Lives of the Saints: From Mary and Francis of Assisi to John XXIII and Mother Teresa

I found McBrien's 'Lives of the Saints' all that a good reference ought be and it is also a good read. The enteries are objective (not always a strong point in such books); contemporary, well and interestingly written. The tables are a great addition they save one the hunting around for information elsewhere. The time line, notes, bibliography and index give everything that a reference of this type should provide. I have several other such references from 'The Golden Legend', Butlers, The Sunday Visitor Encyclopaedia,the Oxford and Penguin Dictionaries and some others. McBrien will be first off the shelf. If you only need one such, this is it.

Very interesting and facinating book! I purchased the book for my catechism classes but I started reading the info and found it something I had to continue reading.

Lives of the Saints Richard McBrien McBrien's compilation of saints for each day covers a multitude of canonized and non-canonized people. He also offers saints who are recognized by the Anglican/Episcopalian, Lutheran and Greek Orthodox churches. His descriptions are short, comparatively with Butler's descriptions, but non-devotional. He includes in his short essays references to history, legend and myth. This book can exist along side other longer works and can offer some perspectives that others do not.

What a great resource for an honest "Lives of the Saints" but recognized and acclaimed. It's wonderful to read someone who can address sanctity in a real life setting and present the models placed before us by the institution in a real way. These are people with whom we can all identify, living lives quite similar to many of us. I must admit I never considered walking on coals or watering dead twigs a sign of holiness.

Once again preeminent theologian Richard McBrien offers an etraordinary compendium of Catholicism's great figures. As his earlier works, Lives of the Saints is historicly accurate and easily readable. Fr. McBrien brings to the ordinary reader the benefits of his comprehensive understanding of Catholic history and theology. He demonstrates a pastoral sensitivity and leads the reader to explore what the saints heroic example says to the readers spirituality and faith. Lives of the Saints provides all with valuable insights into the great figures in christinaity. There is much here that will interest Orthodox and Protestant Christians as well as Catholics. This is a wonderful resource especially for religious education and parish libraries. It will serve all Christians as a great source of spiritual reading.