John Baptist de la Salle was born into a wealthy family in France in 1651. After his parents' death, he cared for his younger siblings and studied for the priesthood. A man asked Father John to help form a free school for poor children. Although people criticized the idea of free schools, Father John built more, taught teachers to teach and to respect all students, and founded the Christian Brothers. St. John is the patron (April 7) of educators and principals.

Saints are real-life heroes of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In the Saints and Me ...

French soldiers were fighting English soldiers 600 years ago in France. Joan, a faithful teenage girl and the daughter of farmers, wanted only peace. She heard God's voice telling her to help France and the future king. After convincing Prince Charles to let her lead the French armies, she and the soldiers won battle after battle. Her faith supported her even after she was captured by the English, put on trial, and sentenced to die. St. Joan is the patron (May 30) of soldiers and France.

Saints are real-life heroes of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ....

Michael was created by God to protect all creation from the threats of evil. When Lucifer, a disobedient angel, persuaded other angels to turn against God, Michael led God's armies of angels into battle, defeating Lucifer. Michael is a protector of the Church and its peoples and is a special guardian of the pope. His feast day is September 29, and he is the patron of police officers and emergency responders.

Saints are real-life heroes of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In the Saints and Me series, these beautifully illustrated...