The theme of holiness has always been of great importance to me. Since my childhood, I have been fascinated by the stories of the saints and immersed myself in reading about their lives, struggles, and achievements.

In my home, we had a small library where one day I discovered an encyclopedia that included the classics such as the Iliad, the Odyssey, the Divine Comedy, and biographies of famous figures, including several books about saints like Saint Rose of Lima, Saint Teresa of Jesus, and others. My excitement was such that I used to imagine that some day I could be like them.

During my adolescence, the Second Vatican Council, an event that some Catholics label as “heretical” (although I believe they did not experience its transition), in the Constitution Lumen Gentium (Dogmatic Constitution of the Church), reminded us in Chapter V (Universal Call to Holiness) that we are all called to holiness, regardless of our marital or religious status.

Writer´s Intent

I have started this work of spiritual and biblical reflection with the Gospel of Saint Mark. My goal is for it not to be sectarian but to be aimed at a broad audience, those who are tired of the morality presented by contemporary society and who long to find their way as rational human beings, with the desire to build a society based on peace, brotherhood, and the common good.

Therefore, it is necessary, before proceeding, to clarify a few points for those readers who may feel averse to the word “HOLY” due to misinterpretations by some non-Catholic denominations or by individuals who do not wish to practice a particular religion.

I do not intend to make an apologetic defense of the devotions to the saints, as I am not an expert on the subject, but I do wish to explain why I will use this word frequently, even though it may not be accepted by many.

Personally, I have heard shouting around my former parish and at the venue where the Religious Congress of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles was held, that we were heretic and condemned. Therefore, I understand that even without reading to the end, this writing may generate rejection or discomfort in the reader.

Hence, I want to make clear what this word means to me, not only because I am Catholic by birth but also by conviction.

“Biblical” Churches

It is important to highlight that there are many Christian churches self-identify as “Biblical,” meaning that they only accept beliefs that are supported by the Bible. In my search for information and research, I discovered several non-Catholic Christian denominations that practice devotion to virtuous individuals who can serve as examples for their lives.

Holiness in Monotheistic Religions

For those who rely on the Bible, I found biblical verses in the Jewish Bible (Old Testament) that speak of holiness, not only of God but also of the Jewish people.

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Jerusalem Bible, Exodus 19:5-6)

My favorite passage on this topic is the following found in the book of Leviticus 20:26: “You shall be holy to me; for I the Lord am holy, and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.” (Jerusalem Bible)

Jews throughout history have considered Moses and the prophets as men of God. In their historical books, even in ancient society, there are writings dedicated to the role that some women played as intercessors and liberators of enemies of the Jewish people. These figures are models of virtue and holiness to be imitated as special individuals favored by the grace of God.

Muslims also revere their men of God, such as the Prophet Muhammad, who is revered as the great prophet of Allah. Both the name of Allah and that of the Prophet Muhammad are objects of deep respect, and any disrespect towards them can have serious consequences. He is considered the prototype of the perfect man.

Holiness in Christian Churches

In the New Testament (Christian Bible), there are 27 passages, mainly in the apostolic letters, that present holiness as the will of God for all Christians, not just for the Catholic Church.

Saint Paul exhorts the Thessalonians to: “May he strengthen your hearts, making them blameless and holy before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.” (1 Thessalonians 3:13; Jerusalem Bible)

Holiness in the Anglican Church

For example, the Anglican Church acknowledges “the grace deposited in its saints, who have been lightsw of the world in their own generation.” (Anglicanism- Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) Additionally, in these churches, there are religious images of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and saints, as well as icons and stained glass windows. (Anglicanism-Wikipedia)

Holiness in Orthodox Churches

Regarding the Eastern Orthodox Church (under the authority of the Pope) and the Eastern Churches, whose head is the patriarch of the see where the Church is located, they have an ancestral legacy of rituals and teachings from renowned Church Fathers such as Athanasius of Alexandria, Basil the Great, Gregory Nazianzus and John Chrysostom.

These Churches, which have preserved to some extent traditional rituals and devotions, also hold a great appreciation por icons of Christ and the Virgin Mary, whom they call Theotokos, meaning “Mother of God,” the official title given to her by the Council of Ephesus in the year 431. (es.orthodoxwiki.org)

Regarding the devotion to the saints, Orthodox churches show great veneration towards them, believing they are intercessors before God and highly value their relics. (historioteca.com)

The Need for Positive Models of Virtue Today

In my opinion, it is crucial to present positive characters and heroes of faith to the new generations. We often see that young people are presented with characters sometimes flashy, as their role models. Heavy metal rock singers, athletes, figures that idealize heavy ballads, most of them with questionable morality.

These idols that young people look up to on platforms like Tik-Tok, X, and other internet sites, are the ones who dictate guidelines to follow and norms os questionable behavior. Personally, I have always considered saints as true heroes of faith and have presented them to my students in that way.

Devotion to the Virgin Mary and the Saints is Not Idolatry

It is important to clarify that devotion to the saints does not constitute idolatry. Catholic doctrine is very clear on this matter: the worship of LATRIA (adoration) is reserved exclusively for God.

To Mary, as the Mother of Jesus, the cult of HYPERDULIA or Greater Devotion is granted. As for the saints, they are given the cult of DULIA (devotion) for having triumphed, with the grace of God, over the temptations of sin by practicing heroic virtues and, in many cases, facing martyrdom.

I want to be clear that this is not a belief held by just few Catholics. I learned this from my childhood and clearly understood what this devotion entails.

Likewise, I passed on this devotion to my students during the over 30 years I taught religion classes in the schools where I worked. In other words, there is no doubt among us Catholics that the WORSHIP OF ADORATION IS RENDERED SOLELY TO GOD!

In our society today, I believe we should not overlook the veneration of the saints; on the contrary, we should present them as they truly are HEROES OF FAITH!

God bless us all.

FOR REFLECTION:

• What are the things you admire most about your parents?
• Do you have someone you admire for their righteousness and virtues?
• Who is your hero/heroine prototype?
• Do you think that current society needs individuals who are positive role models of behavior and morality?