At some point throughout your life, you most likely have heard of some of the saints who walked our world long ago. Sometimes you see churches named after these holy people such as St. James, St. Paul, St. John the Baptist, and others. Who were these people, and what was it they did during their lives to be called saints?
Saints are typically thought to be holy or virtuous and being in heaven after death. Their lives while on the earth became a path of getting closer to God. They gave their heart to him and with the gift of faith, they became more like him in living the Gospel and loving others like Jesus did. Their kindness, generosity, compassion, and other virtues became a part of them, and on their path of life, they touched the hearts of God’s people. For us, they became examples of God’s love.
Do you believe there are modern day saints today? Just like those saints of many years ago, there are people now who try to unite their will to God and live virtuous lives. You may know some of them or recognize their lives as being one with God. We are all called to be saints and with God’s graces and giving him our heart, we can touch others in his love as the saints did of long ago. Ordinary people from ordinary lives and from different faiths, can all become instruments of God’s love and peace helping others to know and love God.
Chiara Badano was one of those ordinary people who impacted thousands by her life. She was born in Italy in 1971, and like many young people she struggled with the difficulties of life, problems at school, and doing daily chores. Yet, even at an early age, she remembered the teachings of the Gospel brought to life by Focolare, an ecumenical movement of different faiths who believe in being the first to love in every situation.
Chiara strived to be more loving and to do what Jesus would want. At the age of 17, she was diagnosed with a painful and aggressive form of cancer. As the disease progressed, she gave each pain of surgery and her difficult chemo treatments to Jesus with the words, “For You, Jesus.” Only once did she ask the reason for her suffering with, “Why, Jesus?” but a few moments later she said, “If you want it Jesus, then so do I.” Her faith and love for Jesus helped her to endure all that she went through until she passed away at the age of 18. However, her faith and trust in God touched the souls of those who knew her, and writings about her life continue to teach others today about God and his love.
Carlo Acutis, known as the First Millennial Saint, was born in 1991 and like Chiara, he lived his life as an ordinary teenager. He liked playing soccer, video games, and watching police dramas. He died from leukemia at 15 but left behind a life of loving Jesus and touching others in his name. Carlo used his talent as a computer whiz to spread good and to teach about God’s love. After he passed away, his life and his work continue on today. Jesus tells us that whatever we do with love, lives on for all eternity.
These are only two young saints, but there are people of all ages and faiths today who as ordinary people live life as we do. However, they also use their love of Jesus to bring others to know and love him as the saints of old did. You may see them as some of God’s faithful ones and his candles.
You can start now to become a saint for God. It is never too late to begin. Using the gifts and talents he has given you, love others with kindness, generosity, and reach out to help those most in need. Ask God to make you an instrument of his love and mercy and a conduit for people searching for peace. As God’s people, we are given the graces and the power of the Holy Spirit, who will give us all that we need.
Be ready and look for the opportunities God gives us on our path. Remember too that God can multiply that one kind act to continue on like a domino effect to others along the way. God sees all that we do even when others do not. No act of kindness is ever too small or insignificant in the eyes of God especially within our own family. When you grow weary in all that you do, use the words of Chiara, and say, “For you, Jesus.” Then watch what God will do!
Copyright © 2025 Marsha Luke – Rights for non-commercial reproduction granted: May be copied in its entirety, but neither retyped nor edited.