Those who actually come to my blog – as opposed to just reading my posts in a RSS reader – may have noticed that I added a new section in the right column called “Pictures of Holiness”. It consists of photographs of some of my favorite saints (and one blessed), all of whom (save one) lived in the 20th century. Why did I add this?

Many people believe that the 20th century was one of the most evil of centuries. And in many ways, they are right: eugenics, Nazism, Communism, legalized abortion, acceptance of contraception, and rampant consumerism all flowered in that sad century. But it is always good to remember that God does not leave His children abandoned; even in times of trial and suffering, He raises up saints to show us the way to love Him in every age.

Furthermore, we must always remember that saints are real people: they are not statues which we admire from a distance, but flesh-and-blood men and women who had to pick up their cross daily in the midst of the world just like all of us. And because they were real people, they could be photographed just like anyone else. So I purposely wanted to display photos of these holy men and women to emphasize the realness – and reachability – of their lives.

St. Theresa of Lisieux, pray for us!
Pope St. Pius X, pray for us!
Blessed Miguel Pro, pray for us!
St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us!
St. Teresia Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us!
St. Gianna Beretta Molla, pray for us!
St. Pio of Pietrelcina, pray for us!
St. Josemaria Escriva, pray for us!