A Convert’s Guide to Navigating Catholic Parish Life (Without Feeling Lost)

Converting to Catholicism is a deeply personal and often transformative experience. But after the Easter Vigil and the initial excitement of joining the Church, many converts find themselves wondering, What now? The structure, traditions, and rhythms of parish life can feel overwhelming, especially for those coming from non-liturgical backgrounds. This guide is designed to help new Catholics integrate into parish life with confidence, avoiding the common pitfalls of feeling isolated or unsure of where they belong.

1. Understanding Parish Life: It’s More Than Just Sunday Mass (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2177)

One of the biggest shifts for new Catholics is realizing that parish life extends beyond Sunday Mass. While Mass is the heart of Catholic worship, parishes are communities with ongoing ministries, social events, and spiritual formation opportunities.

What to Expect at a Parish

• Regular Mass Schedules – Most parishes offer multiple Mass times, including daily Mass, which is a great way to deepen your spiritual life.
• Sacramental Life – Confession, Eucharistic adoration, baptisms, weddings, and funerals all play an integral role in parish life.
• Ministries and Groups – Bible studies, service groups, and community outreach provide ways to connect beyond the pews.
• Liturgical Seasons and Events – Advent, Lent, Holy Days of Obligation, and feast days bring unique traditions and celebrations.

Your parish is more than just a place of worship—it is a spiritual home. Engaging with the community fosters deeper connections and enriches your faith journey.

2. Finding Your Place in the Parish

Many converts experience a post-RCIA void—a feeling of spiritual drift after completing their formal instruction. If this happens to you, don’t panic. The key is to take the next step in deepening your faith and relationships within the parish.

Ways to Get Involved:

• Join a Ministry – Whether you feel drawn to liturgical service (lector, choir, altar server) or outreach (food pantry, pro-life ministry, St. Vincent de Paul Society), your gifts have a place in the Church.
• Find a Catholic Study Group – Bible studies, book clubs, or RCIA follow-up programs can provide ongoing formation and fellowship.
• Volunteer for Parish Events – Helping at festivals, fish fries, and fundraising events is a great way to meet people and serve the community.
• Attend Adoration or Prayer Groups – Spending time before the Blessed Sacrament or joining a Rosary group fosters both spiritual growth and connection with fellow Catholics.

The Church is not just a place to attend—it is a place to belong. Stepping forward will open doors to meaningful friendships and a deeper relationship with God.

3. Understanding Catholic Culture and Etiquette (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2142-2167)

For many converts, Catholic customs can feel foreign at first. Whether it’s knowing when to kneel, understanding feast days, or learning the unwritten rules of parish life, here are some practical insights:

Common Practices to Know:

• Genuflecting and Bowing – Catholics genuflect before entering a pew if the tabernacle is present and bow before receiving the Eucharist.
• Sign of the Cross – This sacred gesture is a visible expression of faith, used in prayer and worship.
• Receiving the Eucharist – Catholics may receive on the tongue or in the hand, but should always do so reverently.
• Holy Days of Obligation – These are special days outside of Sunday when Catholics are required to attend Mass.
• Fasting and Abstinence – Fridays in Lent require abstinence from meat, and Ash Wednesday and Good Friday include fasting.

Catholicism is rich in tradition, and while it may seem overwhelming at first, these practices soon become second nature.

4. Building Catholic Friendships (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1939-1942)

One of the biggest challenges for converts is forming authentic friendships within the Church. Unlike some Protestant communities, Catholic parishes don’t always have built-in social structures. Friendships often develop through shared service, prayer, and participation.

Tips for Making Catholic Friends:

• Attend Parish Socials – Coffee and donuts after Mass, parish dinners, and other gatherings are great places to start conversations.
• Seek Out Fellow Converts – Many converts share similar struggles and can offer guidance.
• Talk to the Priest or Deacon – They often know of groups or opportunities that align with your interests.
• Get Involved in Small Groups – Whether it’s a men’s or women’s group, a young adult gathering, or a prayer circle, smaller groups make it easier to form connections.

Relationships take time, but intentional engagement creates lasting bonds.

5. Avoiding Common Pitfalls

1. Expecting the Parish to “Come to You”

Unlike some Protestant churches that assign mentors or actively recruit newcomers into small groups, Catholic parishes often operate on an opt-in model. Take initiative—attend events, introduce yourself, and look for ways to contribute.

2. Becoming Overwhelmed by Catholic Devotions

The Church offers countless devotions, but you don’t need to embrace them all at once. Focus on what draws you closer to God rather than feeling pressure to adopt every practice immediately.

3. Letting Fear of Mistakes Hold You Back

Catholicism is full of lifelong learners. No one expects perfection—only a heart willing to grow in faith. Engage confidently, knowing that missteps are part of the journey.

4. Isolating Yourself Spiritually

If you struggle with doubts or difficulties, don’t keep them to yourself. Seek guidance from a priest, a spiritual director, or trusted Catholic friends. Faith is meant to be lived in community.

6. Growing Deeper in Your Faith (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2650-2651)

Catholicism is a lifelong journey of growth. After RCIA, your spiritual formation continues.

Ways to Continue Growing:

• Develop a Prayer Routine – Daily prayer, whether through Scripture, the Rosary, or silent meditation, deepens your faith.
• Read Catholic Books – Classics like Introduction to the Devout Life by St. Francis de Sales or The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis offer timeless wisdom.
• Learn About the Saints – The saints provide examples of faith in action, offering inspiration for daily life.
• Stay Rooted in the Sacraments – Frequent confession and regular reception of the Eucharist provide grace for the journey.
• Ask Questions – The depth of Catholic teaching ensures there is always more to discover.

Final Encouragement: You Belong Here (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1267-1269)

If you’re a new Catholic feeling a bit lost, take heart—you are not alone. Every Catholic, even cradle Catholics, had to learn these rhythms at some point. The Church is vast and ancient, but it is also your home. Step forward, engage, and trust that God has a place for you here.

What aspects of parish life have you found most challenging? How have you navigated them?

The Life and Lessons of St. Padre Pio: What We Can Learn from His Example

St. Padre Pio is one of the most beloved saints of the 20th century. While many know him for his miraculous healings, stigmata, and supernatural gifts, the true power of his life lies in the lessons he left us—lessons of suffering, humility, and radical trust in God. His life was not about the miraculous, but about what it means to live as a true servant of Christ, embracing both suffering and grace.

The Lesson of Redemptive Suffering

Padre Pio bore the wounds of Christ in his body, but he never saw them as a burden—only as a way to unite himself with the suffering of Jesus. His pain was not meaningless; it was an offering, a participation in Christ’s passion for the salvation of souls.

In our own lives, suffering is inevitable. Whether it is physical pain, emotional wounds, or spiritual struggles, we can follow Padre Pio’s example by transforming our suffering into something meaningful. Instead of resisting hardship or falling into despair, we can offer it up for others—whether for the souls in purgatory, for the conversion of loved ones, or for those in need of grace. This doesn’t mean we should seek suffering, but rather that we should trust that God can bring good even from our pain.

The Power of Prayer and Spiritual Resilience

One of the most well-known aspects of Padre Pio’s life was his deep commitment to prayer. He often said, “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates a spiritual mindset that every Catholic can embrace.

Padre Pio prayed constantly, often spending hours in communion with God. He believed in the power of intercession and frequently reminded people that prayer could change hearts, heal wounds, and bring souls closer to Christ.

In our busy world, it’s easy to let prayer become an afterthought. But if Padre Pio could maintain an intense prayer life despite suffering, demands from others, and spiritual attacks, we can certainly strive to integrate more prayer into our daily routines. Whether it’s through the Rosary, Eucharistic Adoration, or simple moments of silent conversation with God, we can follow his example by making prayer the foundation of our lives.

The Call to Humility and Obedience

Despite his supernatural gifts, Padre Pio never sought attention or glory. He faced constant scrutiny, even from Church authorities who questioned his stigmata and mystical experiences. Yet, he never fought back in pride or indignation. Instead, he submitted in obedience, accepting humiliations as a way to imitate Christ’s humility.

We live in an age that prizes recognition, validation, and self-promotion. But Padre Pio teaches us that humility is the path to true holiness. He reminds us that we don’t need to seek approval from the world—only faithfulness to God. We can practice humility in our daily lives by embracing patience, accepting correction without defensiveness, and serving others without expecting recognition.

Loving Others Through Sacrifice

Padre Pio spent countless hours hearing confessions, guiding souls, and offering himself completely to the needs of others. He didn’t seek comfort or an easy life; instead, he poured himself out for others, embodying Christ’s command to love sacrificially.

How often do we avoid inconvenience, put ourselves first, or hesitate to go out of our way for others? Padre Pio challenges us to embrace a life of service, even when it is difficult. Whether it is through acts of charity, showing patience with difficult people, or simply being present for someone in need, we can reflect the love of Christ by making sacrifices for others.

Final Reflections: Living Like Padre Pio

Padre Pio’s life was not about spectacle or supernatural gifts—it was about unwavering faith, endurance in suffering, and love for Christ. His example teaches us that holiness is not reserved for the extraordinary, but is found in the daily choices we make: to embrace suffering with purpose, to pray with conviction, to remain humble, and to love others with selfless devotion.

As we reflect on his life, we should ask ourselves: Where in my life am I being called to surrender more deeply to God? How can I turn my struggles into offerings for others? In what ways can I deepen my prayer life and serve with humility? If we take these questions seriously, we will begin to walk the same path that led Padre Pio to sainthood.

His legacy is not just about what he did—it’s about what we do in response.

Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints? A Theological Breakdown

 

Introduction

For many outside the Catholic Church, the practice of praying to saints can seem confusing—some even mistakenly believe that Catholics worship the saints. However, Catholic teaching is clear: worship belongs to God alone. When Catholics “pray to” saints, they are not worshiping them, but rather asking for their intercession, just as one might ask a friend or family member to pray for them.

Perhaps you’ve wondered about this practice yourself. Maybe you’ve lost a loved one and instinctively felt their presence still watching over you, or maybe you’ve turned to a trusted mentor for wisdom in times of struggle. The Catholic understanding of the Communion of Saints takes these natural human experiences and places them in the light of faith—showing us that we are never alone.

This article explores the biblical, theological, and historical foundations of why Catholics turn to the saints for guidance and intercession, focusing on the inspirational role of the saints rather than miraculous claims.

The Communion of Saints: A Biblical and Catechetical Foundation

Catholics believe in the Communion of Saints, a doctrine that teaches that the Church is made up of three groups:

1. The Church Militant – Those of us still living on earth, striving for holiness.
2. The Church Suffering – Souls in purgatory, being purified before entering heaven.
3. The Church Triumphant – Those who have entered heaven and are in full communion with God.

This belief is deeply rooted in Scripture and supported by the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 946-962). It is a reminder that God’s family is not bound by time or space.

Biblical Support for Asking Saints to Intercede

The idea of asking others to pray for us is thoroughly biblical:

• 1 Timothy 2:1-3 – St. Paul urges that “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.” If we ask those on earth to pray for us, how much more should we seek the intercession of those already in heaven?
• Revelation 5:8 – The saints in heaven are depicted as presenting the prayers of the faithful before God: “The twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”
• Hebrews 12:1 – Describes the saints as a “great cloud of witnesses” surrounding us, inspiring and encouraging us in the faith.

Catechism Teaching on the Role of Saints

The Catechism affirms:

• “Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness… They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us.” (CCC 956)
• “It is therefore quite in accordance with the truth that we should love these friends and fellow heirs of Jesus Christ, who are also our brothers and extraordinary benefactors.” (CCC 957)

The Church sees the saints as exemplary models of faith, and their prayers are powerful precisely because they are in the presence of God (James 5:16). But their role is not just about intercession—it is about companionship. They have walked the road of faith before us, and they remind us that holiness is possible.

Saints as Role Models: Finding Strength in Their Lives

Beyond intercession, Catholics turn to saints for inspiration and encouragement. The saints were not perfect; they struggled, suffered, and doubted just as we do. Their lives prove that holiness is possible, no matter one’s background or circumstances.

One example is St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese woman who was kidnapped and sold into slavery as a child. Despite unimaginable suffering, she found faith in Christ and ultimately became a Catholic nun. She forgave her captors and spent her life serving others with gentleness and joy. Her story is not one of supernatural miracles, but of perseverance, healing, and the power of faith.

Her example teaches us that faith transforms pain into purpose—a message that resonates with anyone who has endured hardship.

Similarly, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, known as “The Little Flower,” lived an ordinary life, yet she developed a “little way” of holiness—serving God in small, daily acts of love. Her example speaks to those who feel like their efforts are insignificant, showing that God sees and cherishes even the smallest acts of kindness.

What About Directly Praying to God?

Some may ask, why not just pray directly to God? Catholics absolutely do! Every Catholic prayer, whether said privately or in the liturgy, is ultimately directed to God alone.

However, just as Christians ask friends, pastors, or family members to pray for them, they also ask the saints—who are closer to God than we are—to pray on their behalf. This is not a detour around God but a participation in the unity of the Body of Christ.

St. Paul himself urges Christians to “bear one another’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2), and intercession is one way the saints continue to do so from heaven.

Saints and the Modern Catholic

Many Catholics today find comfort in the companionship of the saints, especially during difficult times. Unlike figures of the distant past, saints feel real, relatable, and deeply human. They experienced suffering, loss, doubt, and fear—yet they remained faithful.

A young woman struggling with anxiety might find solace in St. Dymphna, who is the patron saint of mental health. A parent praying for patience might look to St. Monica, who prayed for years for her wayward son, St. Augustine. A person feeling lost in their career might turn to St. Joseph, a quiet but strong figure who worked diligently as a carpenter while trusting in God’s plan.

For many Catholics, these saints become friends in faith—not because they expect miracles, but because they find encouragement in their struggles and triumphs.

Conclusion: The Saints as Our Spiritual Family

Praying to saints is not about replacing God, but about recognizing that we are part of a larger, spiritual family. Just as we ask our earthly friends to pray for us, we ask our heavenly friends to do the same.

The saints are not far-off, untouchable figures—they are real people who walked the path of faith before us. Their lives remind us that holiness is possible, suffering has meaning, and we are never alone in our journey.

 Take Action: Choose a saint whose story resonates with you. Read about their life, reflect on their struggles, and invite them to walk with you in faith. Their journey can help illuminate your own.

Why Do People Convert to Catholicism? The Most Common Reasons (and Misconceptions)

Every year, thousands of people make the journey into the Catholic Church. Some come from other Christian denominations, others from entirely secular or non-religious backgrounds. But why? What draws people to Catholicism in an age when many are leaving organized religion?

Let’s explore the most common reasons why people convert to Catholicism—including my own family's journey—and dispel some of the biggest misconceptions along the way.

1. The Search for Truth

Many converts describe Catholicism as the answer to their search for objective truth. For me, my experience in Protestantism felt like a starving person reaching out for something they deeply needed—only to be fed wax fruit. My soul knew there was something more real out there. In a world of shifting beliefs and relativism, the Church’s consistent teachings provide an anchor.

• What draws them? The depth of Church history, Apostolic Succession, and a faith that has remained doctrinally intact for over 2,000 years.
• Misconception: Some think Catholic teachings are arbitrary “rules.” In reality, Catholic doctrine is built on logic, history, and biblical foundations.

2. The Eucharist: Christ’s Real Presence

For many, the belief in the Real Presence of Christ in the Eucharist is the defining reason for conversion. For me, this was the most compelling reason—if the Eucharist is truly Christ’s gift of Himself to us, then participating in it is the most important thing in life.

• What draws them? The idea that Jesus is physically present in the Eucharist, just as He promised in John 6.
• Misconception: Some assume Catholics “re-sacrifice” Jesus at every Mass. In truth, the Mass is a re-presentation of the one sacrifice of Christ, not a new one.

3. The Authority of the Church and the Witness of Early Church Fathers

Many converts find that Protestantism’s wide range of interpretations left them feeling lost. They seek a Church with authority to teach truth—not just personal opinions on Scripture. For my husband, the witness of the disciples of the disciples was deeply compelling. As he studied the writings of the Early Church Fathers, he realized that the Catholic Church had the strongest claim to authority.

• What draws them? The Church’s claim to be the original Church founded by Christ, with authority given to Peter and the Apostles.
• Misconception: Some think Catholic doctrine is based on human inventions rather than biblical truth. In reality, Catholic teachings are deeply rooted in Scripture and Tradition.

4. The Beauty of Catholic Worship

We initially thought this would be a problem for us. All the liturgy and tradition seemed like "the traditions of men." As we experienced it, it came to life for us—not a puffed-up set of gatekeeping rituals, but rather a rich reminder of the most important aspects of our faith that we can participate in every day if we choose to.

• What draws them? The reverence of the Mass, the beauty of Gregorian chant, the depth of traditional devotions.
• Misconception: Some believe Catholic worship is “too rigid” or lacking in personal expression. In truth, the liturgy provides a deeply meaningful, communal form of worship centered on Christ.

5. The Communion of Saints

This was the hardest part of conversion for us. We had received so much teaching that this was somehow evil. We were so intent on avoiding "worshiping" Saints, Mary, and Angels. When we found out the realities of what Catholics really do, we found this to be a help to us, not a stumbling block. Many converts are drawn to the Catholic understanding of the Communion of Saints—the idea that the faithful on earth, in purgatory, and in heaven are spiritually connected.

• What draws them? The ability to ask saints for intercession, knowing they are alive in Christ.
• Misconception: Some think Catholics “worship” saints. The truth is that Catholics honor saints and ask for their prayers, just as we ask friends and family to pray for us.

6. A Deeper Understanding of Suffering

Many who have faced suffering find meaning in the Catholic teaching of redemptive suffering—uniting one’s struggles with Christ’s. As a chronic illness sufferer, this was compelling for me. My pain wasn't wasted. I could use it to help others.

• What draws them? The idea that suffering, when offered to God, has deep spiritual value.
• Misconception: Some think Catholics “glorify” suffering. In reality, Catholic teaching emphasizes offering pain to God, not seeking it out unnecessarily.

7. The Call to Holiness

Catholicism offers a clear roadmap for growing in holiness through the sacraments, prayer, and virtue. My husband really resonated with this. He was seeing so much political drift in the churches we attended. People were forsaking the clear moral teachings of the Bible to follow their political parties on both sides of the aisle.

• What draws them? The sacramental life, confession, and the wisdom of saints as models of holiness.
• Misconception: Some assume Catholicism is just about following rules. In truth, it’s about growing in love for God and neighbor.

Final Thoughts: Conversion is a Calling

People don’t convert to Catholicism lightly—it’s often a journey of intense study, prayer, and personal transformation. While each person’s path is unique, the reasons above are some of the most common motivations for entering the Church.

If you’re considering conversion, take your time, ask questions, and let God lead the way. He calls each of us in His perfect timing.

Understanding Jesus’ Cry on the Cross: “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”

As Jesus hung on the cross, he uttered a profound expression of anguish: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46). This poignant cry has been the subject of extensive theological reflection, as it encapsulates the depth of Jesus' suffering and its significance in the context of Scripture.

Connection to Psalm 22

Jesus' words directly echo the opening of Psalm 22:

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1)

By invoking this psalm, Jesus aligns his personal agony with the lamentation and subsequent hope found within it. Psalm 22 begins with a profound sense of abandonment but transitions into a declaration of trust and deliverance, reflecting a journey from despair to faith.

Expressions of Human Suffering

Jesus' exclamation signifies his profound experience of human suffering and a sense of separation from God. This moment underscores the depth of his incarnation, illustrating that he fully embraced the human condition, including feelings of abandonment and distress. This perspective emphasizes that Jesus, in his humanity, experienced the depths of human anguish (Catholic.com).

Theological Interpretations

Some theologians interpret this cry as a profound expression of Jesus bearing the weight of humanity's sins, experiencing the desolation that sin causes in one's relationship with God. This perspective highlights the sacrificial nature of Jesus' crucifixion, emphasizing that he endured the ultimate consequence of sin—separation from God—to reconcile humanity to the Father (Catholic.com).

Affirmation of Prophetic Fulfillment

By quoting Psalm 22, Jesus not only expresses his anguish but also points to the fulfillment of prophetic scripture. The psalm details sufferings that mirror Jesus' crucifixion, such as being mocked and having his hands and feet pierced. This connection underscores that Jesus' suffering was in accordance with divine prophecy, reinforcing his messianic identity.

Pope Benedict XVI's Reflection

Pope Benedict XVI reflected on this passage, noting that Jesus' cry from the cross is an appeal to a seemingly distant God. He emphasized that this expression of abandonment is deeply connected to the human experience of feeling forsaken, yet it is also an act of profound trust in God's ultimate plan (Vatican.va).

Conclusion

Jesus' cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” encapsulates the profound mystery of the crucifixion. It reflects his deep identification with human suffering, the fulfillment of prophetic scriptures, and the profound theological implications of his sacrificial death. This moment invites believers to contemplate the depth of Jesus' love and the mystery of redemption accomplished through his suffering.

Saint Teresa of Calcutta: Radical Love in Everyday Holiness

 

Saint Teresa of Calcutta, better known to the world as Mother Teresa, had no desire to be famous. Her mission wasn’t to build an empire of charity or to have her face printed on prayer cards. All she ever wanted was to love Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor — and to do it with her whole heart.

In our modern world, where holiness can feel distant and complicated, Teresa of Calcutta offers something radically simple: love the person in front of you. She taught — and lived — the truth that holiness isn’t about doing grand things, but about filling small acts with great love.

Love Begins at Home

One of Mother Teresa’s most famous reminders is that charity starts closest to you. Before we worry about solving global poverty, we’re called to love the people we live with, even when they’re difficult, even when they frustrate us, even when they fail to love us back. For her, the greatest tragedy wasn’t hunger or poverty — it was feeling unwanted.

"If you want to change the world, go home and love your family." — Saint Teresa of Calcutta

This message resonates deeply during Lent, a season when we’re invited to examine our hearts and how well we love. Our sacrifices mean nothing if they don’t make us more patient, more generous, more compassionate right where we are.

Loving the Poor Without Excuse

Teresa of Calcutta didn’t spend her life debating who deserved help or what made someone worthy of care. She believed every person had infinite dignity because every person bore the image of God. Her love was unconditional, practical, and fearless.

She taught her sisters — and the world — that no act of love is too small when it’s given freely. Holding a dying hand, offering a smile, feeding someone who had been ignored for days — these were her miracles.

A Saint for Ordinary Life

Walking Through Darkness: Teresa’s Long Night of the Soul

For much of her life, Saint Teresa of Calcutta experienced what spiritual writers call the dark night of the soul — a prolonged period where God felt painfully absent. Even as she cared for the poorest of the poor, she carried a private cross of profound interior dryness, feeling as though her prayers went unheard.

But Teresa didn’t run from this darkness. Instead, she made a radical choice to love God through trust, offering her emptiness as another gift. She believed that her spiritual darkness allowed her to understand the deep loneliness of those she served — those abandoned, rejected, and left to die alone.

Her dark night didn’t make her less holy — if anything, it made her a saint for all of us who struggle. She showed that faithfulness is not about feeling God all the time, but about choosing Him even when He seems far away. Through her long night, she taught the world that love is not just a feeling, but a decision — one we make over and over again.

What makes Saint Teresa so compelling is that her holiness wasn’t built on visions or mystical experiences (though she had a few). Instead, her holiness was forged in the daily grind of service — cleaning wounds, calming fears, praying through exhaustion, and choosing love again and again, especially when she felt nothing at all.

She understood that true faithfulness is showing up when it’s hard, loving when you’re empty, and trusting that God’s grace fills the gaps. If you’ve ever wondered how to be holy in the middle of laundry, doctor’s appointments, and long workdays, Mother Teresa is your guide.

Carrying Her Spirit Into Lent

This Lent, if you want to honor Saint Teresa’s legacy, don’t look for ways to make yourself miserable — look for ways to make your love more generous. Offer a meal, hold space for someone’s grief, speak with kindness when you’d rather be sharp, and most of all, see Christ in the people who are hardest to love.

Because for Teresa of Calcutta, holiness wasn’t complicated. It was love in action — here, now, no excuses.

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For more reflections on saints who walk beside us in everyday life, follow Converting to Hope.

Saint John Bosco: A Saint For Right Now

 

Holiness, Hustle, and Loving the World Around You

Saints aren’t just ancient history. New modern Saints are constantly entering the canon of recognition, and millions more have passed to Heaven unrecognized. This is a story about one more recent Saint who left his mark on society around him: John Bosco.

Saint John Bosco lived in a loud, messy, modern world — and he shows us that holiness isn’t about escaping life. It’s about showing up for it.

What Makes Him Modern?

Bosco didn’t retreat — he leaned into the chaos.

In the times he lived, not so very long ago, homeless children, particularly young men were left on the streets, offered very little hope of anything other than a life of crime and early death.

For Bosco, it was unacceptable to witness this suffering and do nothing. He taught poor kids useful trades. He fed them when they were hungry. He loved them first — and preached second. Over time of faithful care for these young men, he witnessed miraculous rescues and changed lives. The impact of the simple acts of his love.

In a performance-obsessed world, John Bosco shows us that showing up is itself a kind of holiness.

What We Learn from Him Today

You don’t need a monastery or a microphone to be holy.

Holiness lives in:

• Showing up for your neighbor
• Teaching a skill to someone who needs it
• Believing in someone no one else sees

That’s how John Bosco lived. And that’s holiness we all can reach.

Saint John Bosco, pray for us — and teach us to love the world like you did.