David Williams shows that images associated with saints are not simply illustrations of written accounts, nor are the gestures, prayers, and liturgical practices of devotees of saints' cults simply derivative of them. Rather, images and enactments expand and complete the text, adding visual and dramatic dimensions. Williams demonstrates his ideas through discussion and case studies of three saints: the biblical figure of Saint Anne, mother of the Virgin; the medieval English martyr Saint Thomas Becket; and Saint Maximillian Mary Kolbe, who gave his life to save that of another in the Auschwitz concentration camp. A remarkable study of text, image, and enactment, Saints Alive presents a complete study of the depiction of saints that will change the way they are understood.

Shannon Donnelly despised the divorce lawyer who ruined her sister’s life, but fate kept throwing them together, fate in the form of Saint Valentine himself and his frenemy, Eros. The two supposedly mythical creatures have a bet going–can Shannon Donnelly find true love with Patrick Lockwood, the bane of her existence, by Valentine’s Day? It takes a fair amount of supernatural interference, including a trip to Maine and an unexpected blizzard, but things still aren’t falling into place. Who would have thought humans would be so stubborn?

Annies fourth-grade religion class is learning about their patron saints to share in an oral report later on. She has always been fascinated by the lives of the saints, especially the miracles they experienced. More than anything, she would love to experience a miracle of her own since so many miracles happened to the saints when they were children. When Annie discovers that her patron saint isnt as exciting as those of her classmates, she is disappointed and embarrassed to give her report. Learn how prayer, faith, and a little divine intervention during a frightening family crisis changed Annies feelings about her patron saint, Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus.

Combining the art of dramatic storytelling with biography, Church history, and Catholic teaching and belief, this collection shows how real people lived the Gospel, revealing the richness of the Christian life and offering inspirational models of the faith.

Saints Alive! introduces people to faith in God through the power of the Holy Spirit, helping them to be integrated into the life of the church and moving out into ministry in their everyday lives. This study resource is applicable for groups of any size; it does not matter how much or how little people know about the Christian faith all are welcome. With a leader s manual, optional videos, and a journal for every member that includes teaching, Bible readings, and space to record their thoughts, Saints Alive! has been used by hundreds of thousands all over the world.