Inspirational women saints to look to during Women’s History Month
During Women’s History Month, it’s worth noting the many female saints who serve as exemplary role models for Catholic women. Saints embody virtues such as courage, compassion, and resilience, offering guidance and inspiration for navigating life’s challenges. By studying the lives of saints and imitating their faith-driven actions, Catholic women can cultivate a deeper understanding of their own spiritual potential.
Here are the stories of five saints women might find empowering in their pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment in their Catholic faith. The following biographies are based on information from Catholic Online.
Mary, Mother of God
Mary is widely known for her significant role as the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Before the birth, Mary was engaged to Joseph, a carpenter when she received a divine visitation from the angel Gabriel. The angel revealed to Mary that she had been chosen by God to conceive and bear a child by the Holy Spirit. At first, Mary was confused and frightened, but she humbly accepted this divine calling by saying, “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) This event, which is known as the Annunciation, is celebrated by Christians as a moment of immense significance in the history of salvation.
Mary’s pregnancy was miraculous, as she conceived Jesus while a virgin. Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born in a humble stable, fulfilling ancient prophecies of the Messiah’s birth. Mary lovingly cared for Jesus throughout his childhood, accompanying him on his journey to adulthood and ministry.
Mary’s presence is evident at key moments in Jesus’ life, including his baptism, his first miracle at the wedding in Cana, and his crucifixion. Mary remained steadfast in her faith and devotion to her son, standing at the foot of the cross as he died.
Mary exemplifies the depth of a mother’s love and represents the highest fulfillment for all women. Women and people everywhere should look to emulate Mary’s act of submission during the Annunciation. This pivotal moment catalyzed the salvation of humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. Mary’s selfless devotion was always aligned with God’s will, attentively listening to His Word, and fully surrendering to His plan. As a woman, she epitomizes the feminine gift of giving life and is revered as the Queen of Heaven and Earth.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774–1821)
When she was 19, Elizabeth Ann Barley married William Magee Seton on Jan. 25, 1794, and had five children: Anna Maria, William, Richard, Catherine, and Rebecca. Elizabeth lived a rich life, dedicated to her family and compassionately supporting the disadvantaged.
During a visit to Italy where her husband died, Elizabeth discovered Catholicism. She converted to the faith upon her return to the United States in 1805. She was invited in 1809 by several priests to move from New York to Maryland, where she established the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph’s, the first community for religious women in the U.S. The sisters then opened the first Catholic school for girls in the U.S. Her pioneering efforts in Catholic education laid the groundwork for future generations of women to pursue religious vocations and contribute to society through education and service.
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s courage in the face of adversity serves as an inspiration to all women. Despite facing the loss of her husband at a young age and experiencing hardships, she found the courage to embrace a new faith and embark on a path of service and charity. Her role as a mother and a steward for Catholic women makes her a role model for all Catholic women.
Mother Cabrini (1850–1917)
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, also known as Mother Cabrini, was an Italian-born nun who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. She is celebrated for her extraordinary dedication to serving immigrants and the marginalized, particularly in the United States.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, including the rejection of her initial attempts to join a religious order due to poor health, she remained determined to pursue her calling to serve others.
In 1880, Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus dedicated to assisting the poor and vulnerable. She and her sisters worked tirelessly to address the needs of immigrants, providing education, healthcare, and social services. Despite facing resistance and discrimination, Cabrini remained steadfast in her mission, advocating for the rights and welfare of immigrants and working to improve their living conditions. Her compassion, courage, and resilience earned her widespread admiration and respect.
In 1946, Frances Xavier Cabrini became the first naturalized citizen of the United States to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. She is revered not only for her remarkable achievements in service to others but also for her unwavering faith and devotion to God. Cabrini’s life serves as an enduring inspiration to women and people of all backgrounds, and a reminder of the transformative power of compassion and service to those in need.
St. Teresa of Calcutta (1910–1997)
St. Teresa of Calcutta, commonly known as Mother Teresa, was an Albanian-Indian nun born on Aug. 26, 1910. She is revered globally for her unwavering dedication to serving the poorest of the poor and her profound compassion for humanity.
Mother Teresa felt a calling to religious life from a young age and joined the Sisters of Loreto when she was 18. In 1929, she arrived in India, where she taught at a school for girls in Calcutta for nearly two decades.
In 1946, Mother Teresa received a divine calling to serve the destitute and marginalized. It led her to establish the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, a religious congregation devoted to aiding the impoverished and neglected, both in Kolkata, India, and globally. Mother Teresa’s mission focused on offering basic necessities such as food, shelter, and medical assistance, and restoring dignity to those afflicted by poverty, illness, and abandonment. She and her fellow sisters ministered to individuals from diverse faiths, underscoring the primacy of love and empathy in their humanitarian efforts.
Mother Teresa received the Nobel Peace for her humanitarian work in 1979. Despite her global fame, she remained humble and focused on her mission until her passing on Sept. 5, 1997.
St. Teresa’s legacy continues to inspire women and people of all backgrounds to emulate her compassion, selflessness, and dedication to serving others, particularly the most vulnerable members of society.
St. Kateri Tekakwitha (1656–1680)
St. Kateri Tekakwitha is the first Native American canonized by the Catholic Church. She was born in a Mohawk tribe in the northern part of New York state. When she was four years old, she became an orphan after a blight of smallpox killed her entire family and left Kateri scarred and partially blind. Despite living with a disability, she thrived in the traditional Indian crafts of beadwork, basket weaving, and clothes making.
When she was 19, Kateri met Jacques de Lamberville, a Jesuit missionary who taught her about Catholicism and baptized her. Her faith brought her ridicule and hardship from her family and fellow tribe members, but she remained steadfast in her devotion to Christ. In 1677, she fled persecution of her tribe to live on a Jesuit mission near Montreal. Kateri was sickly, and died at 24, just five years after her conversion to Catholicism.
The Jesuits who lived with Kateri recognized her strong dedication to her faith. She regularly prayed for her fellow Mohawks to embrace Christianity and frequently observed fasts as part of her spiritual practice.
Catholic women can draw inspiration from her resilience, determination, and unwavering devotion to God. She serves as an inspiration for women to remain faithful amidst life’s trials, and embrace their identity and convictions with courage and grace.
Featured photo: Canva
