A Fun Activity for the Feast of All Saints

Fra Angelico, Coronation of the Virgin

Our patron saints have an amazing influence in our lives --much more than we realize. Here is an example that our pastor illustrated in his homily for the Vigil Mass of All Saints. It's intriguing, as you will see.

He was born on the feast of St. Martha, baptized on the feast of St. John Vianney, and made his Confirmation on the feast of St. Francis of Assisi (Forgive me, Father, if I have a date confused.). Little did he realize that he would become a priest (like St. John Vianney) and pastor of the largest and busiest Catholic Church (St. Francis of Assisi) in the diocese (busy, like St. Martha).

So, just for fun, I thought I would check on my own dates and patron saints to examine the influence they have had in my life. I was born on the feast of St. Dominic, baptized on the feast of St. Pius X, and my Confirmation saint is St. Catherine of Sienna. I suppose it was St. Catherine and St. Dominic who led me to an Order founded by another Dominican -- the Community of St. John. Perhaps both had a part in leading me to yet another Dominican -- St. Thomas of Aquinas -- and my current area of graduate study --theology. St. Pius X was known as the Referred to as the "Pope of the Eucharist", he advocated frequent Communion for adults, sacramental preparation for children, and instruction in catechism for everyone. Perhaps, it was through his intercession that I returned to the Church after a long absence due to my longing for the Eucharist. It may have been through his prayers that I developed such a deep love for the Eucharist and today serve as a Eucharistic Minister of Holy Communion.

Try this out and be sure to thank your patron saints for the powerful influence they have had in your life. Today is their day, but it is ours as well, for we are saints in the making, following in their footsteps. Happy All Saints Day!