“Oh, when the saints go marching in, Oh, when the saints go marching in. Oh, Lord, I want to be in that number…when the saints go marching in!” Who wouldn’t want to be in step with ordinary people who lived extraordinary lives? The good news is that we are all called to be saints and it is never too late to begin the journey to our true home in Heaven. 

Towards the end of his life, St. Paul wrote to St. Timothy, “I have fought the good fight to the end, I run the race to the finish, I have kept the faith.”  (2 Timothy 4). So to must we keep our eye on the finish line as our crown of glory awaits.

The power of devotion to the saints is often overlooked, especially when it is perceived that saints from yesteryear are un-relatable because they lived in a different time. In reality, they know well the trials we face because they overcame them in their own lives.

For example, when you are struggling with homework in Geometry, you turn to someone who has experience in the subject to help—like a teacher, friend, or peer tutor. In the same way, when you are struggling with stress, loneliness, or other issues, why not turn to someone who has gone through it?  There are patron saints for just about everything, from professions to emotions!  Did you know that the patron saint for bakers is St. Honore? Or that you can turn to St. Dymphna when you are feeling stressed? How about St. Sebastian to give you an assist in that playoff game? 

Just as with friendships, we should turn to the saints in our daily life. Saints have a way of helping people when they least expect it because they are with God in Heaven and can see when you need help, but are too afraid to ask.

Take a look at some inspiring young saints who can undoubtedly help you in your life. We have chosen some young saints and patron saints who relate to high school and teens, but we encourage you to search for more saints in books such as Butler’s The Lives of the Saints, movies, and at your fingertips in an online search. The more the merrier! All you have to do is say “Hello” and your new-found friends are ready to help!