In Regnum Christi, the tradition of entrusting ourselves to a patron saint each year is practiced. We trust that the saint and the virtue that characterized him, chosen by the Holy Spirit for us, will be a means to joyfully continue our path toward holiness.
Devotion to the saints is an expression of the doctrine of the Communion of Saints, which teaches that death does not break the bonds that unite Christians in Christ. Protestants rejected devotion to the saints because they did not understand the doctrine of the communion of saints. The Council of Trent (1545-63) reaffirmed the Catholic doctrine (Source: Catholic Net)
The saints intercede for us. By virtue of being in Christ and enjoying His spiritual goods, the saints can intercede for us. Intercession never replaces direct prayer to God, who can grant our requests without the mediation of the saints. But, as a Father, He delights in His children helping each other and thus sharing in His love. God has willed to establish us as a great family, each member doing good to his neighbor. Goods come from God, but the saints share them.
In Regnum Christi, the tradition of entrusting ourselves to a patron saint each year is practiced. We trust that the saint and the virtue that characterized him, chosen by the Holy Spirit for us, will be a means to joyfully continue our path toward holiness.
What is it?
At the beginning of the year, at Christmas, or on another special occasion, a card, a bookmark, etc., is randomly distributed with the name of a saint and some of his virtues.
What is it for?
To serve as a model and intercessor. All saints have contributed to spreading the Kingdom of Christ. Their main virtue is their love for God and others. Their life testimony motivates and encourages discernment of one’s own path. Benedict XVI reminds us that “we are surrounded, guided, and led by God’s friends […] I do not have to carry alone what I could never bear alone. The multitude of God’s saints protects, sustains, and guides me.”
The saints encourage and accompany us.
A saint is not someone who makes great plans based on his human qualities, but someone who, aware of his weakness, with humility, allows Christ to act through his person.
This year, the Patron Saints of Regnum Christi have been selected considering the activities preparing for the 2024 RC General Convention.
They inspire, protect, lead, and intercede
This tradition helps us to get to know the strong friends of God, whom “the Church indicates as models, intercessors, and teachers. These are the beatified and canonized saints, who remind us all that living the Gospel in fullness is possible and beautiful,” says Pope Francis.
They also help us discover that “holiness is not a program of efforts and renunciations, it is not about doing spiritual gymnastics” (…) but rather “it is, above all, the experience of being loved by God, of receiving His love and mercy freely.”
The pope says this is a “divine gift,” which “opens us to gratitude and allows us to experience great joy (…) the certainty of facing everything with the grace and boldness that come from God.”
Live and promote this tradition!
Download the guide for the 2024 Patron Saints activity here In PDF format
Download the individual 2024 patron saints here In PDF format
Download the 2024 patron saints template for printing in tabloid format In PDF format
Download the 2024 patron saints template for printing in letter format In PDF format
With information from: Offices of Communications of Mexico, Colombia, and Spain
Photo: Cathopic
