Bold tales of young saints

Although in the year 304 Agnes of Rome was only thirteen years old, pagan authorities tortured and murdered her because she was a Christian. Like so many young Christians, she lived — and then died — for Christ and with a courage that many adults find hard to muster.

Just over a hundred years ago, and because they also wouldn't renounce their faith, young Charles Lwanga and his companions were burned to death by a pagan king in Uganda.

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The tales of these brave young Catholics are told in the Golden Legend of Young Saints, which we just published for you and for your children, ten and older.

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King St. Louis IX
is here:

Crowned king of France in 1226 when he was but twelve years old, Louis's holiness and wisdom, and his care for the poor, won him renown while he still lived, and lifted him swiftly to the ranks of canonized saints after he died. There's Joan of Arc, of course, leading armies in the 1400s while yet a teen; but also saints whose names are not writ large in the book of history:

Dominic Savio,
canonized for the simple goodness
that marked each day of his
brief fifteen years; and

Bernadette Soubirous,
the destitute 14-year-old
to whom our Lady appeared
at Lourdes.

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Their lives of great and simple virtue remind us that "valor does not wait on years," nor does holiness. To live in the love of God, in absolute obedience to His commandments, to practice the noblest Christian virtues, and even to offer our life in sacrifice — we don't have to be grown up. Christ is calling each of us to be like these young saints, to cultivate in ourselves what we know is best: kindness, courage, perseverance, faith, charity, and absolute trust in God. The example of these bold young saints will help you and your children do so.

Plus these other fine books for your children:	Golden Legends of Young Saints by Henri Daniel-Rops $12.95 (Dnrs.: $9.71) ppbk 160 pgs Order online now or call 1-800-888-9344 www.SophiaInstitute.com		Plus these other fine books for your children: