Books & Reading

Born in Portugal, Saint Anthony has been adopted by the Italians as the patron of Padua. Once an Augustinian priest, he later joined the newly founded Franciscans and preached throughout Europe, converting many heretics. So many miracles were attributed...

Saint Benedict, Father of Western Monasticism, cuts a prestigious figure both historically and spiritually. His influence is still with us today, leaving his impact on the world in education, art, literature and agriculture. A study of this article will...

With society crumbling around him, Saint Benedict was called by God to reform the moral and social depravity of his day. Challenging his followers to embrace discipline rather than licentiousness, silence rather than tumult, and mortification rather...

Mary Fabyan Windeatt presents the powerful story of the famous life and miracles of St. Benedict for the Vision Book series of saints for youth. Known as the Father of Western Monasticism, St. Benedict played a major role in the Christinization and...

This issue of "From the Housetops Magazine" features the life of Saint Bernard of Clairvaux. One of the most influential men of the twelfth century, Saint Bernard should serve as an inspiration for us in the twenty-first. In the age of knighthood he...

This astounding story of conversion and sanctity is an encouraging example to those discouraged and seemingly hopelessly addicted to bad habits. It shows that nothing is beyond God's intervention. Saint Camillus is also an inspiration to those in the...

This is the definitive life of Saint Catherine Laboure, the humble Sister who was privileged with apparitions of Our Lady. Through her, Our Lady had the Miraculous Medal made and promoted, which became a source of tremendous graces and conversions...

The story of the saintly Father Damien, who in 1872 went to the island of Molokai, where lepers had been exiled to live in miserable surroundings. Damien earned the trust of the lepers, and his appeals for help resonated throughout the world. He spent...

This is the story of a priest, who instead of fleeing sickness to preserve his own health, rather gave his life for those suffering from an incurable sickness, feared by all; leprosy. Spending the best years of his life on Molokai, servicing the colony...

Saint Dominic, a contemporary of Saint Francis of Assisi, was zealous for the conversion of souls which lead him to found the Order of Friars Preachers. His life is an exciting adventure of preaching, conversions and mystical experiences but he is most...

Catherine Beebe presents a dramatic account of the incredible life of St. Dominic in this tenth title in the popular Vision Books series of saints for youth 9 - 15 years old. As a young priest, Dominic sat all night at a wooden table in a village tavern...

Though she only stood a little under five feet tall, this zealous Italian nun took to the missionary fields of America and beyond with great fervor… but not without overcoming great obstacles first! From the Housetops Magazine issue. Other...

Saint Francis de Sales' story can well be described as that of a true gentleman who became a saint. Overcoming his personal faults he gently counseled souls, founded an order of religious women, became a bishop and converted souls, founded an order of...

Saint Francis' story is the charming tale of a rich and unsatisfied noble with shallow goals of glory, who discovers a dramatic fulfillment in rejection of these values. Instead he pursues a life of poverty and self-renunciation, attracting hundreds of...

"Go and set all on fire," was the command given to Saint Francis Xavier by his Superior, Saint Ignatius Loyola. Evangelizing the impenetrable Far East, this zealous missionary accomplished unbelievable conversions. He died at the age of forty-six after...

A one time "man of the world," Gabriel Possenti forsook the limelight of Italian society to dedicate his life to God as a Passionist. Adventure, however, followed him into the cloister, making his story and exciting example of holiness in action. From...