Though not pious it is spiritually evocative, though untraditional, it is consistent with the larger Catholic tradition. While broadening the traditional vision of sanctity it calls us to explore our own ways of becoming a saint. As reassuring as it may be to rediscover the familiar, it is also rewarding to be presented with the joy of discovery. Names once heard but barely remembered come alive again as we find here the heroines and heroes of the struggle against Nazism, against oppression in Latin America, against genocide in Africa. Those who fought ignorance are not ignored, nor are those who struggled against poverty.
Saints respond to the needs of their times.
Exemplars and mediators from every age are included. This book puts him right into the center of contemporary spiritual literature. It would be difficult to overstate the importance of this book. We know the effect of the Golden Legend in the conversion experience of Ignatius of Loyola. It was one of only two books available to him as he recovered from his wounds.