Lombardi editorial: Why Saints

The canonization of 17 October were a quite special. Two of the new Saints in particular generated a very special interest in their native countries. Mary MacKillop and Brother André Bessette. The other saints were Italian, Spanish, Polish ... and for this - even though great in their own way - they were not a novelty ... But Australia had not yet had a saint and even Canada has less familiarity with canonizations.
Groups of thousands of pilgrims faced a long and expensive trip to be present in St. Peter's Square, many journalists and TV crews came to Rome to write articles, make reports, carry out interviews, broadcast the ceremony and other celebrations. Usually the media moves when they realize that there is a large and widespread popular interest.
In short, the Church solemnly proposes the Saints as models of Christian life, but does so recognizing what most people already know: that certain people embody the Gospel in such an extraordinary and exemplary way that they become spiritual friends for those whom they meet, fascinating guides on the journey of discovery of faith, hope and love of God.
Canonization is the recognition that the Spirit of God breathes through ordinary people, like Mary and Brother Andre, and produces fruits of virtues that are a source of comfort and light for many others. Canonization is really a celebration.
Some saints are formally recognized, the great majority do not become universally popular, but also spread around their faith, hope, love.
This is the most beautiful aspect of the Church. In the Church all the rest is in the service of men and women of every country and state, so that they can walk to meet God along the path of holiness. We need to learn to see the Church in this perspective and continuously renew Her, beginning with ourselves.