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Updated: April 15, 2025

How the Saints Followed Jesus with Their Finances

What does it really mean to “Come, follow Me”… with your money?

In this special episode of The Catholic Money Show, Jonathan and Amanda Teixeira explore how two inspiring saints—and one saint-in-the-making—followed Jesus in their financial lives. From radical vows of poverty to using wealth to build schools, churches, and serve the poor, the saints show us that holiness and money are not mutually exclusive.

You’ll hear powerful stories and insights from:

  • 🩺 St. Catherine Drexel – the banking heiress-turned-nun who gave away over $100 million in today’s dollars
  • ✂️ Venerable Pierre Toussaint – a formerly enslaved man who became a wealthy NYC hairdresser and used his fortune to fund churches, free others from slavery, and support the poor
  • 📜 St. Matthew – a tax collector turned Apostle, whose dramatic conversion reminds us that no financial past is beyond redemption

The episode is a special collaboration with Seek 25, where they explore the powerful theme of “Come Follow Me” by reflecting on the lives of these inspiring saints.

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

We talk a lot about budgets, stewardship, and generosity here at WalletWin—but in this episode of The Catholic Money Show, Jonathan and Amanda go deeper by exploring how three incredible saints (and a saint-in-the-making!) followed Christ radically and faithfully with their finances.

Their lives show us that holiness and money are not mutually exclusive—whether they inherited wealth, earned it through hard work, or were called to leave it behind, each of these saints gave everything to Jesus.

🙌 Meet the Saints in This Episode

🏦 St. Catherine Drexel

An heiress from a prominent banking family, Catherine inherited a fortune—but chose to give it all away. She founded schools, funded missions, and ultimately gave her entire life and inheritance to serve Native and African American communities through the religious order she founded.

“She didn’t just tithe. She gave everything in love and obedience.” – Amanda

💇‍♂️ Venerable Pierre Toussaint

Born into slavery, Pierre was freed and became one of the most successful hairdressers in New York City. He used his income to free other enslaved people, fund Catholic churches, support orphanages, and care for the poor—quietly and faithfully. He is currently on the path to sainthood.

“Pierre didn’t retire—he gave until his last breath. His stewardship was extraordinary.” – Jonathan

💼 St. Matthew

As a tax collector, Matthew was wealthy—but not well-liked. Then Jesus walked by and said, “Follow me.” Without hesitation, Matthew left everything and followed Christ, becoming one of His apostles and writing one of the four Gospels.

“His transformation proves no financial past is beyond redemption.” – Amanda

💡 What You’ll Take Away

  • You don’t have to take a vow of poverty to be holy—but you do have to be detached from money.
  • You can live your calling as a Catholic steward, whether you’re in a season of earning, giving, or sacrifice.
  • The saints offer real-life models of how to use money as a tool to love and serve—never to control or define us.