The Universal Call to Holiness

THE Catholic news agency Zenit’s latest daily dispatch I have seen, that of December 11, headlines the Second Sunday of Advent of sermon of Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, preacher of the Pontifical Household. (This means even Holy Father Francis listens to his homilies and meditation talks during retreats and recollections.)

I was attracted to the 2,900-plus word sermon by its title, “The Universal Call to Holiness” because as a follower of the teachings of St. Josemaria Escriva, the Founder of Opus Dei, I am aware that “The Universal Call to Holiness” is the primary one among the essential characteristics of St. Josemaria’s teachings, writings and messages.