The Pocket Guide to the Saints

In the first full-scale compendium of the lives of the saints since the seventeenth century, respected theologian and historian Richard P. McBrien provides a contemporary account of the saints that inspire Christians everywhere. McBrien, a leading authority on Catholicism, presents inside information on how saints are chosen, great Christians who aren’t likely to become saints, and the story behind the huge number of recently named saints. In addition to brief biographical sketches of most of the recognized Christian saints, McBrien also provides an analysis of the ecclesiastical meaning of spirituality and sanctity, an accessible explanation of the process by which saints are canonized, and a lively historical overview of the roles played by the major saints in the formation of today’s church. Richard P. McBrien, bestselling author of Catholicism and general editor of the HarperCollins Encyclopedia of Catholicism, is a leading TV, radio, and newspaper commentator on the Catholic Church. He is the Crowley-O’Brien-Walter Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. “An invaluable guide to models of holiness for every time and place. Everyone can find a soul friend here.” - Thomas H. Groome, Boston College