Three Saints: Women Who Changed History: Genevieve of Paris, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila

by Joan Williams

Book Overview

Sainthood often implies personal holiness and a focus on issues greater than the material world, but many saints have made real contributions, and some, such as the women in Three Saints, changed the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0879463155
• ISBN13: 9780879463151
• Release Date: September 2006
• Publisher: ACTA Publications
• Length: 159 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.6" x 7.6"

Customer Reviews

Enjoyable and historic accounts.Very inspiring

Wiliams book is the first I've read that tells about women saints that responded to the political and religious conflicts of thier day. I was surprised by their bravery in an age when women were not recognized in public descisions. The author has included much interesting historic detail in this exciting, short book. I recommend it to anyone who needs hope and inspiration in their own lives.

Illuminating the past

Williams' book is a powerful tool for understanding the true nature of "sainthood" through the lives of these three women. Each had to struggle against the limitations of her time- socially, culturally, and spiritually- in order to positively effect change and achieve holiness. We sometimes forget, through the comfortable distance of centuries, how invisible women were in European Christendom; this engaging book illuminates their invaluable role in both defining and challenging their faith.

Realistic Models for Creative Action

Joan Williams, an educator and activist, began research for this book after reading a "skimpy" biographical sketch of St. Genevieve of Paris (c. 422-512). The sketch mentioned Genevieve's efforts to save the Parisians from Attila the Hun, leading a caravan of boats through a barbarian blockade, and repeatedly persuading enemy leaders to release captives. Clearly political and tactical wisdom played a large part in Genevieve's success, and Williams decided to learn more. As she uncovered the story she also focused on Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) and Teresa of Avila (1515-1582), two more female saints "involved in significant political actions that changed history," despite strong opposition from both church and state. Williams wrote with the goal of widening our view of Saints Genevieve, Catherine, and Teresa, whose engagement in public affairs was an important and essential part of their lives. Though separated by geography and time, all three women were marked by compassion, strong faith, and personal conviction despite harsh treatment that resulted from their actions. Williams' account of their heroism inspires admiration for their personal and spiritual lives and supports her conclusion: "By seeing how they dealt with difficulties in public affairs, we can relate to them as realistic models for creative action in today's world."

Good Read

I really enjoyed reading "Three Saints:Women Who Changed History" and learning about these important women in history. This book has an easy flowing style. It was very refreshing to read of the selfless acts of these 3 women, especially in the world we live in today where it seems to be "every man for himself". (My favorite Saint was Genevieve of Paris.) Buy this book and be inspired!

Three Saints Reviewed

In reading her book "Three Saints Women Who Changed History", I was pleasently supprised to discover how well Joan Williams book was written and researched. I was very impressed by the quality of her writting. The three women subjects of her book lived in very difficult times especially for women and they often risked their lives in order to save citizens from harm and through their brave deeds changed the course of the church to better reflect the scriptures. Not much has been written over the years that come close to depecting the stories of courage and convections these women demonstrated and who are now reviered as saints. Its a five star rating from me.