Some Great Holy Women Saints to Imitate

The Catholic Church is richly blessed with an extraordinary array of holy women whose lives exemplify heroic virtue, profound faith, and radical love for Christ. From the earliest martyrs who faced persecution with unshakeable courage to modern saints who served the poorest of the poor, these female saints demonstrate that holiness is accessible to women in every era, culture, vocation, and circumstance. Their stories are not distant history; they are living invitations for every Catholic—men and women alike—to imitate their trust in God, their charity, their prayerfulness, and their willingness to sacrifice for the Gospel.

Learning about these great women saints enriches our spiritual lives immensely. They teach us how to navigate suffering with hope, how to love unconditionally, how to speak truth boldly, how to pray deeply, and how to serve others selflessly. In a world often marked by selfishness, despair, and superficiality, their examples remind us that true fulfillment comes from union with Christ. By studying their biographies, praying for their intercession, and striving to imitate their virtues, we grow in holiness, strengthen our families and communities, and become better witnesses to the joy of the Gospel.

We are in March the month of the woman.  Below is an expanded exploration of 50 remarkable female saints every Catholic should know and seek to imitate. For each, I've included a more detailed overview of their life, key deeds, challenges they overcame, and specific ways their example can enrich and transform our daily Catholic lives today.

1. St. Mary, the Mother of God (1st century) — The pinnacle of all saints, Mary said "fiat" (let it be) to God's plan, bearing, nurturing, and accompanying Jesus through His life, death, and resurrection. Her perfect obedience, humility, and maternal intercession make her the model for all disciples. She enriches Catholics by teaching total surrender to God's will, deepening Marian devotion (e.g., the Rosary), and showing how ordinary women can cooperate fully in salvation history.

2. St. Anne (1st century BC) — Mother of the Virgin Mary and grandmother of Jesus, Anne and her husband Joachim endured long years of infertility before God's miraculous gift. Her faithful perseverance in prayer and family life inspires Catholics facing delays, family struggles, or unfulfilled desires to trust God's timing and cultivate strong domestic churches.

3. St. Mary Magdalene (1st century) — Once possessed by demons, she became a devoted follower of Jesus, stood at the foot of the Cross, and was the first to witness and announce the Resurrection. Her story of repentance, loyalty, and apostolic zeal teaches forgiveness, emotional healing, and fearless evangelization in a culture quick to judge past sins.

4. St. Agnes of Rome (c. 291–304) — A teenage virgin martyr who rejected suitors and pagan worship, choosing death over compromise of her chastity and faith. Beheaded or stabbed, her courage inspires purity in relationships, resistance to cultural pressures, and confidence that God honors fidelity even unto death.

5. St. Cecilia (2nd–3rd century) — Roman martyr and patron of music; she converted her husband and others through her witness before enduring torture and martyrdom. Her life encourages using God-given talents (art, music, creativity) for evangelization and joyful worship amid trials.

6. St. Agatha of Sicily (c. 231–251) — Martyred after refusing a Roman official's advances and rejecting pagan gods; tortured, including mutilation of her breasts. Her resilience strengthens those battling illness, sexual exploitation, or persecution, reminding us that bodily integrity belongs to God.

7. St. Lucy (c. 283–304) — Sicilian martyr who gave away her dowry to the poor and vowed virginity; her eyes were gouged out (legend says miraculously restored). As patron of sight, she helps Catholics value spiritual insight over physical, offering hope in blindness, eye disease, or moral darkness.

8. St. Brigid of Ireland (c. 451–525) — Abbess, founder of monasteries, miracle-worker known for hospitality and generosity (e.g., multiplying butter and beer). She promotes radical charity, women's roles in Church leadership, and bridging faith with everyday needs like farming and healing.

9. St. Clare of Assisi (1194–1253) — Co-founder of the Poor Clares with St. Francis; embraced radical poverty, refusing even papal exemptions. Her contemplative joy and detachment from materialism teach modern Catholics simplicity, trust in Providence, and the power of Eucharistic adoration.

10. St. Catherine of Siena (1347–1380) — Mystic, Doctor of the Church, advisor to popes during the Avignon crisis; her "Dialogue" reveals profound theology. Her bold truth-telling, intense prayer, and peacemaking enrich us with intellectual faith, courage to correct authority, and mystical union with Christ.

11. St. Joan of Arc (1412–1431) — Peasant girl led by visions to crown the French king and defeat enemies; burned as a heretic but later rehabilitated. She inspires discernment of spirits, patriotic faith, courage in leadership, and standing for justice against overwhelming odds.

12. St. Teresa of Ávila (1515–1582) — Mystic, reformer of Carmelite order, Doctor of the Church; authored "Interior Castle" on prayer stages. Amid health issues and opposition, she guides interior life, mental prayer, and friendship with Jesus through dryness and trials.

13. St. Thérèse of Lisieux (1873–1897) — "Little Flower"; Carmelite who taught the "Little Way" of small, loving acts. Her childlike trust and offering of daily sacrifices make holiness approachable for busy, imperfect people, especially those feeling insignificant.

14. St. Bernadette Soubirous (1844–1879) — Humble visionary of Lourdes; endured skepticism and illness while obediently conveying Mary's messages. She encourages simplicity, trust in apparitions, and offering suffering for conversions.

15. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774–1821) — First American-born saint; widow, convert, founder of Sisters of Charity and Catholic schools. She builds faith in education, care for orphans/widows, and perseverance through grief and anti-Catholic prejudice.

16. St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680) — Mohawk-Algonquin convert; lived chastity and penance amid hostility. The "Lily of the Mohawks" inspires indigenous faithfulness, purity in adversity, and bridging cultures with the Gospel.

17. St. Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938) — Apostle of Divine Mercy; received visions, diary, and Chaplet instructions. Her message of trust in Jesus' mercy heals despair, promotes confession, and fosters compassion in a judgmental world.

18. St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) (1910–1997) — Founded Missionaries of Charity; served the dying and poorest. Despite long "dark night," she challenges us to see and serve Christ in the marginalized, living radical charity daily.

19. St. Maria Goretti (1890–1902) — Martyred at 11 defending chastity; forgave her attacker on her deathbed. She teaches youth purity, radical forgiveness, and virtue's power over violence.

20. St. Katharine Drexel (1858–1955) — Heiress who gave fortune to serve Native/Black Americans; founded Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament. She promotes racial justice, using wealth ethically, and missionary work among the overlooked.

21. St. Rita of Cascia (1381–1457) — Wife, mother of twins, nun; endured abusive marriage and family tragedy. Patron of impossible causes, she offers hope in broken marriages, persistent prayer, and reconciliation.

22. St. Monica (331–387) — Prayed 17+ years for Augustine's conversion; model of patient intercession. She encourages relentless prayer for wayward loved ones and trusting God's timing.

23. St. Helena (c. 250–330) — Empress mother of Constantine; pilgrimaged to find the True Cross. She inspires zeal for sacred sites, relics, and using influence for faith.

24. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850–1917) — "Mother Cabrini"; founded hospitals/schools for Italian immigrants in America despite frail health. She motivates care for migrants and bold missionary work.

25. St. Rose of Lima (1586–1617) — First American canonized saint; extreme penance, charity to the poor. She shows hidden holiness's beauty and service amid family opposition.

26. St. Hildegard of Bingen (1098–1179) — Mystic, composer, writer, Doctor of the Church; visionary on theology, medicine, ecology. She enriches with holistic faith, creativity, and care for creation.

27. St. Margaret of Scotland (1045–1093) — Queen who reformed court with piety, charity, and justice. She demonstrates sanctity in marriage, motherhood, and leadership.

28. St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1207–1231) — Princess who fed the poor; famous rose miracle. She inspires generosity and seeing Christ in the needy despite ridicule.

29. St. Gemma Galgani (1878–1903) — Mystic with stigmata; offered intense sufferings. She teaches redemptive suffering and passionate love for Christ's Passion.

30. St. Josephine Bakhita (1869–1947) — Sudanese slave trafficked, tortured; became nun and forgave captors. She brings healing from abuse/trauma through forgiveness and Christ's freedom.

31. St. Gianna Beretta Molla (1922–1962) — Doctor, wife, mother; sacrificed life for unborn child with tumor. She defends pro-life heroism and balancing vocation with family.

32. St. Perpetua (d. 203) — Early martyr; wrote prison diary showing visions and resolve. She encourages bold witness and maternal love in persecution.

33. St. Felicity (d. 203) — Martyred with Perpetua; slave giving birth in prison. She shows faith's solidarity across classes and courage in motherhood.

34. St. Ursula (legendary, 4th–5th century) — Led 11,000 virgins; martyred refusing pagan marriage. She inspires communal holiness and protection of purity (though legendary elements noted).

35. St. Philomena (c. 3rd century) — Young martyr; powerful intercessor for purity and causes. She aids confidence in prayer and virginity's strength.

36. St. Dymphna (7th century) — Martyred fleeing incestuous father; patron of mental health. She supports emotional healing, abuse survivors, and psychiatric struggles.

37. St. Barbara (c. 3rd century) — Martyred by father for faith; patron against sudden death. She protects in dangerous jobs and reminds us of preparation for judgment.

38. St. Dorothy (d. c. 311) — Sent heavenly fruits to mocking persecutor before martyrdom. She teaches kindness returning good for evil.

39. St. Winifred (7th century) — Martyred, miraculously restored; patron of martyrs. She symbolizes healing, fidelity, and restoration after trauma.

40. St. Juliana of Norwich (1342–c. 1416) — Anchoress mystic; "All shall be well" amid plagues. She offers hope in divine love despite global or personal suffering.

41. St. Catherine Labouré (1806–1876) — Visionary of Miraculous Medal; Mary's graces spread worldwide. She fosters trust in Mary's protection and sacramentals.

42. St. Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647–1690) — Promoted Sacred Heart devotion after visions. She deepens love for Christ's merciful heart and reparation.

43. St. Veronica (1st century) — Wiped Jesus' face on Via Dolorosa; veil bore imprint. She inspires compassionate acts toward suffering Christ in others.

44. St. Lydia (1st century) — First European convert (Acts 16); businesswoman hosting Paul. She encourages faith integration into work and hospitality.

45. St. Scholastica (c. 480–547) — Twin of St. Benedict; founded women's monasteries. She promotes sisterly bonds, prayer persistence, and religious life.

46. St. Bathilde (c. 626–680) — Queen who freed slaves and reformed morals. She inspires justice, humility in power, and anti-slavery zeal.

47. St. Ita (c. 475–570) — Irish abbess, "foster mother of saints"; nurtured vocations. She teaches mentoring faith in youth and spiritual motherhood.

48. St. Walburga (c. 710–779) — Missionary abbess; protected against famine/plague. She aids protection, missionary outreach, and trust in intercession.

49. St. Odilia (c. 660–720) — Patron of eyes; healed of blindness, founded abbey. She helps spiritual sight and overcoming physical/spiritual blindness.

50. St. Edith Stein (Teresa Benedicta of the Cross) (1891–1942) — Jewish philosopher, convert, Carmelite; martyred in Auschwitz. She bridges intellect/faith, intercedes for Jewish people/converts, and shows contemplative witness amid horror.

These 50 saints span centuries and continents, proving holiness transcends time and place. Their lives challenge us to greater love, sacrifice, and trust. Dive into their writings (e.g., Catherine of Siena's Dialogue, Teresa of Ávila's Interior Castle, Thérèse's Story of a Soul, Faustina's Diary), visit shrines, pray novenas, and imitate one virtue at a time. In doing so, we not only honor these holy women but allow their grace to transform us into saints for our time.

Sources (drawn from reliable Catholic resources):

- Catholic Online (catholic.org/saints/female.php)

- Franciscan Media (franciscanmedia.org)

- Vatican canonization documents and Doctors of the Church profiles

- Aleteia, Cora Evans blog, Guideposts, and House of Joppa articles on women saints

- Butler's Lives of the Saints (various editions)

- Official biographies from religious orders (e.g., Carmelites, Missionaries of Charity)

 

March is Woman's Month: Mary the Greatest Woman!

Happy March, everyone! This month, we celebrate the achievements and contributions of women from all walks of life. As a Catholic blogger, I want to dedicate this post to the greatest woman of all time: the Virgin Mary.

Mary is the mother of Jesus, the Son of God, and the spouse of the Holy Spirit. She is the perfect model of faith, obedience, humility, and love. She is also our mother, who intercedes for us and guides us to her Son.

In this post, I will share with you some of the reasons why I admire and love Mary so much, and why I think she deserves to be honored and praised by all Christians.

1. Mary said yes to God's plan. When the angel Gabriel announced to her that she would conceive and bear the Savior of the world, Mary did not hesitate or doubt. She trusted in God's will and gave her consent: "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." (Luke 1:38) She was only a young girl, probably around 15 years old, but she had the courage and faith to accept such a great responsibility and privilege. This is what I call a strong woman! Mary was assertive in her yes! 

2. Mary carried Jesus in her womb for nine months. Imagine what it must have been like for Mary to have God Himself growing inside her. She must have felt His heartbeat, His movements, His presence. She must have talked to Him, sang to Him, prayed with Him. She must have loved Him more than anyone else in the world. She was the first person to see His face, hear Him, to hold Him in her arms, kiss Him, and cuddle Him. She was His first teacher, His first friend, His first disciple.

3. Mary followed Jesus throughout His life. Mary was not only present at Jesus' birth but also at every important moment of His life. She was there when He was presented in the temple when He was lost and found in Jerusalem, when He performed His first miracle at Cana, and when He preached and healed and taught. She was there when He was arrested, tortured, crucified, and buried. She was there when He rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. She never left His side, even when it meant suffering with Him and for Him.

4. Mary became the mother of the Church. Before Jesus died on the cross, He gave Mary to John, His beloved disciple, as His mother: "Woman, behold your son." And to John, He said: "Behold your mother." (John 19:26-27) In doing so, He also gave Mary to all of us as our mother. Mary is not only the mother of Jesus but also the mother of all who believe in Him and follow Him. She cares for us as her children, she watches over us as our protector, and she leads us as our queen.

5. Mary is full of grace and glory. Mary is the most blessed among women and among all creatures. She is "full of grace" (Luke 1:28), meaning that she was conceived without original sin and preserved from any personal sin throughout her life. She is "the Immaculate Conception" (Pope Pius IX), meaning that she was always pure and holy in body and soul. She is "assumed into heaven" (Pope Pius XII), meaning that she was taken up body and soul into heaven at the end of her earthly life. She is "crowned with glory" (Revelation 12:1), meaning that she reigns with Jesus as his co-redemptrix and mediatrix.

6. She continues to help us all.  She told the servants at the Wedding of Cana to "do whatever He tells you" (John 2:5). These were her last recorded words in the Gospel, New Testament, and Bible as a whole. To this day she appears to us around the world under many titles.  She was Jesus' best disciple which is why He sends her around the world and in different periods of time to appear to specific people to convey a reminder of the Gospel of Love. 

7. Mary has helped me immensely in my life. I attribute many miracles to her, physical healings, healing of my hearing, vision, and oncology tests, in my schooling and education.  She has always been there for her and I try my best to be there for her and her Son Jesus the Lord.  Mary is just awesome!

These are just some of the reasons why I love Mary and why I think she is the greatest woman ever. She is my mother, my sister, my friend, my queen. She is my inspiration, my hope, my joy.

I invite you to join me in honoring Mary this month by praying the rosary daily, wearing a scapular or a miraculous medal, reading a book about her life or devotion to her, visiting a shrine or a church dedicated to her, or simply talking to her as you would talk to your own mother.

Let us thank God for giving us such a wonderful gift: Mary, the Virgin Mother of God. Ave Maria!

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#MillionsMarchNYC

One Saturday December 13, 2014, over 30,000 people marched in New York City protesting the decisions of grand juries who decided not to charge police officers with murder.  The protesters met at Washington Square park and marched down the streets.

NYPD officials let them march without arresting anyone. This has been the new policy under Mayor DiBlasio who want the people to exercise their freedom of speech and assembly without permits as long as they do so peacefully and without obstructing major roads.

The march was peaceful for the most part.  A professor from my alma mater, CUNY, was arrested for alledgely trying to throw a garbage can. Others were arrested as well when they tried to prevent cops from arresting the adjunct professor of English.

Ironically, Washington Square park used to be a place where African Americans and others were
hung to death and left there as a display.  The land itself was used as a potter's field and contains the remains of over 20,000 people who lived centuries ago.

Some people placed signs that read "I can't breathe," echoing the cry of Eric Garner.  Perhaps this was done to connect the past with the present since African Slaves were hung there and hanging does prevent breathing.

The people have had enough and want change.  It seems that we will continue to see these demonstrations until change does occur.





















 



Source:

http://www.millionsmarchnyc.org/

http://www.democracynow.org/2014/12/15/black_youth_organized_millions_march_nyc

http://gothamist.com/2014/12/14/cuny_professor_arrested_for_assault.php

https://www.facebook.com/events/959630214065046/

http://rt.com/usa/214351-millions-march-nyc-timelapse/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iz7hkfNmfTY

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/13/millions-march-nyc_n_6320348.html

http://www.correctionhistory.org/html/chronicl/ny1816-60/oct05a.html

"First Generations Women in Colonial America" Book Review

We are in March, Woman's History Month.  I decided to write a review of the book, "First Generations Women in Colonial America," by CUNY professor Carol Berkin.

Women are considered equal in today’s America, but that was not always the case. During Colonial times, women were considered the property of their husbands. They did not have many opportunities to live as men did. Carol Berkin’s book, “First Generations WOMEN in COLONIAL AMERICA” offers some insight on the lives women lived during colonial times.

Berkin attempts to present to readers the lives of women in colonial times from a feminist perspective. She uses archives, historical documents, diaries, court records, letters, wills, property titles and the like as sources for her work. With these, she puts together a perspective about particular women in their distinct region and time periods and uses the sources to paint a picture of their lives.

The book in a sense serves as a supplement to history topics discussed in history classes.  History courses often offers general details on events while this book gives a more personal look at the history by detailing the lives of several women and how they lived in their respective time and place. The book’s chapters primarily begin by giving a look at the life of a particular woman.

Mary Cole of Maryland is mentioned first. She is a woman living in Maryland in a time where woman had little rights. Women at the time had to basically marry in order to be considered for any social position or wealth. At the death of a husband, women were often left abandoned without anything. They could not inherit their husband’s wealth or property unless a will or instruction was made indicating this transfer. Many times wealth and property were left to widows with some conditions. Some of the conditions called for the possession of lands and other businesses to remain within the family and not passed along to other men a widow might marry. Many times land and wealth were left solely so the widow can care for any children the couple may have had.

The next chapter starts with Hannah Duston of New England. She lives in the time of the “Puritan experiment.” This is when members of the Puritan sect settled in New England and started colonies that were based on fundamentalist interpretations of the Bible. Just like with women in Maryland, women in New England had similar limitations in regards to social status, rights and possession.

Women were not allowed to have much of a say in Puritan religious gatherings, but in a sense did control the leaders. Berkins suggests that gossip and reputation were often used to control the leaders of the town. Being that Puritans were expected to be “pure,” they were very meticulous of their reputation. Some used this to their advantage. The Witch Trials of Salem are an example.

Women of a particular social class and wealth accused others of a different social and wealth class of witchcraft. Duston was seen as a hero after with the help of others, killed her Indian captives and brought back their scalps as a sign of victory.

Wetamo of New England is the next woman mentioned. She is of the Wampanoag people and has a prominent leadership role among them. She struggles for her people in a time where suspicion and friction exist among settlers and Natives. Berkin gives a little background on Wetamo and then on the comparisons and contrasts between how the Natives saw love, marriage, family, sex and other facets of society. The settlers valued marriage, while the Natives had premarital relationships. Marriage was a concept they really did not expound upon in their culture. This is where settlers attempted to convert the Natives in order to assimilate them into their understanding of marriage, sex and so on.

Other women mentioned are, Margaret Hardenbroeck of New Amsterdam, Mary Johnson who came aboard the ships Margarett and John in 1622 to Chesapeake, Eliza Lucas of South Carolina and Grace Growden who lived during the Revolution period. These women all shared similar experiences. They had to struggle to make it for themselves in a time where the male was the prominent figure and provider. Color did not matter much. All of the women are European except Wetamo who was a Native American and Mary Johnson who was a Black slave. Despite the color difference, each faced the same hardships being that they are women.

I enjoyed the book. As I wrote in the first paragraph, it gives a personal detailed account of the lives of important women in American history. More personal details are given about the lives of women which is hard to do in a history course. Events and dates are fine to learn, but this book actually gives accounts of real people and how they lived, thought and functioned in Colonial times. It puts a “face” on history. The book puts into perspective the reality of the time and how women in particular were treated and how they were seen compared to men.

If you are a history enthusiast or feminist looking to learn more about woman's history in early America, then this book is for you. It is well researched and a good read.