Father Bill says...for the Feast of All Saints

A Castle along the Rhine River
On the river cruise, we spent one afternoon sailing down the Rhine River – at every turn it seemed there was another castle or two



This past week was back to ordinary life – after the travels of the last few weeks – I did have lunch on Wednesday with Father Phil Allen – my classmate – to celebrate our birthdays – which are actually next week – we were born four days apart – and are classmates – ordained the same year by Bishop Navagh – he has just begun retirement – but sounds very busy to me.


All Saints Day – this year we celebrate the Feast of All Saints on a Sunday – this Sunday – this will be a wonderful reminder to all of us of the importance of our devotion to the saints. The Catholic Church has a process for designating saints – steps that include beatification and canonization. However, there are many who are saints but are not definitely designated through canonization as saints. I have a long list of my own of those I am certain are saints – although they are not canonized by the Church. These – join with all of my favorite canonized saints – as my guides and my friends – who walk through life with me. So when you think of saints always remember that there may be many among the saints who were close to you, members of your family, friends – who you know lived good lives and continue to be great guides to you – that are truly saints although not actually canonized – today, I think of my mother – I think of my Aunt Kate – I think of Father Tim Soucy and Father Bernie Kellogg – and so many, many more.

The word “saint” is often misunderstood these days – people will say to me – “well, I’m no saint.” I suspect they have the idea that to be a saint – means being over-religious, no faults, no failings – in fact, we have a word for this “sanctimonious.” Real saints are not sanctimonious. The reality is that most of the canonized saints did have their faults and failings – even their sins – and needed to go through a conversion to develop a Christ-like life. A saint is someone who has learned how to live a good life in the spirit of our Savior. A saint is always a good human being – who makes the world better – by the way they live their lives. A saint is an ordinary person – who lives an extraordinary life.

For each and every Catholic the goal in life must be to become a saint – it is possible – it is the only way – with the help of the Lord we will join all the saints in heaven.

Do you have a favorite saint – as for me – my favorite saint is Pope John XXIII – not yet canonized but beatified – the Holy Father changed the Church by calling the Second Vatican Council – also, St. Francis of Assisi – who accepted poverty and lived in joy – I have discovered so much of his spirit when on retreat in Assisi – also, St. Mary Magdalene, who demonstrated real love for the Lord - also, Father Damian of Molokai, who was basically an ordinary priest – who demonstrated his love for the Lord by ministering to the lepers of Molokai. They were each very ordinary in so many ways – and yet proved to be extraordinary by their dedicated and love of the Lord.

Who are your favorite saints?

LET US PRAY

Almighty God, my Father – I pray today through the intercession of the saints – the great saints – the ordinary saints – the saints who were part of my family – the saints who were my friends – I pray that my saints will remain close to me always – will walk with me and guide me – that one day I may also be a saint and live with them and you, my God – this is my prayer. Amen.

Please join me as we say together the Lord’s prayer.