At mass yesterday for All Saints Day, Father asked the school children about their favorite saints. The question prompted me to contemplate as well, and I found my list to be quite long.

Saints Katherine Drexel, Elizabeth Seton, Francis of Assisi, and Mother Francis Cabrini are on there for sure. I’m intrigued with Kateri Tekawitha. St Anthony is my go-to saint when searching for lost articles. St Joseph assists with employment and family.

My favorite saint, without a doubt, is the Virgin Mary. I talk with her every day, all day. St Margaret Queen of Scotts is my childhood favorite. I took her name when confirmed because of her works of charity and love.

Saint Theodora, also known as Mother Theodore Guerin, tops my list as well. I became acquainted with her while attaining my Master’s Degree in Pastoral Theology at St Mary-of-the-Woods College, the school she founded.

I admire St Theodora for her ability to submit completely to God’s will. She trusted and entrusted her entire being into the hands of the Lord. For this reason, St Theodora may be considered a patron saint of faith. Her faith gave her the courage to persevere under tremendous adversity.

She also may be called upon when requesting prayers for the following:

• Healing, Especially Cancers. Her first noted miracle was for a sister who prayed to her and was completely healed from cancer.
• Eye Disorders. Her second noted miracle was for a gentleman whose vision was completely restored after praying to her.
• Digestive Disorders. After suffering a severe illness and a “cure” that left her unable to eat solid food the rest of her life, St Theodora endured periods of frailty in part because of the inability to absorb proper nutrition.
• Education. As the founder of St. Mary-of-the-Woods College, generations have received a higher education there. She ensured the education of both teachers and students.
• Courage. St Theodora and a small group of religious women traveled from France to the undeveloped Midwest in the mid-1800s to found schools. They educated, and evangelized in spite of hardship and prejudice against Catholics and women.
• Religious Orders. In ill-health and with few resources, St Theodora founded an American religious community that continues to spread God’s Word and education.

Who’s your favorite saint? I’d love to hear from you.

Seven Principles of Sainthood is available from Amazon.com, ACTA Publications, and my website.

St Theodora and Her Promise to God is available from Amazon.com, the Sisters of Providence, and my website.