Imagine you discovered the best way to live and you wanted to change the world by helping as many people as possible to discover and live that best way. How would you go about it? 

Anyone who has any experience in marketing products or ideas will tell you that you need a system, and the best systems are simple.

As it turns out, God has had a system in place from the very beginning. God wants to win you with his love and wisdom; God wants to build you up spiritually so that you have the knowledge and habits to live in his love and walk in his ways; and God wants to send you out into the world to share his love with others. Win. Build. Send. 

Let’s see how one seventh century monk exemplified this model of evangelization for others.

Saint Aidan was born in Ireland and trained at the legendary monastery of Iona. When the local bishop took note of his zeal and work ethic, he chose him to evangelize England.

Aidan won the hearts of the Northumbrian people with his love and wisdom. His humility and personal touch allowed him to meet people face-to-face. He often chose to walk rather than ride his horse. He spoke kindly, listened to others’ struggles, and provided practical and spiritual guidance. His genuine love for God and his people drew many to the faith.

Aidan made it his mission to build up the spiritual lives of those he evangelized by establishing a massive monastery. Aidan trained monks and laypeople, instilling in them the knowledge and habits necessary to live the Christian faith. 

Aidan was then ready to send his disciples out to continue the work of evangelization. The monks of Lindisfarne, inspired and trained by Aidan, traveled throughout England and beyond, sharing the Gospel. His method created a ripple effect, as those he nurtured went on to win new souls, build them up, and send them out in turn.

Saint Aidan teamed up with God in the mission of evangelization. And so can we.

The future of Catholicism depends upon our ability to win people for Christ and his Church, to build people in Christ and his Church, and to develop programs that teach people how to evangelize. Only then will we be able to send them out to change the world in any meaningful way.



Feast Day: August 31

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Raymond Nonnato and Saints Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus

Patron Saint of: Firefighters

Also Known As: The Beacon of the North

Symbols: A Flaming Torch