Five Hallmarks of Saints

Five Hallmarks of Saints

Slept Little- Among the sacrifices of the saints was nightly discomfort, especially if the deprivation was in the interest of duty or charity.  It is believed that early benedicts didn’t have beds, but mats and were commanded to sleep in their habits in case they were needed during the night.  Sleep is like food some require more than others, I have the difficulty of persuading myself that I require little of each, but saints with facility accepted that they required little.  Saint Catherine of Siena took a short nap only every couple of days and others lived similarly without the blessing of sleep- this is a miraculous privilege like those who lived on the Eucharist alone.   

Ate Little- Prayer, fasting and almsgiving stand as the pillars of Lent, yet saints lived similarly year-round. Some choose a life of fasting – mainly living on water and bread. Saint Catherine of Siena miraculously lived on the Eucharist alone.  This detachment of pleasures is a way to give themselves more entirely to God.

Worked Hard- Saints dedicated their lives to saving souls and this was a twenty-four-hour job.  Each had certain talents and abilities which they put to use to bring God to others. Many founded hospitals, schools and orders to spread the message of God.  Many worked so hard beliving that they would get their rest in heaven.

Faced Many Tribulations- The saints didn’t become saints without much struggle and tribulations.  They suffered great loss, battled serious health issues, were rejected and misunderstood.  They took vows of poverty and worked daily with the people at the margins- they saw the worst of the worst; but never took their eyes away from God.  The more challenges that came their way the stronger their grip on God.  

Are Always Joyful- The saints had tranquility of minds and hearts because they didn’t have disorderly passions, inordinate ambitions and multiplicity of desires.  They were free from worry and anxieties that undermine the repose of the worldly.  They rested having a good conscience aligned with God’s will.  They were also grateful and this constant thanksgiving to God filled their souls.   

Saints led pretty extraordinary lives, not so much by what they had, but by what they gave up.  They lived like it was the season of penance, almsgiving and prayer all year long.  In becoming closer to God, they loosened their grip on worldly aspirations- something quite radical today.  They did simple things, things we can too do to get to heaven that’s why they are such great examples to have and to follow.  Any saint will always lead us to Jesus.