The Holy Souls in Purgatory
The late Pope Francis inspires us to embrace the beautiful vocation of sainthood, urging everyone to strive for holiness. In his vibrant Apostolic Exhortation, “Gaudete et Exsultate: On the Call to Holiness in Today’s World,” he highlights the “saints next door” — the remarkable people we encounter in our families, friendships, and communities. These everyday heroes may often go unnoticed, yet their quiet acts of holiness play a vital role in our collective journey towards salvation as part of the People of God.
He encourages us to draw inspiration from the signs of holiness among the humblest members of our communities, who, through their faithful and charitable lives, actively share in Christ’s prophetic mission.
Pope Francis reveals that history is shaped by these extraordinary people. Quoting St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, he reminds us that “the greatest figures of prophecy and sanctity emerge from the darkest nights.” Many influential souls who have helped our world often remain hidden from the pages of history. We owe so much to these unseen heroes, and one day, when the hidden is revealed, we will truly appreciate their remarkable contributions to our lives and to history itself. Let’s celebrate and strive for holiness together!
Melissa McCoy
Melissa McCoy
Maryville Chaplain
A Communion that Unites Differences
All Saints Day is Nov. 1, Pope Leo described it as “a communion of differences that, so to speak, extends God’s life to all his daughters and sons who wish to share in it.” Every human being, he said, carries a desire “for recognition, attention and joy.”
Quoting Pope Benedict XVI’s Spe Salvi, he added that the expression “eternal life” gives a name to this longing. “not a succession of time without end,” he added, “but being so immersed in an ocean of infinite love that time, before, and after no longer exist.”
“This fullness of life and joy in Christ,” Pope Leo continued, “is what we hope for and await with all our being.”
