History has shown us that often invisible powers hold significant influence over the world, and many trials may happen. Just as in the Old Testament, when people forget God, evils can take hold over people and countries.
Modernism rejects a traditional Western world view and replaces the supernatural, promoting science as the only truth. One of the problems with this thinking is that science changes as more facts are discovered. When the Church is persecuted, great saints arise.
God loves his world, and his love is always there to lead us back to him. He has his plan for salvation. He knows the past, present and future, and we should not be afraid.
There have been many times when people have had visions that inspired their actions and changed history. You may like to research these further.
- Constantine at the Milvian Bridge
- the Seige of Vienna
- The Battle of Leopanto
“Be not afraid”
Pope John Paul II
Carol Wojtyla was born in Poland. At a very young age, he lost his mother and later his brother. He grew up with his father in a time of war. He suffered greatly and prayed constantly. He became a priest, bishop and then cardinal when Poland was under great duress from the war and communism. John Paul was profoundly spiritual and would often be found praying late at night or all night in the Church. He was devoted to mary and showed outstanding leadership to the world. John Paul had a wonderful sense of humour and was very popular with young people. He helped them see a path forward in the modern world. He radiated peace and truth.
His words, “Be not afraid”, have reassured many people in the modern world. He encouraged people to trust in Jesus Christ to bring true joy and happiness into their lives. He was non-traditional in his approach and showed great affection for people.
Jon paul II visited countries worldwide, including Australia, to spread the good news of the gospel. He wrote many encyclicals, and he was significant in breaking down communism in Russia after the Cold War. He expanded the number of men and women in the Church as saints.
He died in 2005 and was canonised (made a saint) in 2014. Many people already refer to him as St John Paul the Great.
Mother Teresa of Calcutta
Mother Teresa is known worldwide for her excellent charitable work with the poor in India. She was also deeply spiritual and constantly prayed to God. She was humble and yet grew to be well-known all over the world.
When she was 36 years old, Mother Teresa felt the call from God to help the poor of India. She received some basic medical training and then set out to help the sick and needy. This wasn’t an easy task in 1948 India. She had very little support and, while trying to feed and help the poorest of the poor, she was constantly hungry and even had to beg for food.
She established the order of Nuns called Th Missionaries of Charity, who now work worldwide where there is a need for the poor and the sick, caring for those who need love and kindness.
She was a contemporary of St John Paul and, after her death, was beatified by him. She was canonised in 2016.
Do you know of any other saints who have had an impact on more recent times?
For example –
St Mary MacKillop – Australia’s first canonised Saint
St John XXIII
St Padre Pio
You may like to research these saints.
Saints that Changed the World 