After this I had a vision of a great multitude, which no one could count, from every nation, race, people, and tongue. They stood before the throne and before the Lamb, wearing white robes and holding palm branches in their hands. They cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation comes from* our God, who is seated on the throne, and from the Lamb.” (Rev 7:9-10)

Today, the Universal Church celebrates the Solemnity of All Saints. The saints are our role models of authentic Christian living. Inspired by St. Clare of Assisi, our patroness, let us reflect on three H’s that can guide us toward sainthood: (1) Health, (2) Holiness, and (3) Happiness. All three are gifts from God, entrusted to us to nurture and share with others.

The First H: Health. Our health is a gift from God, and our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. We are called to care for ourselves with gratitude, not vanity. Although we cannot always enjoy good health, we can still find God’s presence and grace in sickness and suffering.

St. Clare spent twenty-nine of her forty years as abbess suffering from illness. Yet she remained joyful because she was serving the Lord. She reminds us that even when we cannot control our health, we can always entrust our lives to God.

The Second H: Holiness. Holiness is not reserved for the saints we see in our churches; it is the calling of every Christian. We grow in holiness through daily prayer, acts of kindness, forgiveness, humility, and sacrifice. We do not need to be perfect; we need to let God work through us.

St. Clare called herself a “little plant” of St. Francis. Rooted in prayer and the Eucharist, she lived the Gospel with courage, embraced poverty and humility, and cared deeply for her sisters. Her life reminds us that holiness grows through faithful love and wholehearted devotion to God.

The Third H: Happiness. Everyone desires happiness, but true happiness cannot be found in wealth, success, or possessions alone. It comes from knowing God's love, loving one another, and living in peace with God and our neighbors.

St. Clare left the comfort of her home to give herself completely to God. She devoted her life to prayer, service, and what she called the “privilege of poverty.” Her example teaches us that lasting happiness is found not in what we possess, but in how faithfully we love and serve the Lord.

In reality, we may not always have good health, and holiness does not mean a life without suffering. Yet in every circumstance, we can trust God, grow in holiness, and find joy in His presence. So today, let us ask ourselves:

• Health: Am I caring for the life God has entrusted to me?
• Holiness: Am I growing in faith, love, and virtue?
• Happiness: Am I seeking true joy in God rather than in worldly things?

May God bless us with the health we need, the grace to grow in holiness, and the wisdom to discover true happiness in His love, so that one day we may join all the Saints and Angels in singing His praises forever.

Have a blessed Solemnity of All Saints!

Hail Mary full of grace…
St. Clare of Assisi, pray for us.

Peace in Christ,
Fr. Vincent-Vương Nguyễn
St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church
Houston, TX