Coming Soon: Catholics in Courage

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

For much of my life, I have been fascinated by history. My interest began years ago, sitting with my grandfather (a former US Marine during WWII) and watching Victory at Sea. I eventually studied history in college, and military history in particular has remained one of my greatest interests. As I have grown older—and hopefully a little wiser—I have become increasingly interested in something beyond battles, dates, and victories.

I am interested in courage. What makes a person stand when others retreat? What makes someone remain faithful when surrender would be easier? What allows a man or woman to face war, persecution, imprisonment, humiliation, or even death without abandoning what they believe? As a Catholic, I began thinking about these questions through the lives of Catholic men and women from the past and the present.

That is where Catholics in Courage began. Coming soon to Catholic 365, Catholics in Courage will be a recurring series examining brave Catholic men and women throughout history and the moments that tested their faith, character, and courage.

Some carried swords. Others carried rosaries. Some commanded armies and ruled kingdoms. Others entered prisons, faced executioners, protected the innocent, or quietly refused to abandon Christ.

Courage does not always look the same. St. Joan of Arc's courage was not the same as St. Maximilian Kolbe's. King St. Louis IX faced different trials than St. Thomas More. Yet each life leaves us with a question. What does courage look like when my faith is tested?

I do not want Catholics in Courage to simply become another collection of biographies. There are already countless excellent books and articles telling the lives of the saints, way better than I can. Instead, I'd like to examine the moment of decision.

The fear. The risk. The faith. And the choice to move forward anyway. Most importantly, I want to ask what their courage can teach Catholics like me today.

I plan to publish one Catholics in Courage entry each month, and I would also like your help.

Over the past several months, I have received emails and comments from readers of my articles. I read them, I appreciate them, and I do try to respond if possible. 

If there is a Catholic man or woman from history whom you believe demonstrated extraordinary courage, I would like to hear about them.

Saint or sinner. King or commoner. Soldier or priest. Man or woman. Please send me your suggestions.

History is filled with Catholics who faced moments when fear would have been understandable and surrender would have been easier.

Catholics in Courage will tell their stories.

And perhaps, in examining their courage, I can better understand my own.

The first entry is coming soon.

God Bless

May The Holy Names of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Be Blessed Now And Forever! Save Souls!