Saints of Peace: Holy Lives that Calm the Storm
- Fiach OBroin-Molloy
- Jun 24
- 3 min read
In a world that often feels noisy, divided, and weary, the quiet witness of the saints offers us a different way. These holy men and women didn’t always live easy lives, but they cultivated deep inner peace—often becoming peacemakers in their own communities and across generations. Let’s take a moment to reflect on three beloved saints known for their peaceful hearts and what we can learn from their lives.
St. Francis of Assisi: Peace Through Simplicity and Surrender
“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace…” begins the famous prayer attributed to St. Francis. Born into wealth in 12th-century Italy, Francis gave everything up to follow Christ in radical poverty. He preached peace during the Crusades, crossing battle lines to speak with the Sultan of Egypt, and is remembered for his deep love of creation, calling animals and the earth his brothers and sisters.
What we learn: Peace doesn’t come from controlling the world around us—it flows from surrender, humility, and seeing all of creation as sacred. Francis reminds us that gentleness is not weakness, but strength.
St. Brigid of Kildare: Peace in Hospitality and Healing
One of Ireland’s most cherished saints, St. Brigid wove peace into the fabric of everyday life. Born in the 5th century, she founded monasteries that became centres of healing, learning, and refuge. Stories tell of her feeding the poor, turning water into beer to serve visitors, and calming quarrels with simple acts of generosity. Her cross—woven from rushes—is still a sign of protection and peace in Irish homes.
What we learn: Peace often begins with welcome—with a warm fire, an open door, and a heart that makes room for others. Brigid teaches us that peace is woven from the ordinary acts of daily love.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux: Peace in Hiddenness and Trust
Living quietly in a Carmelite convent, St. Thérèse of Lisieux never travelled far or did anything considered “great” in the world’s eyes. But her “Little Way” of doing small things with great love became a powerful spiritual legacy. Her peace came from total trust in God’s mercy and her refusal to compare herself to others.
What we learn: We don’t need to wait for grand opportunities to be peacemakers. The smallest acts—offering a kind word, saying a prayer for someone unseen—can ripple outward. Peace begins within, grounded in trust.
Walking with the Saints Toward Peace
The saints didn’t float above the troubles of the world—they faced them with courage, compassion, and an unshakable hope. They show us that peace is possible. Not perfect stillness, but a rootedness in God’s love that remains steady even when storms rage around us.
If you're seeking peace, consider spending time with one of these saints in prayer. Hold their image in your mind or fingers, perhaps through a rosary inspired by their legacy. Ask them to walk beside you, to calm the storms within, and to show you how to bring peace to others.
Because, like them, you too are called to be a light in the dark and a calm in the storm.
📚 References
Armstrong, R. J., Hellmann, J. A. W. and Short, W. J., 1999. Francis of Assisi: Early Documents, Volume 1: The Saint. New York: New City Press.— A definitive source on the life and writings of St. Francis, including the origins of the "Peace Prayer."
De Waal, E., 1991. The Circle of Life: The Heart’s Journey Through the Seasons. London: HarperCollins.— Explores Celtic Christian spirituality with reflections on St. Brigid and the monastic culture of hospitality and peace.
O’Dwyer, P., 1988. Brigid: Prophet, Woman, and Saint. Dublin: Four Courts Press.— An academic yet accessible study of St. Brigid’s historical and spiritual significance in Ireland.
Thérèse of Lisieux, 1957. Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux. Translated by J. Beevers. New York: Doubleday.— The primary text for understanding the “Little Way” and Thérèse’s peaceful spirituality rooted in trust and simplicity.
Pope Francis, 2015. Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home. Vatican City: Libreria Editrice Vaticana.— Highlights the legacy of St. Francis and how his vision of peace extends to ecological care and human fraternity.
McKenna, M., 1991. Praying with the Celtic Saints. Notre Dame, IN: Ave Maria Press.— A reflective devotional book featuring prayers and insights drawn from Brigid, Columba, and other peacemaking saints.
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