Joan Williams

Three Saints: Women Who Changed History: Genevieve of Paris, Catherine of Siena, Teresa of Avila Joan Williams

Sainthood often implies personal holiness and a focus on issues greater than the material world, but many saints have made real contributions, and some, such as the women in Three Saints, changed the world.

Genevieve of Paris
Despite threats against her life, she prevented the Parisians from fleeing to certain death when they panicked over a threatened attack by Attila the Hun.

Cather of Siena
She braved prejudice against women active in any sphere other than home or convent, and involved herself in Italian politics of both church and state.

Teresa of Avila
She challenged the status quo of both Spanish society and the church by defying aristocratic dominance and risked the label of heretic by encouraging the pratice of "mental prayer."