“I know God can heal me, but if my death will give greater glory to the Father and is his will for me, then so be it.” The 33-year-old man of profound faith was at the end of his struggle with cancer. I’m ready,” Juan Carlos Reyes told Archbishop Samuel Aquila during a conversation in March earlier this year. Juan Carlos Reyes Photo by Anya Semenoff/Denver Catholic Although she can only write back once a year, her influence reaches far beyond the monastery walls. This June, Shelly celebrated her 25th anniversary of profession of vows, and was able to hug her family members - something that will not happen for another 25 years. Shelly rose to prominence as a star at Bishop Machebeuf High School and Villanova University before turning pro, yet this wouldn’t be enough to keep her from fulfilling her true desire - giving herself completely to Christ. Why would ESPN recently profile a woman who has been a cloistered nun for the last quarter-century? Because Sister Rose Marie was once Shelly Pennefather, the highest paid women’s basketball star in the world. READ: STEM shooting hero remembered for his unwavering kindness and faith Sister Rose Marie He will always be remembered for this heroic act of valor and self-sacrifice. He was the first to sign up to altar serve at funeral Masses and joyfully volunteered with his dad in the Knights of Columbus.

He grew up attending Notre Dame Catholic School in Denver and is remembered as a very helpful and active person at church.

He was 18 years old and just days away from graduating high school. Kendrick Castillo was a faithful, kind and caring individual whose life was cut short on May 7 when he heroically lunged toward a school shooter, giving his life to protect his friends. Who is exempt from the greatness of God? As these stories remind us, no matter our station or circumstance in life, we are all called to be heroes for Jesus Christ. The following are just a few of those innumerable stories out there inspiring us to ever greater heights of holiness. Throughout this year and in years past, the Denver Catholic publishes stories about those among us who are living lives of heroic virtue.

Heroes among us logo