Melanie Rigney

She was a big deal—until she wasn’t. Joan of Arc (about 1412-1431) heard voices of saints from an early age. Eventually Joan was burned at the stake as a witch and heretic.

Leopold Mandić (1866-1942) wanted to reunite Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox Christians, and became a Capuchin friar as a step toward that desire.

Gianna Beretta Molla (1922-1962) had it all—a loving husband, three children, a fulfilling career as a pediatrician. What mattered more than any of those earthly joys was her faith.

Joseph’s love for Mary and Jesus began in his obedience to God. When angels told him to take Mary into his home, flee Bethlehem for Egypt, and then leave for Nazareth, Joseph did so without questioning.

By her mid-30s, Sister Teresa of Calcutta (1910-1997) had a track record as a leader, overseeing a community of Indian women religious affiliated with her community and serving as a school principal.