Sainthood

John Paul II

" Do not be afraid to be Saints"

I read this quote from John Paul II this morning and it really struck a cord. Not because I do not believe this to be true because I do. We are all called to do Gods will and join him in heaven. It struck a cord because sometimes that statement can lead to the ultimate test of faith.

This morning the Church celebrates the feast day of St Pope Sixtus II and his companions (four deacons). These men were martyred during the Christian persecution by Emperor Valerian in August 258. They were arrested while celebrating the Mass in a private Christian cemetery. After a short trial that same day, they were lead back to the cemetery and be-headed.

"Do not be afraid to be Saints".

You can find out more about Sixtus II and the persecutions here.