The Catholic Church has in its ranks many testimonies of holy mothers whose children were also saints. Here we present eight of these great women who loved God and radiated that fervor in their children.
1. Saint Anne and the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Saint Anne, mother of the Mother of God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, is not only an example of a holy mother, but also of a holy grandmother, whose grandson is Jesus himself.
More information about Santa Ana HERE.
2. Saint Monica and Saint Augustine of Hippo
Many know that it was through the fervent prayers of Saint Monica that her rebellious son-turned-Doctor of the Church became the saint we know today.
She prayed for him non-stop, and little by little, Christ answered her prayers. Saint Augustine had a conversion of heart and from that moment on he dedicated his life to God.
This is a test of what a good mother is and what a lot of prayers can do for a rebellious child.
Learn more about Santa Monica HERE.
3. Santa Celia Guérin and Santa Teresa de Lisieux
Saint Mary Celia and her husband Saint Louis had a deep faith that inspired their 5 daughters to enter religious life.
Without a doubt, the love that existed in her family for God generated great devotion and paved the way for the virtuous life of Saint Therese, who was named Doctor of the Church.
More information about Saint Mary Celia Guérin in the HERE.
4. Saint Silvia of Rome and Saint Gregory the Great
Saint Silvia and her husband, who later entered monastic life, built a chapel dedicated to Saint Sabas in their house, which was later expanded to become a monastery. The son of Saint Silvia of Rome was Saint Gregory, who became one of the most recognized Popes in the history of the Catholic Church.
More information about Santa Silvia HERE.
5. Saint Felicidad and her 7 martyr sons
Saint Felicidad had 7 children, all of them martyrs. Seeing all of her children tortured and martyred for following Christ must have been bittersweet for her. Soon she accompanied them in death and eternal life.
More information about Santa Felicidad HERE.
6. Blessed Juana de Aza and Saint Dominic de Guzmán
Saint Joan of Aza had difficulty conceiving a child. That’s why she prayed to God and asked for the intercession of Saint Dominic of Silos. Her prayers were heard and in gratitude she named her son Domingo.
One night, Juana dreamed that she gave birth to a dog with a torch in its mouth that ran around the world.
The dream frightened her and she went to a monastery to consult with a monk, who told her: “Don’t worry, lady. The burning torch represents the word of God. Like the dog, your son is going to go around the world announcing it.” “.
That story, along with Juana’s piety, must have inspired her son Domingo to dedicate himself to the Lord. He founded the Order of Preachers and helped stop the spread of the Albigensian heresy, which had made dangerous inroads into the Christianity of his time.
7. Margarita Occhiena (venerable) and San Juan Bosco
Margaret was the mother of a saint loved by millions of people. Working alongside her son, Margarita ensured that the street children received by Don Bosco were well attended and cared for.
More information about Margarita Occhiena in this link.
8. Blessed Ortolana of Assisi and her daughters Saint Agnes and Saint Clare of Assisi
Ortolana was a woman of great Christian virtue and piety, she used to make long pilgrimages to Bari, Santiago de Compostela and the Holy Land. Despite her great piety, letting go of her two daughters so that they could follow Saint Francis of Assisi must not have been easy.
His daughters Clara and Inés founded the Order of the Poor Ladies of San Damiano, known as Poor Clares.
Translated and adapted by the ACI Prensa team. Originally published in National Catholic Register on May 9, 2015. It has been updated for republication.
Angelo Stagnaro
Angelo Stagnaro is a professed member of the Secular Franciscans (Third Order Franciscans). He has published articles in most of the major Catholic magazines in the United States and Great Britain and has worked as a correspondent for the Catholic News Service, and has served as the news service’s primary liaison to the United Nations and the Office of the Holy See in the United Nations.