Who are the saints? Do we realize that they were people just like us? Possibly, we have even brushed shoulders with a few in our lifetime. The recent beatification of the fifteen year-old Italian computer geek Blessed Carlo Acutis is an important reminder that saints were ordinary people who lived their lives extraordinarily well. Visitors to Blessed Carlo’s tomb can see him dressed as a typical teenager in jeans and Nikes.
Perhaps we feel that we can never achieve the level of sanctity that saints have? But we can. Saints are those who followed the plan of the Beatitudes, as articulated by Jesus in the Gospel reading, and motivate us to live a letter life. They are models of inspiration.
Some were called to accomplish impressive achievements but most were called to small acts of service that went unnoticed and perhaps even unappreciated during their life time. However, they persisted in performing acts of love and kindness over and over.
During the month of November, let us celebrate the lives of these men and women who intercede for us and companion us on our journey to heaven.
Blessings!
Sister Marcella Louise Wallowicz, CSFN
