In an age where stories of compassion and sacrifice often feel overshadowed, legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese brings a powerful reminder of humanity’s potential for faith and love in The Saints, a docuseries now streaming on Fox Nation. This gripping exploration dives into the lives of historical figures canonized as saints, whose legacies echo across the centuries.
The Courage of the Saints
The series opens with one of the most inspiring and tragic figures of faith, Joan of Arc. At just 14 years old, she claimed divine voices guided her to lead the French army against the English. Her unparalleled bravery on the battlefield established her as a formidable leader. But politics turned against her, and she was wrongfully condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake at 19. Witnesses tell of a dove soaring from the flames as she drew her last breath, a symbol of her purity and faith. Canonized nearly 500 years later, Joan became the patron saint of soldiers, cementing her place in history as a figure of resilience and divine purpose.
The series also features modern saints like Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish friar who demonstrated profound courage during the Holocaust. In the horrors of Auschwitz, Kolbe volunteered to die in place of another man, a father of two. Though Kolbe’s life had its complexities — including moments of controversy — his ultimate sacrifice became a testament to boundless compassion. His canonization in 1982 was witnessed by the man whose life he saved, a living legacy of Kolbe’s humanity.
Scorsese’s Deep Connection to Faith
At the heart of The Saints is Scorsese’s personal journey. Reflecting on his Catholic upbringing, he shared memories of contemplating the lives of saints in St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral in New York. For Scorsese, these figures weren’t superheroes but flawed, human individuals who achieved greatness through love and faith.
“Maybe the fact that there are saints, were saints, and still are saints is something that’s lost on our newest generation,” Scorsese remarked during the series’ premiere at the Whitby Hotel in New York. He spoke passionately about the enduring relevance of their stories, particularly in today’s fragmented world where faith often feels elusive.
Faith Beyond Religion
One of the most striking aspects of The Saints is its exploration of faith beyond traditional religion. Scorsese discusses how saints embody “radical love” — risking failure, rejection, and even death for others. This idea transcends religious doctrine, inviting viewers to reflect on their own capacity for compassion and sacrifice.
The series also connects historical acts of faith with modern concerns, highlighting how saints stood against oppression, injustice, and cruelty, often paying the ultimate price. Their courage serves as a reminder that faith, in its truest form, is an active choice to love deeply and live selflessly.
A Legacy of Sacrifice and Hope
Spanning over 2,000 years of history, the eight-part series will feature saints like Francis of Assisi, Mary Magdalene, and Moses the Black. Each story is brought to life with Scorsese’s trademark depth and humanity, blending history with emotional resonance.
The first four episodes premiered on November 17, 2024, with the remaining episodes set to release during Holy season in 2025. This structure ensures that viewers have time to absorb the profound themes and lessons each saint’s story offers.
Timeless Inspiration
The Saints is more than a historical docuseries; it’s an exploration of what it means to be human. Through Scorsese’s lens, these figures come alive not as distant icons but as relatable individuals whose courage and devotion still inspire.
By revisiting their stories, The Saints bridges the gap between the past and the present, urging us to consider how acts of love, faith, and sacrifice can shape our own lives and the world around us.
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