From examples of courage by the Saints, people are shown one of many ways to grow in faith and closer to Christ. Throughout the long history of the Church, many Saints have shown extraordinary courage, even when faced with the most dangerous tasks. These holy men and women showed courage through their vocations and duties from God. Saints Joan of Arc, Edmund Campion, and Isaac Jogues all lived their faith by showing courage in the face of danger or death.

Saint Joan of Arc, a peasant girl from France, showed much bravery and courage, even during war. When Joan learned of her mission to fight the English, she went to the French officers to tell them of her mission from God. They mocked her and told her to go home, but because she was courageous she went back and pleaded again. Another incident occurred when she was struck by an arrow in her shoulder and fell off of her horse. After praying to God for strength, she bravely pulled the blood-soaked arrow out of her shoulder, even though she could have waited for help. Joan's courage lasted until the final days of death. She was captured, unjustly accused of heresy, and was going to be burnt at the stake if she did not admit her "grievous" sin. Although she knew she would be burnt to death, she was still undaunted. Joan's courage allowed her not to fear death, but to remain faithful to Christ.

Edmund Campion, a devout English priest, showed courage even amongst harsh persecution by Queen Elizabeth. Father Campion showed courage to go to England and help the Catholics. This was a very courageous move because, if he was caught, sentences were severe. Another time he showed courage was when he came to help a devout Catholic family, in need of someone who could administer the sacraments. Even though the punishment often resulted in death, Father Campion did not care and came back again and again, each time knowing he could be caught. When he was tortured for his service to God and the Catholics of England, his courage enabled him to face his jailers and to forgive his betrayer, George Eliot. Edmund's never failing courage allowed him to risk his life and face death for Christ's greater glory.

Saint Isaac Jogues, a zealous Jesuit priest, courageously brought the faith to the Indians. He showed courage when he willingly traveled to North America to teach the savage Indians about God. Father Isaac knew the Indians might retaliate against him and kill him, but he cared more about their salvation than his life. Another incident when Father Isaac showed amazing courage was after he was captured by the Mohawk Indians. They brutally tortured him, including biting and burning off several fingers. He was finally rescued by the Dutch after 13 months. However, this cruel treatment did not stop him. He courageously asked for permission to return to the Indians again, even though they might have killed him. Once, Father Jogues was asked to talk to the young Mohawks. Father Jogues and his aunt, who he was staying with, both new the danger and that it was possibly a trap. However, Father Jogues bravely accepted, knowing it would be rude to decline. As he entered the tent, a tomahawk was thrown at his neck. Father Jogues, who had done so much for the Indians, converting and baptizing, dropped dead at the spot. Saint Isaac Jogues, who brought the faith to the Indians, led a very courageous life.

Showing courage in the face of danger or death allowed Saints Joan of Arc, Edmund Campion, and Isaac Jogues to live their faith. They all showed courage, no matter what their vocation in life led them to. The persecution of Catholics has been part of the long history of the Church, but many Saints have shown extraordinary courage, when faced with difficult and dangerous tasks. Through the Saints' examples of courage people are shown one of many ways to grow in their faith and love of Christ.