From the earliest days of the Church through modern times, women have always played a unique and critical role in the story of Christianity. Jesus Christ called both men and women to be his disciples, and countless women in Church history have stood out for the holiness of their lives and the wealth of their teaching.

In each chapter, derived from catechesis given during his weekly general audiences from September 2010 to April 2011, Pope Benedict XVI expertly and thoughtfully explores the life stories and writings of these seventeen holy women:

Saint Hildegard of BingenSaint Clare of AssisiSaint Matilda of HackebornSaint Gertrude the GreatBlessed Angela of FolignoSaint Elizabeth of HungarySaint Bridget of SwedenMarguerite d'OingtSaint Juliana of CornillonSaint Catherine of SienaJulian of NorwichSaint Veronica GiulianiSaint Catherine of BolognaSaint Catherine of GenoaSaint Joan of ArcSaint Teresa of ÁvilaSaint Thérèse of Lisieux

The remarkable examples of the feminine genius in Holy Women are still relevant today. These models of prayer, faith, and good works will help you gain a fuller understanding of Church history and serve as guides on your faith journey.