In this second volume of the Patrons and Protectors series, Michael O’Neill McGrath’s images of saints as patrons of occupations remind us that we are called to build God’s reign through our labor, an essential part of Christian life. Among the saints depicted in this volume are Martha, who served meals to Jesus in her home; Francis of Assisi, often associated with nurturing animals; and Katharine Drexel, who was recently canonized.

As in the first volume of this series, McGrath’s art delights and instructs. Who is that road construction worker? Which saint is patron of cabdrivers? Why is there an ostrich in a scientist’s lab? Alongside McGrath’s commentary about why a saint is associated with a particular occupation are essays by men and women engaged in that work. As we see the variety of ways human beings contribute their talents and skills, we become inspired to view our jobs with fresh eyes.

Hardback, 10 × 10, 64 pages.

Second Place, Children’s Books category, The Catholic Journalist, June 2003