November Saints

November 1. All Saints Day

Who are all the saints? They are all the “close friends of God,” that is, those who remain faithful in their relationship with God even in the midst of difficulties, obstacles and during terrible times. There is no state of life that has not sanctified someone. And all the saints were sanctified precisely in the state of their occupations and during the ordinary circumstances of life. Included among them are our own relatives, friends and acquaintances.

Your turn
What do you think is needed to become a saint? Do you feel the calling towards an intimate relationship with God that leads to faithfulness, to feel joy even in the midst of difficulties, and toward a commitment to serve others?

November 2. All Souls Day

On this day we remember those who journeyed in the faith before us and all those who lived in this world and are now awaiting the final resurrection. For Hispanics, it is a day of feast and remembrance, which has a powerful meaning because it brings us the presence of all our loved-ones whom have passed away. It is a festive celebration we share with our family.

Your turn
What good things have you learned from a family member or acquaintance who has passed away? What good memories do you have of this person? In what things would you like to be similar to that person?

November 3. St. Martin of Porres

He was born in Lima, Peru in 1579. His father was a Spanish aristocrat who later became governor of Panama. His mother was a freed black slave who resided in Lima. Although Martin’s father acknowledged him as his son, he never married his mother. When the senior Porres marched off to Panama to become governor, Martin remained in Lima living modestly with his mother. When he turned 15 Martin joined the convent of St. Dominic as a lay brother. He was a very intelligent man with knowledge of surgery, which led him to establish a small hospital in the convent to care for the poor. He suffered a great deal of discrimination because of the color of his skin, and the customs and norms of the time. He was modest, humble, and very creative. His small miracles provide us with lessons in human relationships, the struggles against racism, and a true Christian love.

Your turn
Have you endured rejection and discrimination? How did you react? Have you ever felt you rejected someone simply because of their race and origin?

November 11. Martin of Tours

The son of a Roman tribune, this fourth century saint became a soldier almost by force. Since he was 10 years old, he wanted to become a Christian and finally achieved it when he was baptized at the age of 18. He then abandoned the weapons and dedicated himself to evangelization. He was the Bishop of Tours and founded a monastery that became the center of spiritual life and attraction. He fought extensively for the unity of the Church.

Your turn
What divisions do you see in your community? How can you fight against them? What can you do to bring together the people in your family or community that have grown apart?

November 16. St. Margaret of Scotland

She was the queen of Scotland in the 11th century. She had six children with her husband, King Malcolm III, who was a forceful and violent man, but who became kinder thanks to his relationship with Margaret. She dedicated all her possessions to personally serving the poor. During those days of poor communications, she knew how to moderate and civilize the customs of the court and promoted religious reform in her kingdom. She convened a local council where she advanced the reform of customs.

Your turn
What customs and cultural manifestations do you think should be reformed? How could it be done?

November 17. Roque Gonzalez and companions

The first saint from Paraguay. Ordained as a Jesuit priest at the age of 22, he worked tirelessly to evangelize the natives. With his Jesuit companions, Roque founded missions where he worked courageously for natives living in the jungles of Uruguay. They were martyred and are the first saints of the American continent.

Your turn
What do you plan to dedicate your life to doing?

November 23. St. Cecilia

We have little information regarding this martyr who lived in Rome between the second and third centuries. It seems that she belong to an affluent family and made generous donations to the Church. She was buried in one of the Roman catacombs and is the patron saint of music.

Your turn
What talents do you have that you can put at the service of the community?

November 24. St. Andrew Dung-Lac & companions

These 117 martyrs died in Vietnam between the 18th and 19th centuries. Their martyrdom is a sign of a Church that has suffered greatly but has retained its great vitality.

Your turn
Do you avoid working with those who are different from you? Is it hard for you to accept diverse personalities and styles?