What is common in St. Francis, St. Michael, St. Matthew, San Lorenzo Ruiz and Padre Pio?

There are a lot of commonalities that we can see in saints. But for these five saints whose feasts are celebrated closely everyday these coming days, we can mention at least two commonalities.

First, they are called to suffer. Though only San Lorenzo Ruiz is a martyr, all of them shared in the suffering of Christ. St. Francis and Padre Pio had both stigmata. St. Michael fought against the devil. St. Matthew was criticized by the Pharisees and was considered as a sinner by many.

Second, they chose to be poor. All of these four saints discarded the life of wealth and plenty. With the exception of course of St. Michael who is an archangel. Saints Matthew, Francis and Padre Pio are known as saints of the poor as they lived a life of self-denial.

In a world of convenience and wealth, these saints are our inspiration. Are we willing to suffer for the sake of the good, the truth and the right? Are we willing to surrender what we consider as wealth for the benefit of many?