#sofie catholic posting

Aldo Bellini and Saint Sebastian:

“THIS IS A WAR!” Hits different if you take that into the context that Saint Sebastian is the patron of soldiers it gives you a whole new perspective. Also, Saint Sebastian is the unofficial patron of LGBTQ+ folk so if you are a firm Gay Aldo truther (like myself) it adds another layer to his character. Saint Sebastian was an early Christian martyr who was set to die by arrows, miraculously he survived the attempt at his life and was nursed back to health by Irene of Rome. He was then beat to death and his body was thrown into the Roman sewers, later a woman named Luciana was visited by him in a vision and she later found his skull and placed it into the catacombs.

Vincent Benitez and Saint Francis of Assisi:

Cliche, yeah! But hear me out okay! Vincent has shown a great care for poor and disadvantaged people, we know this because it’s handed to us by Ray as he makes Vincent’s profile. Saint Francis of Assisi was raised quite wealthy but always had this attitude towards his wealth, he didn’t feel fulfilled by materialistic things. He was charitable and was harassed because of this. While in Rome he visited the chapel of San Damiano where Jesus Christ spoke to him saying, “Francis, Francis, go and repair My church which, as you can see, is falling into ruins." He took this as “repair the church you’re in” and so he tried to pay the priest of the church where he was promptly yelled at by him and so Francis stormed out. Francis would later spend his time with the leper colony in Assisi, much like how Vincent helped in clinics during his missionary years. I believe Vincent must have prayed to Saint Francis as he traveled from Kabul to Rome as he (Francis) is the patron of stowaways where he grants them safe passage to their destination.

Sister Agnes and Saint Teresa of Ávila:

Sister Agnes is an incredibly intelligent woman and we are able to see that even in her very short time on screen. Likewise, Saint Teresa was also a very smart and well rounded woman. Saint Teresa of Ávila is the patron of those in religious orders, one could say that a young Agnes felt called to the religious life thus leading her to chose Saint Teresa of Ávila for comfort. Saint Teresa of Ávila is a very famous Christian mystic and author. Truthfully, you must look her up as her life is something that cannot be condensed into a Tumblr post. Also I am incredibly biased as I love both Sister Agnes and Saint Teresa of Ávila soooooo…

Goffredo Tedesco and Saint John Bosco:

Joseph Tremblay and Saint Christopher:

I feel very odd about this pick, and yet to me it feels so right. Saint Christopher is one of the fourteen holy helpers (my confirmation saint is also a holy helper, shout out Saint Vitus) and because of Tremblay’s role as Camerlengo making them both “Holy” helpers. Both Tremblay and Saint Christopher are described as quite tall, with the latter being described as 5 cubits (7.5 feet tall!) Saint Christopher is also the patron of athletics and storms. Because of the book, we know Tremblay is a retired hockey player meaning there is a good chance that he asked for his intersession during his youth. We can only hope that Tremblay prayed to him during the storm that was the conclave.

Giulio Sabbadin and Saint Augustine of Hippo

Giulio is my Franciscan brother, so I put a lot of thought into this. Augustine of Hippo is arguably one of the greatest theologians of early church history, that is why I believe Sabbadin would choose him as his confirmation saint. Saint Augustine was raised in a relatively wealthy family just like Sabbadin (we can make this claim based on the fact his father was a senator), he struggled in his youth with lust and ended up fathering a child. I’m not saying Sabbadin succumbed to lust, rather I believe that he could’ve been caught up in his father’s wealth before turning his back on materialism and becoming a Franciscan. Saint Augustine also spent a decent amount of time in Milan where he reevaluated his faith and came into contact with Saint Ambrose of Milan. There is so much more to Saint Augustine and I don’t believe it could be condensed into a Tumblr post so PLEASE look him up and do your research! My favorite story of him is when he crushed his testicles between two stones.

Raymond O’Malley and Saint Raymond Nonnatus:

Yes, they are both named Raymond I KNOW! Saint Raymond is an interesting character, he is both the patron of childbirth and the confidentiality of confession. Both of his patronages are tied to his life; he was born via cesarean section where his mother unfortunately died, and his mouth was forcefully shut by a padlock through his lips. The irony is not lost on me, a man who can’t keep his mouth shut choosing a man forcibly silenced as his patron saint is comedy in of itself. I do think that Ray chose Saint Raymond as his patron simply because of his name, that is quite common from my experience but I do think he grew to respect the man and ask for his intersession when needed. Sometimes, it takes time to truly appreciate your confirmation saint.

Janusz Wozniak and Saint John the Apostle (Evangelist):