Today is a solemnity (the highest rank of feast day) and a Holy Day of Obligation to honor all of the saints, known and unknown. The origin of the feast day in the West can be traced to the consecration of the Roman Pantheon, an ancient temple to all the gods. Pope Saint Boniface IV consecrated the Pantheon to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the martyrs on May 13, 609.
“These are the ones who have survived the time of great distress; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. For this reason they stand before God’s throne and worship him day and night in his temple. The one who sits on the throne will shelter them” (Revelation 7:14-15). How have you found inspiration in the saints to assist your recovery? Do you seek their intercession?
“Imagine yourselves to be spiritual beggars in the presence of God and his saints. You should go round from saint to saint, imploring an alms with the same real earnestness with which the poor beg” (Saint Philip Neri).
Reflection by Brad Farmer