Embracing the Universal Call to Holiness: The First Steps Toward Sainthood

In every age, the eternal invitation resounds: we are called to be saints. This truth, at the very core of Catholic tradition, is more than a lofty aspiration reserved for the few. It beckons each of us, regardless of our station in life or the complexities we face, into a journey shaped by grace, fidelity, and transformation. The saints—those radiant flames who walked before us, from silent monastics to resolute mothers and courageous martyrs—knew that holiness is not a prize for the perfect, but a pathway for the willing.

At Journeys of Faith, our mission springs from this same wellspring of hope. Born from the life-changing experience of Eucharistic miracles and nurtured through decades of pilgrimage and teaching, we aim to embolden every soul toward their own path of sanctity. The call to holiness is not abstract or unreachable; it is intimate, practical, and real for all who open their hearts. As we trace the first steps toward sainthood, let us recall that each encounter with Christ—whether in the silence of prayer, the beauty of the Holy Mass, or the humble acts of charity—draws us closer to our destiny: to be saints, one heart, one mind, one spirit, with one vision. Let our journey begin.

 

Why Every Baptized Christian Is Called to Be a Saint

From the moment water anoints our foreheads and the words of baptism ring out—"I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit"—we are marked with a profound identity and mission. The universal call to holiness is not reserved for a chosen few or for those whose names fill stained-glass windows; it is the inheritance and destiny of every Christian soul.

Scripture and Sacred Tradition remind us: “For this is the will of God, your sanctification” (1 Thessalonians 4:3). The saints—those radiant witnesses of Christ through the centuries—show us that holiness is not a rare gift, but the very purpose for which we were created. Through baptism, we are adopted as sons and daughters of God and set on the path to become living reflections of Christ in the world.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church affirms this truth boldly: “All the faithful of Christ of whatever rank or status, are called to the fullness of the Christian life and to the perfection of charity” (CCC 2013). This means that the call to be a saint is not about performing extraordinary miracles or withdrawing from the world; it is about letting the grace of God transform our ordinary, daily lives into expressions of divine love.

To respond to this call, we need not look far. The pathway to holiness begins wherever we are—in our homes, our work, and our relationships. Each act of sacrificial love, every moment of prayer, and every time we choose virtue over vice, we are answering Christ’s invitation to draw closer to His Sacred Heart. We are called to be saints, not in spite of our weakness, but precisely through our willingness to let God’s strength shine in and through our humanity.

Defining Holiness in the Catholic Tradition

To truly embrace the universal call to holiness, we must first understand what holiness means in the heart of Catholic tradition. Holiness is not an abstract or unattainable ideal reserved only for mystics or canonized saints. Rather, it is the invitation extended to every Christian—an invitation rooted in Scripture and echoed by Christ Himself: “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16).

In the Catholic sense, holiness is a full-hearted response to God’s love by conforming our lives to His will. It is lived out not just in extraordinary acts, but through fidelity in daily life—choosing virtue over vice, love over indifference, and charity over selfishness. The Church teaches that all are called to sanctity, regardless of their vocation or circumstance. Whether in the quiet of family life, the challenges of the workplace, or the solitude of prayer, each moment carries the potential for grace.

The saints provide luminous examples of this call. They show that sanctity looks different in each life, yet always reflects a steadfast commitment to prayer, sacramental life, and service of neighbor. Holiness, then, isn’t about perfectionism or withdrawal from the world, but about allowing Christ to transform us in the midst of our ordinary days.

This transformation is an ongoing journey—a daily “yes” to God. It requires attention to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, a deep love for the Eucharist, frequent confession, and a devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the saints. Through these means, Catholics discover that true holiness is possible, attainable, and, indeed, exactly what we are called to: we are called to be saints.

 

Tracing the Call: Scripture and Magisterial Teaching

The journey toward sainthood begins with a call—one that reverberates through the ages, intimately personal yet universally proclaimed. The heart of this vocation lies in God’s invitation to all: “Be holy, for I am holy” (Leviticus 11:44). This scriptural command is not reserved for a select few, but extends to every baptized Christian, echoing in both the Old and New Testaments.

Saint Paul, writing to the early Christian communities, underscores this universal summons: “To all the beloved of God in Rome, called to be saints” (Romans 1:7). This is not mere encouragement but a declaration of identity. We are called to be saints because sainthood is the fulfillment of our purpose—union with God and witness to His love in the world.

The Magisterium, guided by the Holy Spirit, has consistently affirmed this teaching. The Second Vatican Council’s seminal document Lumen Gentium (The Dogmatic Constitution on the Church) boldly asserts: “All in the Church…are called to holiness” (Lumen Gentium, 39). Far from being an abstract ideal, holiness is portrayed as practical and achievable, woven into the fabric of daily Christian living. Whether priest, religious, or layperson, the Church teaches that every state of life offers a path toward sanctity, each day filled with opportunities to respond generously to God's grace.

Placing these teachings side by side, we see a radiant symmetry: Sacred Scripture proclaims the call, and the Magisterium illuminates the path. To pursue holiness is not to follow a solitary trail, but to walk alongside the saints who have answered this call before us, guided by the wisdom and authority entrusted to the Church.

 

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Grace, Sacraments, and the Journey Toward Perfection

The universal call to holiness is a profound invitation—one that reaches to the very core of what it means to be a follower of Christ. At the heart of this call lies grace, which the Church teaches is God’s own life within us, a gratuitous gift that enables us to seek Him and strive for sanctity. It is grace, poured out through the sacraments, that provides the spiritual nourishment needed on our journey toward perfection.

The sacraments are not mere rituals or symbolic gestures; they are real encounters with Christ. Each sacrament, from Baptism to the Eucharist, Confession to Confirmation, is a channel through which divine life flows into the souls of the faithful. In the Holy Eucharist, the source and summit of the Christian life, we receive the very Body and Blood of the Lord, drawing us deeper into His mystery and empowering us to reflect His love to the world. Reconciliation, meanwhile, grants us the mercy we need to leave behind sin and to be restored as God’s beloved children.

Holiness does not mean perfection from the outset, but rather a willingness to cooperate with grace day by day. The saints walked this path—not as flawless beings, but as men and women who allowed God’s mercy and grace to transform their weaknesses into strengths. We are called to be saints, too, by remaining faithful to daily prayer, participating frequently in the sacraments, and trusting that God can accomplish great things through our yes, no matter how small it may seem.

This journey toward sainthood is often marked by trials and moments of uncertainty. But through it all, the sacraments are stable anchor points, reminders of the unceasing love of the Father and the companionship of the whole Church. By saying yes to grace, we take our first steps toward holiness, comforted by the knowledge that God Himself is walking beside us.

 

Cultivating Daily Prayer as the Oxygen of the Soul

To answer the call to holiness and step onto the path of sainthood, we must turn our gaze to the interior life—the place where our souls encounter God most intimately. Prayer is not a mere habit or obligation; it is the oxygen of the soul, sustaining our spiritual vitality and drawing us deeper into union with the Lord. Like the saints before us, we are called to seek God daily, to listen to His voice, and to present Him with the joys, sorrows, and needs of our hearts.

Carving out moments of prayer each day—whether a quiet morning offering, the steady rhythm of the Rosary, or brief conversations with Jesus throughout our duties—transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary. The Catechism reminds us that “prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God” (CCC 2559). This elevates our every action, reminding us that, ultimately, we are called to be saints not by our own strength, but by God working within us.

Beginning with even the simplest prayer, such as “Come, Holy Spirit,” we invite God to permeate our day. As Saint Teresa of Ávila teaches, “Prayer is nothing else than a close sharing between friends.” With each moment steeped in prayer, our hearts become ever more disposed to grace, our vision sharpened to see God’s presence, and our desire for holiness grows.

By making prayer the steady pulse of each day, we imitate the saints and open ourselves fully to the transforming love of God. In this daily encounter, we find our purpose affirmed: to live and become saints, step by faithful step.

 

The Role of the Eucharist in Sanctifying Our Lives

The Church has always taught that the Eucharist is not simply a symbolic meal or a memorial—rather, it is the very Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ. Each time we approach the altar to receive the Blessed Sacrament, we encounter Christ Himself in an intimate and life-changing way. This communion with Christ is both a profound gift and a powerful call: we are called to be saints.

Participating in the Holy Mass and receiving the Eucharist provides us with the supernatural strength necessary to strive for holiness. The saints throughout history—St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. John Paul II, St. Padre Pio—drew their inspiration and perseverance from frequent reception of Holy Communion. Their lives vividly testify to the truth that it is Christ in the Eucharist who sanctifies and transforms hearts.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church proclaims, “The Eucharist builds the Church” (CCC 1396). This building up is not merely collective, but deeply personal. Through the grace of the Eucharist, our lives are gradually conformed to Christ; our ordinary actions begin to reflect His love, patience, and mercy. The more we receive Him with faith and devotion, the more He heals our wounds, purifies our desires, and strengthens our resolve to live as true disciples.

Daily or frequent participation in Mass is not just a pious habit—it is an essential step for anyone serious about responding to God’s universal call to holiness. In adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, we are drawn ever closer to the Sacred Heart, and we begin to see ourselves—and our vocation to sanctity—through the loving eyes of Christ.

The road to sainthood is not traveled alone. United in the Eucharist, we are mystically joined with the whole Church: the angels, the saints, and all those who seek to follow the Lord faithfully. Through the Eucharist, Heaven touches earth and empowers us to echo, with our lives, the truth that we are called to be saints.

 

Learning From the Saints: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Grace

When we think of saints, it’s tempting to imagine distant figures, almost impossibly holy, set apart by miracles or visions. But the truth revealed through centuries of Catholic Tradition is both humbling and exhilarating: saints were ordinary men and women who responded to God’s call with extraordinary love. Their stories, woven into the Church’s memory, remind us that we are called to be saints—not by our power, but by cooperating with God’s grace.

Consider St. Thérèse of Lisieux, whose “little way” transformed the simplest tasks into acts of heroic virtue. Thérèse did not travel to far-off mission lands or perform dramatic wonders. Instead, she sanctified daily life, offering her struggles and joys for love of Christ. In her autobiography, she shares the secret that holiness is not only for the few, but for all who surrender to God’s will, no matter how small their sphere.

St. Francis of Assisi’s radical embrace of poverty shook the world, not because he sought fame or legend, but because he recognized Christ in the poor and lived with contagious joy. His journey started with a choice—to set aside riches and pursue the Gospel without compromise. Like Francis, we too can recognize moments, big or small, where God calls us to let go and trust in Him completely.

Across continents and centuries, saints have arisen from every background: doctors, mothers, soldiers, teachers, laborers. St. Gianna Beretta Molla, a physician and mother, chose life for her child at the cost of her own. St. José Sánchez del Río, a teenager, witnessed to the faith with unwavering courage during persecution in Mexico. These examples place the challenge and promise before us: no matter our age, vocation, or circumstance, holiness is within reach.

The saints are not remote icons, but companions—living reminders that faithfulness in ordinary life opens the door to extraordinary grace. When we read their lives, meditate on their words, and lean on their intercession, we discover a path that leads us, too, toward that universal call to holiness. Their stories light the way, ever reminding us that we are called to be saints, right where God has planted us.

 

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Seven Virtues That Shape the Path to Holiness

To walk the path of holiness is to respond wholeheartedly to the call, “We are called to be saints.” The saints who have gone before us blazed a trail marked by virtues—habits of heart and will that conform us more perfectly to Christ. The Church’s wisdom gives us the classical Seven Virtues: the four cardinal virtues and the three theological virtues. Together, they form the foundation for growth in sanctity.

1. Prudence Prudence is the virtue that guides our actions by right reason. It empowers us to discern the good and choose the correct means to attain it, especially when the way is unclear. The saints never acted recklessly but made prayerful, thoughtful decisions rooted in God’s will.

2. Justice Justice compels us to give to God and to others what is rightfully theirs. It moves us beyond selfishness into genuine charity, defending the dignity of all. In their ministries, the saints showed unwavering resolve to defend the poor, the outcast, and the vulnerable.

3. Fortitude Fortitude gives us the courage to persevere in doing good, even in the face of suffering, trial, or ridicule. The martyrs bore terrible hardships, sustained by fortitude, proclaiming the truth with unwavering faith.

4. Temperance Temperance helps us moderate our desires and use the gifts of this world rightly. The lives of the saints are marked by self-mastery, fasting, and self-denial, always in pursuit of a greater love.

5. Faith Faith is our radical trust in God’s promises. It anchors us in mystery and lets us walk by the light of Christ, even in the darkness. The saints teach us to rely on God even when we do not fully understand His ways.

6. Hope Hope lifts our hearts to long for eternal life and the grace to reach it. It empowers us to look beyond the present moment, trusting that God is leading us home. When discouragement pressed in, the saints looked to heaven.

7. Charity (Love) Charity is the highest virtue, the bond of perfection. It enables us to love God above all things and our neighbor as ourselves. Every saint’s story is a testament to the power of love—love for God shown in prayer and sacrifice, love for neighbor made present in service and compassion.

Embracing these virtues, strengthened by God’s grace and the example of the saints, we begin to live out the truth that we are called to be saints. These virtues furnish our daily pilgrimage, shaping the heart and soul on the journey toward holiness.

 

Living the Beatitudes in Modern Society

Christ’s Sermon on the Mount stands as a timeless invitation, calling every Christian heart to embrace the Beatitudes as a blueprint for holiness. These sacred teachings, though delivered over two millennia ago, remain startlingly relevant for those striving to answer the call—We are called to be saints—even amid the complexities of modern life.

To be “poor in spirit” today means cultivating humility in an era of self-promotion and achievement. It is recognizing that our true riches lie not in material wealth or success but in our dependence on God’s grace. In a world often marked by self-reliance and pride, surrendering to this divine poverty is a radical witness of faith.

The call to “mourn” finds meaning not only in personal sorrow, but in a compassionate response to the suffering of others. The Beatitudes invite us to weep with those who mourn, to be present to the broken-hearted, and to bear one another’s burdens as a living sign of Christ’s mercy.

Meekness is countercultural. In a society that prizes assertiveness and victory, the gentle and patient who refuse to retaliate or seek revenge demonstrate the quiet strength of the Lord. It is through this very meekness that one inherits the earth—not through domination, but through charity.

Hungering and thirsting for righteousness demands active engagement with justice and truth. It means striving day after day to live with integrity, defend the vulnerable, and shape our families, workplaces, and communities according to the Gospel.

The merciful extend forgiveness where the world might advise resentment. They choose to heal rather than to hurt, embodying Christ’s own words: “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

Purity of heart becomes the compass that steers every thought, action, and intention toward God, undiluted by distractions or lesser loves. In a culture of countless temptations, the pure of heart seek the face of Christ above all else.

Finally, peacemakers are urgently needed. In homes, neighborhoods, and nations divided by strife and misunderstanding, those who foster reconciliation, who speak truth with love, who reach out across boundaries—these are counted among the children of God.

Each Beatitude is a stepping stone along the path toward sainthood. Rooted in prayer, lived in community, and actualized through concrete acts of faith, they challenge and inspire us to reflect Christ’s holiness in every aspect of our daily existence.

 

Love of God and Neighbor: The Heart of Sainthood

To walk the path of sainthood is, above all, to answer the two-fold commandment on which “hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:40): to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is not merely a suggestion or a lofty ideal reserved for a few exceptional souls. Rather, it is the universal call at the root of our Christian identity—a call echoing through the ages, beckoning each of us to holiness.

The saints teach us that love of God cannot be separated from love of neighbor. Their lives reveal a profound union with Christ that overflows into a radical charity for those around them. Whether caring for the sick, defending the marginalized, or quietly forgiving daily offenses, they understood that to encounter Christ in prayer compels us to serve Him in others.

This “double flame” of love—fixed on heaven but active on earth—blossoms in the humble, faithful rhythms of daily life. Holiness is not about performing grand miracles or achieving public acclaim. It starts in small acts of forgiveness, a patient word to a weary soul, silent time before the Blessed Sacrament, and steadfast fidelity to God’s commandments. In choosing love, even when it is difficult, we gradually become more like Christ—the true model and friend of every saint.

In embracing this universal vocation, we discover what the Gospel means when it says: “We are called to be saints.” Sainthood is not distant, nor unattainable; it takes root in hearts receptive to God’s love and willing to pour it out for others. Every choice to love is a step deeper into the heart of Christ, and thus into the heart of what it means to become holy.

 

Conclusion: The First Steps Toward Sainthood Begin Now

As we reflect on the universal call to holiness, we remember that the journey toward sainthood is not reserved for the few, but is the vocation of every baptized soul. The saints themselves began with humble steps of faith, responding daily to the Lord’s invitation to seek Him above all else. At Journeys of Faith, we hold firm to the truth that we are called to be saints—not by our merits, but by God’s unfathomable grace working through the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives.

Inspired by the enduring witness of Bob and Penny Lord, and the lives of countless holy men and women, let us answer this call wholeheartedly—nourished by the sacraments, guided by Scripture, enriched by prayer, and supported by the communion of the Church. No matter your stage in life or spiritual experience, the road toward holiness unfolds step by step, sustained by a faithfulness that echoes through the centuries.

We invite you to continue this pilgrimage with us—learning from the saints, encountering miracles both seen and hidden, and drawing ever closer to Christ. Together, may we live out our mission: One Heart, One Mind, One Spirit, With One Vision—ever striving toward the holiness that God desires for each of us.

 

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FAQs: Answering the Call to Holiness

What does the universal call to holiness mean?

The universal call to holiness is a central teaching of the Catholic Church, proclaiming that every baptized Christian—regardless of vocation or state in life—is called to grow in holiness and strive for sainthood. It means God invites each of us into a deep, personal relationship with Him and challenges us to reflect His love and truth in all aspects of our lives.

Is sainthood only for priests and nuns?

Not at all. While priests, religious brothers, and sisters have unique vocations, sainthood is not limited to their ranks. Throughout Church history, countless laypeople—mothers, fathers, teachers, doctors, children—have become canonized saints. Every Christian is called to become a saint, simply by living out God’s will in their daily lives.

How do I begin my journey toward holiness?

Begin by committing your heart to God and seeking His grace in prayer. Educate yourself about the faith and ask for the intercession of the saints. Take small steps, such as attending Mass regularly, frequenting the sacraments, and fostering a spirit of charity and gratitude. Remember: God meets us where we are, and He provides the strength to take the next step.

What are some first steps to becoming a saint?

Start with daily prayer, sincere participation in Mass, and regular confession. Cultivate virtues like humility, patience, and kindness in your daily interactions. Learn about the lives of the saints and how they responded to God’s call. Make time for spiritual reading and seek out supportive Catholic communities.

Can ordinary people become saints?

Absolutely. The saints are proof that holiness is possible for everyone—no matter your job, family situation, or background. Holiness is found in faithfulness to God in everyday tasks, loving others, and persevering in both joy and hardship. The Church’s canonized saints include farmers, soldiers, children, parents, scientists, and workers.

Why is holiness important for every Christian?

Holiness is our ultimate vocation as Christians—it’s the pathway to true happiness and eternal life. By becoming holy, we are united more closely to Christ, fulfill our baptismal promises, and become powerful witnesses of the Gospel in the world.

How does prayer help in the path to sainthood?

Prayer is our lifeline to God. Through prayer, we deepen our friendship with the Lord, receive His guidance, and are strengthened to love and serve others. The saints were all people of prayer—they found in God the source of the courage and endurance needed for the journey.

What role do the sacraments play in growing in holiness?

The sacraments are a gift from Christ, providing us with grace to grow in holiness. The Eucharist nourishes our souls, Confession renews our hearts, and Confirmation strengthens us in faith. Each sacrament helps us become more like Christ, equipping us for daily living and our mission of holiness.

How can I find inspiration from the lives of saints?

Read about their lives, watch documentaries, or join virtual pilgrimages—such as those offered by Journeys of Faith. The saints faced challenges, doubts, and suffering, yet they persevered by trusting in God. Their stories offer encouragement and practical examples of how to respond to God’s call in our own lives.

What are common obstacles to holiness?

Some obstacles include spiritual laziness, worldly distractions, discouragement, pride, and sin. The enemy often tries to convince us that holiness is out of reach. Remember, God’s grace is more powerful than any weakness. Persevere in prayer and seek the support of the Church and the saints, who walk beside us on this journey.