7 Inspirational Catholic Saints for Kids to Emulate

3. St. Catherine of Bologna

As the patron saint of artists, St. Catherine of Bologna would make a great role model for kids with creative inclinations.

As the daughter of an aristocratic family, St. Catherine was well-educated. But she especially excelled in the arts and would paint several masterpieces throughout her life. She even illustrated her own prayer book.

More than just an artist, St. Catherine was also known for her piety and miraculous experiences.

4. St. Teresa of Calcutta

As the modern icon of charity, almost all of us are familiar with Mother Teresa is. Well, except for the youngsters, I guess.

In the 80’s, a frail old woman from Calcutta made waves around the world and became known as “the living saint”. Her message was simple: if you love others, you must be willing to serve them. And she did not just tell the world how to do it. Rather, she showed us how to do it.

Leaving behind a life of privilege, Mother Teresa served the poorest of the poor in one of India’s biggest slums. She helped widows, orphans, sick people – generally anyone that society considers a burden. She even established a hospice for people with AIDS, who back then were constantly discriminated against.

Her heart for the poor and her passion for charity make her one of the most inspiring saints that your child can look up to.

5. St. Benedict Joseph Labre

If there’s one thing that children can learn from St. Benedict Joseph Labre, it’s that no matter how little we have, we can always share it with others.

Though he was born to well-off parents, St. Benedict chose the life of a mendicant-pilgrim. He traveled to different shrines on foot and lived off of what he made from begging. But even with this, he is known to share what little he receives with others. Many of us can definitely learn a thing or two from him.

6. St. Francis of Assisi

I’d like to think of St. Francis of Assisi as the original tree-hugger. Throughout his life, he has always had a deep respect for the environment and animals. In his Canticle of the Sun, he even referred to the sun as “brother sun” and the moon as “sister moon”.

Because of his love for all creatures, it has become customary for churches to bless animals on his feast day. He also founded the Franciscan Order, a Catholic religious order that lives on the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

So if you’re little one is a budding eco-warrior, St. Francis of Assissi would make an ideal role model.

7. St. Joan of Arc

At a time when women were relegated to domestic duties, Joan of Arc was leading armies. And she was only seventeen years old!

It’s no wonder why many people refer to her as the original feminist. Her courage and bravery allowed her to transcend gender roles. Even her enemies were in awe of her. So much so that they decided to burn her at the stake after a joke of a trial.

But even in death, Joan still has the last laugh. A few years after her death, she was declared a martyr. Centuries later, she was canonized and declared the patron saint of France.

Her story might have some dark aspects to it (ie, being burned at the stake) but there is no doubt that she was a trailblazer. She proved to everyone that women can be whomever they want. That’s something every girl should learn about.