Holiness isn’t reserved for the far-off or long-ago. It’s available now – in classrooms, kitchens, hospitals, office buildings, and mission fields. These ten modern saints and blesseds show us that the path to sainthood is often walked in ordinary circumstances with extraordinary love and perseverance. They are powerful examples for families trying to live their faith in today’s world. In case you missed the first blog post with 10 modern Saints every family should know. 

1. Blessed Eurosia Fabris (“Mamma Rosa”)

An Italian wife and mother of eleven, Blessed Eurosia is a beautiful example of how holiness flourishes within the family. She lived a quiet life filled with prayer, domestic work, and generous service. She adopted two orphaned girls before marrying their father, and lovingly raised nine children of her own. Three of her sons became priests. Her legacy is a reminder that heroic virtue often happens in hidden places.

“We must love with the heart of Jesus.”

2. Blessed Jerzy Popiełuszko

A Polish priest known for his fearless defense of truth during the Communist regime, Blessed Jerzy ministered to striking workers and spoke openly against injustice. Despite repeated threats and harassment, he remained steadfast in his mission until he was kidnapped and martyred in 1984. His story teaches us to stand firm in our convictions, even when it’s dangerous.

“Truth does not need violence. The force of truth is stronger than all violence.”

3. Blessed Mark Ji Tianxiang

A Chinese layman and father, Mark Ji was a devout Catholic who struggled with a lifelong addiction to opium. Despite being denied the sacraments for decades due to his addiction (mistakenly seen as unwillingness to change), he continued attending Mass faithfully. He was eventually martyred during the Boxer Rebellion, along with several members of his family. His perseverance shows us that God values faithfulness even in weakness.

He died praying the Rosary, with his family, choosing Christ even unto death.

4. Blessed Chiara Badano

Chiara was a vibrant Italian teenager who loved tennis, hiking, and her friends – but what set her apart was her deep faith and joy, especially during her battle with bone cancer. Refusing painkillers so she could unite her suffering to Christ, she offered everything for others and died at age 18 with radiant peace. She’s a patron for teens navigating difficulty with grace.

“If I had to choose between walking again and going to heaven, I wouldn’t hesitate – I’d choose heaven.”

5. St. Óscar Romero

As Archbishop of San Salvador, Romero became the conscience of a nation in turmoil. He boldly spoke against government corruption and violence, calling for peace and protection for the vulnerable. He was assassinated at the altar while celebrating Mass. His martyrdom and message of justice remain powerful reminders that the Gospel calls us to courage and advocacy.

“A Church that does not provoke any crisis, a Gospel that does not unsettle, a word of God that does not touch the concrete sin of society is not the real Gospel of Jesus Christ.”

6. St. André Bessette

A humble brother of the Congregation of Holy Cross in Montreal, St. André served as a porter for over four decades. Despite poor health and limited education, his deep devotion to St. Joseph and ministry to the sick led to thousands of healings. His life is proof that great sanctity can come through great simplicity.

“It is with the smallest brushes that the artist paints the most beautiful pictures.”

7. Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Athletic, intelligent, and filled with joy, Pier Giorgio balanced a full life of outdoor adventure, friendship, and study with a deep spiritual life and tireless service to the poor. His hidden acts of charity only became known after his death from polio at age 24. He shows young people today that holiness is anything but boring.

“Charity is not enough; we need social reform. But this does not mean we should be less charitable.”

8. St. Marianne Cope

A German-American Franciscan sister, St. Marianne courageously accepted the invitation to serve leprosy patients in Hawaii when others refused. She worked alongside St. Damien of Molokai and continued his mission after his death, caring for patients with dignity, joy, and maternal tenderness. Her fearless love continues to inspire healthcare workers and caregivers.

“I am not afraid of any disease. I am afraid only of offending God.”

9. Blessed Bartolo Longo

Once involved in occult practices, Bartolo experienced a dramatic conversion through the Rosary. He became a Dominican tertiary and dedicated his life to spreading devotion to Our Lady, especially through the building of the great Basilica in Pompeii and his work with orphans and the poor. His story proves that no one is beyond redemption.

“Whoever spreads the Rosary is saved.”

10. Venerable Madeleine Delbrêl

A French laywoman and social worker, Madeleine lived in a deeply secular environment and evangelized through friendship, witness, and radical charity. She believed that one could live a contemplative life in the middle of a bustling city, even among those who did not believe in God. Her joy, intellect, and courageous faith continue to speak powerfully to those called to live the Gospel in the heart of the world.

“We, the ordinary people of the streets, believe with all our strength that this street, this world where God has placed us, is for us the place of our holiness.”

These saints and blesseds show us that sainthood is not a one-size-fits-all calling. From addicted fathers to teenage girls, from public martyrs to quiet evangelists, they prove that God’s grace can meet us wherever we are – and that each family, no matter the challenges, can become a school of holiness.

Which of these saints might be a new patron for your family this year?