Stories of three saints illustrate the possibility of repentance and return to faith

The lives of Bartolo Longo, Longinus, and Olga of Kiev serve as examples of individuals who moved from lives of sin to lives of faith.

Bartolo Longo grew up in a Catholic family but abandoned his faith in his youth. During his twenties, he reportedly engaged in spiritualism, used drugs, and publicly attacked the Church while encouraging others to leave the faith. Despite suffering from depression and paranoia, he eventually returned to the faith through the prayers of his family and dedicated his life to Jesus.

Christian tradition identifies Longinus as the Roman soldier who pierced the side of Jesus with a spear. According to these accounts, he recognized Jesus as the Son of God following the crucifixion, received baptism, and became an evangelist.

Olga, Princess of Kiev, ruled Rus' Kiev and reportedly sought violent revenge against her enemies following the death of her husband, which included ordering many killings and burning a city. After being baptized during a visit to Constantinople, she attempted to reform her actions and invited missionaries to her lands.