SaintsIt is estimated that there are over 10,000 Saints identified by historians. Of these astonishing characters, some have disappeared into history while others are widely known and adored as they have always been. Our Saints are alive. They are friends, our heroes & heroines, our patrons, our teachers and one of the best examples of Christ in this world. They are walking, talking, breathing testaments to how human beings can reach for holiness, by God’s grace, and achieve it; both here on earth and in heaven. Most people look at the Saints in very different ways. Some see them at too good, too holy and therefore something un-natural or un-like us. To these people, Saints are ancient. Others see them as mystical beings; people who achieved so high a status next to God that it would be impossible for us to understand them. To these people, Saints are idols. Still others see them as just some interesting, strange people of no importance and their medals make good jewelry. To these people, Saints are fools. All of these people are wrong about Saints. And all of these people are right about Saints. Saints are people who lived lives of paradox…Paradox (noun) something or someone that is contradictory, opposite, or in conflict with common ideas. Inconsistent, ironic, impossible... When people look at Saints as being too good or holy, they aren’t looking at the human side to them. Most Saints lived simple lives like ours and even sinful lives, until their change of heart toward God. When people look at Saints as mystical beings they forget that they did common things; cleaning, cooking, walking, and they would be the first to say they are hardly as important as God. When people look at Saints as fools, they are missing the amazing way that God uses even the smallest, weakest person to preach the Good News of Christ. Saints are in conflict with common, secular ideas. They are sacred people. They can be complex & distant or as close as a friend or sibling. The Blessed Virgin Mary was the first Saint and is our prime example of all the Saints. She is the patron saint of the United States of America and has many names in the many forms she has come to us. Immaculate Conception, The Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Sorrows, Holy Queen, Mystical Rose, Mother of the Church, Queen of Angels, Queen of Peace, & many more. SAINTSby Matthew R. Brown It is the glory of the Church that it cannot name all the saints. Saint Resources:There are thousands of publications about saints. Here are just a few to begin a life-time of devotion with these wondrous examples of Christ. For Children: Loyola Kids Book of Saints by Amy Welborn and Ansgar Holmberg – a conversational form of telling the stories of saints to elementary age children.
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