Some wounds can make even the most deeply held beliefs difficult to hold onto. This is especially true when suffering comes at the hands of someone who should have helped lead us toward Christ. Sometimes, the faith we have always turned to so easily may become tangled with questions, confusion, disappointment, and grief that is difficult to put into words.
As a survivor of clerical abuse, I understand this struggle. There have been times over the last twenty-seven years when I wrestled with my faith, with the reality of human sin and weakness, and with the difficulty of reconciling the actions of those who claim to represent Christ with the love of Christ Himself. By God’s grace, I have discovered that even when faith feels fragile, He never stops reaching out to us. Sometimes, He does so through the saints.
The Catholic Church traditionally dedicates November to the Holy Souls in Purgatory. During this month, we are especially invited to pray for the faithful departed. Having celebrated All Saints’ Day on November 1st and All Souls’ Day on November 2nd, we are also reminded of the beautiful reality of the Communion of Saints. We are so blessed to belong to a family of faith that extends beyond the limits of this earthly life.
God never meant us to walk the road to holiness alone, and He offers us the saints in Heaven as our friends and intercessors. I once heard that it isn’t we who find the saints—it is they who find us. Among the saints who found me and accompanied me on my own journey, St. Thérèse of Lisieux holds a particularly special place in my heart. She has become something of a spiritual big sister to me. Daily, she reminds me that holiness is not reserved for those who accomplish extraordinary things or never struggle with weakness. Her Little Way teaches us to love God in the ordinary circumstances of life, through small acts of love, humility, and trust. Sometimes, all we can offer Him is our weakness and the desire to love Him despite everything we’re going through.
St. Faustina continually points me toward the boundless mercy of God. Her witness reminds me that no matter how great our failures or how deeply we have been wounded by the failures of others (or even by our own failures), God’s goodness and mercy remain.
St. Padre Pio reminds me of the importance of prayer and fidelity, even amid trials we don’t fully understand.
St. Maria Goretti is an extraordinary witness to forgiveness, which can be a challenge for many of us. Her life reminds us of the power of God’s mercy without diminishing the seriousness of sin or the dignity of those who have been harmed. We don’t have to pretend that an injustice never happened or excuse the person(s) responsible in order to forgive. Rather, Maria Goretti’s example points us toward the freedom and grace that God desires for every one of us, even those whose hearts are hurting.
St. Mary MacKillop was a religious sister who faced serious opposition from members of the clergy after raising concerns about the abuse of children by a priest. In 1871, she was excommunicated, though the excommunication was lifted the following year. Her perseverance reminds me that fidelity to God requires great courage, especially when doing what is right comes at a personal cost and even when the road ahead is uncertain.
St. Gianna Molla offers another beautiful witness through her vocation as a wife, mother, and physician. Her life is a reminder that holiness is not separate from the ordinary responsibilities of family life and can be found in the daily sacrifices made out of love for God and others.
The quiet example of St. Joseph also speaks to me in a special way. Scripture records no spoken words from him, yet his life speaks volumes. He listened to God, acted with courage, protected the family entrusted to him, and faithfully carried out his responsibilities without seeking recognition. Joseph’s life reminds us that holiness looks like showing up, fulfilling our duties, and quietly trusting God with what we cannot control.
Although she has not been canonized, Mother Angelica has also become a special spiritual companion on my journey. Her candor, courage, and unwavering trust in God remind me that faith does not require us to be timid or pretend that difficulties do not exist. Despite many obstacles, she had a fierce determination to do the work God had given her. She is proof that God can accomplish much through those who persevere and say yes to Him.
The saints are all unique and special in their own way. They do not ask us to deny our wounds, nor do they pretend that healing is easy. They point us back to Christ and show us what it looks like to keep responding to grace, sometimes imperfectly and sometimes through the smallest acts of faithfulness.
This is especially important to remember when our wounds involve other people. The sins of our fellow Christians can cause terrible harm, and the failures of those entrusted with spiritual authority can shake our confidence in the Church. Yet the Church still belongs to Christ, and her holiness comes from Him. We should never excuse wrongdoing, minimize the suffering of victims, or confuse loyalty to Christ with loyalty to those who have failed to represent Him. Instead, we can look to the saints, whose lives remind us of what it means to follow Christ faithfully, even in this deeply wounded and imperfect world.
As we pause to remember and pray for the faithful departed this November, we are invited to look beyond what we can see with our human eyes. We remember that death does not sever the bonds of love in Christ and that the Communion of Saints is a source of hope for the whole Church. If you don’t have a special saint friend already, I encourage you to pray that one finds you. Trust God—He’ll send you the one(s) you need most.
The saints are more than interesting historical figures in the pages of a book. They are our brothers and sisters in Christ. They are witnesses who remind us that God’s grace is real and that holiness is always possible even amid suffering. The saints do not promise us a life without darkness, but they help to point us toward the Light. What a comfort to know that, even in our darkest moments, none of us is ever beyond the reach of God’s love!
Image from Wikimedia Commons
