I think it’s safe to say that most of the readers of this blog greatly admire the saints.  We look to them as our role models for living the fullness of the Christian life.  “They inspire us by their heroic lives.”[1] “Their glory fills us with joy, and their communion with us…gives us inspiration and strength…” [2]

We know some of their stories.  Some spent hours in deep prayer every day (Teresa of Avila), with little sleep to boot (John Vianney); others spent their days in selfless service to the poor and homeless (Mother Teresa); still others worked tirelessly in hospitals ministering to the sick (Elizabeth of Hungary), or built orphanages (John Bosco), or schools (Elizabeth Ann Seton).  And then we look at our own lives and think, I just don’t have what it takes to be like that; I don’t have what it takes to be a saint. Read more »