Growing in Holiness Every Day: Why A Year With The Saints Belongs on Every Catholic’s Bookshelf

Discover how the timeless wisdom of the saints can transform daily life for every Catholic seeking a deeper, more joyful spiritual walk!

Raphael's Cardinal and Theological Virtues (1511). The main seated figures represent the Cardinal Virtues: Fortitude (holding an oak branch/lion), Prudence (looking into a mirror with two faces), and Temperance (holding reins of restraint). The winged putti accompanying them represent the three Theological Virtues: Faith (pointing upward), Hope (holding a torch), and Charity (harvesting acorns from the tree).

When it comes to building a vibrant spiritual life, it can sometimes feel overwhelming to know where to start. We look at the great heroes of our faith—giants like St. Teresa of Ávila, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Vincent de Paul—and wonder how their extraordinary lives connect to our modern, busy routines. That is precisely where the classic book A Year With The Saints: Twelve Christian Virtues in the Lives and Writings of the Saints (published by TAN Books) comes in. It offers a practical, inspiring roadmap that breaks down the path to holiness into manageable, day-by-day steps.

While it is easy to assume that deep reflection on the saints is meant only for theologians or those who are "traditionally-minded," this wonderful volume is truly a treasure for all Catholics! Virtue isn't an outdated concept; it is the engine of a healthy soul and the key to real peace. By focusing on twelve core Christian virtues—such as patience, humility, charity, obedience, and confidence in God—this book shows us that holiness is built through small, everyday choices. Whether you attend the Novus Ordo Mass or the Traditional Latin Mass, young or old, the struggle to be more patient with our families or more trusting in God's providence is something every single believer shares.

What makes A Year With The Saints so unique and readable is its structured, month-by-month approach. Each month highlights one specific virtue, presenting short daily episodes, quotes, and real-life examples from the saints who mastered it. You don't need hours of free time to benefit from it—just a few minutes of reading each morning can set a positive, prayerful tone for your whole day. Seeing how holy men and women navigated their own doubts, trials, and daily duties reminds us that grace works in human nature, meeting us right where we are.

At Friends of the Traditional Latin Mass, our goal is to help preserve and share the rich spiritual heritage of the Church, and beautiful books like this are powerful tools for the journey. If you are looking to refresh your prayer routine, strengthen your virtues, or simply draw closer to Christ alongside the holy men and women who walked before us, we highly recommend adding this timeless work to your personal library.

To pick up a copy for yourself or a loved one, you can order directly through the TAN Books Online Store.