I found this book to be absolutely delightful. While most collective biographies of the saints concentrate on those who are well-known, this one refreshingly focuses on some who are, as
the title says, "Holy Unknowns."
Two of my favorite chapters are "St. Gangolf : The Cuckold " and "Bl. Jacoba De 'Settesoli: St. Francis' Other "Beloved Lady" .
As you can tell by the subtitle of the first-named chapter, St. Gangolf's wife, Ganea, was unfaithful. St. Gangolf, however, forgave her infidelity, and she repaid him by having her lover murder him. (Now that's gratitude for you!)
Soon after St. Gangolf's death, many miracles occurred at his tomb. On hearing of these
miracles, Ganea sneered that Gangolf worked miracles as well as her rear end sang songs.
What happened next was nothing short of poetic justice.
I must say, though, that I enjoyed the chapter about Bl. Jacoba De 'Settesoli much more.
Bl. Jacoba did much to help the Franciscans in the early days of the Order. She also looked after St. Francis like a mother. She made a pastry called mustaccioli, which St. Francis loved.
(I was charmed to learn this little tidbit about St. Francis.)
If this book gets the readership it deserves, the "Holy Unknowns" should soon become
very well-known.
This review was written as part of the Catholic book reviewer program from The Catholic Company. Visit The Catholic Company to find more information on Saint Who?. This is also a great Catholic gift store for all your seasonal shopping needs, such as Christian wedding gifts and Catholic Garden Gifts.
