Saints For Dummies

by John Trigilio Jr., Kenneth Brighenti

An in-depth resource that separates fact from myth about the lives of saints Saints For Dummies offers information on famous saints (both men and women) from the Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, and Catholic traditions. With a historical biography on each saint including information on what they are known for, what they did in life to achieve sainthood, and how readers can pray to them in time of need. This easy-to-understand guide reveals that most saints were very common, ordinary, and imperfect human beings with faults and foibles who overcame their shortcomings to become figures of great spiritual and historical significance. You get a unique glimpse into the lives and the character traits of these righteous men and women, as well as future pending saints. Whether you're a scholar or just curious about the topic, Saints For Dummies will have you intrigued and informed from the first page.

Genres: Theology, Catholic

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Father John Trigilio, Jr. is a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Gannon University in 1983 with a B.A. in Liberal Arts (concentration in Theology and Philosophy). After studying for the Diocese of Erie and then for the Diocese of Arlington, Father Trigilio joined the Diocese of Harrisburg where he was ordained in 1988 by William Cardinal Keeler. He completed his seminary training at Holy Apostles Seminary, Cromwell, CT and at Mary Immaculate Seminary, Northampton, PA. Fr. Trigilio is also a cooperator in the Personal Prelature of Opus Dei.

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saints for Dummies provides an explanation of sainthood in all its simplicity and complexity. The book is organized into six sections with approximately 10 to thirty explanations with in each topic.
Part I is In The Beginning and includes Chapter 1 Understanding Sainthood, Chapter 2, Angels and the Blessed Virgin, and Chapter 3 Starting at the Beginning: Apostles and Evangelists. Part II is Put to the Test and includes Chapter 4 Overcoming Weakness, Chapter 5 Looking at Undecayed Saints or Incorruptibles, Chapter 6 covers Holy Martyrs, Chapter 7 Holy Virgins and Religious Women. The book continues in the same vein through Chapter 22. An especially interesting topic is the Litany of Saints which includes approximately 1oo names of saints who protect us from different trials and problems. Another important section is how one becomes a saint, or the canonization process which includes the titles of Venerable, Blessed and when confirmed Saint. There is also a chapter that discusses ordinary saints and official saints or those who have been canonized as Saints. Ordinary saints can be regular devout people who pray and who adhere to church doctrine with devotion. A fascinating read about a topic about which little is known.

[Min · Rating 3 out of 5]

The format, and direct explanations of what a saint is in terms of the Roman Catholic Church make this a helpful volume. Without delay, in the first ten pages, the common myth that saints must be perfect, is dispelled. Carefully expaining that anyone in Heaven is a saint. The Church offers a list of known persons to honor with veneration. Equally important is explaining that the dead, and angels are separate beings, with distinct origins.

The following chapters group saints by categories, such as, virgin, martyr, pope, founders, and many more. As some saints are in several categories, there is some repetition. This enables one to read a chapter in any order. Another important feature to me is the inclusion of other Christian saints of the Orthodox tradition.
Containing three appendixes to better find a saint, and their patronage, as well as, a selection of popular prayers.

[Grabiela · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is intersting beacuse it talks about very important saints that are from different parts of the world and what there stories are and how they came to be saints and what they helped others with.

[Melissa Fish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference book. I'm not Catholic and I found it absolutely fascinating.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource book on the saints!