by Leela Ramdeen, Chair, Catholic Commission for Social Justice (CCSJ)
After delivering a lecture in London earlier this year, I was given a gift of some booklets published by the Catholic Truth Society; one of which was entitled: Don’t be afraid to be Saints.
The booklet is a reflection on the words of Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI uttered at World Youth Days from 1984 – 2008; words about “love, service, courage, vocation, and making the right choices”.
Today, All Saints Day, let us be encouraged and realise that we too can be saints; that we are saints in the making. Yes, ordinary people like you and me can become saints. The word “saint” means “holy”. Spend some time reflecting on the lives of saints; learn from the example of their lives and ask them to intercede to God for us that we may live holy and virtuous lives, as God want us to do.
As Pope John Paul II said: “The saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church’s history.”
As a child, I learned a lot about the lives of saints from my mother who remained a devout Catholic until her death. During retreats at Holy Faith Convent, the Holy Faith sisters used to encourage us students to read about the lives of the saints who were true witnesses to Christ.
The path to holiness starts from an early age. Families and schools play a critical role in nurturing in our youth a desire to aspire to holiness. Of course, it’s no use fostering “holiness” in others if, as adults, we do not strive to “become what we are” also. As St Mary Joseph Rossello said: “Good example is the most efficacious apostolate. You must be as lighted lanterns and shine like brilliant chandeliers among men. By your good example and your words, animate others to know and love God.”
And when we fall, let us remember that even the saints fell from God’s grace at times. But, as we know, God allows U-Turns. As St Maria Goretti (my baptismal name) said: “He loves, He hopes, He waits. Our Lord prefers to wait Himself for the sinner for years rather than keep us waiting an instant.”
By focussing on the saints, we remind ourselves, as St John Vianney said, that: “Our home is Heaven. On earth we’re like travellers staying at a hotel. When you’re away, you’re always thinking of going home.”
Each of us will have a few “favourite” saints. My mother had great fondness for St Jude. She had a pile of prayer books and hand-written prayers and quotations. I found a treasure throve of information in these. One quotation read: “Comfort in tribulation can be secured only on the sure ground of faith holding as true the words of Scripture and the teaching of the Catholic Church.” (St Thomas More).
I like to read from the Confessions of St Augustine of Hippo. My favourite quotation from his Confessions is: “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”
I have quoted St Ambrose to those who rang to thank CCSJ for speaking out about the treatment of some of the Chinese migrant workers in our country. We cannot afford to be armchair Christians in the face of injustice. As St Ambrose said: “In some causes silence is dangerous.”
We can learn much from the wisdom of saints. Here are a few words for reflection:
“If something uncharitable is said in your presence, either speak in favour of the absent, or withdraw, or if possible, stop the conversation.” (St John Vianney).
“If I had to advise parents, I should tell them to take great care about the people with whom their children associate . . . Much harm may result from bad company… (St Elizabeth Ann Seton).
“Mount Calvary is the academy of love.” (St Francis de Sales).
“He alone loves the Creator perfectly who manifests a pure love for his neighbour. (St Bede the Venerable)
Tomorrow, All Souls Day, remember to pray for the souls of the faithful departed. May they rest in the love and peace of Christ.
Please email feedback on this article to: ccsjfeedback@gmail.com.
To purchase the Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, please contact the Justice Desk, Archbishop’s House at 622-2691 or 290-1634/5. Also on sale at the Justice Desk are the Take a Bite Social Justice Programme on DVD and the Responses to 101 Questions on Catholic Social Teaching.
