True Reformers: Saints of the Catholic Reformation

by Jerome K. Williams

Who are the true benefactors of the human race? Explorers? Scientists? Revolutionaries? Rebels against established authority? . . . or the saints?

True Reformers explores in detail the leaders who led the Church s rebirth from the ashes of Renaissance decadence and the turbulence and confusion caused by the Protestant Reformation.

The saints of the Catholic Reformation show us just how powerful and beautiful is the human heart s free response to God s generous grace.

Featured Saints

St. Catherine of Genoa
St. Thomas More
St. Ignatius of Loyola
St. Francis Xavier
St. Philip Neri
St. Charles Borromeo
St. Pius V
St. Teresa of Avila
St. John of the Cross
St. Francis de Sales

Genres: Catholic

230 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2017

Reviews

[Daniel Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s pretty rare that I leave a review for any book, whether or not I liked it, but seldom do I read a book that inspires me like this one did. Each of these saints were unremarkable people who, by allowing the grace of God to flow through them, became remarkable and went on to do some amazing things. In an age that was desperately in need of Church renewal, these men and women answered the call and we are all the better for it, continuing to benefit from their divinely-inspired work centuries later. It really forces me to think about today’s world, one that is slowly turning away from the Lord and silently relegating faith and religion to the annals of history. We too are living in a time of upheaval, a time of chaos, and a time in desperate need of the Light of Christ. All it takes is a handful of people trusting in the Lord and following where He is leading them to renew the Church and set the world on fire once again. I pray that I may have the courage to be among them.

[Michelle Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great overview of some of the saints in the 16th century. It can be read cover to cover or slowly reading a chapter at a time to learn about these saintly men and women.

[Carolyn O’Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a member of a Spiritual Book Club. I have been a cradle Catholic my whole life. I was raised during the time of the Catholic teaching that didn’t include teaching the Bible. All that has changed and the more I know, the more I want to know. I know that the Catholic Church was corrupt in the early days, but it was these 10 people that made such a difference after the protestant reformation. I certainly have heard of the these Saints, but did not know all of their stories. They have made enormous changes in the church to be more like Jesus established I highly recommend this book to learn more about the people who made such a difference to the church I know now.

[Doug Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

THis is my second read of this book. It does a great job of sharing the contributions of some truly great men and women who guided the Church through difficult times in the 16th century.
A great Read.

[BoB Lever · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book gives good, short accounts of 10 Saints that lived during the 16th Century. I’m not sure I’d call all of them ‘True Reformers’. At least not in the sense that they formally sought to fix problems in the Church, although a few did. All of these Saints certainly lead by example in a time that needed such leaders. In that light they can all be called reformers?

This reading did inspire me to learn more about some of these figures, specifically Francis de Sales. De Sales seems to have received the least ink in True Reformers yet was the most intriguing to me. He volunteered to try to bring Catholicism back to Geneva, at a time which was quite hostile to the faith. I’ll look for some further reading on Francis de Sales.

[casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written. I really appreciate how the author summarized each saint to be informed of their lives and contributions to the Catholic faith. While also not dragging on with too much information to become overwhelmed with each saint. Excellent book to add to your library if you are are interested in how the Catholic Church started its path to where it is today.

[Chris Chase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written with a great cross section of saints that had a big influence on changing the Catholic Church and bringing needed reforms by their actions. Each chapter is relatively short but well laid out.

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book to read and re-read, ponder upon and learn from. No two saints are alike, but they all do share an overwhelming love of Christ that gave them the courage and tenacity to carry out their mission.

There is much in these stories that we can all learn from and IMITATE.

[Vance J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned much. I did not know as much about these 10 Saints as I thought I did.

[Jessica Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would definitely recommend this book not only to learn about the saints of the reformation but to be inspired to love God more and grow in holiness.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I love how the different biographies are all tied together and have so much historical background.

[Maria H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Motivating and life changing. A must read for everyone.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small group up p book

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading about the lives of saints who were contemporaries during a difficult time in history gave more dimension to their stories. I recommend the video series that goes with it also.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly basic introduction to 10 saints, many whom I’ve read about more extensively, some that I haven’t at all, but what makes the book lovely is the context it puts them in.