"Let yourselves be renewed by Christ! The new evangelization - of which you must be protagonists - begins in oneself, through the conversion of the heart to Christ. Live in intimacy with him; discover the riches of his person and his mystery in prayer; turn to him when you are in need of the grace of forgiveness; seek him in the Eucharist, the source of life; serve him in the poor and needy who await his beneficial coming.

Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. The kingdom of heaven is for those who are determined to enter it (cf. Lk 16:16; Mt 11:12). As I said 10 years ago here on this Mountain of Joy: Do not be afraid to be holy! Have the courage and humility to present yourselves to the world determined to be holy, since full, true freedom is born from holiness.

This aspiration will help you discover genuine love, untainted by selfish and alienating permissiveness; it will make you grow in humanity through study and work; it will open you to a possible vocation to the total gift of self in the priesthood or the consecrated life; it will transform you from being 'slaves' of power, pleasure, money or a career, to being free young persons, 'masters' of your own life, ever ready to serve your needy brothers and sisters in the image of Christ the servant, to bear witness to the Gospel of love."

Pope Saint John Paul II (message to young people at Santiago de Compostela, 7 August 1999)

From Symbolon: The Catholic Faith Explained Part 2, Episode 6, "A Catholic Moral Vision: Virtue, Grace & the Path to Happiness":

How does following the moral vision as taught by the Church lead us to whole and happy lives, especially when the world around us seems to be in moral turmoil?

Watch for free on Formed.org through our parish subscription. If this is your first time using Formed.org, click here to get started.

What is the true sign of sainthood? Fr. Mike Schmitz explains why it’s not the stigmata or the ability to miraculously heal people. Saints like Padre Pio actually walked a path that is very much within reach for us all. Find out how that is so in this video. 

Podcasts for the Journey

Here are two great podcasts with inspiration, practical wisdom, and accompaniment to help you take the next steps to grow in holiness in your daily life.

Hosted by Sister Miriam, Michelle Benzinger, and Heather Khym, Abiding Together provides a place of connection, rest and encouragement for people who are on the journey of living out their passion and purpose in Jesus Christ.

Join Fr. Innocent, Fr. Angelus, and Fr. Mark-Mary, members of the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal, for their weekly podcast. The Poco a Poco Podcast offers "Practical Spirituality." The friars break open the Gospel in light of their years of prayer, communal life, and work with the poor.

Pio of Pietrelcina (1887-1968), popularly known as "Padre Pio," was praised by Pope Saint Pius II for his witness of prayer, charity, and suffering. This humble Franciscan was known for his ministry of mercy, often spending 10 hours a day hearing Confessions. Many miraculous healings have been attributed to his intercession. Click here to learn more about his amazing life!

Looking for more opportunities to deepen your faith here at Saint Pius X? Visit our website to learn more!

• StPius.net/Faith Homepage for seasonal adult faith formation programs
• StPius.net/Bible Bible studies and Bible study resources, including our Living Water Bible Study blog
• StPius.net/Groups Grow in faith with a group! Check out That Man is You! and She Shall Be Called Woman
• StPius.net/Resources Parish lending library, subscriptions to Catholic periodicals, and instructions for accessing Formed.org