While the purpose or mission behind Catholic Gentleman’s Guide is to provide a source of encouragement and Faith formation to Catholic Men in hopes that we can become Men of God, building up habits of virtue, discernment, and purpose in all our accomplishments each and every day, there are several prominent figures who inspire the philosophy and outlook that I hope Catholic Gentleman’s Guide provides.
Jesus Christ
First and foremost, Jesus Christ is the epitome of both Manhood and Holiness. As such, Jesus is the obvious inspiration and role model for us all. He is the perfect Man who deserves our imitation. A great way to come to know Jesus is through habitual reading of the Gospels, where Jesus can be known, not just as a historical or religious figure, but as a real person who set the example for us in all things but sin.
Saint Therese of Lisieux
The second is a saint, a well known one. Saint Therese of Lisieux (also “of the Child Jesus” or “Little Flower”) was a fairly modern saint, who stands out because of her “Little Way.” In a nutshell, Saint Therese’s “Little Way” was performing even the smallest of her daily actions out of love – every sacrifice, every glance, every word, every action. She is awesome because she wanted to be a saint and her model actually worked (She was canonized about 30 years after her death). Yes, she’s a nun, but she is a remarkable example of a practical means of holiness that can be applied in all walks of life.
Saint Josemaria Escriva
The third is also a saint of even more modernity. Saint Josemaria Escriva was the founder of “Opus Dei,” the “Work of God,” which bears the message that a way Catholics might learn to sanctify themselves is through their work and daily tasks. Of course, this is a brilliant and practical concept for us as Modern Man. Saint Escriva was a major advocate of the universal call to holiness of all Catholics, and for that, he is a great inspiration and an example for all who seek Manly Holiness.
I hope these holy and prominent figures come to inspire you as much as they inspire me to become the Holy Man of God that I am called to be.