Those of us who are familiar with world history and stories of saints may have recognized that some of the worst periods in time are the greatest saint-making opportunities.
Molokai, Hawaii’s leper colony was a place average people strove to avoid, but the Spirit touched specific men and women calling them to serve and be sanctified there. We already have St. Damien and St. Marianne Cope; Servant of God Joseph Dutton’s cause for canonization is under review.
World War II, one of the worst eras of global history, produced 108 martyr saints from Poland alone. St. Maximillian Kolbe and St. Edith Stein are familiar, but those years of unquestionable evil motivated countless unknown souls to reject their hateful, oppressive regimes and answer God’s call. Pope Leo will be canonizing 50 new French saints from WWII. Faithful men and women from across the globe, wielded their talents and connections to rescue and encourage the oppressed and challenge the oppressors.
The Spanish Civil war only lasted from 1936 to 1938, but as of December 2025, 2,255 Spanish martyrs have been beatified; 11 of them being canonized. The beatification process is underway for an additional 2000 Spaniards.
This just scrapes the surface of saints who were forged in the fire of adversity and national crisis. We can be sure that right now, in Ukraine, Russia, China, the Middle East, and other oppressed regions, there are people under the radar who are accepting the call to serve and be sanctified too. This isn’t one of our proudest periods of American history either. We can expect that the same thing is going on right here in our own country and our own community. Those who want to make our world a better place and know they need to start at home. Are you one of them?
Scripture: Read Hebrews 6:10. What stands out to you?
Call to Action: How can you use your talents and connections to help your community and sanctify yourself in the process?
