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 Bingen

Saint Clare of Assisi

Saint Matilda of Hackeborn

Saint Gertrude the Great

Blessed Angela of Foligno

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Saint Bridget of Sweden

Marguerite d'Oingt

Saint Juliana of Cornillon

Saint Catherine of Siena

Julian of Norwich

Saint Veronica Giuliani

Saint Catherine of Bologna

Saint Catherine of Genoa

Saint Joan of Arc

Saint Teresa of Ávila

Saint 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.