Lives of the Saints

Alban Butler's Lives of the Saints is one of the most revered Catholic books after the Bible, the Missal, and The Imitation of Christ. Written in the early 19th century by Butler, an English convert to Catholicism, the collection is organized by date, which makes the work easy to use for those who want to deepen their devotion to the Saints. Each biographical entry is followed by a lesson to help believers apply the virtues of that saint to their own lives.

Volume 2 of The Lives of the Saints contains information on events and saints like St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, Bridget, Patroness of Ireland, Sigebert II, French King of Austrasia, The Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Laurence, Archbishop of Canterbury, Wereburge, Patroness of Chester, Isidore of Pelusium, Priest, The Martyrs of Japan, the Martyrs of Pontus under Diocletian, Barsanuphius, Tresain, Attracta, Scholastica, Soteris, and many more. 

Lives of the Saints was written by English Roman Catholic priest Alban Butler. The month of March features St. Gregory the Great, St. Thomas Aquinas, and St. Simon, among others. 

 Lives of the Saints was written by English Roman Catholic priest Alban Butler. The month of May features St. Athansius and the venerable Bede, among others. 

Lives of the Saints was written by English Roman Catholic Priest Alban Butler. The month of August features St. Louis, St. Dominic, and St. Augustine of Hippo, among others. 

Lives of the Saints was written by English Roman Catholic priest Alban Butler. The month of September features St. Jerome and St. Peter Claver, among others.

Alban Butler (1710 - 1773) was a professor of philosophy and theology. His opus magnum, The Lives of the Fathers, Martyrs and Other Principal Saints was first published in four volumes in London, 1756-1759 after 30 years’ research. Down the ages, Roman Catholics have turned to the lives of the saints for inspiration and hope. The lives of the saints are also important as well-documented sources for the study of cultural, social and religious history. The volume for December includes Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Stephen, St. Sylvester, St. Bibiana, St. Nicholas, and St. Ambrose.

Alban Butler was born in England and worked for a time as a Roman Catholic missionary priest. He was later appointed president of an English seminary in France. His primary literary work, the Lives of the Saints, was published between 1756 and 1759.