” “"Saints are not a small caste of chosen ones, but a numberless crowd", which includes "not just the officially-recognised saints but the baptised of every age and nation, who tried to accomplish God’s will with love and faithfulness". It was said yesterday morning by Benedict XVI, during the sermon for the Eucharistic celebration of All Saints’ Day. Then, the Pope explained the meaning of such a holiday: "By looking at the bright example of the saints, reawakening in ourselves the great desire to be like the saints: happy to live close to God, in His light, in the big family of God’s friends". Being a Saint means, added the Holy Father, "living in closeness with God, living in His family. And this is the calling of us all, powerfully reasserted by the Second Vatican Council and now solemnly brought back to our attention". But how can we become saints? "The question stated the Pope can be answered, first of all, in the negative: to be a saint one does not have to make any extraordinary gesture or work, nor have any exceptional charisma. Then comes the positive answer: one must first of all listen to Jesus, and then follow Him without losing heart when problems come".” “
