“ It can have many names: individualism, spiritualism, living in a little world, addiction, intransigence, the rejection of new ideas and approaches, dogmatism, nostalgia, pessimism, hiding behind rules and regulations. In his exhortation, he warns against a temptation towards safety and security. Nevertheless, he continues to speak boldly on behalf of the powerless and to advocate for justice. And he sometimes meets the most resistance from those he is leading – members of the Catholic Church. Pope Francis is himself an example of holiness through the way in which he speaks truth to power. They are ever-aware that when we recognize that everything we have is a gift, gratitude leads to joy. Their humor never comes at another’s expense, however, but is rooted in the joy of giving generously, forgiving frequently, and rejoicing endlessly in the gifts of God’s love. Practical applications of holiness in my life and ministry how to#She then looked up to heaven and said, “If this is how You treat your friends, no wonder You have so few of them.” The holiest people I know are ones know how to laugh heartily. One of the greatest examples of this is her reaction to slipping on an embankment and falling in the mud. She was not only brilliant and extremely gifted, but also had a delightful sense of humor. One of my favorite saints is Teresa of Avila. Instead, they knew the grace of humility, leading them to speak the truth with love. This didn’t make them doormats for others’ neuroses, however. Their perseverance and patience led to a meekness of the heart. Their holiness arose, not in being spared such vexing situations, but in resisting the temptation towards anger, resentment, and vicious payback. I often think it would be far more inspiring to see some of them portrayed, not in stances of perpetual piety, but in their day-to-day struggles with members of their family or religious communities. The saints are helpful role models in this way. When we let go of making the roles about ourselves and focus on a larger picture, we recognize the way in which God is working in and through us for the greater good. ” (112) I know of no other way to navigate the challenges of ministerial leadership in a parish or school without such grounding. The first criterion for holiness is “… solid grounding in the God who loves and sustains us. Let’s look at each one and how they can deepen our spiritual lives on both a personal as well as a ministerial basis. ” (14)Īs a way to make this a lived practice, Pope Francis describes five spiritual attitudes that are necessary for holiness. We are all called to be holy by living our lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves. “ We are frequently tempted to think that holiness is only for those who can withdraw from ordinary affairs to spend much time in prayer. It also isn’t a call to meditate on a mountaintop. It isn’t something reserved for canonized saints but for each one of us as a part of our baptismal vocation. How does holiness underscore everything you do within your ministry?ĮXEMPLIFY THE CALL TO HOLINESS IN YOUR PARISH AND SCHOOLĪt the beginning of his exhortation, Pope Francis describes the universal call to holiness. As one of the greatest role models of holiness put it, “Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.” (Thérèse of Lisieux).Īs you read this article, reflect on the following questions: Is this truly a picture of holiness? Not exactly, according to many of these same saints. Serenity, calm, and perfect attentiveness in prayer characterized each one. They stood in poses of beatific vision, eyes raised to heaven, hands folded in prayer or holding a palm branch, lily, or other symbol of their sanctity. How holy are you? How do you picture holiness? As a child, I connected it with the images of Mary and the saints on holy cards. Practical applications of holiness in my life and ministry download#Download available in English and Spanish. Included is a tip sheet of suggestions for applying the five spiritual attitudes named in Gaudete et Exsultate in your parish or school ministry. In this article, we'll explore how Parish Catechetical Leaders and Catholic School Leaders can answer the call to holiness and use the five spiritual attitudes to strengthen holiness in their personal life and ministry. In his apostolic exhortation on holiness, Gaudete et Exsultate (Rejoice and Be Glad), Pope Francis explains the call to holiness and how we might answer it in the midst of our daily lives.
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