Who Is Great?

Pope St. Leo I is also known as Pope St. Leo the Great, and for good reason. His outstanding leadership during his 21 year pontificate, 440-461 A.D. dealt firmly with the heresies proposed by the Manichaeans and Monophysites as well as with the invasions of the Huns and the Vandals. His famous confrontation with Attila the Hun is not only the subject of a classic painting by Raphael but also shows his courage and the power of his personality. The second confrontation with Geneseric kept the Vandals from harming the citizens of Rome, despite a two-week "sacking". He unified the Church which had been disorganized by the migrations of various tribes from the East, and his sermons inspired true piety in the faithful. He shares the title, "The Great" with only one other Pope, Gregory VII, although there is a strong feeling among many contemporary Catholics, that Blessed Pope John Paul II might also be listed as "The Great". We lived through his pontificate and can bear witness to the scope of his influence as Shepherd, charismatic leader and inspiring writer and speaker. His influence on the young is still being felt as seminaries increase membership due to his example and exhortations.
But what about "The Great" among us? Those of our Marist Family of consecrated religious and devoted lay people, who volunteer for missionary work, or those who devote themselves seflessly to youth right under our noses...tutoring before or after school, bringing teams to tutor at the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club, or to serve meals at Cor Unum. None of these are looking for recognition or titles, but certainly they are in the same league, in my estimation, to these great popes. Two such "Greats" were acknowledged last night at the Boys and Girls club for their many years of devoted, quiet, persistent service to those in need, academically, physically, and above all, spiritually. Contratulations to Ricky Nault and Billy Robertson whose names now adorn the Wall of Fame at the club among 64 other "Greats". God bless them, everyone!
Bro. Rene