Abp. Aymond: Our saintly role models help us on our journey to heaven

Dear Young Church, My Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

In the Church, we are blessed by the example and inspiration of many saints.

Each saint has his or her own feast day; yet, at the same time, the Church designates Nov. 1 as a day when we honor all of them together as the Communion of Saints. 

It is important for us to note that some of the saints date back to the time of Jesus and others to more recent times, such as Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa of Calcutta.

No matter if they come from the 1st century or the 21st century, they have been women and men of faith who lived their faith in such a way that they have touched the hearts and the lives of many people and have expressed great love of God.

On Nov. 1, we honor all of them. We honor the saints and ask them to pray with us and for us that we will know God’s will, be faith-filled disciples and always treat others with respect and love.

Who is your favorite saint? Who are you named after? All Saints’ Day is an opportunity to look up your patron saint and learn more about him or her. In doing so, we ask an all-important question: What is it in this saint’s life that I can live in a more specific way and be a faith-filled disciple of Jesus Christ?

As we celebrate All Saints’ Day, let us not forget that you and I are called to be saints. Yes, it means that we are called to a life of holiness. Holiness is praying regularly and knowing the Lord Jesus in a personal and intimate way. It also means that the way in which we live our lives – we reach out to others with care and respect.

Unfortunately, we find many examples in our world today where people are not respecting one another. There is name-calling, hatred and division. Let us never fall into those patterns of behavior, for they are not of God and do not help us or lead us to a life of sainthood.

Today, we are disciples on the road to holiness. Don’t forget to find out more about your special saint and what you can do to live like him or her.

Wishing you God’s blessings and a very happy All Saints’ Day, I am a brother in Christ,

Most Rev. Gregory M. Aymond
Archbishop of New Orleans