Day 9: Lino Rulli’s Saint

Servant Books, an imprint of Franciscan Media, is the publisher of not only Lino Rulli’s book, Sinner: The Catholic Guy’s Funny, Feeble Attempts to Be a Faithful Catholic, reviewed at the beginning of this year on this blog, but also the publisher of its sequel, Saint: Why I Should Be Canonized Right Away. Now, don’t let the title fool you. Was Lino trying to elevate himself to canonization while still living? No, not at all. 

Saint was another funny, truthful and encouraging read by The Catholic Guy, Lino Rulli. Interestingly, I thought that as opposed to Sinner, which describes the many instances Lino tries to achieve Sainthood, Saint would describe the more “triumphant” times. However, I was wrong. As a sequel to Sinner, Lino continues on his path to achieve sanctity in Saint. However, he does so with the help of the saints.

Like Sinner, Lino can tell stories in such a way that every Catholic can connect with. He does not display himself as a perfect human being. He is simply a radio show host of The Catholic Guy Show on Sirius XM and strives to achieve sanctity like any sincere Catholic would do. 

***Spoiler alert*** Lino has a special devotion to St. John Paul II, having met him, and now he can say he has shaken hands with a Saint (the book was published in 2013, a year before the Canonization of John Paul II) and he expresses so within the book. I am a little jealous! 

I like how the book has been divided up into 4 sections based on the stages of Canonization: Servant of God, Venerable, Blessed, Saint. 

Reading the book prompted me to think of my vocation to be a Saint. At every Canonization, we are reminded of that vocation, but many times, within my human frailty, I tend to go on the wrong path sometimes. But reading Saint assured me once again there are people in the shoes as me. 

On The Catholic Man’s Scale★★★★★     5/5

A very connectable read for me, a worthy book on your Catholic bookshelf as an inspirational and encouraging read. A perfect gift this Christmas. Why not pair it with Saint? 

Purchase Paperback, Audiobook of Saint from Franciscan Media. 

“Sometimes you chase me, Lord. Sometimes I chase you. But the only time I’ll quit running, the only time I will finally feel at peace, will be when I’m at home with you: there in heaven. That’s when I’ll truly be called a saint.” -Lino Rulli