Since ancient times, philosophers and parents have asked this question: How can a child be educated to be virtuous?
Catholic parents especially wonder how to raise children who stay Catholic and honor the teachings of their faith. We ask ourselves, “How can I raise my child to be a saint?”
Anyone who has asked this question will find an invaluable resource in a new book, Parents of the Saints: The Hidden Heroes Behind Our Favorite Saints. Author Patrick O’Hearn takes an in-depth look at the lives of the saints’ parents. He identifies common traits among them and how they nurtured their children’s vocations.
Of course, not all parents encourage their children’s sanctity. Some saints have pursued holiness despite opposition from their parents. But such “holy rebels” are the exception rather than the norm.
Most holy men and women had holy parents too. It turns out there’s a lot that parents can do to encourage holiness in their children, and this book lays it all out clearly.
It’s a book you can’t miss if you’re trying to form your children in virtue and holiness. The stories O’Hearn tells will leave you with lots to think about and pray about as you raise your own family.
At the most basic level, parents who raise saints share these 7 traits in common. (Check out Parents of the Saints for more fascinating details about what these qualities mean and how they can be put into practice!)
