Food for thought

Apr 24, 2014

With the latest saints added to the roster, we’re reminded that sainthood is for everyone.

In 2013, Pope Francis reminded us that the list of saints includes people who “suffered lots of adversity,” weren’t superhuman and didn’t behave perfectly throughout life.

“They are like us, each one of us,” Pope Francis said.

Saints, Pope Francis said, are those “who have a simple, humble heart; who don’t assume to be righteous and don’t judge others; who know how to suffer with those who suffer and rejoice with those who rejoice; they aren’t violent, but are merciful; and they seek to be builders of reconciliation and peace.”

Saints are models for all, even for popes. Most recently, and famously, we’ve witnessed the example of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who didn’t just take up the name but also the very persona of the 13th-century St. Francis of Assisi, a man who rejected a life of comfort offered by his family and instead took up living for the poor.

By his actions and words, Pope Francis shows us a modern- day Francis, one we see walking among us. But he also sets an example for everyone to follow and to see that we can become living saints, too. --CNS