Be Fearless and Courageous

“If you desire to reach the end of this Road of Hope, you will have to be fearless and courageous. How many people followed our Lord Jesus Christ to the end of his road who could be found beside him at the foot of the Cross?” Chapter 3, Perseverance – Cardinal van Thuan

Recently, on a trip to Italy, I was quite struck by many things. I go there often to visit family and friends, and I know the country well. Yes, I am constantly impressed with the shrines and sanctuaries. There are very few here where I live. I was at the Basilica of St. Anthony of Padua and the church of St. Leopoldo Mandic. The attention of the people, the number of masses daily and determination to keep things going impressed me. I prefer the mountains more than the seaside. One time, while driving into the mountains, one of the people pointed to a monastery on the top of a hill that was founded for St. Victor and Corona. A curious legend made me wonder how many more sites exist in the Catholic world that I have not seen. The hunger for Christ is everywhere.

“It is not only about sharing material possessions,” he said, “but about putting into play our abilities, our time, our affection, our presence, our empathy.” Each person, he continued, is “a unique, priceless good in God’s plan - a living, beating capital” that must be cultivated and invested, “otherwise it dries up and loses its value.” Pope Leo XIV from Vatican News

St. Victor, a Roman soldier, announced his Christianity. He was brought before Sebastian who hated all Christians. He was tortured and whipped but he never denied his faith. Corona, likely the wife of a soldier though a secret Christian, announced her faith and cared for Victor. She was ripped about by palm trees, and he was finally beheaded. They never denied their faith. The monastery on that mountain top is another testament to these two. I am not someone who likes to partake in religious tourism, but reading about these two and hearing from the locals about them piqued my curiosity. I also read about Blessed Pope Innocent XI. He fought against outside meddling in the Church- particularly King Louis XIV. He led a simple, pious life and insisted on education and daily communion. There is always someone who is raised up amid difficulties and turbulent times.

“I know well that the greater and more beautiful the work is, the more terrible will be the storms that rage against it.” St. Faustina

The road ahead is never easy. It is full of potholes, decisions and obstacles. Yet we continue. We must! A simple trip to Italy, a place I have seen many times still amazes me. The long-delayed flight home, the nervousness of traveling and constant moving around did not deter me from being amazed. There is beauty everywhere and we must be open to it. We need to eliminate our objections and say yes to opportunity. Many people come and go in my life because of my work. They keep in contact when they can, but I remind them to make time for mass as much as possible. It is part of the method to move forward with confidence. I saw many religious people in my travels on planes and trains, and these signs are reminders of who we are. We cannot forget this.

“What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well.” Antoine de St. Exupery