When Joey didn’t arrive on his due date, I looked up the saint days for the next week. The name of St. John of the Cross jumped off the list at me, as I’d just finished reading his biography. I didn’t know much about this Spanish priest until reading this book, yet I found his […]
The Lazy Mom’s Guide to Girls’ Saint Costumes
While my girls love dressing up, and look forward to our annual All Saints’ Day party, I tend to leave costume-planning to the last minute. The day before the party, you’ll find me scrambling for flowers for St. Rose or searching Pinterest for “how to make a monstrance” for St. Clare. If you’re a little […]
Saint Gabriel Lalemant — Last but not Least of the Canadian Martyrs
Saint Gabriel Lalemant was the last of the eight Canadian martyrs to arrive in New France. He served for the shortest amount of time and was martyred with Saint Jean de Brebeuf. Saint Gabriel Lalemant was born in Paris on October 10, 1610. His uncle Charles Lalemant was the first Jesuit superior in New France. […]
St. Isaac Jogues: A Great Love for the Iroquois of New France
Saint Isaac Jogues was a Jesuit missionary to the Huron and Iroquois of New France. He can inspire modern-day children and parents who are facing judgement and bullying. St. Isaac was tortured by the Iroquois people for his faith, but he loved them so much he learned their language and returned to serve them. While […]
Saint Isaac Jogues and a Mother’s Influence on a Saint’s Life
Saint Isaac Jogues was a merchant’s son born in Orleans, France in 1607. His father died just after his birth, leaving his education to his mother, a strong Catholic. From his letters home to his mother during his missionary work in New France, it’s obvious that Saint Isaac maintained a close relationship with her. As moms, […]
Saint Dolls Inspire Faith and Imaginary Play in Girls!
Ever since a doll catalogue arrived in our home last fall, Sunshine and Lily have been talking about dolls. They poured over the catalogue, picking the doll they wanted. They made lists of doll accessories and prices. They counted and recounted their birthday and Christmas money. At first, my husband and I listened and waited […]
St. Jean de La Lande: Layman and Missionary to the Huron
Saint Jean de La Lande is the only layperson among the eight Canadian martyrs. Sometimes, as Catholics, it can be tempting to think that only priests, nuns, and other religious do great deeds. Many of our saints are indeed consecrated men and women, but many others are ordinary people like us. St. Jean de la […]
Saint Charles Garnier
Saint Charles Garnier was born into a wealthy family in Paris, France, on May 25, 1605. He was martyred in New France when he was only 44. During his priesthood, he often expressed a great desire for more time to spend in prayer and at Mass. As moms, most of us are busy with day-to-day tasks […]
Saint Jean de Brebeuf’s Second Missionary Journey to New France
Saint Jean de Brebeuf embarked on his first missionary journey to New France in 1625. He spent four years among the Huron, learning their language and customs. Then war between the English and the French forced him to return to France. There, Fr. Brebeuf made his final vows as a Jesuit and served as steward, minister and […]
St. Jean de Brebeuf’s First Missionary Trip to New France
Saint Jean de Brebeuf is the patron saint of Canada and the oldest of the eight Canadian martyrs. He was told more than once that he couldn’t pursue his vocation as a missionary, because of either his health problems or his size. Often as moms, we are told similar things. Doctors may tell us that […]
