Stories of Hope
According to statistics from the World Health Organization, around 70% of all people have or will face some form of trauma in their lifetime (1).
These statistics mean that the majority of people are affected by trauma, and that many people are seeking healing from their experiences.
For Catholics walking this healing journey, heavenly intercessors who have faced a similar experience and found healing and resilience can be a source of hope and important lessons.
The problem is that the traumatic experiences and healing journeys of many saints are rarely discussed.
Where Tria Corda Ministry Comes In
On Stories of Hope, Tria Corda Ministry aims to tell the stories of saints who faced various types of trauma and to draw out the lessons we can learn from them for our own healing journeys.
Our goal: That you will discover one saint who faced something similar to you and find in that saint an example and intercessor for your own healing journey.
Below, you will find many blog posts telling these Stories of Hope. Additionally, you can discover more Stories of Hope by subscribing to our weekly newsletter and our Healing With the Saints retreat.
Recent Blog Posts
St. Mary of Edessa: Breaking the Cycle of Sin and Shame Through a Father’s Love
St. Mary of Edessa was born into a noble family in the fourth century. She was an orphan by the age of 7.
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi: An Everyday Mystic
Blessed Anna Maria Taigi was born in Siena, Italy, in 1769. Her family was poor and religious, and they had her baptized the next day.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary: Facing Outward in the Face of Trauma
St. Elizabeth of Hungary was born in 1207 to a noble family.
In 1213, her mother was murdered due to conflicts between German and Hungarian nobles. In her grief, Elizabeth was drawn even deeper into prayer and came to understand the importance of staying focused on eternal life.
St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception: A Life Conformed to the Cross
From the beginning of her life, St. Alphonsa Muttathupadathu (or St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception carried many heavy crosses, so much so that later in life, she would reflect, “I feel the Lord has destined me to be an oblation, a sacrifice of suffering..I consider a day in which I have not suffered as a day lost to me”.
The Three Fatima Visionaries: Suffering as an Offering to Jesus and Mary
The Marian apparitions in Fatima, Portugal, are some of the most well-known Marian apparitions. Mary appeared to the three Fatima visionaries once a month between May 13 and October 13, 1917.
St. Louise de Marillac: The Healing Power of Marian Devotion
St. Louise de Marillac was born in France. She was born out of wedlock. Her father was from a prominent family, and she never knew her mother. Her father eventually married, but her new stepmother refused to accept Louise into her home. So, Louise was cared for by family members and the Dominican nuns who educated her throughout her childhood. On top of it all, she then lost her father when she was only 15.
Blessed Laura Vicuna: The Importance of Prayer and Community for Transforming Suffering
Blessed Laura Vicuna was born in Chile in 1891. Her father, Jose, was an army officer and a member of a noble family, while her mother, Mercedes, was from a humble farming family. Jose’s family disapproved of him marrying someone from a lower class and disowned him.
Blessed Elizabeth Canori Mora: A Practitioner of Radical Hope
Blessed Elizabeth Canori Mora was born into a noble, wealthy Roman family. At 21, she married Christoforo, a well-known lawyer in Rome.
The Apostles: Healed by the Holy Spirit
We do not know a ton about the lives of the Apostles before they encountered Jesus.
Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin: The Healing Power of Marriage
Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin are the first married couple to be canonized together, and they are a great example for all married couples of a holy marriage.
Zelie had a difficult childhood. Her relationship with her mother was marked by emotional neglect, which led to her putting up her guard in relationships. Her relationship with Louis was a safe place through which God helped her find healing.