These remarkable men and women show us it takes courage to serve your country — and to be a saint.
As we mark Veteran’s Day, we have an opportune moment to reflect on some remarkable holy men and women who not only picked up a sword to serve their country, but who often did so for a higher purpose: their Christian faith.
Some of these saints felt impelled to sign up to military service after receiving spiritual visions, while others joined the forces to help spread the Word of God. Most, however, found their spiritual calling during, or after, their years as a soldier. Nonetheless, the courage these saints displayed in their service prepared them for the persecution and various challenges they would later face as Christians.