Recently Pope Francis published the apostolic exhortation “Gaudate et Exultate” (“Rejoice and Be Glad”).  It focuses on the call to holiness in today’s world.  The title was taken from Matthew 5:12 when Jesus says “rejoice and be glad” to those who are persecuted for His sake. Pope Francis stated, “We are all called to be holy by living lives with love and by bearing witness in everything we do, wherever we find ourselves.”  He also noted that being part of a parish community and receiving the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and reconciliation are integral for living a holy life.  He also encouraged frequent prayer and a daily examination of conscience, reminding us that the path to holiness is usually gradual, made of small steps in prayer, in sacrifice and in service of others.

In commenting on this document, Archbishop Gregory reminded us that we are all called to holiness according to the circumstances of our lives.  He stated, “Pope Francis’ exhortation invites us to remove everything from our hearts that block love.  This is for all of us a lifelong journey toward holiness. Doing those little things – the ordinary things, the repetitive things that we face constantly – with humble acceptance is our pathway to sanctity.  Whether we are young or old, laity or cleric, we are called to take the small steps toward holiness that we must follow each day.”  The Archbishop also stated that sanctity “is not something limited to the great publicly recognized figures of holiness from the Church’s past, nor something only reserved to the clergy or religious.  We are all summoned to become saints each in our own daily lives.”

The media outlet “Knowing Jesus” provided “A Prayer for Holiness of Heart” which reflects the sentiments of this apostolic exhortation of Our Holy Father: