Not all saints were older theologians or clergy; many Catholic saints were young people – some even students who showed a strong devotion to the faith in their lifetime. Students of today can turn to these young saints for intercession and inspiration in their academic and personal endeavors.

The stories of these young saints show that holiness is attainable for people from all walks of life, and can inspire young Catholics as they embark on the 2023-24 school year.

1. St. Joan of Arc (1412-1431):

Known for her role in leading the French army during the Hundred Years’ War, St. Joan of Arc was only in her teens when she displayed remarkable leadership, courage, and devotion to her country and her faith. Born to noble parents in 1412, she gained prominence for her fervent faith and visions, which she believed were from saints and angels.

Joan inspired French troops with her leadership which came from visions from God. She played a pivotal role in turning the tide of the Hundred Years’ War but was later captured, tried, and executed by the English for charges of heresy and witchcraft. She was later canonized as a saint, becoming a symbol of courage, faith, and patriotism.

Joan has been historically perceived as a courageous and dynamic individual and a feminist inspiration in a time when women did not typically hold much political power. She held the belief that someone from any social background could be chosen by a divine calling.

Her feast day is May 30. Her example can motivate students to take initiative and make a positive impact.

2. St. Stanislaus Kostka (1550-1568):

At the age of 17, St. Stanislaus left his home against his family’s wishes to join the Jesuits, displaying dedication to his calling and a willingness to follow God’s path.

Although he was young, Stanislaus was renowned as a skilled preacher. After just nine months with the Jesuits, he became ill and died at the age of 18.

His feast day is April 11. His story can encourage students to discern their own vocations and pursue them with zeal, and to stand up for justice even in the face of danger.

3. St. Jose Sanchez del Rio (1913-1928):

St. Jose Sanchez del Rio was a young Mexican Cristero martyr who bravely stood up for his faith during the Cristero War, a conflict in Mexico in the 1920s that arose due to government restrictions on the Catholic Church. Although Jose was too young to join the Cristero War as a rebel he was eventually allowed to join as a flag bearer.

He was captured by government forces at the age of 14. Despite facing severe torture and even the offer of release if he renounced his faith, he refused and remained steadfast in his commitment to Christ and the Catholic Church. Eventually, he was brutally martyred for his refusal to deny his faith.

His feast day is Feb.10. His courage can inspire students to be steadfast in their convictions.

4. St. Therese of Lisieux (1873-1897):

Often known as “The Little Flower,” St. Therese entered a Carmelite convent in France when she was just 15 years old. She embraced holiness in her own “Little Way;” through small acts of love and self-surrender in everyday life, as opposed to grand gestures.

Her autobiography, “Story of a Soul,” which she wrote at the request of her superiors on her death bed, became a spiritual classic, detailing her journey of faith, her struggles, and her deep love for God. In her writings, she expressed her desire to become a “little flower” in God’s garden. She died of complications with tuberculosis at 24.

St. Therese’s spirituality resonated with many, and she became known as a patroness of missionaries and a guide for those seeking a deeper relationship with God. Her feast day is Oct. 1. Her simple, yet profound spirituality, can guide students in finding God’s presence in everyday life and cultivating a deep relationship with Him.

5. St. Dominic Savio (1842-1857):

St. Dominic Savio of Northern Italy exhibited profound piety and moral character from a young age receiving his First Holy Communion at the young age of 7 and becoming a student of St. John Bosco at the age of 12. Despite facing challenges and peer pressure, Dominic remained steadfast in his dedication to God, demonstrating virtues of purity, humility, and a joyful spirit. His short life was marked by his desire to bring others closer to God, and he passed away at the age of 14. St. John Bosco was so touched by Dominic, that he wrote his biography, “The Life of Dominic Savio.” The biography was so popular it was read in schools across Italy.

His feast day is March 9. He focused on holiness and virtue while maintaining joy and friendship, demonstrating to students that living a virtuous life is both possible and fulfilling.

Saints provide relatable role models who navigated challenges like those faced by students today, demonstrating how to integrate their faith into their daily lives. Each saint has his or her own prayer that students can seek out for daily prayers or reflections. Through prayer to saints, students can seek intercession, guidance, and strength in their academic pursuits, personal struggles, and spiritual growth. Ultimately, engaging with saints can lead to a deeper understanding of one’s own faith.

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Featured image: Saint. (2023, August 23). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint