What do you think of when you hear the word "Saint"? Perfection? Piety? Martyrdom? Meet women who will clarify Saints in your mind ... and inspire you every day ... women and men.

1. YOUR LIFEYOUR LIFEYOUR LIFEYOUR LIFE
WITH THEWITH THE
SAINTS:SAINTS:

2. National Council of Catholic Women
Annual Convention, Sept. 28, 2013
Melanie Rigney

3. What Do You Think of WhenWhat Do You Think of When
You Hear the Word “Saint”?You Hear the Word “Saint”?
Perfection?Perfection?
Piety?
M d ?Martyrdom?
Competitiveness?
Despair?
Impatience?Impatience?

4. Learning from the MothersLearning from the MothersLearning from the MothersLearning from the Mothers
: The Blessed Virgin: trust in God
d f ithf ll i t t th dand faithfully instruct those around us.
Monica: keep praying and never lose
faith.
Gi B M ll l i hGianna Beretta Molla: love without
reserve.
Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin: we
d ffinspire amid suffering.
Anna Maria Taigi and “Mama Rosa”
Fabris: everyone is called to holiness.

5. Learning from Working WomenLearning from Working WomenLearning from Working WomenLearning from Working Women
Leonie Françoise de Sales Aviat:
G d’ l i l b hGod’s plan is always better than
our own.
Jeanne Delanoue: let the SpiritJeanne Delanoue: let the Spirit
move you.
Anna Schäffer: turn anger and
ddespair into love.
Maria Karlowska: God finds you
wherever you are.wherever you are.

6. Learning from the SufferingLearning from the SufferingLearning from the SufferingLearning from the Suffering
Kateri Tekakwitha: keep the faith
id i d di biliamid persecution and disability.
Josephine Bakhita: have
confidence God knows what He’sconfidence God knows what Hes
doing.
Germaine Cousin: find joy in what
hyou have.
Margaret of Castello: you are
always beautiful to God.always beautiful to God.

7. Learning from the DoctorsLearning from the DoctorsLearning from the DoctorsLearning from the Doctors
Hildegard of Bingen: freedom
within the Church to use yourwithin the Church to use your
God-given gifts.
Teresa of Avila: patience inp
exploring a deeper spirituality.
Therese of Lisieux: becoming
ho Christ nts s to bewho Christ wants us to be
reflects Him to others.
Catherine of Siena: pushing ourp g
human limitations out of the way
and saying yes to God’s call.

8. Learning from the MissionariesLearning from the MissionariesLearning from the MissionariesLearning from the Missionaries
 :Frances Cabrini: set aside
personal disappointments.
 Ascencion of the Heart of Jesus:
be open to a change in callbe open to a change in call.
 Rose Philippine Duchesne: don’t
be afraid to say yes to God.
 Maria Helena Stollenwerk:
sometimes, our call is to prepare
others for the work our heart
desires.

9. Learning from Women ReligiousLearning from Women ReligiousLearning from Women ReligiousLearning from Women Religious
Mary Elizabeth Hesselblad: work y
for ecumenical understanding.
Matilda of Hackeborn: forgive
h h h l ithose who help us in ways we
don’t think we want.
Mary of the Cross (Jeanne Jugan): y (J J g )
know when to surrender your will.

10. Learning from the MartyrsLearning from the MartyrsLearning from the MartyrsLearning from the Martyrs
Agnes of Rome: defend yourAgnes of Rome: defend your
dignity.
Agnes Phila: be bold in your g y
faith.
Margaret Ball: God first—g
even before family.
Maria Goretti: forgive.

11. Thanks for Coming!Thanks for Coming!Thanks for Coming!Thanks for Coming!
God Bless!God Bless!
M l i RiMelanie Rigney
www.sisterhoodofsaintsbook.com
melanie@melanierigney.com