Prior to his religious conversion, St. Francis of Assisi was a liar, thief, and virtual madman known for running naked in the streets. Teresa of Avila healed herself on her deathbed by praying to her patron saint. St. Augustine converted after a terrifying dream in which God beat him black and blue for his pagan beliefs. These are just some of the colorful and riveting details that can be found in the Encyclopedia of Saints. This single-volume guide includes more than 400 entries that offer detailed biographical accounts of principal saints of the Catholic and Orthodox churches. Drawing on extensive research, the book explores their lives and religious journeys, mystical experiences, philosophies, and important influences. Appendixes include information on patron saints by topic, a calendar of feast days, beatified and canonized popes, an explanation of the canonization process, a glossary of terms, and a glossary of heresies.
