In this intriguing new book, bestselling author Joan Carroll Cruz
presents 94 mini-biographies highlighting saintly Catholics who faced
intense, long-term suffering and disability with sweetness, peace and
love for Jesus Christ. These stories show the triumph of God's grace
where the world finds only ugliness and approaching death. They
describe some lives so recent that the saint's family members are still
living today, with many causes for canonization being currently active
in Rome.
Included here are Bl. Zelie Martin, who died of breast cancer;
14-year-old Bl. Isidore Bakanja, the Scapular martyr from Africa; the
famous leper priest, St. Damien of Molokai; Venerable Matthew Talbot,
the alcoholic; St. Germaine Cousin, rejected because of a birth defect;
and little Nennolina Meo, who died from cancer of the bone, lungs and
brain. Also included are persons who suffered from paralysis, amputation,
deformities, breathing problems, mental illnesses, kidney ailments,
intestinal disorders, and more-as well as from medical treatment itself.
Particularly remarkable are the children who suffered, including
young people ages 15, 13, 12, 11-and even 6! For these there was no
grasping at the remnants of earthly life but rather an eager anticipation
of Heaven. These children showed unwavering resolve to suffer for
the love of God and the conversion of sinners-as they endeavored to
console their parents.
SAINTS FOR THE SICK is a book that reinforces our Catholic
faith and gives renewed hope to those who are dealing with bodily
struggles. Moreover, it puts us in touch with heavenly intercessors
who will gladly help us-for they know exactly what we are going
through on earth.
