To most Catholics, All Saints Day might be a familiar day once a year consisting of Mass, the song “When the Saints Go Marching In,” and a discussion about those holy people in heaven. You might say the saints are interesting but doubt that you could ever be like them or relate to them in any way. We’ve all heard or thought something along the lines of, “Mother Teresa is amazing, but I could never be as holy as her.” Well, I’m here to challenge you to break down those walls of doubt and do something today out of love, even if it’s the tiniest thing, such as washing the dishes.

While all the saints are incredible in their own ways, it can be particularly difficult to relate to those that lived long ago and faced different circumstances. But the truth is, the saints are our friends! If you know me, you might call me a “saint nerd” — I annoy my friends and family with random saint facts. I have to admit, sometimes I am overwhelmed by the great things they have done. However, after “getting to know” several saints through their stories and writings, I have come to understand how fun it is to have saintly friends, as I like to say! There is a patron saint for every state of life and difficulty you may face, and their intercession is powerful! Of course, you can go straight to God, but the saints love to pray for us, just as you might ask your friend or family member to pray for you.

Here are little snapshots of some of my “saintly friends” that I’m particularly close with. These saints are very relatable; try asking for their intercession!

Blessed Carlo Acutis

1. • • Recently beatified on Oct. 10, this blessed is truly a saint of our times. Carlo was born in 1991 and loved to play video games and soccer with his friends. He also had a passion for computers and even created his own website to document Eucharistic miracles around the world.
     • “All people are born originals but many die as photocopies.”

   (photo courtesy of Antonia Acutis)

Blessed Chiara Luce Badano

1. • Chiara was only 18 when she passed away in 1990, but her life was a witness to her trust in God and deep love for Jesus. She loved to play tennis and spend time outside. When Chiara was diagnosed with cancer, she joyfully accepted God’s plan for her life. She inspires us to never give up and to be hopeful!
   • “I have nothing left, but I still have my heart, and with that I can always love.”

(photo from piercedhearts.org)

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

1. • This blessed is another inspiration for young Catholics everywhere! Frassati loved adventure and mountain climbing, and he is known for the phrase “verso l’alto,” meaning “to the heights” in Italian. He passed away in 1925, but his joyfulness and passion for social justice are still relevant today.
   • “The end for which we are created invites us to walk a road that is surely sown with a lot of thorns, but it is not sad; through even the sorrow, it is illuminated by joy.”

(photo from brandonvogt.com)

Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

1. • Also known as the “Little Flower,” St. Therese is known for her childlike simplicity and the “little way,” the idea of doing small things with great love. Therese dreamed of being a missionary in a foreign country, but was unable to due to her health problems. She did not despair, however, and demonstrated her love and faithfulness through everyday encounters. She is an inspiration for all of us to live in the present moment and to do small acts of kindness each day!
   • “If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness.”

(photo courtesy of Society of the Little Flower)

Saint Joseph of Cupertino

1. • Students often ask for this saint’s intercession, as he is the patron of test takers. St. Joseph struggled with his schoolwork and was appointed to the jobs that no one else wanted to do. However, he completed these tasks with humility, and eventually, those around him recognized his holiness (he even levitated during prayer). While it is very important to study, this saint will definitely help you out if you’re in a rush or worried about a test!

(painting found at the Shrine of St. Anthony in Ellicott City, Md.)

I would like to leave you with this quote by my favorite saint, Pope John Paul II: “Do not be afraid to be saints of the new millennium!” We are all called to be saints. Let’s start now!