When I was a kid, I was absolutely enthralled with my mom’s “Lives of the Saints” book. I would look up the saints connected to my own name; both Christopher and Patrick have such wonderful stories! Then I’d look up the Saints tied to my dad’s, mom’s, brother’s, and sister’s names. Eventually, I started exploring the names of my aunts, uncles, and cousins.
I’ll never forget discovering that my grandfather’s name, Norbert Aloysius, was in there too! St. Norbert was a German bishop known for his deep devotion to the Eucharist, and St. Aloysius was remembered for his selfless care for the sick.
Every story I read drew me deeper into love with our Lord. These incredible men and women were truly the “All-Stars” of our faith. Like our athletic heroes, they weren’t perfect. They were flawed, just like you and me, yet they found ways to live out their faith in extraordinary ways.
This Saturday, as we celebrate All Saints’ Day, let’s take a few moments to reflect on the saints in our lives, our heavenly namesakes and the loved ones who have gone before us, who guided and inspired us along the way. Let’s also take time to consider our own call to sainthood, for each of us is called to live a holy life.
If that idea feels intimidating, take comfort in one of my favorite sayings:
“When the world sees you, it doesn’t need to see a saint yet, but let it see a sinner set on sainthood.”
Oh, let the saints come marching in!
