WE WERE CREATED TO BE SAINTS 

By Msgr. John Wynand Katende 

Posted on: Friday 30th October 2026

Pope Francis often gave children the opportunity to ask him questions. On one such occasion, a little boy asked him, in great anxiety, whether his father, who had just died but was not a believer, had a place in heaven. On learning that the deceased had taken proper care of his children, physically and spiritually, the pope assured the boy that his father's soul was destined to rest in peace. The Pope knew of many parents who neglected their God-given children. 

Some of us probably think becoming a saint is about earning salvation through strict human effort. No, it’s about living out a reflection of God's moral character, love, and truth. It governs daily speech, thoughts, attitudes, and actions rather than just outward religious rituals.

That is why we uphold the legacy of Abel, Abraham, Moses, and others in high esteem.  God originally created us to know Him, love Him, serve Him, and praise Him forever, in heaven. But when we sinned and lost our righteousness, He undertook a plan of its restoration. When God dramatically delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, He made a covenant with them, commanding them to be as holy as He is (Leviticus 11:44).  

Christians believe that righteousness is given by God through His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus became man to save us and to teach us to be like Him in perfection. He summed up his image in the Gospel known as the Beatitudes. For example, He says: “ Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8).  

If you have the privilege of following Jesus Christ, righteousness would be easier for you. It means being zealous for God's Word and the sacraments, especially the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, we receive sanctifying grace and Jesus Christ Himself (John 6:54). 

In the Book of Revelation 7:9, John was shown a great multitude of saints in heaven. We remember all of those on November 1st. Like the father of the little boy, you probably know some people who might be among them. They may even be your parents, if they did their best to raise you well.   Some may wonder if it is right to ask the saints to pray for us to God. 

True indeed, for the souls of the righteous share directly in eternal life, and enjoy the beatific vision of God. Indeed, the charity of the saints is excellent; they wish our well-being and desire our place with them in heaven. So asking for their intercession would be a better deal than asking our fellow human beings, who are so limited. This point is clearly emphasized in Hebrews 1:2. Moreover, it is also worth knowing the history of the saints, emulating them, and even being named after them. 

Ultimately, we should never be discouraged from hoping in God’s saving grace from sin. As the saying goes, “today’s saints are yesterday’s sinners”. “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise", said Jesus to the thief who had just confessed his sins at the hour of death (Luke 23:43).