As we embrace 2025, a unique and transformative New Year’s resolution could be the practice of engaging with the lives of saints daily. This spiritual journey offers an opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Church history, gain inspiration from remarkable figures, and connect with their enduring relevance in today’s world.
Discovering Saints Beyond the Myths
While many are familiar with figures like St. Patrick or St. Nicholas, often through embellished tales or popular traditions, the authentic lives of saints reveal complexities and human struggles that are far more compelling. These stories serve as a reminder that history is seldom simple or idealised but rich with challenges and triumphs.
Saints Challenging Authority
Throughout history, saints have stood as pillars of resistance against injustice, often confronting the powers of their time. For instance:
- St. Ambrose (4th century): A staunch defender of orthodoxy during the Arian controversy, he navigated political and religious turmoil with wisdom, courage, and unwavering faith.
- St. Peter Claver (17th century): In Colombia, this Spanish Jesuit ministered to African slaves, earning the title “Slave of the Africans” through his compassionate care for those enduring inhumane conditions.
These examples highlight the saints’ commitment to justice and their willingness to speak truth to power.
Martyrs of Modern Times
The 20th century saw saints martyred by fascist and Communist regimes, embodying courage and sacrifice:
- Blessed Vilmos Apor: A Romanian bishop who opposed Nazi ideology and was killed while defending refugees.
- Blessed Maria Stella Mardosewicz: A Polish nun executed for saving a priest during Nazi occupation.
Their stories illustrate the enduring relevance of the saints’ examples in confronting oppression.
Women Saints Defying Boundaries
Strong women like Blessed Mary MacKillop and St. Katherine Drexel defied societal and Church constraints to fulfil their missions:
- Blessed Mary MacKillop: A 19th-century Australian pioneer in education and social care who faced resistance, including temporary excommunication.
- St. Katherine Drexel: An American heiress who used her wealth to advocate for Native and African Americans, establishing schools and missions across the United States.
The Social Gospel in Action
From the earliest days of the Church, saints exemplified the social Gospel, prioritising charity and the welfare of the poor. Their lives challenge us to reflect on our own responses to social inequality and need.
Resources to Begin
For those inspired to embark on this journey, several resources provide daily reflections on saints:
- Butler’s Saint for the Day by Paul Burns (Liturgical Press)
- Voices of the Saints by Bert Ghezzi (Loyola Press)
- Voices of the Saints: A 365-Day Journey by Bishop Robert Barron (Word on Fire Press)
A Year of Inspiration
In an era marked by cynicism and fatigue, the lives of saints remind us of the power of faith, resilience, and charity. Let 2025 be a year of daily inspiration from those who met the challenges of their times and lived lives of extraordinary witness.
May their stories enrich your journey and strengthen your resolve to embrace faith and service in the year ahead.
