Scottish Catholic Observer

Scotland’s pupils are to take inspiration from three popes and a handful of saints during this year’s vocations week.

Priests for Scotland are asking youngsters to reflect on the lives of Pope Francis, Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, St Pope John Paul II, St Mother Theresa, Edith Stein (St Teresa Benedicta) and Chiara Badano, an Italian teenager who died in 1990 and is currently on the path to sainthood.

It is hoped that through learning more about the lives of the six individuals, students will be inspired to discern God’s plan for their own lives.

Alongside seminarians Ryan Black and Colm Docherty, Fr John Morrison, the assistant director of Priests for Scotland, spoke to pupils of Notre Dame High School in Greenock ahead of the vocations week, which will take place from September 9-16 this year.

“I think this is a great opportunity for the students to really engage with the lives of these very inspiring figures,” Fr Morrison said. “In recounting the vocation stories of the last three popes and Mother Theresa, Edith Stein and Chiara Badano, we hope the students will be inspired to reflect God’s plan for their lives.”

Chiara Badano was diagnosed with a terminal form of bone cancer two years prior to her death, ultimately succumbing to the disease.

She is to be made a saint due to her lifetime loyalty to the Church, despite being bullied and called names such as ‘Sister’ in school, due to her devotion to the Catholic Faith.

She was known for her generosity towards others from a young age, having given away her toys to other children and often visited a local nursing home to comfort the elderly.

Edith Stein is a patron saint of Europe. For more on her incredible story, see page 12.

“We hope to show that the saints were not superhuman, but people who simply responded generously and sincerely to God’s call,” Fr Morrison added.

Edith Stein is a patron saint of Europe. For more on her story, see page 12 of this week’s Scottish Catholic Observer.