Most saints began as children, as all humans do. Martin de Porres' white father abandoned him; Dymphna fled an incestuous father. Rosa de Lima threw her mother into despair. Brendan built a boat from leather and butter; Francis of Assisi talked to animals. Teresa de Avila wielded a wry sense of humor, and Catherine of Alexandria argued fifty master philosophers into cowering silence. A few, though, did not know childhood or death. Archangel Michael's name was a battle cry; shining Gabriel calmed the terrified before delivering his messages. Desperate for the powers associated with Librada...