A number of the pillars and heroes of social justice had bad habits that would've scandalized everyone if they were public knowledge. And yet their work in their earthly lives was so substantial, and they gave it so much passion and courage, that it is perfectly reasonable to call on them.
Others scandalized everyone while they were alive while still doing good work, and a few stout-hearted people call on them now that they have passed on; Rasputin, for instance.
Others became associated with criminal concerns for reasons that may or may not be based on actual events in their earthly life -- or they are associated with helping criminals because they help anyone whose life is often at risk; Jesus Malverde, for instance, who is called on not only by drug dealers and other criminals, but also by construction workers and others in dangerous lines of work. (I don't have a forum link for that one, sorry -- but an internet search will surely turn up something useful.)
Still others rose above their bad habits during their earthly life, and now we call on them to help us or our loved ones do the same; such as Matt Talbot.
- Working with Venerable Matt Talbot
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Good luck,
Miss Michaele