Lesser-known saints

Yesterday morning, I responded to a phone call from one of the local radio stations. Little did I realize that by the end of the day I would be taking part in a live radio broadcast (or at least part of one). The subject to be discussed was 'The Lesser-known Saints'.

The Roman Church observes Holy Week this week, so actually the normal routine of observing a series of feast days in honor of the various saints has been put on hold. In radio lingo, these celebrations have been pre-empted. If this was a normal week, we would have been celebrating the liturgical feasts of such well-known saints as Patrick, the apostle to Ireland (March 17) and Joseph, the husband of Mary and foster father of Jesus (March 19).

In addition, there are a series of lesser-known saints who also have their day in the sun during this week, including Saint Cyril of Jerusalem who is a Doctor of the Church and celebrated in the Eastern and Western Church alike. Then there's Saint Salvator of Horta, Blessed John of Parma, Saint Nicholas Owen and of course Saint Turibius of Mongrovejo, the Spanish-born professor of Law who ended up a bishop in Peru.

Even today, as the public seems to be negating the importance of organized religion in many ways, the lives of the Saints continue to provide inspiration. We all need heroes - people to look up to. These are people whose example helps us to continue striving for perfection (in whatever way we may choose to define it). The saints are examples of virtue. They help us to believe that despite our own weakness, God continues to do good things, and holiness is not just a pipe dream.

During his pontificate, John Paul II created more than 480 saints, and beatified thousands. It was his firm belief that we need these examples of commitment and faith to inspire us and to help us face the challenges of today with courage and commitment.

Image: Saint Cyril of Jerusalem