American Saints

Saints, Blesseds, Venerables, and Servants of God from the United States of America

Patrick Peyton was from a large, and devout, farming Irish-Catholic family in County Mayo, Ireland. After immigrating to America to work to support his aging and ailing parents, he was introduced to the Congregation of the Holy Cross and eventually attended Notre Dame University. His ordination, however, was delayed due to life-threatening tuberculosis. Remembering the spiritual advice of his mother to be faithful to the Blessed Virgin Mary, he became a devotee of the Rosary and consecrated his whole life to Our Lady. He was miraculously cured. From then on, Father Patrick Peyton became America's leading proponent of families praying the Rosary--and more so when World War II broke out all over the world. To spread his message, he utilized mass media--television, movies, radio, and advertising--and organized Rosary rallies. Following his death in 1992, his cause for Sainthood was opened, and Father Peyton was given the title Servant of God.

In popular Catholic culture, Father Peyton is most renowned for coining the phrase, " The family that prays together stays together."

It is the great American story, Catholic-style. The "Land of Opportunity" is fitting in that America is the place where these ordinary men and women were given the chance to become extraordinary, to rise up to the call of God, to take their cross, to serve and follow Him. Here are twelve great Americans (and those who served in America) who have been recognized by the Church and the nation as having displayed great piety and courage in service to God and their fellow citizens.

St. Damien (1840-1889)

Belgian-born priest of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary. Was a missionary on a leper colony on Molokai, eventually succumbing to leprosy himself. Feast Day: May 10.

Father Damien and The Bells, $9.95

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton(1774-1821)

The first native-born American Saint. Converted to Catholicism, abandoned wealth and a socialite lifestyle to open Catholic schools, especially for the poor. Feast Day: January 4.

Mother Seton and the Sisters of Charity, $9.95

St. Isaac Jogues (1607-1646)

French Jesuit missionary in North America. Was captured and severely tortured by the Mohawks in New York, and eventually clubbed to death and beheaded. Feast Day: October 19.

Saint Isaac Jogues: With Burning Heart, $7.95

St. Katharine Drexel (1858-1955)

Founder of the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, ministering to Blacks and Native Americans. She was a great advocate for racial tolerance in America. Feast Day: March 3.

Saint Katharine Drexel: The Total Gift, $7.95

St. Frances Cabrini(1850-1917)

Founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Ministered to Italian immigrants in America with orphanages, hospitals, and schools. Feast Day: December 22.

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini: Cecchina's Dream, $7.95

Bl. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656-1680)

Mohawk and Algonquin, she was baptized by Jesuit missionaries. Because of her faith, she faced chastisement by her own people. She died at the age of 24. Feast Day: July 14.

Kateri Tekakwitha: Mohawk Maiden, $9.95

Bl. Francis Seelos (1819-1867)

German-born Redemptorist missionary known for being a gifted spiritual director, preacher, and teacher. Contracted yellow fever while ministering to the sick. Feast Day: October 5.

Willy Finds Victory, $7.95

Ven. Michael McGivney(1852-1890)

Diocesan priest who founded the Knights of Columbus, a charitable organization, in New Haven, Connecticut. The Order now has 1.8 million members worldwide.

Parish Priest: Father Michael McGivney and American Catholicism, $24.95

Ven. Solanus Casey (1870-1957)

A Capuchin priest who lived simply as a doorkeeper at the monastery--though leaving a lasting impression on all who went in and out of those doors. His remains were found to be incorrupt.

Solanus Casey: The Story of Father Solanus, $14.95

Servant of God Vincent Capodanno (1929-1967)

Navy Chaplain and posthumous Medal of Honor recipient during the Vietnam War, died in battle while trying to rescue a wounded corpsman.

The Grunt Padre: The Service & Sacrifice of Father Vincent Robert Capodanno, $15.97

Servant of God Walter Ciszek (1904-1984)

Jesuit priest who did underground missionary work in Communist Soviet Union. He was eventually captured and spent fifteen years in a hard labor camp.

He Leadeth Me, $14.95

Servant of God Fulton J. Sheen (1895-1979)

Renowned theologian and preacher, using the modern media of television and radio for evangelization, even winning an Emmy Award.

Treasure in Clay: The Autobiography of Fulton J. Sheen, $15.95