Saints at Heart: How Fault-Filled, Problem-Prone, Imperfect People Like Us Can Be Holy [Paperback]

Bert Ghezzi PhD (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 4, 2011

“You’re no saint!” is a familiar phrase, and one that nearly all of us probably believe accurately reflects our own hearts and lives. We assume that sanctity is reserved for an elite group of people who follow spiritual disciplines so difficult and impractical that no ordinary person could ever perform them. But best-selling author Bert Ghezzi believes every one of us can be holy, and he shows us how in Saints at Heart. By pointing out that all the saints—even the apostles—were sinners, he helps us understand how holiness is not about being perfect, but rather about making a heartfelt decision to fall in love with God and put God first. Each of the 10 saints featured in this book illustrates a specific spiritual practice that can help us draw closer to God. St. Francis models lifelong conversion; Dorothy Day, prayer and the study of Scripture; and Pope John Paul II, evangelization. Every chapter ends with a section titled “Think, Pray, and Act,” which contains questions for reflection and application.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

Every saint was a sinner, so what’s holding you back from drawing closer to God?

“You’re no saint!” It’s a familiar phrase, and one that nearly all of us probably believe accurately reflects our own hearts and lives. We assume that sanctity is reserved for an elite group of extraordinary people who follow spiritual disciplines so difficult and impractical that no ordinary person could ever perform them.
But best-selling author Bert Ghezzi believes every one of us can be holy, and he sets out to show us how in Saints at Heart. By pointing out that all the saints—even the apostles—were sinful, he helps us understand how holiness is not about being perfect, but rather about making a heartfelt decision to fall in love with God and put God first.
Each of the 10 saints featured in this book illustrates a specific spiritual practice that can help us draw closer to God. St. Francis models lifelong conversion; Dorothy Day, prayer and the study of Scripture; and Pope John Paul II, evangelization. Every chapter ends with a section titled “Think, Pray, and Act,” which contains questions to help us reflect on the message of the saint’s life and how we might apply that message to our own lives.
For anyone who desires to draw close to God but doesn’t think it’s possible, Saints at Heart proves that it is. By following the examples of the imperfect yet God-centered saints before us, we too can be holy if we want.

From the Back Cover

What’s really at the heart of holiness?

“You’re no saint!” is a familiar phrase, and one that nearly all of us probably believe accurately reflects our own hearts and lives. We assume that sanctity is reserved for an elite group of people who follow spiritual disciplines so difficult and impractical that no ordinary person could ever perform them.
But best-selling author Bert Ghezzi believes every one of us can be holy, and he shows us how in Saints at Heart. By pointing out that all the saints—even the apostles—were sinners, he helps us understand how holiness is not about being perfect, but rather about making a heartfelt decision to fall in love with God and put God first.
Each of the 10 saints featured in this book illustrates a specific spiritual practice that can help us draw closer to God. St. Francis models lifelong conversion; Dorothy Day, prayer and the study of Scripture; and Pope John Paul II, evangelization. Every chapter ends with a section titled “Think, Pray, and Act,” which contains questions for reflection and application.
 

What’s really at the heart of holiness?

“You’re no saint!” is a familiar phrase, and one that nearly all of us probably believe accurately reflects our own hearts and lives. We assume that sanctity is reserved for an elite group of people who follow spiritual disciplines so difficult and impractical that no ordinary person could ever perform them.

But best-selling author Bert Ghezzi believes every one of us can be holy, and he shows us how in Saints at Heart. By pointing out that all the saints—even the apostles—were sinners, he helps us understand how holiness is not about being perfect, but rather about making a heartfelt decision to fall in love with God and put God first.

Each of the 10 saints featured in this book illustrates a specific spiritual practice that can help us draw closer to God. St. Francis models lifelong conversion; Dorothy Day, prayer and the study of Scripture; and Pope John Paul II, evangelization. Every chapter ends with a section titled “Think, Pray, and Act,” which contains questions for reflection and application.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Loyola Press; First Edition, First edition (March 4, 2011)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0829435441
• ISBN-13: 978-0829435443
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #727,484 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Bert Ghezzi, who holds a PhD in history from the University of Notre Dame, is a popular columnist, speaker, and author who has written 18 books, including Voices of the Saints, Mystics & Miracles, The Sign of the Cross, Keeping Your Kids Catholic, and Sacred Passages. He is currently an acquisitions editor for Our Sunday Visitor. He and his wife reside in Winter Park, Florida.