Saints at Heart: How Fault-Filled, Problem-Prone, Imperfect People Like Us Can Be Holy

“You’re no saint!” is a familiar phrase, and one that nearly all of us probably believe accurately reflects our own hearts and lives. We assume that sanctity is reserved for an elite group of people who follow spiritual disciplines so difficult and impractical that no ordinary person could ever perform them. But best-selling author Bert Ghezzi believes every one of us can be holy, and he shows us how in Saints at Heart. By pointing out that all the saints—even the apostles—were sinners, he helps us understand how holiness is not about being perfect, but rather about making a heartfelt decision to fall in love with God and put God first. Each of the 10 saints featured in this book illustrates a specific spiritual practice that can help us draw closer to God. St. Francis models lifelong conversion; Dorothy Day, prayer and the study of Scripture; and Pope John Paul II, evangelization. Every chapter ends with a section titled “Think, Pray, and Act,” which contains questions for reflection and application.

Bert Ghezzi holds a PhD in history from the University of Notre Dame. He is a popular speaker and the author of many books, including Voices of the Saints and Mystics & Miracles. Bert currently serves as acquisitions editor for Our Sunday Visitor. He and his wife live in Winter Park, Florida.