Encounter The Saints Poster Set

Featuring:

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saints and blesseds of diverse historical periods and nations brief biography, prayer, and additional black and white illustrations on reverse sides

Text by Patricia Edward Jablonski, FSP

kids Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul • Published in the U.S.A. by Pauline Books & Media, 50 Saint Paul’s Avenue, Boston, MA, 02130-3491 • www.pauline.org • Printed in Korea.

Pauline Books & Media is the publishing house of the Daughters of St. Paul, an international congregation of women religious serving the Church with the communications media. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

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Illustrated by Barbara Kiwak for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint André Bessette A frail baby boy was born on August 9, 1845 in the Canadian village of Saint-Gregoire. Clothilde and Isaac Bessette named him Alfred and asked God to help him survive. Alfred lived, but he remained weak and sickly for the rest of his life. Because of this he missed so much school that at the age of twelve he still couldn’t read. By that time, his parents had died. In spite of these sufferings, Alfred had great faith in God and a special friendship with Saint Joseph.

As he got older, Alfred tried one job after another, but he was not able to do them well because of his poor health. “Lord, show me what to do!” he pleaded. God answered Alfred’s prayer by helping him discover his vocation as a brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal when he was twenty-five. There he received a new name— Brother André.

Since Brother André couldn’t teach as many of the brothers did, he was assigned to answer the door. He kept this simple job for forty years.

He prayed whenever he could, even while everyone else was sleeping.

Many people would come to the door asking Brother André to pray for them. Soon miracles began to happen. Many sick persons for whom André prayed were healed: the blind could see; cancer disappeared; those unable to walk no longer needed their crutches or wheelchairs.

The miracles were not just physical either—other persons received spiritual graces. Crowds flocked to the monastery to see him, but André gave all the credit for the miracles to Saint Joseph. “Pray to Saint Joseph,” he told each visitor. “He will ask God to help you.”

André dreamt of building a huge and beautiful church to honor Saint Joseph, his favorite saint. He received permission to build a tiny chapel in his honor. Later, after much prayer, many sacrifices, and difficulties, he succeeded in getting his religious Congregation to build the magnificent Oratory of Saint Joseph in Montreal. It is now the largest shrine dedicated to Saint Joseph in the world and the biggest church in Canada.

Brother André died on January 6, 1937 at the age of ninety-one. Over a million people attended the wake and funeral of this humble servant of God and friend of Saint Joseph.

Saint André, I believe that God has a special plan for me, just as he did for you. Help me to spend my life loving and serving God and others in whatever vocation I’m called to.

Based on Saint André Bessette: Miracles in Montreal www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Wayne Alfano for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint Bakhita A seven-year-old girl from the African country of Sudan was kidnapped by slave traders. They called her “Bakhita” and kept her locked in a small hut for over a month, feeding her just once a day.

Bakhita was bought and sold again and again. Once, she and another girl escaped, only to be tricked by a man who promised to help them. The two girls soon found themselves slaves once more.

As a slave, Bakhita was sometimes beaten so severely that she would lose consciousness. When she was fourteen, Bakhita was bought by an Italian official living in Sudan. He took her to Italy as a servant. Later, when a friend’s wife, Signora Michieli, complained about not having a maid, the official gave her Bakhita. When the Michieli’s had a baby girl, Mimmina, Bakhita became her nanny. Because the Michielis spent a lot of time out of the country, they enrolled Mimmina and Bakhita in a boarding school run by the Canossian Sisters. There Bakhita learned about the God she had never known. When Signora Michieli returned to Italy, she went to the school to bring Mimmina and Bakhita home, but Bakhita wanted to stay and become Catholic. “I want to stay here and complete my religion classes,” Bakhita gently protested. Signora Michieli was furious, but slavery was illegal in Italy, and she couldn’t force Bakhita to leave the school.

On January 9, 1890, Bakhita joyfully received Baptism, Confirmation, and her first Communion. Growing closer in her relationship to Jesus, she felt him calling her to remain at the convent as a religious sister.

Whether in the kitchen, chapel, or hospital, Sister Bakhita helped and encouraged others. Once someone asked her what she would do if she ever met her kidnappers. “I would kiss their hands,” she immediately answered, “because without all that has happened to me, I wouldn’t be a Christian or a sister now.” In the final years of her life, she served as doorkeeper of the Canossian convent at Schio and traveled throughout Italy giving talks on the missionary life of the Canossian Sisters.

Bakhita found true freedom and peace in forgiving others.

Saint Bakhita, you could have been really angry and bitter toward those who made you suffer, but with Jesus’ help, you forgave them.

Help me to find the freedom that forgiveness always brings.

Based on Saint Bakhita of Sudan: Forever Free www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints

Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Cathy Morrison for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint Catherine Labouré Catherine Labouré was born on May 2, 1806, in the little French town of Fain les Moutiers. She was one of ten children and was only nine years old when her mother died. That day she prayed, “Mary, now you will be my mother.”

Mr. Labouré owned a large farm on which all the children worked.

Catherine’s favorite chore was feeding the 600 pigeons, which they used for food and sold at the market. Because of her duties, Catherine couldn’t attend school. She memorized her religion lessons to prepare for her first Communion. When she received Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, Catherine began to feel the desire to give herself completely to him.

After her oldest sister entered the convent of the Daughters of Charity, twelve-year-old Catherine took over the management of the farm. She cooked, did laundry, fed the animals, and organized the workers, but she always found time to pray. Catherine felt called to the convent too, but her father was against it. Finally, in January of 1830, he relented and Catherine’s dream came true. At the age of twenty-three, she became a Daughter of Charity.

On the night of July 18, 1830, something amazing happened—the Blessed Mother appeared to Sister Catherine in the convent chapel! They spoke that night for over two hours. The Virgin Mary appeared two more times to the young sister. During the second apparition, Mary asked Catherine to have a special medal made. The medal—which would show the Blessed Mother just as Catherine had seen her—would remind everyone that when we ask for Mary’s help, she always prays to God for us.

Although there were difficulties, eventually Sister Catherine succeeded in getting the medal made. Soon people began to wear it, and those who did and prayed with faith began receiving great graces. Before long, people started referring to it as the “Miraculous Medal.”

During her lifetime, only a few priests and her superior at the convent knew that Sister Catherine was the sister to whom Mary had appeared.

Catherine kept it secret and spent the next forty years quietly and humbly serving the sick and elderly. She died on December 31, 1876, as she was preparing little packages of Miraculous Medals to distribute.

Saint Catherine, thank you for being Mary’s instrument in bringing us the gift of the Miraculous Medal. Help us to be as humble and loving in serving God and others as you were.

Based on Saint Catherine Labouré: And Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints

Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Mary Joseph Peterson, FSP for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint Clare of Assisi Clare Offreduccio was born in Assisi, Italy in 1194. Her parents belonged to the nobility, and she and her two younger sisters were given every luxury and comfort.

At seventeen, Clare, with her long golden hair, was stunningly beautiful. Her proud parents began planning her marriage, but Clare told her family that she loved Jesus and wanted to follow him in a life of poverty as Brother Francis Bernardone (the future Saint Francis) was doing. “I’ll never allow it!” her father shouted.

A year passed. Her father died, and Clare continued to meet with Brother Francis. She was surer than ever that God was calling her to live a life of prayer and penance.

On the night of Palm Sunday, 1212, Clare—dressed in her finest gown and jewels—secretly slipped out of her home accompanied by Pacifica, one of her mother’s servants. “You look like a bride, Lady Clare!” Pacifica gasped. “I am going to become the bride of Jesus,” Clare joyfully responded.

Clare met Francis and his brothers at the tiny Church of St. Mary of the Angels. There Francis cut her hair, and Clare exchanged her gown and jewelry for a simple robe of rough material and a veil.

Her family was not pleased. An infuriated uncle even made four unsuccessful attempts to bring her home. But Clare was at peace, and her example soon led other young women to join her. People called the new sisters “the Poor Ladies.” Brother Francis placed the sisters in a little monastery attached to the church of San Damiano. There they happily prayed, worked, and did penance for the world.

What made the Poor Ladies different from other nuns was their very strict practice of poverty in imitation of Jesus. They depended on Francis and his brothers to beg for food for them and God always provided for their needs. Once they had only half a loaf of bread. “Cut the bread into fifty slices,” Clare calmly directed. Sister Cecilia obediently began cutting very thin slices, but each grew larger as she stacked them onto the platter. She was able to serve all fifty sisters without running out!

Clare died on August 11, 1253. Today there are about 18,000 of her sisters, now called the Poor Clares, throughout the world.

Saint Clare, you knew that the greatest treasure in the world is not money or beautiful and expensive things, but God. Help me to love God above and before everything and everyone else.

Based on Saint Clare of Assisi: A Light for the World www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Anne Bergstrom for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint Damien of Molokai Joseph De Veuster was born in Tremelo, Belgium, on January 3, 1840. He was mischievous, but also generous and sensitive—especially toward the poor.

Joseph’s father wanted him to become a businessman, but another call tugged at the young man’s heart. Joseph believed that God wanted him to be a priest. After Joseph visited his brother Auguste, who had joined the missionary Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, he felt that this was also where he belonged. The determined nineteen-year-old entered the monastery in 1859.

As was the custom in religious life, the brothers received new names.

Auguste had become Pamphile, and Joseph was given the name Damien.

One night a missionary bishop visiting from the Pacific Islands spoke to the community about the needs of his distant diocese. Damien’s heart burned with a desire to respond to the bishop. Later he wrote to his brother, “How many people still haven’t even heard of Jesus? Wouldn’t it be great if you and I could go there as missionaries?”

After his ordination, Father Pamphile was chosen to go to the Hawaiian Islands, but before he could leave, he contracted typhoid fever. Damien, still only a seminarian, volunteered to take his place. His superiors accepted his offer, and after four and a half months at sea, Damien finally landed in Hawaii.

Two months into his new assignment, Damien was ordained a priest.

When the bishop pleaded for volunteers to go to Molokai, the Hawaiian island to which persons with leprosy were sent to die, Damien offered to go.

Molokai was more primitive than anything Father Damien could have imagined. He had no house to live in and spent his first weeks sleeping under a tree. His parishioners were terribly deformed in body and broken in spirit. Abandoned by all, they had lost hope. Seeing the people’s great need, Damien got to work. He rebuilt the dilapidated chapel. He celebrated Mass and the sacraments; he prayed for the dying. He built coffins and cared for the suffering. He taught the people to plant gardens and channel clean water from the mountains. Unlike most other people, Father Damien wasn’t afraid to be close to his leprous parishioners. Everything he did was for their well being. They had never met anyone like him.

Because he worked so closely with the lepers, Father Damien wasn’t surprised when he contracted the painful disease himself. Inspired by his heroic example, others went to Molokai to continue his work. Father Damien suffered for five years before going home to God on April 15, 1889.

Saint Damien, help us to always see Jesus in others. May we recognize their needs and be willing to help them—even when it’s hard—just as you did.

Based on Saint Damien of Molokai: Hero of Hawaii www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Joan Waites for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint Faustina Kowalska Helena Kowalska was born in Glogowiec, Poland, on August 25, 1905. She grew up on a farm along with her two brothers and five sisters. Helena believed Jesus was inviting her to become a sister, but her family was poor and depended on her help.

One night, eighteen-year-old Helena attended a dance with one of her sisters. Suddenly, Helena saw Jesus beside her! “How long will you keep putting me off?” he sadly asked before disappearing. Helena rushed to a nearby church and prayed: “Dear Jesus, what do you want me to do?” In her heart she heard him answer, “Go immediately to Warsaw. There you will find a convent to enter.”

Alone, with only the clothes she was wearing, Helena took the train to Warsaw. But because World War I had brought destruction and poverty to Poland, some convents worried that young women were trying to join them just to find food and a place to live, so they turned Helena away. She, however, did not give up trying to do what God asked of her.

Finally on August 1, 1925, twenty-year-old Helena was accepted by the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy. These sisters cared for and taught poor young women who needed guidance. Helena’s new life was filled with prayer and work. Because she had only attended a few years of elementary school, she worked in the kitchen and did housecleaning.

When she received her habit, she received a new name: Sister Maria Faustina.

On the night of February 22, 1931, while Sister Faustina was deep in prayer, Jesus appeared to her as the living image of our merciful God. Rays of red and white light poured forth from his heart. “Paint an image just like this,” Jesus told Faustina. “And under the image place the words ‘Jesus, I trust in you.’”

Jesus gave Sister Faustina the special mission of reminding the whole world of God’s great mercy and love. Faustina had to go through many sufferings and trials to carry out this work, but she never gave up. Because of the diary she wrote, we know many wonderful things about God’s great mercy. Through her, Jesus also gave us the powerful prayer known as the Divine Mercy Chaplet. Sister Faustina died on October 5, 1938 at the age of thirty-three.

Saint Faustina, help me always to trust in Jesus and to be thankful for God’s great gift of mercy.

Based on Saint Faustina Kowalska: Messenger of Mercy www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Rick Powell for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint Gianna Beretta Molla Gianna Beretta was born to a large family in Magenta, Italy, on October 4, 1922. Friendly and outgoing, she was also very sensitive and compassionate, especially to the poor and sick.

At the age of twenty-seven Gianna became a doctor. She cared for everyone, whether they could pay or not, often giving her patients free medicine and even money. Her greatest desire was to lead everyone she met to God. In 1955, Gianna married Pietro Molla. Family was very important to the couple, and they rejoiced over the three children God sent them. In 1961, Gianna was overjoyed to find that she was pregnant with her fourth child, but this time she developed some unusual swelling and had a lot of pain.

“You have a large tumor growing very close to the baby,” her brother Dr. Ferdinando sadly explained. “The tumor will have to be removed . . . and soon.”

Pietro and Gianna consulted a specialist who agreed that the tumor had to be removed for Gianna to survive. He gave Gianna and Pietro three options. The first would be to remove the tumor and all of the surrounding area, but Gianna would never be able to have children again, and her unborn baby would die as a side effect of the surgery. The second option was one that the couple wouldn’t consider because it involved purposely aborting the baby. The third option would remove only the tumor, and allow the baby to continue to grow, but it would put Gianna’s life in danger.

Being a doctor herself, Gianna clearly understood the serious decision she had to make. “I choose to trust God,” she bravely declared after much prayer and reflection. “If you have to choose between saving me or our baby, save the baby!” Gianna did not want to die, but she refused to risk the life of her child. The tumor was successfully removed seven months before the baby’s birth.

A healthy little girl was delivered on April 21, 1962, but Gianna developed a terrible infection. Her physical pain was terrible and there was nothing that could be done. Knowing that she was dying and leaving behind her four young children and husband, all Gianna could do was pray.

She trusted that God would take care of her beloved family.

Gianna went home to God on April 28, 1962, at the age of thirty-nine.

Because of her courageous choice to save her unborn baby, Saint Gianna is invoked as a powerful patron saint of the pro-life movement.

Saint Gianna, you recognized life as a precious gift from God. Help me to always respect and defend every stage of human life because each of us has been created in God’s own image.

Based on Saint Gianna Beretta Molla: The Gift of Life www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Charlie Craig for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Blessed James Alberione Michael and Teresa Alberione could never have imagined God’s plans for their fourth son, born on April 4, 1884. Growing up on a farm in a northern Italian village, James learned to pray and work hard. By the time he was six, he told his teachers, his classmates, and his family that he wanted to be a priest.

James began his seminary studies when he was twelve. He was happy.

For three years everything went smoothly. Then some boys gave him books and magazines that confused and distracted him. It became harder for him to pray and his grades began to drop. Eventually, the priest in charge of the seminary informed him, “We have to send you home, James.”

More confused than ever, the sixteen year old returned to the family farm.

He still did want to be a priest, so James prayed, sought advice from his pastor, and waited. After several months, he was accepted at a different seminary. This time he was careful about the friends he made and the books he read.

A few months later, on the night of December 31, 1900, James and the other seminarians attended midnight Mass at the cathedral. Eucharistic adoration followed the Mass. James remained before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament for four hours. In his heart, he heard Jesus say, “Come to me, all of you.” He felt that Jesus was asking him to do something special that would bring everyone in the new century closer to God. But what? Little by little, Jesus gave him the answer: James would gather followers who would print and distribute Bibles, along with books, magazines, and newspapers that taught the Catholic faith. They would also use any new inventions of the future—like movies, radio, and even the Internet—to spread God’s word.

After being ordained, Father James went on to found five congregations of religious priests, brothers, and sisters, and five associations for single persons, married persons, and diocesan priests. These groups make up the Pauline Family. The members try to live like Jesus and bring him to others through the media with the help of Mary and Saint Paul.

Father James was beatified by Saint John Paul II on April 27, 2003.

Blessed James, you understood the power of the media both for good and for evil. Help me always to read, watch, and listen to only those things that will keep me close to God. Based on Blessed James Alberione: Media Apostle www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints

Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Charlie Craig for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint John Paul II On May 18, 1920, Karol Wojtyla, a boy who would one day bring millions closer to God, was born in Wadowice, Poland. Karol’s mother died a month before his ninth birthday. Then about four years later, his brother—his only sibling—also died. After that, Karol and his father only had each other.

Although they were sad, their faith in God did not waver.

Karol studied hard, enjoyed acting, and made many friends. But when the Nazis invaded Poland in 1939, Karol could no longer go to school. Instead he worked in a stone quarry for low wages in order to buy food for his ill father and himself.

Although Karol did all he could, his father was too sick and died. Now nearly twenty-one and all alone, Karol could only turn to God and ask: “Lord, what is your will for me?” After more than a year of prayer, he felt that God was asking him to enter seminary to become a priest.

Karol—who continued to work in the stone quarry—and his fellow seminarians studied in hiding under the constant threat of being arrested and even killed by the Nazis. But God protected them, and Karol was ordained in 1946, after the Nazis had left Poland.

As a priest, he loved teaching and working with young people. On the skiing, hiking, and kayaking expeditions he led, Karol answered their many questions about God and their Catholic faith. At thirty-eight, Karol was named a bishop. Nine years later he was appointed a cardinal. It was a challenge to guide the Church in Poland because of the interference of the Communist government, but even so Cardinal Karol constantly visited different cities throughout the country, encouraged his people, and taught the faith.

On October 16, 1978, the College of Cardinals, inspired by the Holy Spirit, chose Karol Wojtyla to lead the universal Church as Pope. Taking the name John Paul II, Karol let God and the Blessed Mother guide his papacy. Realizing that not many people would be able to come to Rome to see him, the pope decided that he could bring the Gospel to them. In his more than twenty-six years as Pope (the third longest papacy in all of Church history), John Paul II visited 129 countries and traveled more than 700,000 miles—nearly three times the distance between the earth and the moon! Everywhere he went he repeated the words of Jesus: “Do not be afraid!”

Pope John Paul II returned to the Lord on April 2, 2005. Nearly four million people attended his funeral. Many of them spontaneously cried out, “Make him a saint soon!” And that’s exactly what happened: John Paul II was canonized in 2014, just nine years after his death.

Saint John Paul II, you showed us how to follow Jesus during challenging times. Help us to never be afraid because Jesus is always with us.

Based on Saint John Paul II: Be Not Afraid www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Barbara Kiwak for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Ioragode, the daughter of a Mohawk chief and an Algonquin Catholic mother, was born in the Mohawk village of Ossernenon (now Auriesville, New York) in 1656. Her mother taught Ioragode about Rawanniio, the Algonquin name for the one true God. When Ioragode was only four, a smallpox epidemic took the lives of her parents and baby brother. When she was found, Ioragode went to live with her aunt and uncle, her father’s brother. The disease had scarred her face and weakened her eyesight. Since she often had to feel her way around, her uncle, who was also a chief, decided, “You will now be called Tekakwitha—she who ‘pushes with her hands.’”

Tekakwitha worked hard gathering wood, cooking meals, and serving them, but her kind smile hid a deep sorrow. More than anything she wanted to be baptized, but her uncle wouldn’t allow it. Tekakwitha often slipped into the forest to pray before a cross she had carved into a tree. “Make me a Catholic, Rawanniio!” she begged.

When some missionary priests came to her village, Tekakwitha risked her uncle’s anger and asked to be taught the Catholic faith and be baptized. At her Baptism, she chose the Christian name Kateri— “Catherine” in the Mohawk language—but her family and tribe made her pay for her decision. They piled extra work on her and taunted her.

Children even threw stones at her. Furthermore, when she took Sunday as a day of rest and didn’t work, her family would not allow her to eat.

When Kateri told the priests about the persecution, they arranged for her escape to a village of Catholic native peoples in Canada. The dangerous 200-mile canoe trip took two months.

In her new home, Kateri could freely pray, go to Mass, and speak with others about her faith. After receiving her first Communion and learning how much Jesus suffered for all people, Kateri offered him many sacrifices in sorrow for her sins and for the intention that her Mohawk people would also believe in the one true God. She generously helped the sick and the poor and made a vow not to marry so that she could consecrate her life to God. Kateri died at the age of twenty-four on April 17, 1680. At her death, the scars she had borne since she’d had smallpox suddenly disappeared and her face became radiantly beautiful.

Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, you risked everything to follow the one true God. Help me to grow in my Catholic faith and never take it for granted.

Based on Saint Kateri Tekakwitha: Courageous Faith www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints

Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Dennis Auth and Matthew Archambault for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint Paul Saul was born to a Jewish family and grew up in Tarsus. Later, he studied his religion in Jerusalem. Saul loved his faith and wanted to protect it from false teachings. By this time, Jesus had already died and risen from the dead.

When Saul heard Jesus’ followers preaching that Jesus was alive and was the Son of God, he became furious because he believed they were insulting God. Saul wanted to stop Jesus’ followers so he got the high priest’s permission to arrest them. When Saul was on his way to Damascus to arrest the faithful there, Jesus, surrounded by a brilliant light, appeared to him. “Saul! Saul!”

Jesus called out. “Why are you persecuting me?”

“Who are you, sir?” Saul nervously asked.

“I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting.”

Now Saul understood that Jesus was the Son of God and was alive!

When the vision ended Saul was left blind. The men traveling with him lead Saul into Damascus. For three days Saul fasted and prayed. On the third day, a man named Ananias, who had been sent by Jesus, came to Saul and healed and baptized him. Saul, the great enemy of the followers of Jesus, was now one of them.

Filled with the Holy Spirit, Saul immediately wanted to start preaching, but many followers of Jesus mistrusted him because they knew that he had been a persecutor. In addition, Saul’s conversion enraged the Jewish leaders.

After several years, Saul was invited to go on a missionary trip to spread the news about Jesus. Around this time he began using his Roman name, Paul. Paul first visited Antioch, where Jesus’ followers were called “Christians” for the first time.

Paul spent the rest of his life traveling all over the then-known world telling everyone he could about Jesus. Sometimes people eagerly accepted his message, while at other times he was stoned, flogged, or put in chains.

After he had visited a community, he would instruct and encourage the new Christians by sending them letters. Many of his letters are now part of the Bible, and we read them often at Mass.

Paul was finally arrested and put on trial in Rome. While he had avoided punishment before, Paul could not escape this time. He was found guilty of being a Christian. Because he was a Roman citizen his sentence of death was carried out by beheading instead of crucifixion. The executioner’s sword brought this brave thirteenth apostle into the presence of Jesus forever.

Saint Paul, you drew others to Jesus because you allowed him to live and act through you. Help me always to let Jesus live in me.

Based on Saint Paul: The Thirteenth Apostle www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints

Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Illustrated by Barbara Kiwak for Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Saint Teresa of Ávila Teresa Sánchez Cepeda y Ahumada was born on March 28, 1515 in the Spanish town of Ávila. As a child, she was known for her lively personality and a deep desire to be with God. But after her mother died, thirteen-yearold Teresa spent less time praying and thinking about God and more time reading romance novels, daydreaming, and obsessing over her beauty. Her worried father, realizing that she needed more guidance and discipline than he could provide, enrolled her in a boarding school run by religious sisters.

Teresa enjoyed her new school and friends. She noticed how happy the sisters were and she began to think about becoming a nun. Her father wasn’t pleased when Teresa told him her plans, but he finally gave her his permission. In 1536, she entered a Carmelite convent.

Teresa’s health was never the best and she often had to stay in bed. In times of illness, the young bed-ridden nun would read books on prayer and the love of God. She realized that she could be a much more fervent sister if she put into practice what she read. One day, after being a nun for twenty years, Sister Teresa was moved by an image of the suffering Jesus. She was immediately overwhelmed by love for Jesus and she cried in sorrow for her sins. Not long after this, Jesus allowed Sister Teresa to experience visions of him and invited her to deeper mystical prayer.

The sisters in Teresa’s convent had changed some of the original rules so they could live more comfortably, but her time in prayer had increased Teresa’s desire to live a more simple life. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Teresa sought to live the way the Carmelite rule was originally written. This would give more time for silence and prayer. A small group of sisters also wanted this kind of life. Sister Teresa became the leader of this group. After many struggles and difficulties, she received permission to begin a reformed branch of the ancient Carmelite Order.

Teresa traveled all over Spain setting up Carmelite convents of the reform. It wasn’t easy, and some people tried to stop her, but she prayed to Saint Joseph, her favorite saint, for help. Through all the difficulties she always kept her sense of humor. Teresa, along with Saint John of the Cross, started a reformed branch of the Carmelite Order for men, too. She wrote several important books to teach people ways to grow closer to God. Teresa was canonized a saint and then later was named the first female Doctor of the Church.

Saint Teresa, God blessed you with many talents, which you used for the good of others. Help me to recognize and to use well the talents God has also given me.

Based on Saint Teresa of Avila: Joyful in the Lord www.pauline.org/EncountertheSaints Pauline Books & Media. Copyright © 2015, Daughters of St. Paul

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Pauline Books & Media. Copyright Š 2015, Daughters of St. Paul.

Reverse side.

Front side.

kids BOOKS & MEDIA

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Locations

The Daughters of St. Paul operate book and media centers at the following addresses. Visit, call, or write the one nearest you today, or find us at www.pauline.org.

CALIFORNIA

3908 Sepulveda Blvd, Culver City, CA 90230 935 Brewster Avenue, Redwood City, CA 94063 5945 Balboa Avenue, San Diego, CA 92111

FLORIDA

145 SW 107th Avenue, Miami, FL 33174

HAWAII

1143 Bishop Street, Honolulu, HI 96813

ILLINOIS

172 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60601

LOUISIANA

4403 Veterans Memorial Blvd, Metairie, LA 70006

MASSACHUSETTS

885 Providence Hwy, Dedham, MA 02026

MISSOURI

9804 Watson Road, St. Louis, MO 63126

NEW YORK

64 West 38th Street, New York, NY 10018

SOUTH CAROLINA

243 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401

310-397-8676 650-369-4230 858-565-9181 305-559-6715 808-521-2731 312-346-4228 504-887-7631 781-326-5385 314-965-3512 212-754-1110 843-577-0175

TEXAS

Currently no book center; for parish exhibits or outreach evangelization, contact: 210-569-0500 or SanAntonio@paulinemedia.com or P.O. Box 761416, San Antonio, TX 78245

VIRGINIA

1025 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

CANADA

3022 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON M6B 3T5

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703-549-3806 416-781-9131

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