# Saints among us, part two
*2015-06-29*

> Bill Young reflects on the role of living examples of holiness in the Church and expresses his admiration for Pope Francis.

## Living examples of holiness

Today is Wednesday, July 29th, the feast day of St. Martha, St. Mary, and St. Lazarus. In this episode, I want to talk about the 'saints among us,' or the saints of the living. Officially, people are not declared saints until they go to heaven. In my lifetime, we have had St. Pope John Paul II and Mother Teresa, whom everyone believes is a saint.

## The example of Pope Francis

When I ask who the greatest saint among us is today, for me, there is no question: it is Pope Francis. God gives us saints so that we, as sinners, have an example to follow. Pope Francis is a wonderful example of what a holy priest, a holy bishop of Rome, and a great pope should be. We love him not just for the man himself, but for his example. When he sees corruption, he corrects it; when he sees injustice, he speaks up, even if it puts him in danger.

## Understanding intercession

While we pray to the saints, it is important to remember that they intercede for us. It is similar to asking a boss to speak to a CEO on your behalf. However, Jesus has an 'open door policy,' meaning we can always pray to the Lord Jesus Christ directly.

## A prayer for the dying

I want to share a short prayer called the Offering of the Blood of Christ for the Dying: 'Eternal Father, I offer You the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus, Your beloved Son and my Divine Redeemer, for all those who shall die this day: preserve them from the pains of hell and lead them into Paradise, where they may live with You in union forever. Amen.'

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

*Pope Francis serves as a powerful contemporary example of holiness and justice for all of us to follow.*