On Becoming Like a Saint

When I was a small boy, many years ago, I remember my aunt teasing me about my not having even a bit of a chance of becoming a saint. Why so, I ask her? She, like everybody else, saw me as a mischievous child back then. I myself was aware that I was a naughty kid, sort of a “Dennis the Menace” type.

I gamely replied to my aunt not to worry, as I have no intention of becoming a saint like those Patron Saints to whom she prays to. Up to now, what I have of an image of a Catholic saint is one with impeccable character and filled with the virtues which make him worthy of the presence and love of the Lord God.

Still and all, I also believe that every person has little saintliness in him. Okay, admittedly some people are definitely more saintly. I rank myself among those who lean on being more worried about my material wants, while neglecting the spiritual needs, which I would also admit is more important but I somehow ignore.

I may not become a saint, but I can sure try doing things that are saintly. Small things, little sacrifices like a few hours of fasting, walking for long hours, listening to mom’s sermon instead of talking back, caring more about the pets. I believe that performing such things is pleasing to the eyes of God. There really is no need to be a Saint; just act according to God’s Commandments, and we are next to being one.

You Know Your Friend is a Catholic if...

One time you rode with him in a bus to work, and in the midst of stalled traffic, he takes out a Rosary and begins to recite it.

Inside his leather wallet, you see a small pamphlet of novena to his Patron Saint.

Your Catholic friend might miss his lunch and all, but never the Sunday morning or evening mass.

Your friend’s fervent dream is to go the Jerusalem, the Holy Land and Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Of course, let us not leave out the Vatican, where he might want to try to have even a glance of the Pope.

It does not matter whether a request is small or great, your friend will seek the intercession of all patron saints that he knows and of course the Blessed Virgin Mary. In my case, I ask for Saint Rita of Cascia and the Infant Jesus of Prague to intercede in my behalf to our Lord.

For your Catholic friend, Christmas is the most beloved holiday, celebrating the birth of Jesus.

In the absence of a family elder, your Catholic friend rushes to the local parish priest for guidance and advice on serious matters.

Lastly, speaking of the Virgin Mary - your friend is a Catholic, and a Filipino one, if he affectionately calls her “Mama Mary.”