All the Saints with a Small "s"
by Sr. Mary Peter Martin, FSP
Recently I met a retired
circulation manager for our local newspaper. Since I myself had once
worked in the circulation department of our publishing house, we felt a
common bond. We both were aware of the myriad
hidden but essential processes
and tasks that make for a successful publishing enterprise. Editors and
reporters often have their bylines and their day in the sun. With
praise or criticism the public gives them some attention. Graphic
designers, advertising personnel, printers, and circulation personnel,
however, seldom—if ever—get any “press,” photo ops, or recognition
beyond a paycheck.
Likewise, in the Church
year, there are men and women who are officially recognized as having
led a saintly life. Many have their images on prayer cards, icons or
in statues. Many books tell of their exploits for God. These folks are
called Saints with a capital “S” or Blesseds with a capital “B.”
However, just as a great
newspaper requires an untold amount of unseen, detailed work, so it is
with sanctity. Striving day in and day out to imitate Jesus and to allow
him to take over our thoughts, words and actions demands ongoing, and
often unseen, effort and prayer. And for a world to be filled with
the presence of the Lord, it takes an untold number of men, women, and
children to become “other Christs.”
The Letter to the
Hebrews tells us, “We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses”
(12:1). This great cloud is made up of all those in heaven, the majority
of whom are the saints of the everyday. These are all the people who
died in the grace of God and who now enjoy the presence of God. Pope
Francis assures us that their life is anything but boring.
Today’s Feast of All
Saints honors all those who are in heaven, including the
“behind-the-scenes heroes.” These are the saints with a small “s” who
lived with us, went to the same schools with us, worked the same jobs as
we may now fill. They raised their children and perhaps their
grandchildren too. They were faithful day in and day out. They loved
God, their families, their fellow workers, and even those who may have
been nasty to them. I think of a classmate named Peter. After a short
time with the Jesuits, Peter discerned his call to marriage. He died
shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. As one of those humble
followers of Jesus, I trust that Peter revels in the joy of the eternal
reward granted to a faithful husband and father.
I think of my own mother
who raised thirteen children. She always made room for another person
around our table.
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Kimberly Schuler, MS, NCC, LPC. 
