How to Be a Catholic Hero
One of the reasons the latest batch of Star Wars films have not been well received is because the writers have twisted the classic hero character in two specific ways. First, they have created female heroes—now there is nothing wrong with a female protagonist— but the female protagonist in the Star Wars sequels behaves like a man. She is muscular, fit and fights like a fella. She grunts and swings her sword and punches above her weight. Something is wrong here. We don’t necessarily need the ladies to be dressed in ruffles and bows, but do we need them throwing their weight around like professional wrestlers?
In the meantime, the now aged hero of the story—Luke Skywalker—has been reduced to the shell of a hero. Hiding away on a distant island he has abdicated his role, lost his faith and has become a weak and pessimistic anti-hero.
Star Wars has become a cultural classic—a milestone in cinematic storytelling that revived the hero’s quest and gave a whole generation a renewed vision of what a hero really is. It’s a shame that the writers of the sequels felt they had to pull the rug out from that classic, time tested formula. Nevertheless, their iconoclastic attempts only serve to still show us the traits of a hero—even if it is by negative example.
So building on the Star Wars mythology—with some borrowing from the Bible—what can we learn about becoming a Catholic Hero? There are five steps in the story that show us what to do and who to be.
First, the hero is discovered in his Ordinary World.
This is his comfort zone—his home with friends and family. Luke lives on the farm on the planet of Tatooine with his aunt and uncle. St Peter is in Capernaum with his father, brother and friends in the family fishing business. Every hero is found in his home territory, but we also learn that he’s not totally at home there. The hero is restless. He feels there must be something more. He loves his family and friends, his comfort and security, but he has an inner yearning to go on an adventure—to set out on a quest. This inner restlessness wakes him up to the possibility of something more.
The second stage of the Hero’s adventure is to listen to that inner call.
What is it he wants to do? What is the right thing to do? Some event or crisis sparks this call and moves the vague restlessness into a focused ambition. Luke meets Obi-Wan. St. Peter meets Jesus. Both experience a specific call to get up and go—to embark on the quest.
Painting: Saint Peter in prayer, Matthias Stom, between 1633 and 1640
To be a Catholic hero we need to recognize these natural stages of development and align ourselves—learning to listen to the Lord calling us. Discerning that calling and learning to respond is what takes us on the first step of the heroic journey. As we do, we should remember that the calling becomes clearer as we respond in obedience. We take one step at a time and as we do, the next step opens up before us.
The third stage of the journey is painful. We resist the call.
Once we realize that the call will take us from our comfort zone we pull back. A sacrifice will be demanded. This is going to cost us something! It may cost us everything! Furthermore, we feel unprepared and unworthy. How can I do this!? I’m only a weak and sinful person! I’m untrained! I’m unskilled! I’m ignorant! I can’t do this. I won’t do this. Unfortunately, this is where too many potential Catholic heroes stumble and fall. They drop out not realizing that this questioning of the call is just one of the necessary steps. The Catholic hero, on the other hand, realizes the refusal of the call is necessary even if painful.
This third stage is vitally important because, while it feels bad, it means we are taking the call seriously. I have heard that seminary rectors, religious superiors and vocation directors are wary of any man who seems too fervent and enthusiastic about his religious calling. The ones who question and have doubts are the ones who are thinking it through and are most serious about the call.
The fourth element required is the mentor.
The mentor in the great stories is often the wise old man with a long beard, but the mentor could be any wise friend, helper, teacher or guide. Luke had Obi Wan. Peter had Jesus. The examples could be multiplied in many ways in many stories.
Painting: Christ Giving the Keys to St. Peter, Peter Paul Rubens, c 1612–1614
The reason this stage marks the hero is because the hero is humble. He doesn’t stand completely on his own. He realizes he needs support, help and guidance. In the spiritual life this may be through a particular religious tradition like the Franciscans, Jesuit or Benedictine paths or it may simply happen by belonging to a vibrant parish with a good pastor. At this stage the hero’s confidence grows because he is getting the training and knowledge he needs to go on the heroic journey.
These stages are vital for any kind of journey through life. Whether it is a call to the priesthood, the religious life or the married vocation, one needs to wake up in the ordinary world, hear the call, refuse the call, meet the mentor then step out in faith.
The step of faith is the next stage. The Catholic hero is a man of faith and courage. At this point the hero is ready for the commitment. Now with a sense of excitement and joy he moves forward. With the support of his mentor and with the power and grace of God the Catholic hero can tackle the tasks God has in store for him.
So from these five stages we can discern five character traits necessary for the Catholic hero.
He is not content with the comforts of the ordinary worldly life.
He has a higher calling.
He has a curious intellect — engaging in the call with proper questions.
He relies on the mentorship of the great tradition.
He is a man of faith — trusting God to provide the new step and all things necessary.
Fr Dwight Longenecker is the author of The Way of the Wilderness Warrior and over twenty other books. Follow him on Twitter-X and on his website: dwightlongenecker.com
