For a Christian, the way to reach perfection is to strive
for holiness. What is true perfection? Christ's words
are clear, sublime and disconcerting: "Be perfect as your
heavenly Father is perfect." To have God as our model is a
dizzying thought Yet the Church reminds us that, "All the
faithful, whatever their condition or state in life, are called
by the Lord to that perfect holiness."
The Church teaches us that holiness is not the concern of a
privileged few, nor does it only pertain to Christians of the
past. Holiness is always a call to every Christian of every
age, a challenge for anyone who wants to follow in the footsteps
of Christ.
Pope Benedict XVI says: "Holiness never goes out of
fashion; on the contrary, with the passage of time it shines
out ever more brightly, expressing man's perennial effort to
reach God." Mother Teresa of Calcutta wrote: "Holiness is
not something for the extraordinary; it is not a luxury of the
few. Holiness is the simple duty for each one of us."
The saints are our models and teachers in the ways of
holiness. They show us that holiness is possible for us, since
they experienced the same difficulties and weaknesses we
do, yet persevered in achieving sanctity. The world of saints
is a world of wonders, and in this book Pope Benedict XVI
helps us to enter into that world.
This inspiring volume presents the Pope's numerous
reflections on many saints arranged according to the calendar
year. He shows how the life of each saint has something
unique to teach us about virtue, faith, courage and love of
Christ. Dozens of saints are covered in this wonderful spiritual
book. The Pope exhorts us through their lives, "Be holy
Be saints "
