NEW DOCUMENT FROM POPE FRANCIS: REJOICE AND BE GLAD - The Call to Holiness

Pope Francis signed a new document to the faithful on March 19, the feast of St. Joseph, and the Vatican released it on April 9 2018.

God calls all Christians to be saints — not plastic statues of saints, but real people who make time for prayer and who show loving care for others in the simplest gestures.  "Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality or joy," the pope writes.

Much of the document is written in the second person, speaking directly to the individual reading it.  Stating he was not writing a theological treatise on holiness, Pope Francis focused mainly on how the call to holiness is a personal call, something God asks of each Christian and which requires a personal response given one's state in life, talents and circumstances.

We highly recommend that you take time to read the full text if you can or, if you are short of time - the accompanying summary  document that was issued by the Vatican.