My Kailua parish has a terrific R.C.I.A. program. It's lead by two good friends of mine - a couple who have a lot of zeal and love not only for Jesus, but for all that He holds dear, including His special friends - the Saints! So, on occasion, they will invite this ministry to share about the Saints with those who are beginning their spiritual journey within the Catholic Church. This morning was another such occasion.
I did my usual talk, summarizing the Church's teaching on Saints and explaining the Sainthood Process. For the edification of my audience, I also highlighted three holy individuals who are currently going through the canonization process and someone who has already reached the end of it; emphasizing certain characteristics of God or holiness these people were particularly good at representing:
+ Servant of God, Matteo Farina (an Italian youth who died from cancer at only 18-years-old) - JOY; how the joy that results from being a follower of Christ infuses us despite life's many trials.
+ Venerable Matthew Talbot (a recovered alcoholic from Ireland) - the HEALING power of God; how God's love and power heals and transforms us into a new creation.
+ Blessed Alexandrina Maria da Costa (a mystic & stigmatic from Portugal) - EUCHARIST DEVOTION; truly, the Blessed Sacrament is Body and Blood of Jesus Christ, which nourishes us with life-giving grace!
+ Saint Marguerite D'Youville (the Canadian foundress of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal) - FAITH; how faith fortifies us against all adversities and inspires us to accomplish much good in our personal lives and the lives of others.
And, of course, several relics were a part of the presentation...
Relics on display (from Left to Right):
Bl. Alexandrina Maria da Costa, St.
Bernadette of Lourdes, a splinter from the
True Cross, & St. Marguerite D'Youville.
At the end of it all, I think the R.C.I.A. group got the gist of the message I was trying to convey: God's desire is for us to become holy; Saints confirm it's possible.
No comments:
Post a Comment
[Your comment/feedback is welcomed. However, business advertisements of any sort are not allowed and will be deleted. Thank you.]