"We need saints without cassocks, without veils - we need saints with jeans and tennis shoes. We need saints that go to the movies that listen to music, that hang out with their friends. We need saints that place God in first place ahead of succeeding in any career. We need saints that look for time to pray every day and who know how to be in love with purity, chastity and all good things. We need saints - saints for the 21st century with a spirituality appropriate to our new time. We need saints that have a commitment to helping the poor and to make the needed social change. We need saints to live in the world, to sanctify the world and to not be afraid of living in the world by their presence in it. We need saints that drink Coca-Cola, that eat hot dogs, that surf the internet and that listen to their iPods. We need saints that love the Eucharist, that are not afraid or embarrassed to eat a pizza or drink a beer with their friends. We need saints who love the movies, dance, sports, theater. We need saints that are open sociable normal happy companions. we need saints who are in this world and who know how to enjoy the best in this world without being callous or mundane. We need saints." - Pope Francis, World Youth Day 2013
Pope Francis is here to do amazing things, but he follows other amazing popes who came to do amazing things. This quote is from Pope Francis quoting Pope John Paul II. They both realized something most of my friends haven't figured out yet. Saints don't have to be nuns or priests. Saints can be good people who live their daily lives like normal college students. Being Holy doesn't require being hidden and secluded from parties and the ever changing world.
I don't have to give up being a teenager or a young adult entering my twenties to believe in Christ or to live my life with Him as my center. I can work, go to class, socialize, party, BE me while I worship and praise my God. I am so proud to be a Catholic under Pope Francis. I am so proud to be a Catholic.
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