The Patience of a Saint

Although most of the Christian saints were celibates who never had children (Monica, much-touted mother of Augustine, is an obvious exception), parents who are at their wits' end may still find comfort in praying to them. In The Patience of a Saint: How Faith Can Sustain You During the Tough Times of Parenting, Charlene Giannetti and Margaret Sagarese offer heartfelt advice to beleaguered moms and dads, particularly those who are struggling with a rebellious teen. Parents who are stretched to the limits of their patience can draw comfort from a St. Christopher medal, and those who find it difficult to live harmoniously with their teens can abide by the Rule of St. Benedict. (For Benedict, silence even the sullen silence of adolescence was a virtue.) And when all hope seems lost, there's always St. Jude the patron saint of hopeless causes. ( Jan. 15)