Agios.Mar 16

The Congregation for the Causes of Saints has just published a book on young saints and blessed by Judith Borer and Maurizio Tagliaferri (Vatican Publishing House, 86 pages, €10), which includes the list of young people who were beatified and canonized in the Catholic Church.

The book, titled 'Santi e Beati Giovani,' narrates the lives of young people, adolescents and even children fascinated by the Gospel message who have followed the steps of Jesus and many of them have even shed their blood for Him.

The list of names of young people who have deserved the glory of the altars is full of notable examples: Joan of Arc (19 years) canonized in 1920, Luis Gonzaga (23), Teresa of Lisieux (24), Francesco and Jacinta Marto Fatima, still children, recently canonised by Pope Francis.

Among the Marist Brothers who died martyred in the religious persecution of 1936-1939 in Spain there are several of them who were barely 20 years old.

The pages of this book show how youthful holiness is present at all times, on all continents and speak all the languages of the world.

The book can be a wonderful resource in view of the ordinary general assembly of the Synod of Bishops that will be held from Oct. 3 – 28 and will address the theme of young people, the faith and vocational discernment.

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Br Antonio Martínez Estaún, Postulator general