Fr. Rene Schatteman
1. During the month of November, the Church in a special way, brings to our attention the Communion of the Saints. The Catechism (954) tells us that there are “three states of the Church… at the present time, some of (Christ’s) disciples are pilgrims on earth. Others have died and are being purified, while still others are in glory.”
2. As good Christians on earth we are related to the saints in heaven:
a. We honor them by singing their praises and in this way honor God who gave them the graces and help they needed to live holy lives while on earth.
b. In some cases we also try to imitate the holy way they lived, prayed, worked, suffered and died.
c. We also seek their intercession. We ask them to join us in presenting our requests to the Lord.
“By their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped.”(Cat 956)
3. We should frequently pray for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. They are certain to reach heaven but in the meantime they still need further purification and suffer greatly because they long to see God. The Church prays for them at every Mass. It is good for us to pray daily for the Holy Souls. Many Catholics make it a point to offer some sacrifice daily for the Holy Souls. A prayer frequently prayed is: “May the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”
4. All of us Christians who are still on this earth form the Church Militant. We are called, as good disciples and soldiers of Christ, to fight for holiness in our daily life. As members of Christ’s Mystical Body we are able to help one another. No one should feel isolated, alone, in the effort to do good.
5. This month look to the example of the saints and seek their intercession for our needs and intentions:
St. Therese of Lisieux, teach me to follow your Little Way of love for God in the little things of my day.
St. Thomas Aquinas, help me to make good use of my talents of mind, heart and will, to work as you did for the glory of God.
St. Teresa of Avila, teach me to pray, speaking confidently to Jesus: my Friend, my Love, my Life, my All.
St. Thomas More, help me love my country and faithfully fulfill my civic duties.
St. Catherine of Siena, you loved God and found God because you sought him. I too want to follow your example.
St. John Paul II, help me to love the Church and all souls as you did.
St. Josemaria, help me to sanctify my every task, putting loving care into my study and work.
All you holy men and women, saints of God, pray for us!
6. Practical steps:
-at some point, pray the Litany of the Saints (easy to find online)
-pray daily for the Holy Souls in Purgatory: “May all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.”
-pray often to your patron saints(s) and the patron saint(s) of your family members and friends.
7. Remember also that your Guardian Angel is at your side 24/7!
“Have confidence in your guardian angel. Treat him as a very dear friend — that is what he is — and he will do a thousand services for you in the ordinary affairs of each day.” (St. Josemaria Escriva, The Way 562)
“You seem amazed because your guardian angel has done so many obvious favors for you. But you shouldn’t be: that’s why our Lord has placed him at your side.” (The Way 565)