By Kristine Schroeder
Lessons Learned
“We don’t choose our saints; they choose us.” – Author Unknown
When discerning our name, parents often rely on the saints. Mine, Kristine Louise, has two Catholic connections. St. Christina of Italy was a third-century virgin martyr. While I cannot relate much with her story, I do appreciate that her name means “follower of Christ” or “anointed one,” and that she chose death rather than commit an immoral act. Our world today needs her moral fortitude and courage.
Louise de Marillac was “intelligent, self-effacing and had great physical strength and endurance,” according to Franciscan Media. Born in France in 1591, Louise aspired to be a nun. However, that vocation was discouraged, and a marriage was arranged. Sadly, her beloved husband died after a long illness.
She and a few women then began working with the poor and ill. Over time, St. Vincent de Paul, her confessor, explained the women’s roles. “Your convent, the house of the sick; your cell, a hired room; your chapel, the parish church; your cloister, the streets of the city or the wards of the hospital.”
Eventually, Louise drew up “The Rule” for what would later become the Daughters of Charity. During her lifetime, Louise travelled throughout France, establishing houses in 40 cities. She is the patron saint of social workers (my husband is one).
Twice in different years, I have had the privilege of visiting the Chapel of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Paris. It was an emotional experience for many reasons. First, the visions of Daughter of Charity St. Catherine Laboure occurred in this blessed place. Also, a wax effigy of St. Louise is encased on the left side of the chapel, while the incorruptible body of St. Catherine is similarly displayed on the right. Finally, a reliquary containing St. Vincent de Paul’s heart is also there. This beautiful chapel is one of the most visited religious sites in Paris. I feel privileged to be a namesake of Louise.
I first became intrigued with St. Teresa of Avila when someone introduced me to this timeless prayer attributed to her.
Let nothing disturb you.
Let nothing frighten you.
All things pass away.
God never changes.
Patience obtains all things.
They who have God
lack nothing.
God alone is enough.
Her words spoke to my heart. Later my daughter Laura gave me a book, “Let Nothing Disturb You,” a 30 day contemplative guide to prayer. I was hooked! While researching St. Teresa’s life, I met a kindred spirit.
Born in Spain in 1591 to wealthy parents, she has been described as “witty, stubborn, smart, popular, adaptable and devoted to family and friends.” As a child, she was known for her many pranks. Until the age of 40, she had a mediocre religious life as a Carmelite nun. However, an illness and a spiritual awakening changed her life’s course. Franciscan media said, “Her ongoing conversion was an arduous lifelong struggle.” She was totally human.
Teresa had a love/hate relationship with writing, penning four books and numerous other spiritual works which are still popular today. A realist, she was a woman of action and contemplation, but also understood the value of recreation. Her Rule for the Carmelites included two mandatory periods of recreation each day. In fact, Teresa famously said, “From silly devotions and sour-faced saints, good Lord, deliver us!” In 1970, she was named the first of only four women who are Doctors of the Church. She is the patron saint of Spain, religious orders and those with headaches.
These women are but a few of the saints I have met over the years. I admire St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first canonized American saint and founder of Catholic schools in America. I am awed by St. Katherine Drexel, a late 19th century heiress from Philadelphia who used her inheritance (equivalent to $308,548,571 in today’s world) to educate American Indians and African-Americans long before the Civil Rights Movement. She also established the first African-American university.
The communion of saints is real! Like us, these men and women began their lives as sinners but ultimately chose to follow God’s will rather than their own. They are our guides, our intercessors, our loyal friends, God’s gift to us on our journey to heaven. Merry Christmas!