If you are considering a vocation in the Church, it is helpful to have a saint to help you choose the right path. Some saints to consider are St. Dionysius the Areopagite, St. Bede, and St. Pier Giorgio Frassati. However, it is also important to know that a vocation is a unique journey that requires an entire man to complete.
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St. Dionysius the Areopagite
Dionysius the Areopactite, also known as Denys or Dionysios, was an Athenian who became Christian. He stayed with the Apostle Paul for three years and preached the Word of God. After Christ’s crucifixion, Dionysius returned to Greece, where he was chosen as bishop. After a few years of preaching, Dionysius became a Bishop, bringing the city of Athens under the apostolic authority of the Apostle Paul. Dionysius was present at the Dormition of Mary.
Dionysius’s vocation to the episcopate was rooted in his own spiritual vocation. He was ordained by the Holy Apostle Paul. In fact, Dionysius referred to him as his teacher and friend. St. Hierotheos, on the other hand, was a friend to Paul and the Apostles. He is a saint who was a bishop.
Dionysius is also known as the author of On the Ecclesiastical Hierarchies. His writings were influential during the early Christian church, and were later embraced by St. Maximus the Confessor. His letter On the Divine Images defended icons during the iconoclastic controversies. Although Dionysius is an orthodox saint, his writings are regarded as controversial.
While the Catholic Church has long held personal vocation to be an essential part of life, the Middle Ages saw its acceptance impeded. It was also criticized by Flannery O’Connor, who said that the only way to have a deep faith was to join a convent. Clearly, this did not encourage lay Catholics to pursue a serious vocation.
St. Bede
Bede devoted his life to learning, and he is often described as a supreme teacher. He had no desire to be original, but was meticulous about the transmission of his knowledge. His books, which were both accurate and orthodox, became standard works of reference during his lifetime. There are three major types of Bede’s writings: his epistles, his sermons, and his writings on theology.
In addition to being a doctor of the Church, Bede was also an accomplished translator. His work made the writings of the early Church Fathers accessible to the Anglo-Saxons. Bede had access to an extensive library, which included works by Eusebius, Orosius, and Anselm of Canterbury.
Bede went on to study for eleven more years before entering the priesthood. At age 30, he was ordained a priest by Bishop John. He also worked at farming and baking. His vocation required him to give priority to prayer, fasting, and charitable hospitality. His intellectual gifts were astounding.
As a scholar, Bede also wrote numerous historical works. His Historia Ecclesiastica, which was one of the most influential early Middle Ages’ histories, was written with objectivity and balance of judgment. Bede also compiled an English translation of the Gospel of John. His literary output also included a number of theological works, including a life of St. Cuthbert.
St. Pier Giorgio Frassati
St. Pier Giorgio Frassati is a saint of vocation. This Italian Catholic priest was active in the life of the Church and fought for religious liberty and social justice. He was also dedicated to his family and friends. He loved the outdoors and went on many trips into the mountains. He also enjoyed a wide variety of sports and was very fond of poetry. A political activist, Pier Giorgio was particularly active during the early 20th century. He was a strong advocate for Catholic education and he rallied other students during a protest against fascism in Rome.
In 1922, Frassati became a professed member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic, imitating Saint Dominic of Osma. His religious name was “Girolamo” after Girolamo Savonarola, who had preceded him in the order. Frassati was a devoted follower of the teachings of Thomas Aquinas and Catherine of Siena. He was also inspired by the apostle Paul. This is evident in a number of letters Frassati wrote.
Pier Giorgio Frassati was born into a wealthy family. Despite his family background, he found himself drawn to serve Christ in the poor. He was also known for his prayer life and his love of the outdoors. His friends described him as a cheerful and joyful young man. His faith led him to join various religious and social organizations, including Catholic Action and Apostleship of Prayer. He also spoke out against the Fascists in Italy.
