Golden Legend of Young Saints

by Henri Daniel-Rops

For 2000 years now, young Christians have lived and often died for Christ, and with a courage that many adults find hard to muster. Although she was just thirteen, in 304 pagan authorities tortured and murdered brave Agnes of Rome for her Christian faith; for the same reason and just over a hundred years ago a Bantu king in Uganda burned to death young Charles Lwanga (c. 1863-1886) and his companions. The tales of these saints are told here, along with those of many others who, though young, have joined the ranks of the greatest some by dying for their faith; many more by living for it. Louis IX is here. Crowned king of France in 1226 when he was but twelve-years-old, Louis 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. St. Joan of Arc (c. 1412-1431) is here, too, leading armies while yet a teen; but also saints whose names are not writ large in the book of Dominic Savio (1842-1857), canonized for the simple goodness that marked each day of his brief 15 years; and Bernadette Soubirous, the destitute 14-year-old to whom Our Lady appeared at Lourdes. 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. Girls and boys, peasants and and each one a saint! Christ is calling you to be like them, to cultivate in yourself what you know is kindness, courage, perseverance, faith, charity, and absolute trust in God. The example of these bold young saints will help you do so.

Genres: Religion

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 15, 2009

About the author

Daniel-Rops (Henri Petiot's literary pseudonym) was born in Épinal in 1901 and died in Chambéry in 1965. He was professor of history and director of Ecclesiae magazine (Paris), and became world-famous mainly for works of historiography: (1943), Jesus in his time (1945), and the ten volumes of the History of the Church of Christ (1948 - 1965). He has also authored several essays, works of children's literature and historical novels, among which are Death, where is your victory? (1934) and The Sword of Fire (1938). He was a voter for the French Academy in 1955.

Reviews

[Jill D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating and inspiring collection of stories of young children who became saints. "To live in the love of God, in absolute obedience to His commandments, to practice the noblest Christian virtues, and to even offer our life in sacrifice-we don't have to be grown up." As an adult now, I am awed by the incredible courage shown by these young saints. Their stories are amazing examples of faith and fortitude, and ones I look forward to sharing with my grandchildren.

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love and enjoyed this book. And Stories of Saints in the Catholic Church. My Favorite Saint is in the Book. Saint Dominic Savio. I recommend this book for all growing in faith.

[Mikyla Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book of saints for all ages to read and learn from. Each chapter is a short story of a saint - some famous and some less-known.