Saints and the Struggle for a Christian Society

authored by Paul Likoudis and edited by Andrew Likoudis

Paul Likoudis examines the lives of over sixty saints, drawing lessons on their contributions to Christian civilization and personal holiness. Likoudis highlights how these figures shaped history, combining spiritual devotion with societal transformation. Saints such as St. Joseph, St. Augustine, and St. Ambrose are depicted as exemplars of virtue, addressing challenges from heresies to societal decay with unwavering faith. Likoudis weaves their stories into the larger narrative of Church history, emphasizing their relevance to contemporary struggles.

The book underscores the universal call to holiness, as articulated in Vatican II’s Lumen Gentium, stressing that sainthood is achievable for all, regardless of one’s state in life. Saints emerge not only as historical figures but as models of how faith can transform personal lives and broader society. The text bridges the past and present, showing the saints’ relevance to modern times, offering inspiration for believers to contribute to building a Christian society.

Likoudis’ work is part hagiography, part historical commentary, and part devotional guide. By contextualizing the saints within their times, he provides a compelling roadmap for spiritual growth and societal engagement. The book appeals to those seeking a deeper understanding of the transformative power of Christian faith throughout history.

Paperback: $19.95 | Kindle: $9.99

TESTIMONIALS

“As a lover of the lives of the saints, who has written several books about them myself, I am delighted with this one. Likoudis manages to relate the most long-ago saints to the problems of our own times. A great read.” – Ronda Chervin, PhD, Emerita Professor of Philosophy, EWTN presenter, author of many Catholic books

“Here are the saints in context. Likoudis engages the work of great historians like Henri Daniel-Rops and Christopher Dawson to help his readers understand just what was going on in the wider society around these holy men and women. Seeing these saints against their worldly backdrop allows them to shine all the brighter and inspire us today all the more.” – Joseph T. Stuart, PhD, Professor of History and Fellow in Catholic Studies, University of Mary

“I enjoyed reading Paul Likoudis’ book on the saints when he first published it, and I’m grateful to see it published anew, because of the edifying portraits Paul provides of some of the Church’s greatest saints. As a holy priest once said: ‘The reason the saints are so ignored is because they are evidence that it is all true.’ In other words, the saints inconveniently testify through their lives to God’s reality and the Catholic Church’s divine foundation and sustenance, that remarkable holiness is not simply possible but desirable, and that we will all have to render a personal account to our Creator one day (see Matt. 18:1-4; 16:24-26).”  – Thomas J. Nash, Contributing Apologist, Catholic Answers, and author, To Whom Shall We Go?: The Biblical Case for the Catholic Church

“The late Paul Likoudis was an exemplary Catholic journalist and writer. His keen insight into Church politics was impressive, as was his knowledge of Church history. He documented so much during his earthly pilgrimage. Now in its third edition, Paul’s book Saints and the Struggle for a Christian Society is well-written, interesting and edifying. Highly recommended reading for Catholics and non-Catholics!” – Matt C. Abott, Catholic Journalist

“Likoudis is not giving us a dead history of past saints but a living road map to our future sainthood. Additionally, he gives us an understanding of how the spiritual giants shaped Catholic civilization, something we all need schooling in during our present day of social upheaval. Most importantly, by reading the highlights of his hand-picked saints, we take to heart his view that each person’s call to holiness is ‘perfectly normal and admirable.’” – Bradley Eli, MDiv, MTh, Senior Producer, St. Michael’s Media

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Paul Likoudis (1954–2016) was a prominent Catholic journalist, historian, and author. Known for his deep commitment to the Church, he wrote extensively on faith, culture, and history. His works, including Saints and the Struggle for a Christian Society, reflect his passion for showcasing the enduring relevance of Catholic tradition and holiness.

 

ABOUT THE EDITOR

Andrew Likoudis is a Catholic scholar and entrepreneur with degrees in Communication from Towson University and Business Administration from the Community College of Baltimore County. He has served as a fellow in Economic Development at Johns Hopkins University and in Marketing Development with Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses initiative. His professional experience includes a role as a business development administrative assistant at the Cathedral of Mary Our Queen in Baltimore, Maryland. Additionally, he has nearly a decade of experience providing hospitality through hosting with Airbnb.

Currently, Andrew is serving as a full-time summer intern at EWTN, where he writes long-form commentary and analysis for the National Catholic Register, with a particular focus on the post-conclave Church and questions of reform, authority, and ecclesial identity.

Andrew is the founder and president of the Likoudis Legacy Foundation, a research institute dedicated to ecumenism and interreligious dialogue, and serves as editor-in-chief of its journal, The Kydones Review. He is a frequent contributor to Where Peter Is, and has also written for Catholic Review, Homiletic and Pastoral Review, Catholic World News, Fellowship and Fairydust Magazine, and Philosophy Now. His academic interests focus on the sociological intersection of faith and culture, also hosting a column, Nature and Grace, at Patheos.com. He has edited six books on Catholic ecclesiology and the papacy, and has compiled and edited over ten volumes in total.

Andrew is a member of the International Marian Association, and an associate member of the Fellowship of Catholic Scholars, the Mariological Society of America, and the Society for Catholic Liturgy. He additionally serves as a young adult community representative on the Lay Pastoral Council of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and is a dedicated parishioner at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, America’s First Cathedral.

Outside of his professional endeavors, Andrew enjoys kayaking, cooking, basketball, dancing bachata, and playing chess.

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