In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the true sources of joy in our lives.
The noise of busy schedules and constant demands can distract us from the good that surrounds us. But joy isn’t out of reach — oftentimes, we just need to look to the right examples. Throughout history, the saints have shown us how to live lives filled with deep and lasting joy.
Here are four inspiring role models whose lives remind us where true happiness is found:
1) Saint Philip Neri
Saint Philip Neri was born on July 22, 1515, in Florence, Italy. He was known from a young age as being cheerful and obedient. Philip was well known for standing at street corners, striking up conversations with passersby.
Philip Neri’s sense of humor attracted many people, allowing him to bring the joy of the Lord into their lives.
“A heart filled with joy is more easily made perfect than one that is sad,” Saint Philip said.
Philip had a passion for the reformation of faith and worked toward it with gentleness and friendship. Even in dying, Philip’s doctor stated he’d never seen him so happy. A major source of this joy came from Philip’s deep love of God.
Saint Philip Neri is quoted as saying,
“Joy is the sign of a heart that sincerely loves God.”
Philip Neri is the patron saint of joy and humor.
They say laughter is the best medicine, so if you’re ever feeling down, make sure to ask for Saint Philip Neri’s intercession!
Saint Philip Neri, pray for us!
2) Saint Lawrence
Saint Lawrence was born in Aragon, Spain, on Dec. 31, 225. He served as a deacon in Rome during the time of major persecution. One of the most notable stories of Saint Lawrence is that of his martyrdom.
Emperor Valerian had it out for all Christians, but he specifically had his sights on Deacon Lawrence.
He gave Lawrence an opportunity to save himself, asking Lawrence to show him where the church’s gold and silver were located.
Lawrence returned three days later with the poor, sick, and handicapped and presented to Valerian the real wealth of the church. Enraged, he had Lawrence burned in public on a griddle.
It’s been said that during his execution, Lawrence joked with the guards, saying,
“Turn me over, I’m done on this side!”
While you don’t need to be in a situation like Lawrence’s to have joy in the Lord, his martyrdom is a testimony to the peace and happiness that comes in being united to Christ.
Saint Lawrence, pray for us!
3) Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta was born on Aug. 26, 1916, in Skopje, Macedonia. At the age of eight, she joined the Sisters of Loreto, where she took the name Teresa after Saint Therese of Lisieux.
Shortly after joining, she was sent to Calcutta, India, where she would take her final vows and devote her life to serving the poor and marginalized.
Mother Teresa did amazing work in and out of India, caring for the impoverished and lepers there, housing orphans, and feeding HIV and AIDS survivors in New York. In 1979, she received a Nobel Peace Prize.
Saint Mother Teresa is quoted as saying,
“Joy is a net of love by which you catch all souls!”
Her life was devoted to others, serving them with joy. In all things she did, she did them reflecting the light of Christ. She did not avoid suffering to find happiness, but embraced it to find true joy.
Just like Saint Teresa, let all we do be done with joy and for the joy of the Lord!
Saint Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!
4) Pope Saint John Paul II
Pope John Paul II, born Karol Wojtyła, was born in Poland on May 18, 1920, during a small era of peacetime. In his early life, he experienced many tragedies from the death of family to the Nazi invasion of Poland.
In secret, Wojtyła attended illegal seminary classes and was ordained to the priesthood in 1946. He later participated in the Second Vatican Council as an auxiliary bishop. From here, he worked his way up from auxiliary bishop to archbishop to cardinal.
Following the death of Pope John Paul I, Wojtyla became the 265th pope on Oct. 16, 1978, taking the name Pope John Paul II.
During his time as pope, John Paul II made strides in connecting with the youth of the world. He created World Youth Day and preached many homilies to the Catholic youth. In many instances, he preached to them about joy.
Pope Saint John Paul II is quoted as saying,
“God made us for joy. God is joy, and the joy of living reflects the original joy that God felt in creating us.”
Let us mirror the beliefs of Pope Saint John Paul II and know that the love of God “transforms our lives and fills us with joy!”