Here are the captivating stories of 7 great saints who have truly embodied the Christian life through their examples of purity, zeal, and faith. No matter what your sexual sin may be, let these great saints intercede for you, and watch the spiritual strength that will rise within you to help overcome sexual temptation.
1. Augustine of Hippo
St. Augustine had a dark past before giving his life to the Lord. Even during his conversion, he found himself praying, “Lord, Give me chastity and continence, but not yet.” St. Augustine can relate to the toxicity of addiction, and he is an inspiring example for all, proving that the Lord can indeed make sinners into saints…or Doctors of the Church.
2. Thomas Aquinas
Aquinas is best known for his insightful writings in the Summa Theologica. His life graced the Church not only with foundational writings on Catholic Philosophy, but with unique experiences, and a strong example of purity. In attempt to stop Aquinas from becoming a Dominican Friar, his family brought a prostitute into his room, and you’d never guess what happened next. Thomas chased her out with a burning log! Then, he drew a cross on the wall and knelt on the floor in prayer. Two angels appeared to him, placing an angelic girdle around his waist. From that day on he never suffered a lustful thought or action. Through the intercession of St. Thomas Aquinas, may we obtain the same zeal and boldness he had to refrain from sin.
3. Agnes of Rome
Born in Rome under the time of early Christian persecution, St. Agnes was highly sought after by men for her profound beauty. In response to these suitors she would say, “Jesus Christ is my only Spouse.” The men she turned away became so angry that they submitted her name to authorities as a Christian follower, captured her, and dragged her naked body around the streets of Rome. Legends say that her hair immediately grew to cover her body, and the men who tried to rape her were struck blind. After the Romans failed to burn Agnes at the stake, she was beheaded as a virgin and martyr of the Faith. St. Agnes is the patron saint of young girls, rape survivors, and chastity.
4. Maria Goretti
From a young age, Maria Goretti understood the importance of the virtue of chastity. Her neighbor, Alessandro, tried to seduce her several times, and when she continually refused his advances, he attempted to rape Maria. She refused saying: “No! It is a sin! God does not want it.” When Maria said she would rather die than submit her purity to him, her attacker stabbed her eleven times. Before her death at the age of eleven, Maria forgave Alessandro, though he was unrepentant. While Alessandro was in prison, Maria appeared to him in a dream which inspired his conversion. St. Maria Goretti is the patron saint of rape victims, young women, and purity. This virtuous saint surely wants to pray for purity and faith to overcome sexual sin in your life.
5. John Paul II
JPII shares inspiring words for those held under the chains of addiction, as he affirms: “We are not the sum of our weakness and failures. We are the sum of the Father’s love for us.” St. John Paul II’s written works total the length of more than twenty bibles! He’s the Pope most traveled (traveling the distance to the moon and back…three times.) He had a profound appreciation for art, nature, and spousal love. He had such a deep understanding of spousal love, he was inspired to write the Theology of the Body, a series of homilies addressing the purpose of life, human dignity, and sexuality. JPII’s great love for Our Lady was reflected in his Papal Motto: Suum, Totus Tuus Mariam, “I’m totally yours, Maria.” It was through Our Lady’s protection that he miraculously survived an attempted Assassination. He reminds us that, “Chastity is a difficult long term matter…But at the same time chastity is the sure way to happiness.”
6. Maximillian Kolbe
When St. Maximillian Kolbe was twelve, the Blessed Virgin appeared to him, offering him a white crown of purity and a red crown of martyrdom. He humbly accepted both crowns. His devotion to Mary inspired him to found the Militia Immaculatae. After being imprisoned in Auschwitz, he volunteered to take the place of a stranger who had been condemned to death. Kolbe remained a beacon of hope and faith to fellow prisoners in the camp, leading prayers to Our Lady. After two weeks of enduring starvation, thirst, and neglect, Kolbe was the last of ten to die. He was killed by lethal injection. Soon after his death he was named the patron saint of drug addicts. Because of Kolbe’s devotion to Mary, and gift of purity, it’s promising that his prayer would help individuals overcome society’s new drug: pornography.
7. The Blessed Mother
Our Blessed Mother wants you to be in communion with her Beloved Son, Jesus. She wants to unchain you from sin and pour out spiritual graces and virtues upon you. The Lord intentionally preserved the Virgin Mary to bring our savior into the world. God created Mary to be a great gift for us. As the Queen of all Saints, she is the patroness for all people, and intercessor for all trials. The Rosary is the weapon of today’s time, and just praying one decade can defeat sexual temptation! Let Our Lady intercede for you and guide you to her Son. Our Lady of Victory, PRAY FOR US!
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