• by Josh Grimard

One of the aspects of the Catholic Faith that I have appreciated the most is the knowledge that we are never alone on our journey to eternal life. We are a part of a huge family consisting not only of those on earth, the “church militant”, but also all those who are being purified as they await the glory of heaven, and those who have already attained that glory. Those who have already attained the glory of heaven, the “church triumphant”, we celebrate on November 1st, All Saints Day. And those awaiting that glory as they are being purified to see God face to face, the “church suffering”, we commemorate on November 2, All Souls Day.

The month of November is a special time to pray for our loved ones who have passed from this life, and also to be encouraged by the examples of the saints in living here on earth what we desire to live for all eternity.

We hear of Christ’s example in Sacred Scripture and it is His example that we seek to follow. But we also have so many people, the saints, who have gone before us and lived ordinary lives, yet their lives have become extraordinary because they have lived them in, with, and for Christ.

This month we will be sharing stories about the particular saints who have inspired us to live in, with, and for the Lord Jesus in our own lives. We are so thankful for the lives of these holy people, these saints and spiritual friends, who have gone before us and are still very much with us as “a great cloud of witnesses”. (Hebrews 12:1) They encourage us, and I imagine are cheering us on, to cast aside everything that would hinder us in our ‘not so ordinary’ life, in our own journey of faith, and to run with perseverance the race that is set before us towards union with God through love of Him and love of our neighbour.

To God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be the glory forever and ever. Amen.