Catholic Church 

In this, the third in a series of studies in sanctity, the writers were free as in previous volumes to choose his or her own subject. The choices range from the first century to modern times. Yet in the words of Father Caraman, the editor, "with all their differences of character, epoch and circumstance it can be seen how the inspiration of their lives was the same, and how with each, in the phrase of St. Benedict Joseph Labre, there was need for three hearts: 'A heart of fire for God, a heart of flesh for your neighbor, and a heart of bronze for yourself.'"

The choice of each writer is subjective and personal. Walter Starkie, himself a wanderer and a lover of Spain, writes of James the Apostle, the pilgrim saint who is especially honored at Santiago de Compostella. St. Basil is the choice of Anne Fremantle, an authority on the Fathers and noted for her pungent writing.

Gerard Murphy brings a fresh and scholarly point of view to St. Malachy, based on recent Irish studies, while Alice Curtayne's authoritative approach to Catherine of Siena is indisputable. Arnold Lunn, through Francis Borgia, proves that a bad heredity is no barrier to sanctity; Hugh Ross Williamson demonstrates Benedict Joseph Labre's significance to his own and our age; and Bernadette's great attraction, her simplicity, is the thesis of James Brodrick's study.

Other vital portraits - St. Monica, St. Gregory the Great, St. Thomas of Canterbury, Ignatius Loyola and Joseph Calasanctius - make up an unusual gallery of holiness presented without pietism.

Taken from the front inside flap.