June 29, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, June 29

SS. PETER AND PAUL, Apostles

Acts 12: 1-11

2 Tm 4: 6-18

Mt. 16: 13-19

Pray for the Pope that he may accomplish his task in a holy manner, but also find correspondence and docility in his sheep.  How many oppose his teachings or look for excuses to accuse him! (APD 1961, 134).

Fr. Tom: And what would Fr. Alberione write today?  Would he even credit the disintegration of the Church, of the family, of society? And the sad thing is that all of us—formed by the media—are getting used to heresy!

Please Pray for Our Deceased:SR. Candida M. ‘Tartaglione FSP (1972)—Marie Adelaide Antonion IAM (1973)—Sr. M. Purissima Accenas FSP (1981)—Fr. Jesus Fuente SSP (1986)—Fr. Patrick Pennisi SSP (1990)—Vera Stracciati HFI (1991)—Sr. M. Giuseppina Iezzoni FSP (1998)—Sr. M. Giovannina Gramaglia PD (2009)—Sr. M. Immaculada Garcia PD (2010)—Luigi Genova HFI (2010)

June 28, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, June 28

ST. IRENAEUS, Bishop

2 Kings 24: 8-17

Mt. 7: 21-29

The habit of mediating is the secret of holiness: to imitate Our Lady “who meditated all these things in her heart.” (VMC 861)

Fr. Tom: We have had various commentaries by the Founder on this practice and these make us think—which is precisely “meditating”.  But we don’t have to tire ourselves reflectin on things we already know but can turn immediately to what we call “conversation with Christ”.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Teresina Dadone PD (1989)—Sr. M. Rachele Pasini FSP (1994)—Sr.M Celeste Di Girolamo FSP (1994)—Sr. M. Speranza Valenzuela FSP (1997)—Sr. Sira Borghetti FSP (2001)—Bro Matteo Toffani SSP (2003)

June 27, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, June 27

ST. CYRIL OF ALEXANDRIA, Bishop, Doctor

2 Kings 22: 8-13, 23: 1-3

Mt. 7: 15-20

To work in the apostolate is a duty, but we absolutely must give first place to prayer and especially to the Visit to the Blessed Sacrament (VMC 857).

Fr. Tom: How clear the Founder has been on this point!  How often he repeated himself.  Well he knew that for the average member, the attraction of the activity (and today, unfortunately, the attraction of parish activity is always very strong.  We need faith in the Divine Master, lots of it!

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Severina Pellerino FSP (1981)—Sr.  Rosa Capozzoli FSP (1997)—Fr. Angelo Castellotto SSP (2006)—Fr. Felipe Del Valle SSP (2010)

June 26, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, June 26

OF THE DAY

2 Kings 19: 9b-11, 14-21, 31-35a, 36

Mt. 7: 6, 12-14

Zeal, which is not combined with science and sanctity cannot save souls (FSP p202).

Fr. Tom: Quite right,  but at least it gets things done!  It would be beter if we were all saints but, until that happens, let’s do something to promote some aspect of the Pauline Family’s work.  And especially let’s look politely, prudently, but persistently for new people.  Let’s not take refuge in prayer just because we have had a number of refusals!

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Fr. Antonio IJP (1988)—Sr. M. Angiola Pecorelli PD (1994)—Carmelo Caramazza HFI (2002)—Sister Hilda Eva Breve SG (2007)—Concettea Arcione HFI (2009)—Bro Luigi Montanaro SSP (2010)—Ralph Dorsey Johnson (1991).

June 25, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, June 25

OF THE DAY

2 Kings 17: 5-8, 13-15, 18

Mt. 7: 1-5

The person who truly loves Jesus visits Him and adores Him in the holy Tabernacle, thanks Him and makes reparation…Jesus speaks to the soul and communicates His desires and love (BM p. 380).

Fr. Tom: His “desires and His love”?  Possibly, but first He wants our desires and our love meaning fidelity to our duties and our prayer life.  To “feel good” at or after the Visit is and “extra”, but the main thing is to do it, no matter how we feel (and of course, if our duties allow us the time to do it.)

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Ancilla Viola FSP (1998)—SR. Erminia Richelmi FSP (2002)—Sr. M. Bernardetta D’Angelo PD (2002)—Fr. Enea Spinosa IJP (2007)—Julio Zicari HFI (2008)—Leda Di Tommaso HFI (2009)

June 24, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, June 24

NATIVITY OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

Is 49: 1-6

Act. 13: 22-26

Lk. 1:57-80

With the Visit we can acquire a supernatural foundation which affects all we do, a spiritual generosity in our activity and a deep feeling that God is with us (VMC 854).

Fr. Tom: True, but it must be a true “Visit” or meeting with our Friend and our Brother, so we can actually converse with the Lord, tell Him our troubles and ask for help.  This help will come – though not necessarily in the way we asked for.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Lorenzina Layog FSP (1991)—Sr. Ginetta Pisola SGBP (1997)—Fr. Ottavio Cauli IJP (2002)—Paola Ninivaggi IAM (2009)

June 24 - The Nativity of John the Baptist

 A different birthday

June 24 - The Nativity of John the Baptist

When we speak of a Saint's birthday we normally mean the day he was "born" to eternal life in Paradise - the day of his death, in other words. But John is different. His coming was foretold to his father, Zechariah, he was born of an old woman, and he not only was the forerunner of the Messiah but for many of those who heard him, he was the Messiah everyone was expecting! Quite a personality!

The First Reading is not about John but about the real Messiah - Jesus. But, in a way, it might be. The Sundays of Advent show us the commanding figure of the Precursor, striding along the banks of the Jordan river, calling on the people to repent. . . and getting a very appreciative response. It was a heart-warming experience and John might have been forgiven for taking the compliments paid to him. But he was too great for that." I am NOT the Messiah you expect," he said. " In fact I am not fit to stoop down and tie his shoe- laces"

The Responsorial Psalm as usual confirms the message in the Reading. The Lord is in charge of everything but in a loving way, not as a taskmaster. Apart from references to John the Baptist and the Messiah, we can make this Psalm part of our regular prayers.

The Second Reading finds Luke quoting our holy Patron . The incident occurred in one of Paul's early  speeches in a local Jewish synagogue during his first missionary journey. Paul is giving an outline of Jewish religious history up to and including John the Baptist. Up to that point everyone agrees with him. After that point - which is just hinted at here - he loses his audience as he begin to speak about Jesus. No surprise. Here was a smart young Rabbi, the synagogue leaders would have said (and did everywhere Paul went) who is preaching heresy. And they ran him out of town - more than once. So we have a Patron who understands our failure to preach the Good News of the Institute!

Finally, the Gospel describes the special events surrounding the birth of John. One point that has often been made is: why did they "make signs" to ask Zachary for the child's name? He had been struck dumb in the Temple when the angel appeared to tell him the great news. There is no indication that he was deaf. Whatever about that - one of the questions the Scripture experts like to write books about! - the child was called "John" and the neighbors were suitably impressed and the word spread far and wide: "What will this child be?" Very true, but. . . can we not say something similar about every child? ALL OF US, believe it or not, are special, with a special role in life and a special destiny. God does not massproduce. No one comes into the world just to add to the numbers but with a job to do and especially the "job" of preparing for  Paradise. So I ask myself, I ask you, how are we doing our jobs?

~ Concord June 2012

June 23, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, June 23

OF THE DAY

BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, on Saturday

2 Chronicles 24: 17-25

Mt 6: 24-34

Let the Christian look first for the kingdom of God and holiness, then a moderate care of his health…and God will provide for both (BM 640).

Fr. Tom: This sounds like a recipe for success… if we can get the ingredients in the right mix.  But how hard that is.  If you knew you were to die soon, would you spend hours in church…or continue with your usual lifestyle?

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Fr. Domenico Sparacio SSP (2001)—Sr. Luisa Zambotti FSP (2007)

We Are Catholics

June 22, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, June 22

OF THE DAY

St. Paulinas of Nola, Bishop, John Fischer, Bishop, and Thomas More, Martyr

2 Kings 11: 1-4, 9-18

Mt 6: 19-23

Greedy people make an end of what should be a means – making their first priority the good things of the earth and failing to remember or love or search for God and Paradise (BM 641).

Fr. Tom: Rather severe in our case, I think. Is there even ONE among us who can be accused of this. Surely not.  But we can all fall into a minor version of this error, so let’s see where we stand.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Bro. Bernardo Blasi SSP (1968)—SR. Anselmo Vico SSP (1983)—Vincenzo Inbrunnone HFI (2002)—Marie Halcomb (1984)

June 21, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, June 21

ST. ALOYSIUS GONZAGA

Sir 48: 1-14

Mt 6: 7-15

Ask for sanctity, the grace to do the will of God. Let this be the central request of every prayer (RSP  p. 135).

Fr. Tom: What can I add to this?  It could not be more releveant.  EVERYTHING done according to the will of God is good.  Nothing outside that will is useful, even  if not bad.  Do you examine yourself on this point?  Do I?  Let’s see…

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Cleric Salvatore Murabito SSP (1936)—Fr. Federico Muzzarelli SSP (1956)—Fr. Giulio Molinari SSP (1965)—Fr. Michele Cazzulo SSP (1985)—Sr. M. Pierina Petrucci PD (1988)—Sr. Gioacchina Pasqualetti FSP (1980)—Fr. Vincenzo Siletti SSP (2000).

June 20, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, June 20

OF THE DAY

2 Kngs 2: 1, 6-14

Mt 6: 1-6, 16-18

The sign of sanctity will always be humility, for sanctity means seeking the glory of God; the proud person seeks his own glory (RSP. p. 320).

Fr. Tom: And so often we have to stop and ask:  WHY am I doing this?  Am I trying to do it better each time?  Am I trying to make a good impression?  Am I jealous of you who seem impression?  Am I jealous of you who seem to be doing it much better—do I even question your motives? Am I discouraged because nothing I do succeeds?  Plenty of questions…and no easy answers!

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Agnesina Catone PD (1969)—Bro Gabriele Priori SSP (1996)—Msgr Vittorio Ottaviani IJP (1998)—Sr. M. Evangeline Basc Cabello PD (2000)—Sr. M. Natalina Spada FSP (2003)—Provvidenza Dai Pre’ FSP (2007)—Fr. Antonio Cerrone IJP (2009)—Matteo Pozzato HFI (2009)—Salvador Loera (1968)

June 19, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, June 19

OF THE DAY

St. Romauld, Abbot

1 Kngs 21: 17-19

Mt 5: 43-48

The perfection of the heavenly Father is reflected in Jesus Christ:  He is the Master of virtue, of sanctity, of perfection (APPDM).

Fr. Tom: Some One interesting point in this connection is that our Divine Master was not seen as a Master of virtue in His lifetime: rather the opposite. Does this mean that you and I may be more virtuous than people think we are?  Or, more likely, less virtuous than we think we are?  Interesting question.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Filippina Badanelli FSP (1938)—Fr. Ettore Diamantini SSP (1981)—Deolinda Coelho Malheiro IAM (1984)—Sr. Filippina Maria Santella FSP (1989)—Alberto Tallevi HFI (1990_- Sr. Elisa Sulpizio FSP (1993)—Bro Tarcisio Monticone SSP (1994)—Sr. Marina Gobbo FSP (2000)—Sr. Marcelina Apdue FSP (2004).

June 18, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, June 18

OF THE DAY

1 Kngs 21: 1-1 6

Mt 5: 38-42

The person who allows himself to be dominated by passion—whatever it may be—can arrive at excesses and eventually eternal loss (BM p. 582).

Fr. Tom: Some You and I are possibly not dominated by any passion or weakness but – speaking for myself—I am slowed down in my journey into eternity.  So what about praying for each other so e can move faster?  Every day I pray for the members’ physical health, but also for an increase of fervor.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Maria Fresco FSP (1992)—Sr. Teresina Veglio FSP (1999)—Sr. M. Bibiana Ravina PD (1999)—Sr. M. Egidia Vitale FSP (2000)—Bro Giuseppe Epaminonda SSO (2003)—Adele Cocchieri HFI (2008)—Florence Candela (1934)

Happy Father's Day 2012

Happy Father's Day to all the Dads, Soon to be Dads, God-fathers, and Priests out there.  In honor of these great men, I decided to share this e-mail I received.  God bless and have a wonderful day.

Every child needs a dad they can count on. Dad is someone who can inspire, guide and protect you in every walks of your life. He is someone who loves you for who you are. Dad's are strict and tough on the inside but soft and mellow from inside. Dad's play a very significant role in every child's life. 

A good dad is hard to find. A good dad is one inspiring male figure in your life. He passed on his wisdom and knowledge to you through his words and actions. He is responsible. He is your pillar of strength. He gives you courage. He holds the family together in every crisis and will always stand by you as one strong pillar in life's tough situations as long as he's alive. He has watched you take baby steps, literally! 

 There is a saying that, "Any man can be a father, but it takes a special person to be a dad".. This is so true! 

                                              

                                             A father is a source of strength,

                                                      A teacher & a guide,

                                                The one his family looks up to

                                                 With loving trust & pride. . .

                                                       A father is a helper

                                                  With a willing hand to lend,

                                                      A partner, an advisor,

                                                  And the finest kind of friend.

A Father means so many things...

A understanding heart,

A source of strength and of support

Right from the very start.

A constant readiness to help

In a kind and thoughtful way.

With encouragement and forgiveness

No matter what comes your way.

A special generosity and always affection, too

A Father means so many things

When he's a man like you...

A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society --Billy Graham, Christian Evangelist

It is not flesh and blood but the heart which makes us fathers and sons --Johann Schiller

One father is more than a hundred Schoolmasters --George Herbert

The father who does not teach his son his duties is equally guilty with the son who neglects them --Confucius

I cannot think of any need in childhood as strong as the need for a father's protection --Sigmund Freud

And may the example of St Joseph inspire you to care for your family every day of your life. --j

Oldies...But Goodies

Oldies... but goodies!

June 17 - 11^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The note of growth is very obvious in today's liturgy. We find it in the First Reading which anticipates - so to speak - the words of the Master in the Gospel. In years past we could probably have identified with the  words "majestic cedar" and have pointed proudly to the impressive Catholic Church Today we have to eat humble pie and identify to a large extent with the "withered tree." It is a difficult time for all of us but the Divine Master has not changed nor has he lost his power. All we have to do is return to him The problem for millions is to do just that. Every day we must pray for those who have left the Church and, unfortunately, may die in that situation leaving grave doubts about their eternal destiny.

The Responsorial Psalm responds to the positive element in the Reading. An interesting line is " They shall bear fruit even in old age." Perhaps we don't appreciate growing old. It is, of course, a time of physical and mental decline but spiritually it is really - or should be- the time of the harvest, the time when all those prayers and sufferings over the years are there to be presented to the Lord. This should be our dominant  thought as the years pile up: the spirit has no age and if we could see ourselves as God sees us we might be pleasantly surprised!

The Second Reading confirms the thought in the Psalm.The body is not to be despised but rather esteemed as the instrument through which we serve the Lord. St. Paul says: " We walk by faith, not by sight." It is  sometimes difficult to decide if we have accomplished anything spiritually or have just gone blindly from day  to day. Certainly, in the Institute, if we live our commitment, each day is spent in the best possible way and that is the great consolation of membership and the great reason why we should constantly try to share our gift with others.

In the Gospel, the Master follows his usual method: he takes examples from his hearers' everyday lives. We  human beings have energy and talents and God will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. So - to speak of the Church ( and the Institute) - we must "scatter seed on the land" but then trust in the Lord to make it grow. So our work to promote the Institute should be preceded by prayer, accompanied by prayer as we make this contact or that, and then followed by prayer. Moreover we should continually "sow." There is a tendency to get discouraged - very understandable but not very apostolic. All we have to do is SOW.  What happens after that is mostly out of our control. But . . . let's CONTINUE SOWING! We are not contemplatives but sons and daughters of St.Paul who traveled all over as much of his world as he could reach.. And, like our divine Master, he was not very successful at the time. But look what happened. His  churches" have all disappeared except in the island of Malta, but his Letters will be read and admired till the end of the world.

~ Concord June 2012

June 17, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, June 17

ELEVENTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Ez: 17: 22-24

2 Cor 5: 6-10

Mk 4: 26-34

Spend your life well.  Some have strange fantasies about life:  Let’s look at the reality:  life is for heaven (RSP p. 55).

Fr. Tom: Some have fantasies?  It would be more correct to say that some see things properly. Was there not a time when YOU had ‘fantasies?  Was there not a time when I had fantasies?  Of course. In my case up to the middle of my 22^nd year.  When did your fantasies get straightened out?

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Andreina Messa PD (1988)—Sr. Corradina Mariotti FSP (1995)—Sr. M. Esdra Bianchi FSP (1999)—Fr. Carlo Bagatta SSP (2006)—Hugho Carlos Barradas HFI (2006)—Gaetano Butera HFI (2007)—Sr. Anna Maria De Simone FSP (2009)—George Mosebarger (1988)—Justina Quinto (1969)

June 16, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, June 16

THE IMMACULATE HEART OF THE MOST BLESSED VIRGIN MARY

Is: 61: 9-11

Lk. 2: 41-51

Mary looks at our heart: is it searching for God, united to God, detached from anything displeasing to God? (BM p 406)

Fr. Tom: A high standard indeed – can’t speak for you, but I don’t reach it.  But… how do we know?  Maybe we’re further on than we think?  How do you rate yourself?  How do you rate me? (Don’t answer that!).

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Lina Zoppi FSP (1985)—Sr. M. Olga Ambros FSP (1997)—Sr. Beniamina M Miletta FSP (2001)—Teresa Cepa HFI (2006)—Sr. Beatrice Censi SGBP (2007)—Sr. M. Giuliana Dalese FSP (2009)—Sr. Faustna Giaretta Parodi FSP (2010).

June 15, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, June 15

THE MOST SACRED HEART OF JESUS

Hos: 11: 1-9

Eph: 3: 8-19

Jn. 19: 31-37

WORLD DAY FOR PRIESTLY HOLINESS

If we have sufficient piety we will have God’s blessing on our studies and our apostolate. We will live orderly lives, administering our affairs correctly and calling down the blessing of God on us and our families (VMC 829).

Fr. Tom: But what piety?  Ours!  The Jesuits follow St. Ignatius. The Franciscans follow St. Francis.  The Dominicans follow St. Dominic…So Alberione?

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Luigia Nizzardi FSP (1986)—Fr. Pietro Ciccioli IJP (1988)—Sr. Giulia Culasso FSP (1992)—Sr. M. Fausta Bossi FSP (1994)—Sr. M. Sebastiana Gallinaro PD (1996)—Bro. Luca Speranza SSP (1998)—Fr. Corrado Santi SSP (1999)—Edward McParland (2005).

June 14, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, June 14

OF THE DAY

1 Kings: 18: 41-46

Mt. 5: 20-26

Jesus wants us to pardon offenses and declares openly that God does not accept the offerings of a vindictive heart (BM 623-4).

Fr. Tom: Great thought, but how difficult to put into practice!  Any hop;e for you and me? Well, yes, let’s distinguish always between our feelings and what we do or say.  The Lord looks at our goodwill (and of course, at how we manifest it).  The exam could also include a line on how we reacted to A, B or C and – if properly—list it as a “victory”.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Ven. Canon Francesco Chiesa (1946)—Fr. Mario Gandolfi, SSP (1997)—Albina Furfaro HFI (2004)—Sr. Sebastiana Careglio FSP—Generoso Tarlit (2003)—Anna Menella (2006)

June 13, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, June 13

ST. ANTHONY OF PADUA, Priest, Doctor

1 Kings: 18: 20-39

Mt. 5: 17-19

The person who lives well and at the same time teaches well, deserves a double reward (SP Jan 1951).

Fr. Tom: That seems obvious, but it is in fact, rather difficult to find the combination in any/one, even Paulines. For example…YOU! A good person surely, but a “Teacher” viz. seeking other Pauline “pupils”…”

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Bonifacia Del Bene PD (1960)—Sr. M. Teresa Raffa PD (1984)—Fr. Leonard Minervini IJP (1985)—Sr. M. Vittoria Pigato FSP (1988)—Sr. M. Giovanna Rondinelli (1990)—Sr. Luiza Yamada FSP (1995_-- Sr. M. Immacolatina Turrina FSP (1995)—Sr. M. Lourdes DAlle Molle SGBP (2006)—Steve Candela (1918)—David Slovacek (2003)

June 12, 2012 With Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, June 12

OF THE DAY

1 Kings: 17: 7-16

Mt. 5: 13-16

Good example is like salt that dissolves and spreads, preserving, giving flavor and makint the Christian life easy (BM 321).

Fr. Tom: I thought I had heard it all from our Founder, butt his is an interesting comment—and for me, a new one.  We usually hear of “yeast” having a marked effect on its surroundings without specifying that the “yeast” might be.  Now we have a clue!  All that remains ios to put Fr. Alberione’s words into practice.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Elsa de Jesus Marins IAM (1980)—Diega Augello IAM (1993)—Sr. Magherita M. Corini FSP (1997)—Sr. M. Vincenza Ferrero PD (1998)—SR. Alessia Gianotti FSP (2001)—Dorothy Linebgarger (2010)

June 11, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, June 11

ST. BARNABAS, Apostle

Acts 11: 21-26

Mt. 10: 7-13

All the “great’ men in the world!  They are really so small!  Or are great because they do great harm instead of being of benefit to society, to the world, to humanity. The only truly “grand” person was the Divine Master! (VMC 798).

Fr. Tom: don’t we all know this?  And yet we are sometimes not ashamed to run after people whose value—on the Founder’s terms—is extremely limited. Or read up on their lives and accomplishments. And often without a thought that these may be saturate with mortal sine…Let’s say a sincere prayer for them?

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Felicita Dogliani FSP (1937)—Sr. M. Lorenzina Aristi FSP (1985)—Sr. M. Rosa Savioli PD (1998)—Sr. M. Rosaria Paolicelli FSP (2009)—SR. M. Concetta Dall’Inga FSP (2010)—Sr. M. Bernarda Potrich FSP (2011)

The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

June 10 - The Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

This great devotion goes back to the twelfth century. It was not forgotten that the Eucharist is a sacrifice but  the focus was on the Real Presence and of the need to pay the Divine Master special attention in splendid surroundings. One reason for this trend was the relative severity of penitential discipline which (in a very different age from our superficial and sinful one) prevented some from receiving Communion, so much so that there were those who went from church to church just to be present at the Elevation. On the other hand the Church in this period had to contend with doubts about the reality of Christ's presence in the  Blessed Sacrament. All this led to the institution of today's great Feast.

The First Reading brings us back to the Old Testament where Moses sacrifices young bulls, reads aloud the book of the covenant and sprinkles the people with the blood of the sacrifice. It is not difficult to see in this passage a parallel with our Eucharist today. We, too, read "the book of the covenant" i.e. the Gospel which records the "covenant" or agreement God made with His People through His Son. and we receive the Body and Blood of Christ. An interesting point here are the words of Consecration: "this is the chalice of my blood, the blood of the new and eternal covenant." God made his Covenant or Agreement with the chosen People, appointing an individual as a go-between. Each of these died and another was chosen. Then came Jesus and the Covenant made with him - and sealed with his blood - is eternal, because he will never die.

The Responsorial Psalm is a little different from the usual. We would expect it to confirm the First Reading whereas it is really more geared to the Gospel. However it's general tone and relevance are obvious.

The Second Reading speaks about the Holy of Holies the tent containing the presence of God, which accompanied the Israelites on their desert journey for forty years and even later, and which the High Priest  entered once a year to perform sacrifice. The Reading says that Christ made use of, so to speak, his own body as the real Tent and his own blood as a sacrifice and through this "tent" entered heaven at his death. (His Ascension was simply a gesture for our benefit but on Calvary he completed his sacrifice). As a result he is now the new and eternal Mediator -between his Father and humanity

The Sequence makes a number of points: a) the glory of Christ who by his Passion and Death replaces the sacrifices of the Old Law; b) at the Last Supper the Lord gave us his Body and Blood under the appearances of bread and wine and when we receive him he does not undergo any lessening and is not harmed by being received by people in mortal sin ( very likely in our time, unfortunately). Sadly, the people will feel the effect if they die in that state.

The Gospel is chosen because it also underlines the aspect of "covenant" and includes detail about the preparation for the Passover and of the room where meal will be eaten. It also contains the lines: " this is my blood of the covenant which will be shed for many."

~ June 2012 Concord

June 10, 2010 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, June 10

THE MOST HOLY BODY AND BLOOD OF CHRIST

Ex 24: 3-8

Heb 9: 11-15

Mk. 14: 12-26

The cult of the Eucharist is the center of all religion and it gives sacred warmth to all the functions.  All functions go back to the Eucharist like the rays of the Monstrance (BM 432).

Fr. Tom: Undoubtedly, but how much disrespect and lack of reverence surrounds the Eucharist in our time!  How unworthy so many people may well be!  How little thanksgiving—if any—afterward.  And are we priests free of blame in this connection?  No, we also have our faults unfortunately. Pray for us!

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Celeste FAlletti PD (1980)—Sr. M. Giovanna Zannoni PD (1996)—Sr. M. Teresa Orgas FSP (2000)—Sr. Casimira Golin FSP (2002)—Sr. Mary Grace Lopes PD (2008)—Sr. M. Gabriella Cambielli FSP (2009)—Sr. Elisea Scarpa FSP (2010).

Saturday, June 9

OF THE DAY

St. Ephrem, deacon, doctor of the Church

2 Tm 4: 1-8

Mk. 12: 38-44

Give everything to God—this is holiness.  The Divine Master praised the woman who had given 2 small coins because they were all she had (UPS I 84-84).

Fr. Tom: At the end of his days, Fr. Alberione most certainly practiced this recommendation:  physically and in every other way.  Will your and I do the same?  Let’s pray for each other!

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Emanuella Arini FSP (1934)—Anna Candileno IAM (1985)—Sr. Maria Delpiano FSP (1987)—Sr. M. Arcangela Severino FSP (1995)—Cosima Capoccia HFI (2002)—Emma Atzori IAM (2003)—Sr. Cecilia Virano FSP (2007)—Sr. M. Natalina Sanson FSP (2009)

June 8, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and Father Tom

Friday, June 8

OF THE DAY

2 Tm 3: 10-17

Mk. 12: 35-37

Abstain!  Leave what pleases your senses. That was the sin of Adam and Eve__ they were not able to say ‘no’. (VMC 795)

Fr. Tom: Easier said than done, isn’t it?  Perhaps we not overly-strong people can content ourselves with bearing patiently the many daily challenges we face?  And these days they are really MANY.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Margherita Caporaletti FSP (1948)—Sr. M. Agostina Pili FSP (1978)—Sr. M. Agata Bernardini FSP (1983)—Sr. M. Teresa Ragusa SGBP (1984)—Sr. M. Raffaella Kothumpuchira FSP (2001)—Sr. M. Carmine Castellana FSP (2005)—Fr. Antonio Speciale SSP (2011)

June 7, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, June 7

OF THE DAY

First Thursday of the month—The Angel Guardians

2 Tm 2: 8-15

Mk. 12: 28-34

There is just one charity, on e virtue but with two objects: loving God for Himself and our neighbor for the love of God (BM 647).

Fr. Tom: “Love is also—and perhaps normally—and action of the WILL and not of the emotions.  Maybe you don’t LIKE me – that’s not important—but you do LOVE mewhen to please God you overlook my defects and forgive my offences.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Albertina Gemin  PD (1977)—Maria Bianchini HFI (1983)—Sr. Cecilia Andorno AP (1999)—Mary Jane Leahy (2006)—John Palm (2008)

June 6, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, June 6

OF THE DAY

St. Norbert, Bishop

First Wednesday of the month—St. Joseph

2 Tm 1: 1-3, 6-12

Mk. 12: 18-27

In the Religious Life a penitent heart is fundamental and, should we forget this, now is the time to be convinced of it (VMC 794).

Fr. Tom: Correct, but not quite far-reaching enough.  All of us need a penitent heart to keep us in humility, to avoid words and gestures of superiority to others, to avoid repeating sins in which our pride played a major part.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Elenora Baldi FSP (1991)—Fr. Aolo Della Monica IJP (1995)—Chiarina Ferretti IAM (2000)—Fr. Luigi Spallanzni IJP (2007)—Emilia Roberti HFI (2009)—Angelina Candela (1946)—Violet McGready (1985)

June 5, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, June 4

ST. BONIFACE, Bishop, Martyr

First Tuesday of the month—The Souls in Purgatory

2 Pt 3: 11-15, 17-18

Mk. 12: 13-17

We must give to civil authority what it has a right to demand, but we must not forget that there also exists the Church, the soul and God (BM 657).

Fr. Tom: Sounds very modern, doesn’t it?  I have no idea when the Founder said this, but it doesn’t matter: it’s what we might call an eternal truth. We have to defend the Church and the right to life in our time.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Nazarena Morando FSP (1984)—Fr. Franco Testi SSP (1991)—Sr. M. Messenzia Ianucci PD (1992)—Sr. Matelda Maurina FSP (1995)—Fr. Imerio Moscardo SSP (2007)—Rosa d’Agostino HFI (2008)—Sr. M. Pauline Mendes PD (2010).

June 4, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, June 4

OF THE DAY

First Monday of the month—St. Paul

2 Pt 1: 2-7

Mk. 12: 1-12

Very important is the practice of patience.  Circumstances change, but the secret is to be always charitable and have a spirit of sacrifice (VMC 790)

Fr. Tom: Well, we can hardly disagree with this statement…but what problems we have to put it into practice!  What challenges will I experience today on this point…and how will I handle them?.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Immacolata Arioni FSP (1969)—Michela Cabiddu HFI (1976)—Fr. Thomas Climaco SSP (1997)—Sr. M. Rosa Cappelletti FSP(2000)—Gabriella  Bruno HFI (2011)—Barbara Endress (1982)

June 3, 2012 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, June 3

THE MOST HOLY TRINITY

First Sunday of the month—The Divine Master, Way, Truth and Life

Dt. 4: 32-40

Rom. 8: 14-17

Mt. 28: 16-20

At our Baptism, the Most Holy Trinity impressed on us their image: faith, hope and charity (RSP p. 122).

Fr. Tom: Correct.  And now let me ask which of these divine gifts is still alive in my life and which has somehow lost its luster.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Valeria Onesi FSP (1944)—Sr. Alfonsina Coraglia FSP (1986)—Sr. M. Leonia Molteni FSP (2008)—Sr. M. Rosalba Barbieri FSP (2009)—Sr. M. Adeodata Noguchi FSP (2011)—Simon Quinto (1948)—Ed Mahoney,  May Stevens (no dates)

The Most Holy Trinity

June 3 - The Most Holy Trinity

The First Reading of this great Feast seems to have little to do with  what is actually being celebrated but in fact the  passage from the Book of Deuteronomy focuses on the desire of God to encounter a People and  take it His own. "Did any people ever hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire as you did?" This is surely a magnificent privilege but it exacts a price:  God has rules we have to obey and in particular the Ten Commandments. Is this a restriction? Not at all.    The Ten Commandments (not "Ten Suggestions" ) are not impositions but in fact are the way all of us would automatically behave if we did not come into the world with a defective minds  and a weakened will. So they make perfect sense. That doesn't make them any easier to obey   but   the Triune God has revealed Himself and now we are part of His life and love.

The Responsorial Psalm reinforces this thought: " Of the kindness of the Lord, the earth is full" - the  Lord's message - to which we respond: "May your kindness, 0 Lord, be upon us who have put our hope in you."

The Second Reading bears a familiar Pauline message: the heritage God intends for His children is His  own kingdom and glory. Here is a thought which only infrequently occurs to us: we are not destined just to be "saved," slinking into heaven by the back door, but to share in the very life of the Almighty God! (1 Thess 2,12 and in many other places). To make sure this happens we have to be "led by the Spirit" which in the case of Institute people is more than just keeping the Commandments (the Christian obligation) but also  observing whatever may advance us faster and lead us up higher: more careful exams, more prayer, more correction of defects, more outreach on behalf of the Institute. Let's not neglect these basics and so find ourselves lower down (so to speak) in Paradise than our dear old great-grandmothers!

There is an interesting line in the Gospel with which we poor banished children of Eve can possibly identify: "When they all saw him, they worshiped . . . but they doubted?" Why? They had seen him - and touched him - on the first Easter Sunday. He had been seen by many others in the meantime. The meaning may be that they believed who he was but doubted what their next move might be. We have already made this point speaking of the beginning of Acts which has them suggesting that he now begin the process of establishing the Kingdom of Israel ( in which, of course, they would have the big jobs!) even as he is on his way to the Ascension! The Gospels all have different endings in this connection but the one this Sunday is clear: "Go," (important word for us who are inclined to stay and wait for vocations to come from who knows where!) "and make disciples of all nations. Not enough for the Church just to preach the word of  God. She must ensure that this word enters into peoples' lives and changes them. A very different challenge. Paulines are inclined to list all the "hits," the"contacts" they have made. Indeed. And did those "hit" reform their lives ?

~ June 2012 Concord

June 2, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, June 2

OF THE DAY

SS Marcellinus and Peter, martyrs

First Saturday of the month—Mary, Queen of Apostles

Jude 17: 20-25

Mk 11:  27-33

We have to make our intentions, our dispositions and our trust more perfect, as they were when we began our membership (VMC 788).

Fr. Tom: Of course. The problem is to do it!  How am I today since my Profession?  How are YOU?  If you are not better… you are worse.  Where have I failed?  Where have YOU failed?  Exam…

Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Eufrosina Luzzi PD (1945)—Fr. Basilio Enrici SSP (1955)—Sr. Luciana Negro FSP (1972)—Sr. M. Carmine Lancellotti FSP (1976)—Fr. Pasquale M. Di Filippo IJP (1995)—Sr. M. Assunta Asolan PD (1999)—Fr. Fedele Pasquero SSP (2001)—Sr. Gemma Nazzari SGBP (2002)—Sr. Giovannina Boffa FSP (2004)—Fr. Alfonso Tisi IJP (2005)—Sr. M. Adele Carandina FSP (2011)