29 June 2025 #carryon
Today is the Solemnity of Sts. Peter and Paul, a significant holy day in the Catholic Church. We reflect on three remarkable events: Peter's divine liberation from prison, Paul's final letter to his dear friend and co-laborer in the Lord’s vineyard, Timothy, and the primacy of Peter as the first Pope. These extraordinary moments involve two ordinary Jewish men whose encounters with Jesus transformed their lives. Neither they nor their parents aspired for them to become saints.
The word "saint" derives from the Latin sanctus, meaning “holy one,” and its Greek equivalent, hagios, meaning “set apart” or “sanctified.” Catholics believe that saints are ordinary men and women who followed God’s path for their lives and are now in heaven. We recognize and promote the virtues that led them there. When someone asks, “Who’s the patron saint of…?” they are inquiring about a saint whose earthly virtues or actions were sanctified by their life.
St. Peter is the patron saint of fishermen, net makers, and shipbuilders due to his pre-conversion profession, locksmiths because he holds the keys of heaven, and the papacy as its first leader. St. Paul is the patron saint of missionaries, evangelists, writers, and authors, reflecting his roles, as well as tentmakers, his trade, and public workers, likely due to his public ministry.
In the Catholic tradition, individuals choose a patron saint during the sacrament of Confirmation, selecting one who either embodies a needed virtue or shares a common interest. This saint is believed to follow your life with interest from heaven—a concept that’s both inspiring and, for some, slightly daunting. If you’ve forgotten your patron saint, ask your parents or contact your parish of Confirmation, though records aren’t always available. Personally, I believe one saint may not suffice to guide me, so I’ve assembled a “saint posse”: Clare of Assisi (shared love of the Eucharist), Francis of Assisi (shared love of poverty), Hildegard of Bingen (grace under fire, a virtue I need), Benedict of Nursia (writer of the Rule and obedience expert, another need), and Edith Stein, also known as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (my personal heroine).
None of these individuals set out to become saints. They began as ordinary people—babies, toddlers, teens, and adults—striving to live out their vocations. My posse includes a Doctor of the Church, founders of monasteries and religious orders, and individuals who lived without modern conveniences like indoor plumbing or electricity. Each suffered for their faith, persevering despite intense opposition, and used their God-given gifts to sanctify their corner of the world, much like Peter and Paul.
As Deacon Dominic emphasized in last week’s homily, isn’t this what we’re all called to do? To love and live for the Lord, using our gifts to sanctify our little corner of the world? In doing so, we become saints-in-the-making.
#carryon