Courtship of the Saints: How the Saints Met their Spouses

by Patrick O'Hearn

Overview

“I think this book could help a lot of people.” —Fr. Chad Ripperger

The greatest lovers in the history of the world were the saints, those who sought to love God above everything. For those saints called to marriage, it was God's love that led them to pursue their spouse in a most pure and holy courtship.

Courtship of the Saints reveals how twenty-five saintly couples, including Joachim and Anne, Joseph and Mary, Elizabeth of Hungary and Louis IV, Gianna and Pietro Molla, Louis and Zélie Martin, and others, met their spouses. From the most ordinary to the most extraordinary circumstances, one thing is clear: Divine Providence was at work. In these pages, you will also discover what courtship is according to Archbishop Fulton Sheen and Father Chad Ripperger.

In a world of lust, confusion, disappointment, and broken marriages, these saintly couples will inspire you to begin waiting and praying for a virtuous spouse. Still more, they offer wisdom and practical advice for those already married. Better than any romance novel, these stories will captivate your heart and reveal how the saints loved with passion and joy, enduring all trials with peace—for a blessed marriage is the fruit of a holy courtship.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781505130089
Publisher:	TAN Books
Publication date:	05/30/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	280
Sales rank:	950,983
File size:	544 KB

About the Author

Patrick O'Hearn is an acquisitions editor at TAN Books and runs TAN Direction, a spiritual blog. He grew up in the Midwest and spent close to three years in a Benedictine Monastery before discerning the call to marriage. His first book "Nursery of Heaven: Miscarriage, Stillbirth, and Infant Loss in the Lives of the Saints and Today's Parents," which he co-authored with Cassie Everts, was released in 2019. His second book, "Parents of the Saints: The Hidden Heroes Behind Our Favorite Saints" was released in 2021. The latter book took him over three years to write. His first children's book, "The Shepherd at the Crib and the Cross" was released in 2022. He graduated with a master's in education from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a bachelor's in marketing from St. Ambrose University.

Editorial Reviews

"I think this book could help a lot of people."
—Fr. Chad Ripperger

“I thank Our Lord with all my heart for having given me, together with the gift of life, two saintly parents. I think they are a precious gift from God to everyone, and that they represent a bright and powerful inspiration for our troubled times, where the Sacrament of Marriage and the family according to His divine plan is under a growing attack along with the sacredness of human life. May my parents’ heroic example and infinite mutual love, so well described in Courtship of the Saints, be a source of hope, consolation, and encouragement for many souls, especially those in trial and suffering, and help us to grow in love and holiness. Saint Mom and holy Dad intercede for us!”
—Gianna Emanuela Molla, Last daughter of Saint Gianna and Pietro Molla
 

“Modern ideas and practices of dating and marriage have proved disastrous to countless souls. Catholics should steer clear of that wide, destructive path. Instead, let us turn to the saints and blesseds, and observe how they discerned, courted, and married. Only in understanding God’s plan and purpose for marriage can we hope to attain the holiness and glory that God intends. Amidst the inevitable crosses and sufferings that will stretch and purify us as Christian spouses, these holy couples did things God’s way and found true joy on their path to heaven!”
—Leila Miller, Author of Impossible Marriages Redeemed: They Didn’t End the Story in the Middle
 

“In a striking way, Courtship of the Saints highlights not only how God Himself ordains marriage as a way of holiness but that through tremendous obstacles and unexpected struggles, couples (are invited to) find the fidelity of His love all the more. A sure inspiration in a world searching for lasting love!"
—Sr. Faustina Maria Pia, SV, Author of Jesus I Trust in You: A 30-Day Personal Retreat with the Litany of Trust
 

“Courtship of the Saints is a breath of fresh air in our hyper-sexualized Western culture. Mr. O’Hearn has done the research on all sorts of people who courted each other in a profoundly Christian way. Although not everyone may follow their example exactly, these stories should inspire young Catholics—and all Christians—to move in the direction of idealism in their courtships. The holy couples Mr. O’Hearn has chosen are excellent illustrations of how to prepare for and live marriage in a way pleasing to God. For couples who want to live a holy courtship and marriage, this is a book that will encourage them par excellence.”
—Rev. T. G. Morrow, Author of Christian Dating in A Godless World

From the Publisher