Do you ever think of the Saints as cheerleaders? Perhaps as your cheerleaders? Imagine it for a moment, the Saints cheering you on with encouraging words as you go about your day. I was introduced to this concept years ago and it still makes me smile, especially as All Saints Day and All Souls Day approach.
I confess that I do not have a special devotion to a saint. I have had several over the years. Each served me well in its time and is always ready to greet me if the time comes to pick it back up. But I do have saints that ‘top my list’ and seem to remain there even when new saints are added; my own personal “Board of Directors”.
This idea was learned years ago as well. These are my favorite Saints, those I feel a connection with and first turn to for prayer and guidance. I created a personal litany with these Saints which is still a favorite prayer of mine today. As providence would have it, I came across this list of saints just last week! It literally brought warmth of comfort to my heart and soul (and reminded me of a couple my memory had forgotten).
As we acknowledge and pray to the Saints cheering us on in heaven (All Saints Day) as well as praying for our beloved departed (All Souls Day), perhaps you will take time to reflect on what Saints are your favorite and why, pray your favorite prayer to them and perhaps even start to develop your own “Board of Saintly Directors”.
Peace be with you.
– Adele DiNatale-Svetnicka
Love this idea Adele! I’m going to be giving some thought to my own list of saints. Creating a personal litany of saints is a meaningful way to honor those saints who are special to each of us. Thank you!
Thank you, Adele, for reminding us of all the unseen, smiling faces that support and cheer us in life! So important! I don’t think of Saints, though as cheerleaders, but rather family, fellow walkers on the journey who perhaps have gone a little ahead. I do love the litany of Saints, though I love to call them forth when we sing it in church. There is quite a crowd that gathers!