As a Catholic mom, I’ve often wished for an easy way my kids could learn about saints who were siblings. This new book is the answer.
Have you ever noticed how saints come in clusters? When you take a look at Church history, you often find groups of saints who were friends or family members.
A beautiful example is Sts. Benedict and Scholastica, a brother and sister who did incredible work for God’s kingdom and are both canonized.
In fact, one of my favorite books to read to my children over the years has been The Holy Twins: Benedict and Scholastica by Kathleen Norris with illustrations from Tomie dePaola. I love that this story focuses on a brother and sister who loved each other, supported each other in following God’s will, and both became saints.
I would tell my kids when we read it, “Look at how this brother and sister both became saints. You can be like that too! You can look for ways to be kind to each other and help each other to follow Jesus.”
These saints are such natural role models for Catholic kids. But I didn’t know of any other “sibling saints” to inspire my kids. Until now.
The must have book for Catholic siblings
I just discovered a brilliant new book: Sibling Saints: Twelve Extraordinary Stories from James and John to Edith and Rosa Stein. As a Catholic mom of four, this is the book I've been looking for!
It is an absolute gem — wonderfully written, with colorful illustrations and fun timelines and sidebars woven in. My kids and I have greatly enjoyed learning more about “sibling saints” beyond Benedict and Scholastica.
Here’s a quick description of the saints featured:
Through lively stories, comic strips, historical background, and prayers, get to know these brothers and sisters, models of faith and holiness: James and John; Lazarus, Martha, and Mary; Cosmas and Damian; Donatian and Rogatian; Ambrose, Marcellina, and Satyrus; Benedict and Scholastica; Cyril and Methodius, Bernard and Humbeline; Louis and Isabelle of France; The Martin Sisters; Elizabeth of the Trinity and Margaret; and Edith and Rosa Stein.
I’ve often wished there might be an easy way for my kids to learn about saints who were siblings. This book is a godsend to help our kids learn these inspiring stories — and maybe inspire them on their own path to sainthood (or at least inspire them not to call their siblings names so much. Sorry, just my house?).
If you’d like to make the book part of your classroom or homeschool, explore these educational extension activities from educator Katie Bogner, too.
Don’t miss out on this really delightful new book. The whole family will enjoy learning about these saints, and we hope these stories will inspire the next generation of “sibling saints” in our own time.
