An Introduction to Holy Superheroes

Maria Riley reviews the new God's Superheroes books from Our Sunday Visitor.

Mary Bajda introduces middle-grade through teen readers to holy “superheroes” in her two-volume set of God’s Superheroes, new from Our Sunday Visitor. Each book, Amazing Catholic Men and Amazing Catholic Women, showcases 36 male or female Catholics who accomplished great things through the power of God. 

Within each chapter, Mary Bajda covers a brief biography of the featured Catholic, but most of the passages are about the adventures, conversions, and great acts from their lives. The subjects are not limited to exclusively canonized saints, but include people who have been declared a Servant of God, Venerable, or Blessed by the Catholic Church. Because of this, everyone is sure to encounter both familiar names and new inspiring men and women who dedicated their lives to God. 

These books are intended for young adult readers, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading them myself. Aside from being introduced to some new names like Servant of God Blandina Segale, Saint Syncletica of Alexandria, and Blessed Pier Giorgio, I also learned interesting facts about those with whom I am familiar.

Each superhero’s chapter is only 3-4 pages long and can be read in less than 5 minutes, which helps make the book feel accessible for teen readers. Additionally, the colorful, graphic-novel type full page illustrations by Melinda Steffen draw readers into the action and vivacity of the holy person. 

There is not a boring superhero featured in either book. You will find stories about a knight, a prankster, a samurai, a surfer and more. Mary Bajda focuses on the exciting, interesting, and sometimes supernatural aspects of their lives including bilocation and levitation. She also does not shy away from the brutal and violent experiences and deaths of many of these holy women and men, which is why I would not recommend this book for younger readers.

Some of the superheroes’ stories are appropriate for all ages, but a parent would need to read them in advance and select certain stories for their younger children. 

Every dynamic superhero has a quote that is featured, and each passage starts with their nickname and a quick snippet of who they are. This gives readers a chance to decide to learn more about this person or find someone else who draws their attention. At the end of each chapter, Mary Bajda offers a call to reflection and action based on the lessons learned from that superhero. She draws clear correlation to the lives and actions of these holy people and the lives of modern 9- to 18-year-olds. 

If you are looking for engaging books that introduce young adults to many holy women and men, be sure to add God’s Superheroes: Amazing Catholic Men and God’s Superheroes: Amazing Catholic Women to your collection.

Copyright 2022 Maria Riley
Images: Canva