The Second Vatican Council teaches about the saints:
Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness... They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus... So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped.
It a monastic custom to each draw a saint to be our patron/guide throughout the new year. This year we have chosen to concentrate on modern saints who somehow related to the areas of the Ukraine and the Holy Land, that they may be intercessors for an end to the on-going violence that has captured our world.
A BLESSED CHRIST-FILLED YEAR TO ALL.
Above Icons: Kelly Latimore