Book excerpt: From the earliest days of the Church through modern times, women have always played a unique and critical role in the story of Christianity. Jesus Christ called both men and women to be his disciples, and countless women in Church history have stood out for the holiness of their lives and the wealth of their teaching. In each chapter, derived from catechesis given during his weekly general audiences from September 2010 to April 2011, Pope Benedict XVI expertly and thoughtfully explores the life stories and writings of these seventeen holy women: Saint Hildegard of Bingen Saint Clare of Assisi Saint Matilda of Hackeborn Saint Gertrude the Great Blessed Angela of Foligno Saint Elizabeth of Hungary Saint Bridget of Sweden Marguerite d'Oingt Saint Juliana of Cornillon Saint Catherine of Siena Julian of Norwich Saint Veronica Giuliani Saint Catherine of Bologna Saint Catherine of Genoa Saint Joan of Arc Saint Teresa of Ávila Saint Thérèse of Lisieux The remarkable examples of the feminine genius in Holy Women are still relevant today. These models of prayer, faith, and good works will help you gain a fuller understanding of Church history and serve as guides on your faith journey.