These days, the most popular movies often involve superheroes (Iron Man, Captain America, etc.). They exemplify admirable values such as nobility, courage, and integrity. We watch as hundreds of thousands of children fill the movie theaters to watch their idols beat the bad guys and save the world.
But, what if we try to teach them about the best heroes of all? They don’t use a disguise or wear a cape. They can’t fly or walk through walls. In fact, their greatest strength is nothing other than their capacity for an almost infinite love for others. The real-life stories of the saints have much to show our children about what it means to be super.
“Not all superheroes wear capes, mine wears a cross.” (Anonymous)
Speaking to children about Jesus can be difficult, but it’s vital that we share who He is and how much He loves them. Jesus himself has asked us as much when he said: “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God. (Lk 18:16)”
A great way to do so, however, is to teach them about the lives of the saints who, although they don’t have x-ray vision or shoot cobwebs out of their hands, do receive divine gifts. To a child’s eye – and let’s admit that to ours as well – it can be pretty darn cool: the holy stigmata, the capacity to be in two places simultaneously, levitate, and many others!
9 Superhero Saints For Kids
