In this article, discover his spiritual reflections on the call we all have to holiness, with the examples of St. John Bosco and St. Dominic Savio.
What is God's call for our lives?
Many people wonder what the Lord is calling them to. We can have a grandiose vision of what a call from God would be. Movies or novels show us characters touched by signs in the sky, supernatural events, or messages that are either terrifying or exhilarating.
But that doesn’t happen often. God is free to do as He pleases. He can use extraordinary means, but He doesn’t overuse them. As baptized individuals, the first call we all receive is a call to walk towards holiness.
What does holiness involve?
Again, if we compare ourselves to the saints on the Church calendar, we might get the impression that holiness is for people with extraordinary achievements. Martyrs who gave their lives for the faith. Missionaries who traveled the planet. Founders of works that change the lives of the world.
It’s impressive, but we must remember something: when the process for someone’s canonization takes place, the first step is not to check if the person is a celebrity, or how inspiring they are to others, or how many people joined the group he or she founded.
What is checked first is the way in which Christian virtues were lived. Did this person show mercy, patience? Did they have a strong faith and great hope in God?
A person who had accomplished great things in the Church, but in the manner of an official doing their job, or a business leader leading others, without putting the love of God and neighbor into it, would not make sense.
This is how when we read the life of a saint. We don’t see someone who worked to impress everyone dreaming of one day being canonized. We see someone who took the love of God and neighbor seriously and sought how to live it where they were.
Saint John Bosco – An Example of Holiness
Saint John Bosco is a shining example of a priest who, in 1840s Italy, witnessed the miseries caused by years of war: fathers lost in combat, families scattered, and youth left on the streets. He realized that he had to act, not only as a citizen but also in the name of his faith.
The call of the Lord is often tied to circumstances that suddenly make visible what must be done. One person may despair over a situation without knowing how to address it, while another, inspired by the Holy Spirit, finds the courage to act.
A striking aspect of Saint John Bosco’s life, as with many other saints, is that the call to holiness leads to serving others, giving of oneself, and inspiring others to do the same.
When he began gathering delinquent youth to help them, John Bosco aimed to prepare them for integration into society. Those around him were skeptical. It was not easy, but the way to give meaning to his work was by having these young people serve their communities rather than simply seeking help, money, or attention. This approach earned them credibility.
The Call to Holiness of Saint Dominic Savio
The figure of Saint Dominic Savio (1842-1857) is often associated with that of Saint John Bosco. A particularly devout student at the school founded by John Bosco, Dominic Savio did not live long enough to achieve great things, passing away at 14 due to tuberculosis.
However, his leadership among his peers, encouraging them to serve others in a spirit of faith and mercy, left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his actions. Once again, the call to holiness was lived out by giving back to others according to what the Lord had granted him.
Many baptized Christians take the faith they received in baptism seriously. We seek to deepen our understanding of the Gospel, pray more effectively, and draw closer to God. But if there is one grace we should ask for, it is the clarity to see how to make fruitful use of the gifts the Lord has given us. This is a sure path to holiness.
By Abbé Éric Vaillancourt.
Note: Discover the next pilgrimage led by Abbé Éric Vaillancourt.
