Who to choose as Heroes?
AirForceWife has an excellent post about needing heroes, and the difference between real heroes and some who are looked upon as heroes.
It made me think of who I would nominate to be a hero for someone to emulate. I have several, but immediately thought of Fr Solanus Casey, who was considered to be too ... not sure what word the good superiors may have used, but 'dumb' always seems to be their estimation of him ... to be able to preach and hear Confession.
Fr Solanus was an Irish Wisconsin man who entered a German seminary , and had difficulty in classes that were taught in German. They suggested he join an order.... (I have often wondered if it had anything to do with the fact that he was Irish... in a German Milwaukee seminary, but that would never happen.....)
He entered the Capuchin order where even they thought that perhaps he could not be ordained due to his poor work in German and Latin, but finally decided to ordain him as a simplex priest (he could say Mass, but not preach nor could he hear Confessions)...and they made him a porter.
He did his best in whatever capacity they allowed him without complaint. And as he opened doors for people coming to the monastery, he LISTENED to them, prayed with them...and was responsible for many good things happening over the years he was there.
When he grew ill, the order moved him away to keep him away from the masses of people who loved him, but they still found their way to him. When he died, his funeral was attended by thousands whom he had touched by prayer, or by just being himself in some way when they needed him.
A humble man who loved God and served Him wherever he was sent.
Another is Elizabeth Leseur, who also served Him where she was... in her marriage.
Hers was not an easy life, but her example and prayers ultimately led her husband to God, and then to become a priest. As a priest, Fr Felix spoke often of his wife and her role in his life. He gave retreats, and at least one of them was attended by Archbishop Fulton J Sheen (long before he was Archbishop). A woman who realized that our vocation and purpose in marriage is to serve God and help our spouse toward salvation.
Gianna Jessen is another that I could suggest. I have already written about her here.
Whom would you suggest and why?
I just found out today, via WriteWingNut that this is National De-Lurking Week where those who have been reading blogs are urged to take the time to comment and introduce themselves instead of staying in the background quietly. So maybe you can utilize this way to do both.... nominate a real hero, explain why, and introduce yourself.
God bless!
Related Tags: Fr Solanus Casey, Heroes, Catholic, Irish, Wisconsin, Abortion, Gianna Jessen, Pro-Life
posted by WI Catholic @ 1/11/2006 07:57:00 AM
2 Comments:
Gosh, this is a tough one. Well, first of all, I'm not a lurker, lol. But I'll post anyway.
As far as heroes...that's the tough one. I'd have to pick St. Padre Pio as mine.
He not only interceded for me when I was gravely ill (and there was no hope in sight), he suffered from the same stomach maladies that I was suffering from (and still do from time to time).
He bore the stigmata bravely for 50 years even though he'd asked God to take it away from him because it was so painful. God told him it would be there for 50 years until he died, and he died exactly 50 years later at which time the wounds mysteriously healed completely.
He was a healer, and loved all people. He was an amazing man, and I feel a deep spiritual connection with him.
So, he's my choice for hero. :)
Yes, I also thought of him, and you have made a good choice.
Now I am also trying to find a current hero who is still living. (I know some, but won't put their names on here).
Post a Comment
<< Home