Most professions have their own patron saint or several. Doctors, lawyers, greengrocers, waiters, bomb technicians, swordsmiths, accountants – you name it. Usually a
saint is chosen as a patron by a group because they either followed the
profession in question while they where alive, or because they exemplified some
virtue that is vital to the state in life of those who practice it.
So who is the Patron Saint of retail/customer service workers?
Apparently, we haven’t one.
We are an extensive group, but largely nameless – even our
very best efforts will never catapult us to fame - unknown but to our families
and God.
The problem seems to be that retail sales as it is practiced
today is a relatively modern invention. I have not been able to find a bio of a
saint who followed the profession for any length of time. (St. Frances of Assisi
is great, but he isn’t what I had in mind because he quit his father’s shop
rather dramatically.)
So who would be fitting for retail workers everywhere? Our
profession is extremely diverse and includes grocery store cashiers and Nordstrom’s
sales associates – requisite skills in all environments include smiling in the
face of disaster and putting up with stupid people while keeping a sense of
humor. The ability to answer the same question over and over without losing
your temper, and not punching stupid people. Standing on your feet all day and
smiling, and not punching stupid people. Also, not punching stupid people.
So I propose this:
“...and companions, Martyrs.”
You see, there is a vast army in heaven of people, normal
sorts of people, who died rather than give up their faith. In most countries,
when a persecution arose the tyrant du
jour would round up the missionaries and any of their converts they could
find and execute them. Frequently we know the name of the missionary but not
the names of all the converts, so they are listed as: St Charles Lwanga and
companions, Martyrs. Or: St Andrew Kim and companions, martyrs.
Large group of diverse people who understand suffering and
exemplify steadfastness and perseverance? check.
...and companions,
martyrs, pray for us!
