With her service to the poorest of the poor, St. Teresa of Calcutta continues to inspire many Catholics to show love and respect to every person. (PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH)


Story by Shelley Wolf

With All Saints Day kicking off the month, November is a good time to turn to the saints. To honor them, the Catholic Transcript asked the people of the archdiocese: Who is your favorite saint and why?

Father Joseph MacNeill celebrates his first Mass the day after his ordination to the priesthood. (PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH)

Father Joseph MacNeill, parochial vicar, Blessed Michael McGivney Parish, New Haven:

“My favorite saint is, in fact, Aloysius Gonzaga! St. Aloysius’ story of selfless sacrifice in a time of great turmoil is what I admire about him.

“As the first-born son of a wealthy Italian aristocrat, he was destined to lead a cushy life as a well-to-do political and military figure. But young Aloysius, at the age of only 17, gave all of that up to enter religious life as a Jesuit. While in formation for the priesthood, he volunteered to serve in a hospital for those stricken by the plague. He himself eventually caught the illness and died at age 23. His story teaches us that the Christian is not to grasp for comfort but for the Cross, a timely reminder for our own day and age.

“I own a copy of St. Aloysius’ most recent biography. I also have a small statue of him in my bedroom to remind me each morning of the priestly call to self-sacrifice.”

Kristie Witherspoon pauses after Mass at St. Elizabeth Seton Church in Rocky Hill. (PHOTO BY ROBERT WITHERSPOON)


Kristie Witherspoon, leader of Charismatic Prayer Group, St. Josephine Bakhita Parish, Rocky Hill:

“My favorite saint is St. John Vianney. He was a young man who loved Jesus and had a strong faith, but he struggled to be accepted into the seminary because people didn’t think he was smart enough or the right material to be a priest. I pray to him when I don’t feel good enough or feel like people doubt me.

“Plus, he was given what was considered a small and unimportant parish, and he transformed it into the epicenter of Catholic France with all the pilgrims he attracted. How amazing! I turn to him when I don’t have the situations I would like, and pray that he can help me transform them with the help of God into great things.”

Alex Soucy converses with other young adults at an Archbishop’s Annual Appeal event. (PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH)

Alex Soucy, executive director of Crossroads 4 Christ, Manchester:

“St. Joseph has been a favorite saint of mine for quite some time. To celebrate our wedding anniversary each year, Jess and I typically make a pilgrimage to St. Joseph’s Oratory in Montreal. This very special place was founded by St. André Bessette (another beloved friend of ours in heaven) and is the largest shrine dedicated to St. Joseph in the world.

“Jess and I have been married for just over five years, and we’ve been asking for St. Joseph’s prayers for the blessing of children for our family throughout that time. After many years of prayer and waiting upon God’s timing, I am overjoyed to share that we have been blessed with a child. Jess is due to give birth on March 19th – the feast day of St. Joseph.”

 

Donna Finneran, president of the Brian O’Connell Homeless Project, Waterbury:

Donna Finneran hands out “Brian bags” to the homeless in Waterbury. (PHOTO BY AARON JOSEPH)

“I have been inspired by St. Teresa of Calcutta since learning of her in grade school from a Dominican Sister who was my teacher. She explained how Mother Teresa would walk past the poor to reach those most in need of her help and prayers.

“Years later, I would visit the convent and shelter she established in New York City with the Missionaries of Charity, allowing me to pray in the room where she stayed. The service provided by these holy women is a testament to her inspiration. I believe if we all see the face of Jesus in everyone we meet, we cannot do anything but help them.”