If you were to write a book on the lives of the saints, which of these holy men and women would you include?  Thankfully, the number of people who have led virtuous lives and modeled Christian living for us is large.  But, what if you took a step back from those figures who would be listed in any such volume, who would you admit into your volume?

I just finished James Martin’s “My Life with the Saints,” and I enjoyed it very much.  Truthfully, more than I anticipated.  Martin has a conversational style in his text as he presents these men and women whom he admires and whom he would call “saints.”  What is most engaging for me, however, is that each chapter does not focus solely on the individual person brought forth, but on people whom Martin has met who characterize these same values and virtues.  Then, he talks about the way in which this figure has promoted meaning and effort in his life.  I liked his friendly and inviting style.

One would expect correctly that Vincent de Paul would be covered in my collection.  I know that others whom I would incorporate would imbibe Vincent’s emphasis on the Incarnation.  Vincent considered this doctrine as key to our charism and one easily sees how it finds a place in the service of the Vincentian Family.

So, whom would I place in my writing on the saints?  Let me suggest three candidates.

One would be Barnabas.  I love this character and sometimes-companion of Paul in the Acts of the Apostles.  One cannot talk about Barnabas without acknowledging the meaning of his name “Son of Encouragement.” Encouragement defines the ministry of Barnabas, and he spreads it widely and effectively and practically.  Barnabas seeks out the persons and situations that need a positive spin and he provides it.  He realizes the call to sanctity in this way.

A second would be one of our well-known Vincentian figures—Frederic Ozanam.  The articulate and intelligent Frederic is not allowed to make his pursuit of the Christian life merely verbal.  True, he makes wonderful teachings around labor and social justice, but one of the foundational elements in his life is called forth through a confrontation: “Frederic, you talk a good game, but what are you doing?”  This challenge places him and his colleagues on the road to direct service and to encounters with those who are poor and marginalized.  It gives rise to the Vincent de Paul Society and a road to holiness.

A third saint who would find a place in my book is Dorothy Day.  The 1996 movie “Entertaining Angels” offers a powerful focus and lesson for me regarding Dorothy.  The phrase alludes to a line from the Book of Hebrews (13:2):  “Do not neglect hospitality, for through it some have unknowingly entertained angels.” Dorothy carried out her ministry with a sense that the poor among us are angels—those who represent the presence of God in particular ways.  To serve them is to serve the Lord.  The circumstances and values of Dorothy’s life make her especially interesting as a holy woman in her pursuit of the Lord.

Yes, the saints included in my book would follow the model of Vincent in the way in which they emphasized the incarnation—Christ among us.  Our care for the poor is a care for the embodied Lord.  Many holy men and women carry out this task.  I would like to find a place among them.