and getting inspiration from them. This book provides a wide variety of examples.
November 24, 2018
A great source for daily reflections on and by Catholic Saints.
Read
January 20, 2020This book was given to me by a Jesuit Brother 20 years ago. A great source second to the Bible. A keeper. Learned how ordinary actions be transformed to extraordinary regardless of creed.
January 1, 2021
Good book, had countless stories of heros and saints. You could do one saint a day.
December 7, 2013
When I asked a minister at church for devotional recommendations, this was one of many books he handed to me days later in a very heavy bag. It was one of the first books I was drawn to. I love history! And these mini-biographies sparked interest in people, communities, and historical events that had me spending hours on the internet doing research. The more I read about the saints (and other compassionate figures) the more inspired I become to be prayerful and more purposeful in worship and my own life. Not all of the "saints" in the book are saints, and a few aren't even Christian. But the legacies they have left to the world do, or should, affect our Christian points of view, and at least make us more aware of what we are committing ourselves to when we call ourselves "Christians."
That, and it's all just fascinating!
That, and it's all just fascinating!
December 31, 2009
This is an excellently done book with one to two pages about an outstanding "saint" for each day of the year. While many are canonized saints, there are many others who are not--including some who are not even Christians. But the latter were significant "prophets and witnesses for our time."
I started this book on January 1 this year, and I hope there will be many who start reading it tomorrow, for it is well worth the few minutes it takes to read each day's selection.
I started this book on January 1 this year, and I hope there will be many who start reading it tomorrow, for it is well worth the few minutes it takes to read each day's selection.
December 26, 2010
A great book to end or begin your day with. A "saint" a day for every day in the calendar year. I especially enjoy how Ellsberg goes outside the box to tap into holy people from other religions and faiths around the world. Inspiring! A great way to begin or end your day with the saints of the world.
December 29, 2009
Great great great book! Concise yet inclusive readings on roughly 365 "saints". Cool that this Catholic dared to include non-Catholics and even non-Christian people who lead saintly lives. Loved it! This is one I'll read over and over and continue to refer to regularly.
December 10, 2015
This is an excellent book. I recommend it highly to people of faith, especially Christians, who want a read on those officially recognized as "saints" and those who should be--people who have loved and served justice and given themselves to their neighbors.
September 24, 2015
I love how inclusive this anthology is. When we think of saints our definition is usually too narrow. This book refreshingly broadens our definition. -Amos Smith (author of Healing The Divide: Recovering Christianity's Mystic Roots)
November 1, 2016
This amazingly broad collection of lives of saints has been part of my midday prayer for the last year. While many are canonized Catholics, there are biblical characters, Protestants, even some nonChristians. Always interesting, sometimes fascinating.
April 1, 2007
I need to read the stories of people who have a vision. This selection of short one-a-day heroes is a short on women, but I hear he has a new book out which focuses on women. I mean to buy it.
January 10, 2009
Eclectic and ecumenical commentary on "saintly" people, many of whom are not Catholic or Christian.
Good stuff!
Good stuff!
August 9, 2010
Nice little daily entries on saints and other good and inspirational people.
February 24, 2017
Nice collection, includes people you wouldn't think would be in it like Sojourner Truth, Hans and Sophie Scholl, Vincent Van Gogh, Kathe Kollwitz.
June 16, 2013
Easy read about selected saints and notables who have influenced Catholic perceptions over the years.
September 18, 2007
such a phenomenal primer on the phenomenal people throughout the ages
July 9, 2009
Great for insomnia.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews