Who are you following?

Saint Benen was a great leader in the Church . . . but it was only because he was a great follower first. Benan was not born a Catholic. He was raised in a pagan Irish household until Saint Patrick stayed with his family for a short time during his travels. Benen’s family was so impacted by meeting Saint Patrick that they all became Christian. On fire for the faith, Benan asked if he could leave home and follow Saint Patrick. His family agreed and Benan began an amazing journey with Saint Patrick, eventually becoming bishop of Armagh. Saint Patrick was an amazing leader and he taught Benan that the true strength of leadership comes from following Jesus—from making Jesus your northern star. 

Is Jesus your northern star?

Throughout your life, there might have been different people who have encouraged you to follow Jesus as your northern star—parents and grandparents, siblings and friends, coaches, teachers, and mentors. We all need a little encouragement now and then. We all need to be encouraged to follow our star.

Over two thousand years ago Jesus said: “Come, follow me.” This wasn’t just an invitation for the people of the New Testament. It was also an invitation he made to Saint Patrick, to Saint Benen, and it is an invitation he makes to you.

When you follow Jesus, you begin to discover who you truly are, what you are capable of, and what you are here for. Following Jesus helps you learn to be yourself. As beautiful as that journey is, it is not always easy. In fact, it always has been and always will be difficult. Following Jesus means refusing to follow the ways of the world. It is a radical and countercultural choice. You need to be prepared to dare to be different in a world where uniformity is safe and rewarded. Search yourself. You’ll find ways of connecting with God that you never knew were possible. Are you ready to get started?



Feast Day: November 9 (The Feast of the Dedication of the Lateran Basilica)

Feast Day Shared By: Saints Mary and Neone and Saint Theodore

Patron Saint of: Connacht, Ireland

Also Known As: Patrick's Psalm-Singer