YOUR LIFEYOUR LIFEYOUR LIFE YOUR LIFE WITH THE WITH THE

SAINTS:SAINTS:

National Council of Catholic Women Annual Convention, Sept. 28, 2013

Melanie Rigney

What Do You Think of When What Do You Think of When You Hear the Word “Saint”?You Hear the Word “Saint”?

Perfection?Perfection?Piety?M d ?Martyrdom?Competitiveness?Despair?Impatience?Impatience?

Learning from the MothersLearning from the MothersLearning from the MothersLearning from the Mothers: The Blessed Virgin: trust in God

d f ithf ll i t t th dand faithfully instruct those around us.Monica: keep praying and never lose faith.Gi B M ll l i hGianna Beretta Molla: love without reserve.Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin: we

d ffinspire amid suffering.Anna Maria Taigi and “Mama Rosa” Fabris: everyone is called to holiness.

Learning from Working WomenLearning from Working WomenLearning from Working WomenLearning from Working WomenLeonie Françoise de Sales Aviat:

G d’ l i l b hGod’s plan is always better than our own.

Jeanne Delanoue: let the Spirit Jeanne Delanoue: let the Spirit move you.

Anna Schäffer: turn anger and ddespair into love.

Maria Karlowska: God finds you wherever you are.wherever you are.

Learning from the SufferingLearning from the SufferingLearning from the SufferingLearning from the SufferingKateri Tekakwitha: keep the faith

id i d di biliamid persecution and disability. Josephine Bakhita: have

confidence God knows what He’sconfidence God knows what He s doing.

Germaine Cousin: find joy in what hyou have.

Margaret of Castello: you are always beautiful to God.always beautiful to God.

Learning from the DoctorsLearning from the DoctorsLearning from the DoctorsLearning from the DoctorsHildegard of Bingen: freedom

within the Church to use yourwithin the Church to use your God-given gifts.

Teresa of Avila: patience in pexploring a deeper spirituality.

Therese of Lisieux: becoming ho Christ nts s to bewho Christ wants us to be

reflects Him to others.Catherine of Siena: pushing our p g

human limitations out of the way and saying yes to God’s call.

Learning from the MissionariesLearning from the MissionariesLearning from the MissionariesLearning from the Missionaries :Frances Cabrini: set aside

personal disappointments. Ascencion of the Heart of Jesus:

be open to a change in callbe open to a change in call. Rose Philippine Duchesne: don’t

be afraid to say yes to God.Maria Helena Stollenwerk:

sometimes, our call is to prepare others for the work our heart desires.

Learning from Women ReligiousLearning from Women ReligiousLearning from Women ReligiousLearning from Women ReligiousMary Elizabeth Hesselblad: work y

for ecumenical understanding.Matilda of Hackeborn: forgive

h h h l ithose who help us in ways we don’t think we want.

Mary of the Cross (Jeanne Jugan): y (J J g )know when to surrender your will.

Learning from the MartyrsLearning from the MartyrsLearning from the MartyrsLearning from the MartyrsAgnes of Rome: defend yourAgnes of Rome: defend your

dignity.Agnes Phila: be bold in your g y

faith.Margaret Ball: God first—g

even before family.Maria Goretti: forgive.

Thanks for Coming!Thanks for Coming!Thanks for Coming!Thanks for Coming!God Bless!God Bless!

M l i RiMelanie Rigneywww.sisterhoodofsaintsbook.com

melanie@melanierigney.com