Inspiring our Children to Become Saints

There comes that moment in every Christian's life. The reality hits. God created me to be a saint.

Saints are not just those fortunate few on Church calendars and holy cards. Sainthood is everyone's calling. For anyone trying to get to heaven, there is no other choice. We either become saints in this life or in purgatory. God's word tells us that nothing unclean shall enter heaven. So our whole life's mission is to become fit for that magnificent place. I find inspiration in learning about those who made it. I find useful information in discovering how they got there. They weren't born any more perfect than I was. But at some point in their lives, they embraced their calling: to love God above all things. Wouldn't it have been nice to know this earlier in our lives? Wouldn't it have changed our outlook, our actions, our choices, our time management, our disposition?

I have always wanted my children to know this early on. So I have taught them about the saints, and I have watched their devotion to particular saints grow, all for different reasons. My oldest loves St. Jose Maria Escriva. The second is drawn to St. John Nepomucene. The third St. Teresa of Calcutta. And the youngest loves St. John the Evangelist. I did nothing, really, to foster this relationship with these particular saints, except give my children, from the time they were very young, books, videos, coloring books, activities and costumes on every saint I could find. And now I have the privilege of sharing stories of the saints with other children besides my own.

My publishing company, Caritas Press, recently released a number of books to help children grow closer to the saints, and therefore, hopefully, grow closer to sainthood. Below is a brief description of each of the books, which are available individually or as a money-saving bundle, through Catholic Word. Maybe they will inspire sainthood in your little ones.

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Jackie's Special Halloween written by Brenda Castro, Illustrated by Maria Boas
The true meaning of Halloween through the eyes of a brother and sister hosting an All Saints Day Party. Author Brenda Castro captures young imaginations and shows them the truth and beauty of the Faith. Also available on Kindle.

Amazing Saints & their Awesome Animals written by Sherry Boas, Illustrated by Maria Boas
Since the dawn of time, people and animals have worked together, played together and kept each other company. Saints throughout the ages have loved their animal friends, and in return, the beasts have loved them back. We hope you enjoy this sampling of stories that reveals the compassion, respect, and affection holy people have shown for all of God's creatures. Companion coloring book also available!

Arabel's Lamb written by Sherry Boas, Illustrated by Julie Wells
A young girl’s compassion is tested to the limits in this gripping tale about love and sacrifice, loosely based on the legend of St. George and the Dragon.

Archangela's Horse written by Sherry Boas, Illustrated by Ines Leguizamo
Sometimes God has the most unpredictable ways of showing us the path we are to travel. Archangela comes to understand God’s will when her beloved and loyal horse refuses to take her where she wants to go, taking her instead on a joyful journey she never could have imagined.

Saint John Bosco & His Big Gray Dog by Hayley Medeiros
It is hard to believe that anyone would have ever wanted to hurt good Father John Bosco. He helped so many people. But there were times when his life was in danger. During those times, a very special guardian would appear to protect him. In this way, God saved the holy priest from harm so he could complete his mission and help children come to know God.

Encyclopedia of Peg Saints by Maggie and Michael Jetty
Discover all the fascinating facts that make the saints so lovable and inspirational. Get to know 36 saints in an engaging and easy to “absorb” format, centered around colorful hand-painted peg dolls collected and cherished by Catholic kids everywhere. “I highly recommend this book to parents and educators, as it will help children come to know and love the saints, which will in turn lead them into a deeper relationship with Christ and His Church. I have always been very partial to the lives of the saints, so I believe this book will go a long way in the New Evangelization. The saints are great, graphics are beautiful and the information on the saints’ lives is excellent.” ~The Most Rev. James S. Wall, Bishop of Gallup