13. A Saint of your spirituality
Our spiritual reading will vary; as it does, we ought to pray with a particular Saint of that aspect of the spiritual life. Reading a book by a Carthusian? St. Bruno could be your guy. Really digging the Dominicans? St. Catherine of Siena would be happy to oblige. Pray for an appropriate Saint’s help and guidance as you read.
14. A Saint of your ministry or apostolate
Serve primarily in your church in the choir? St. Cecilia and St. Hildegard ought to be friends of yours. Prison ministry more your line? Consider St. Maximilian Kolbe, or Sts. Felicity and Perpetua. Call on the Saints who know your ministry; they will help you all the more.
15. A Saint of your greatest weakness
Those struggling with addiction like to call on Venerable Matt Talbot. There are many Saints who can help with chastity, from St. Maria Goretti to St. Charles Lwanga and companions. Frequent calling on the Saints who know our specific infirmities will only speed our trust in God’s mercy.
16. Your guardian angel
Forgotten about this one since you were a kid? From St. Frances of Rome to Padre Pio, many adult Saints had extraordinary relationships with their guardian angels. Our dealings with our guardian angels may be ordinary, but we should never ignore the great guide entrusted to us whom Jesus says “always look[s] upon the face of my heavenly Father” (Mt 18:10).
17. The angel of your town or city
Tradition teaches that the great angels called Principalities watch over individual towns and cities. Both Peter Kreeft and Cardinal Jean Danielou have reliable books on the matter. Invoking the Principality of the place in which you’re praying is not only spiritually honorable but an easy way to remind yourself of the vast love of God’s spiritual world.
18. The Saint of the church you attend
Whether it’s St. Cyril’s of Alexandria or St. Patrick’s, your home church is likely named after a Saint. Praying with that Saint before Mass or activities there invokes a powerful patron.
19. The angel of the church you attend
Tradition also has it that every church has its own guardian angel. Think of that wonderful line in Eucharistic Prayer I: “Almighty God, we pray that your angel may take this sacrifice to your altar in heaven. Then, as we receive from this altar the sacred body and blood of your Son, let us be filled with every grace and blessing.” Again, a great Saint to pray with before Mass and other activities at your parish.
20. A Saint of your favorite hobby
While a few people probably need reminders to moderate their penances (as famously happened to St. Aloysius Gonzaga), most of us need help in keeping our hobbies in check. To summarize St. Francis de Sales, we must not let our amusements become occupations. Your favorite hobby probably has a Saint to help out. Athletes love St. Sebastian, while photographers can pray with St. Veronica.
21. A particular Saint that God specially draws you to
The above places and events are among the most ordinary ways God draws us to Himself through particular Saints. There may be, however, a Saint you’re drawn to for no particular reason you can discern. Though you may learn the reason later on, don’t wait: go ahead and pray!
A private litany?
As you research the above, you’ll come up with a list of Saints who lead you particularly to God through the times, places, and circumstances of your life in Christ. Putting together a private litany of these Saints and asking them to intercede for you and others can be a great way to start a formal prayer period.
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