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Saints to Lean on: Spiritual Companions for Illness And Disability

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Author Janice McGrane, who has suffered with rheumatoid arthritis since she was 25, was prompted by her own experience to write about 11 Christian saints and mystics who offer us inspiration and spiritual companionship in times of disability and illness. In the introduction, McGrane clarifies the Catholic position on praying "to" saints. What we really mean, she notes, is asking the saints to pray "with us" to God. She adds an explanation of the Catholic belief in "the communion of saints," the relationship between the living and the deceased whose prayers, stories, and companionship are available to us. She also addresses the old practice of "offering it up," stressing the importance of acknowledging the pain of life and "consciously and continually" giving it over to God in whatever way seems best.

At the heart of this book are men and women from different times and places who experienced different physical, mental, and emotional disabilities. One, Catherine of Genoa, is presented as a model for caregivers. What all of the subjects have in common, McGrane explains, is that "their writings and their powerful witness to others demonstrated great spiritual lessons on how to live with a debilitating illness or disability."

In each chapter the author provides biographical information, particularly the individual's spiritual journey, and effect on others during life and after death. Most chapters also include information on the cultural and medical responses to the disability or illness at the time the subject lived and today. McGrane wraps up the stories with ways we might enter into spiritual companionship with the individual.

Saints to Lean On by Janice McGrane, S.S.J. provides a compelling look at eleven different "spiritual companions". Each biographical vignette looks at a member of the "communion of saints" who have gone before us on their own paths, which included pain and suffering. In her introductory comments, McGrane rightly discusses the line between praying "to" saints and praying "with" them. Not all of the eleven have been formally canonized, but each provides a role model of strength and courage in facing adversity. While the book is addressed towards those suffering illness and disability, I found it an uplifting resource for taking on any adversity in life. I was particularly moved by the chapters on St. Therese of Lisieux and Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha.

Sister Janice shows her passion for persons with disabilities and sketches some interesting Saint's lives who had various disabilities.

This is an outstanding book. It should be required reading for all Catholics. Who knew we don't pray TO the Saint but rather we ask them to pray WITH us? I do not have a disability but I loved the historical information the author provided about the life and times of the saints.

Well done..way to go.

Karyn Grace

I bought this book even though I do not have a disability. I was drawn to it because I look to the saints for examples and advice. I try to "prepare myself" for any struggles that may come my way. I am already familiar with many of the saints, but this book includes many saintly and blessed people I had not heard of--so I learned something new. I recently met the author (Janice McGrane). She is a wonderful storyteller and a very humble and kind individual. She knows from first-hand experience that disabilities can bring us closer to God if we allow ourselves to place "radical trust" in Him. The saints are our friends who who are eager to help us and comfort us if we just reach out to them.

As a Catholic educator I have read and used many books on the saints, but this book was unlike any I have ever read. Its spiritual dimension is hard to articulate, but you know you have read a holy book when you are finished.

SAINTS TO LEAN ON opened my eyes about goodness prevailing in the midst of unavoidable suffering. It illustrates the fountains of God's grace nourishing the soul to produce blessings of joy and peace in many circumstances of ill health. These individuals' spirits were in no way confined by physical disability but gave them a strengthening compassion that was miraculous in their lives and ones touched by their example. I recommend these stories for an uplifting change in attitude towards debilitating illness.