Saints for Hospitality: Living the Charism of Welcoming Others

Welcome to another episode of Charisms for Catholics! Hosted by Jill Simons, the executive director of Many Parts Ministries, this podcast is dedicated to helping Catholics discern their unique spiritual gifts—also known as charisms. In today’s episode, we explore the charism of hospitality and highlight the lives of several saints who exemplified this beautiful gift.

The Essence of Hospitality

Hospitality, as Jill Simons explains, is far more than simply inviting someone into your home. It’s about making others feel truly welcomed and at ease, as Christ would. This charism often involves meeting physical needs—such as providing food, clothing, or shelter—but its deeper purpose lies in creating an environment of peace and comfort through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

For those who feel called to this charism, the lives of saints who embodied hospitality can serve as powerful examples and sources of inspiration.

Saints for Hospitality: Models of Welcoming Love

Throughout history, several saints have demonstrated the charism of hospitality in extraordinary ways. Here are three saints whose lives reflect the essence of this spiritual gift:

St. Meinrad: The Patron of Welcoming

St. Meinrad is a shining example of the charism of hospitality. Known for his generosity, he welcomed travelers into his hermitage, offering them food, shelter, and comfort. Tragically, St. Meinrad was murdered by two men he had provided for, but his legacy of selfless hospitality endures. His life reminds us that true hospitality knows no bounds and often requires great personal sacrifice.St. Meinrad’s story challenges us to welcome others with open hearts, even when it may come at a cost. His example is a testament to the transformative power of hospitality in building the Kingdom of God.

St. Julian the Hospitaller: Radical Charity

St. Julian the Hospitaller, whose very name reflects his charism, is another powerful hospitality model. Known for building an inn and a hospital for the poor, Julian’s life was marked by radical charity. One of the most striking moments in his story is when he welcomes a leper into his own bed—only to discover that the leper is an angel in disguise. This moment underscores the biblical teaching that whatever we do for the least of our brethren, we do for Christ. St. Julian’s life exemplifies the inclusiveness and selflessness that the charism of hospitality calls for, inspiring us to see Christ in every person we encounter.

St. Martha of Bethany: A Misunderstood Model

St. Martha of Bethany is often remembered for her frustrated plea to Jesus while her sister Mary sat listening to Him. However, far from being a negative example, Martha represents the diligence and care involved in hospitality. Jesus’ response to her wasn’t a rebuke but a reminder that both she and Mary were performing vital, albeit different, roles. Martha’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment for Jesus and her guests makes her a compelling model for those with the charism of hospitality. Her story reminds us that hospitality is not just about physical service but also about balancing action with contemplation.

Living the Charism of Hospitality Today

In this episode, guest Theresa Zoe Williams shares personal anecdotes about her mother, a modern-day Martha, who seamlessly integrated hospitality into her daily life. Despite worrying that her house wasn’t clean enough, her mother consistently welcomed guests, offering them a place to stay and making them feel at home. This real-life example highlights that while not everyone may possess the supernatural charism of hospitality, we are all called to practice it in some way.Jill Simons emphasizes that discerning your charisms can profoundly shape your faith journey. If the charism of hospitality resonates with you, look to saints like Meinrad, Julian, and Martha for inspiration. Their lives demonstrate how this gift can manifest in extraordinary yet deeply human ways.

Finding Your Path: Saints for Hospitality as Guides

The saints for hospitality offer us timeless examples of how to live out this charism in our daily lives. Whether it’s through welcoming strangers, providing for the needs of others, or simply creating a space of peace and comfort, hospitality is a powerful way to reflect Christ’s love to the world.If you haven’t started your journey to discern your own charisms, Many Parts Ministries offers free resources and a charism assessment to help you begin. Visit their website to download a comprehensive guide to all 24 charisms and take the first step in your discernment journey.

Conclusion: Welcoming Others with Open Hearts

Thank you for joining us this week on Charisms for Catholics. May the stories of these saints for hospitality inspire you to welcome others with open hearts and open hands. Whether you’re called to serve through small acts of kindness or larger missions of hospitality, embracing this charism can transform lives—starting with your own.