Saints of the Sacred Heart by Emily Jaminet. Illustrations by Tracy L. Christianson. Sophia Institute Press (Manchester, NH, 2025). 40 pp., hardcover. $17.95.
Several years ago, when I was unjustly criticized, I struggled intensely one evening with the virtue of hope. I remember sitting in my bedroom and feeling despondent, until… The picture of the Sacred Heart of Jesus near my bed reminded me of His healing love and mercy. His tenderness gave me the courage I needed to press on.
In her new book Saint of the Sacred Heart, Emily Jaminet showcases ten heroic saints that provide us with such encouragement, including Frances Xavier Cabrini, John Bosco, Faustina, and Padre Pio.
In her recent interview on Girlfriends podcast, Jaminet shared “I’m really excited about this children’s book… [It’s] a sign of great hope.… All of us have a responsibility to live the faith and to share the faith.”
This book “helps not only introduce the lives of these saints but also fosters amazing connections of heart to heart so the reader and the participant get to ponder together the attributes of the Heart of Jesus,” she continued.
Parents, educators, and parishes will enjoy the exciting stories from the lives of the saints and awe-inspiring artwork by Tracy L. Christianson, creator of the popular “Portraits of Saints” masterpieces.
Also included are tips for families on living this devotion in their daily life and beautiful prayers to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The book could even be used as a short family novena to revisit again and again.
“There are no barriers, barricades, or obstacles preventing us from God’s Love,” explained Jimenet. “Jesus appeared that way to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque 350 years ago… His Heart is exposed, there is the flame of love, His Heart burns with love for each one of us.”
When we love someone, we want to share with them all that is in our heart. In these days when many suffer from loneliness and isolation, St. Margaret Mary’s words are a powerful reminder that God came to be with us and will never leave us alone.
“We need all the graces necessary for our state in life,” shared Jaminet. “We get to all be promoters of the Sacred Heart, especially children.”
There are many beautiful songs dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. One that I recall daily is “Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, truly present in the Holy Eucharist, I place all my trust in you.” (Michael John Poirier) Saint of the Sacred Heart is a powerful reminder that Jesus wants us to have boundless confidence in His Sacred Heart, and how we should tell the world of His love.
Members of the media may send an email to Sophia Institute Press’ Director of Publicity, Sarah Lemieux at slemieux@SophiaInstitute.com to receive a physical or digital copy of Saints of the Sacred Heart and/or to schedule an interview with Emily Jaminet.
