PATRON SAINT SERIES: Issue 7

Written for The Catholic Professional

The final Patron Saints featured in the series come from three distinct periods in history, and all had a strong devotion to the Virgin Mary, especially St. Juan Diego, the Patron Saint of the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative. The prayer recited at the beginning and end of every meeting comes from the homily of Pope St. John Paul II when visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City in 1979.

Oh Mother, strengthen the faith of our brothers and sisters in the laity, so that in every field of social, professional, cultural and political life they may act in accordance with the truth and the law brought by your son to mankind.” 

PATRON SAINT SERIES: Issue 6

Written for The Catholic Professional

How did the great cathedrals get built? How did the great universities and hospitals get funding? How did pagan empires become Christian? There were many contributing factors, but the conversion and support of the ‘elite and privileged’ and the development of true leaders cannot be ignored. Philanthropy from a king or empress can be understood, but what about from a former slave or a mother trying to raise a family? Yes, they too, can become saints known for their philanthropy and charitable giving!

Bottom line: participation in and giving to the right causes at the right time in the right way for the right reason can be a path to better health, common good and sainthood! 

PATRON SAINT SERIES: Issue 5

Written for The Catholic Professional

My brothers, consider it a great joy when trials of many kinds come upon you, for you well know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, and perseverance must complete its work so that you will become fully developed, complete, not deficient in any way… Blessed is anyone who perseveres when trials come. Such a person is of proven worth and will win the prize of life, the crown that the Lord has promised to those who love him… Anyone who looks steadily at the perfect law of freedom and keeps to it - not listening and forgetting, but putting it into practice - will be blessed in every undertaking. (James 1:2-4, 12, 25)

These scripture verses challenge us to persevere in developing the three cardinal virtues (faith, hope and charity) and the four theological virtues (fortitude, justice, prudence, and temperance). Canonized saints both provide examples of virtues worthy of imitation and offer intercessory prayers to help us persevere on our journey to sainthood. We are all called to become saints in heaven, even if we aren’t canonized!

PATRON SAINT SERIES: Issue 4

Written for The Catholic Professional

Who would have imagined believing and living simple truths and leading a good, wholesome life could be countercultural and heroic? Yet that is where we are, and we need not be afraid. We are not alone, for Jesus and the saints have gone before us and called us to become "no longer strangers and sojourners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (Eph 2:19) Most importantly, “We know that in everything God works for the good of those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28)

As noted in a quote from St. Josemaría Escrivá, one of the featured saints in this article:

To love and serve God, there is no need to do anything strange or unusual… Sanctity, for the vast majority of people, implies sanctifying their work, sanctifying themselves in it, and sanctifying others through it. Thus, they can encounter God in the course of their daily lives. (What is the attraction of Opus Dei, Conversations)

This is a calling to be like the saints, living a credible Christian life with knowledge of Scripture and in union with the Doctrines and Traditions of the Catholic Church. “In order that the message of salvation can show the power of its truth and radiance before men, it must be authenticated by the witness of the life of Christians.” (CCC 2044) When truth is spoken and genuinely lived with love, we need not fear becoming a “noisy gong or clanging cymbal," which critics may wish us to believe. (1 Cor 13:1)

Cristofer Pereyra and Erin Monnin, in their book, Catholic Leadership for Civil Society, write:

Imagine what the world would be like if we had more influential doctors, engineers, business owners, accountants, politicians, police officers, entertainers, etc. who were also faithful and committed Catholics. What would the world be if these laity, relying on the grace of their Baptisms and Confirmations, intentionally used their talents and meritocratically-earned positions to influence the world for Christ? Imagine how much good the laity would bring to society if we only made it a priority to use our Catholic faith as the compass in our professional work and careers.

PATRON SAINT SERIES: Issue 3

Written for The Catholic Professional

Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of working, but it is the same God who inspires them all in every one. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. (1 Corinthians 12:4-7)

Some saints hoped for religious lives in foreign lands but were called instead to professional careers close to home. On the flip side, some missed their original calling due to health issues yet were given the strength to become inspiring missionaries in foreign lands! Others were ridiculed, mocked, and prevented from pursuing their calling by their family or circumstances but prevailed and became canonized saints.

Life is a journey through a series of seasons. What steps can you take to hear God’s call more clearly in this season of your life?

1. Seek guidance from sound spiritual leaders.

2. Deepen the knowledge of your faith and find a community of support, such as the Tepeyac Leadership Initiative: https://tliprogram.org/

3. Pray ‘The Surrender Novena’ by Father Dolindo Ruotolo, particularly Day 5, which begins: “And when I must lead you on a path different from the one you see, I will prepare you...”

4. Read about and seek intercessory prayers from Saints and 'Saints-in-the-making,’ such as those in the article:

PATRON SAINT SERIES: Issue 2

Written for The Catholic Professional

So, how do you know which saint to ask for help?

We look to those who relate in some way to our lives or have shown insights and wisdom about the challenges we face. Some Patron Saints may be chosen based on tradition, previous miracles, or simply a mysterious appeal. The archangels are commonly sought for intercessory prayers and considered Patron Saints for many vocations, locations, and organizations. All three Archangels celebrate the same feast day in the Catholic Church, September 29th!

PATRON SAINT SERIES: Issue 1

Written for The Catholic Professional

Who are Doctors of the Catholic Church, and why are they ideal Patron Saints for business vocations?

Do we mean medical doctors? No, although there is nothing to preclude a medical doctor from becoming a future Doctor of the Church! Is it the same as the 'Church Fathers'? No, although several of the Doctors of the Church are also ‘Church Fathers’ – those early Christian intellectuals and theologians whose writings are authoritative in Church Doctrine.

Currently, there are thirty-seven Doctors of the Catholic Church and more may be named if they meet the following criteria: 1) Great holiness beyond already being declared a saint, 2) Depth in doctrinal insights, elucidated and shared through their writings and teachings, and which are authentic expressions of Catholic Tradition, and 3) Officially declared a Doctor of the Church by papal proclamation.

When and how to say no

IN ORDER TO ENABLE A BETTER YES

Written for The Catholic Professional

What do you do when someone pitches you a bad idea? Is there such a thing as a bad idea? ...

There are many sources and types of bad ideas, including those contrary to the natural law, common sense and (of preeminent interest to us) Catholic teaching. The three generally go hand in hand! But how do you show care and respect for the dignity of the person suggesting a "bad" idea, encourage growth in communications and relationship development, and maintain positive team/family dynamics while still saying No? Consider the following... 

#Whythl

Written for The Catholic Professional

Professional Society Leadership Opportunities - Aerospace

Written for The Catholic Professional