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Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., serves as the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries. In his role, Father Pinto serves 25 Ministry Centers in 16 countries outside of the United States.
Father Pinto Paul, C.S.C., serves as the International Director of Holy Cross Family Ministries. In his role, Father Pinto serves 25 Ministry Centers in 16 countries outside of the United States.
One definition of Grit: the pursuit of a worthy goal with passion and perseverance.
Can you think of anybody with more GRIT than Mary, the Mother of Jesus? In fact, since mothers play a decisive role in bringing families to life, mothers almost always possess a generous supply of Grit. Taking our cues from Mother Mary, we can energize our families by injecting a little Grit into our efforts to meet various challenges. Remember, Grit is the passionate pursuit of a worthy cause with perseverance.
Grit tells us that what is more important than being born with special gifts and talents is developing the gifts and talents we are born with to the ultimate. With Grit, you can achieve genius, excellence and even sainthood.
Grit always meets opposition, both internal and external. Internal -within your own heart and within your family; and external- from the surrounding culture and the evil one. Pope Francis identifies the external opposition as "a culture of consumerism, excess of information, and a throwaway attitude toward people and things, particularly the elderly and the poor."
However, looking on the positive side, GRIT stands for God, Respect, Integrity, and Truth. God at the center of life; Respect for God and others leading to genuine obedience; Integrity to core values; and Truth that frees to embrace one's God-given vocation. This is what the Virgin Mary did as a mother, wife, disciple, and saint.
Here are a few examples
Here are a few examples
St. Alphonsa- endured suffering to pursue her vocation for the sake of Christ.
St. Mother Teresa- pursued her call with-in-the-call to serve relentlessly despite criticism and opposition.
The Little Children of Fatima- Lucia, Jacinta, and Francisco- when threatened with torture, they did not cave-in because of the apparition they had of Mother Mary.
Two recent young people who are declared Blessed by the Church are Carlo Acutis and Chiara Badano "Luce."
Blessed Carlo Acutis (2020) – a tech-savvy 15-year-old was known for his strong faith, skills in computer programming, and passion for miracles, pursued his mission to catalog all the Eucharistic Miracles who died of leukemia in 2006 is a recent example for young people.
Blessed Chiara Badano (Luce) (October 29, 1971 – October 7, 1990) is yet another example for young girls on Grit. She was rich with talents, athletic, attracted many friends because she radiated the love of God. She died as a teenager at the age of 19. She had Grit right up to the point of death, transmitting serenity and joy.
What does it say to us and our families in 2021?
What does it say to us and our families in 2021?
Individuals and families need Grit. At times some of us worry that our children are not born with physical beauty, intelligence, or charm; but possession of these gifts does not guarantee that they will be used well. Grit means that whatever gifts and talents one is born with, the person with Grit will develop them to the nth degree.
How do they do that? By pursuing their goal with passion and perseverance. This means they never give up in the face of opposition, pain, suffering, and other challenges. This is the key difference between living a life that is mediocre and aimless and living an extraordinary life of meaning and purpose. And for us Christians, Grit means living a life of true holiness. Grit means we never give up on God, our family, ourselves, and our vocation.
True Grit requires a blend of the following: Number One, God; Number Two, Respect for his Word and his Masterpiece, the Family; Number Three, the Integrity of the family in fidelity and self-sacrificing love; and Number Four, the Truth that frees the family to embrace its vocation and fulfill its mission. Live all this with passion and perseverance and God will take care of the rest. Be families filled with Grit.
And remember any growth needs GRIT
And remember any growth needs GRIT
Let us ask ourselves,
how can I give number one priority to God?
How can I show Respect for His Word and my family?
How can I grow in Integrity to my family?
And how can I be more Truthful to my family and my vocation as was Mother Mary?
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