"In a world where there is a desire to eliminate human suffering, and with euthanasia there is even the risk of removing the possibility of miraculous intervention, there is a need to educate in order to develop a sensitivity towards prayer and reliance on the intercession of the saints," it was stated in one of the working groups in the early afternoon.

"We must not forget the pastoral impact of holiness: the miracle is a manifestation of the divine, and for today's disillusioned man, the saints are accessible models: that is why they can be important channels for new evangelization," one of the seminar participants remarked on her part.

With insights such as these - and many more - the discussion in groups and the subsequent plenary assembly sought to build on the reports heard over the past few days and to project themselves already with a view to a subsequent commitment to give new impetus to their causes.

The subsequent talk by the Salesian Family's collaborator of the General Postulation, Dr. Lodovica Maria Zanet, on her part gave the right complement to this first motion, reminding everyone that no matter how many human efforts one may make, it is always the 'Holy Spirit who shapes the saints'.

With a series of poetic and evocative images and a report full of fascinating quotations, Dr. Zanet outlined some of the wondrous actions that the Spirit performs in saints, which could become for vice-postulators and promoters of the Causes the clues of holiness to be investigated and brought out: docility, human poverty made strong by divine action (with the caution not to conceal faults and shortcomings so as not to hide the greatness of divine mercy), the spiritual fruitfulness that marks the life of the saint, the unity of his or her person, the integrity of love towards God and towards the brethren, humility and meekness, attractiveness and not infrequently the ability to cultivate new holiness, being able to bear witness to a word of truth that is always current...

Valuable members of a single body, multicolored flowers of a the same garden, luminous stars that bring light to the immensity of the galaxies, facades of cathedrals that invite one to enter inside, small little flames capable, however, of lighting great candles: there can be a thousand and more images to represent the saints and each one can find the one that corresponds best to him, but the Spirit that was at the origin and completion of their journey of holiness is unique.

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All the photos are avilable on ANSFlickr

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