January 31, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, January 31
ST JOHN BOSCO, Priest
Heb 11: 32-40
Mk 5: 1-20

Are we convinced that to do good to others it's not enough to tell them about the Institute. We also have to pray and make sacrifices for this intention (VMC 211).

This is important even more in the SSP and FSP-- the attraction of activity gradually drowns out every other consideration and we become more attracted the more we work, running around in circles like a dog chasing his tail. Let HFI people avoid this mistake.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Renato Canciani SSP (1976)-- Vita Sorrento IAM (1981)-- Bro Gaetano Kucich SSP (1984)-- Sr. M. Lorenzina Flores Yanez FSP (1987)-- Sr. M. Angelica Bondad FSP (1997)-- Fr. Vincenzo Iannuzzi SSP (1999)

Blessed Father Alberione on Mary

"Blessed James Alberione suggested directing the words of Barak and Deborah to Mary:

Mary, if you come with me, I will go; if you do not come with me, I will not go. I will go to children, youth, and parish work...if you accompany me, Mary; otherwise, I do not feel like going alone. Mary, cover me with your mantle; fill me with faith and courage; put the words on my lips...So then, Mary will answer: 'I will come with you: ibo quidem tecum.'"

~ Praying with Women of the Bible (p.43 )
by Sister Elena Bosetti

January 30, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, January 30
FOURTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
St Hyacintha
St Martina, virgin and martyr
St Matthias, bishop
Zep 2: 1-13
1 Cor 1: 26-31

Even if you accomplish wonderful things, but have not in the process observed the Constitutions...you are far from sanctity (APD 1957).

The Statute is our way to heaven, not other pious practices be they ever so popular pleasant. Pauline prayer, Pauline reading, Pauline thinking, Pauline ACTION! I am amazed at the books members find time to read while doing nothing to make the Institute grow.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. Antony Colella FSP (1985)-- Sr. Assunta Gagliardelli SGBP (1987)-- Fr. Desiderio Costa SSP (1989)--Sr. Provvidenza Arrigo FSP (1992)-- Sr. M. Isaia Cendron PD (1997)-- Fr Paolo Salomoni IJP (1997)-- Bro Christopher Toppo SSP (2001)-- Hernando Hurtato HFI (2003)-- Fr. Ugo Zecchin (2005)-- Bro Paulus Jate SSP (2005)-- Sr. Teresa Gai FSP (2008).

Second Chance

Second Chance


I have a daughter who has Asperger’s Syndrome, what many consider to be a mild form of autism, so when I saw this book I knew I had to read it. I’m glad that I did. Although my daughter is not adopted, I gained many insights from reading this delightful book.

Second Chance is a heartwarming tale of love, acceptance and adoption, both human and animal. It is told from the point of view of the adopted puppy, Chance, with just the right blend of humor and seriousness. Chance takes us along on his journey from shelter to new home and allows us to experience what he experiences as he settles in. We meet and learn to know the new rules, his new mom, his new pack and a very special little boy named Ryan. Chance allows us to see Ryan as he sees him….without embellishment or apology. This allows us to see how the relationship grows and develops. It is the interaction between Ryan, who is autistic and Chance that really held my attention.

There are many parallels between Chance’s experiences in life and Ryan’s and it is Ryan who helps Chance understand what adoption means. Ryan offers Chance unconditional love and acceptance, as do the others in his new family and Chance flourishes. Chance returns the favor and adopts his new family.

I think my favorite part of the book is when Chance and Ryan converse and the pictures. I learned so much about autism and adoption in those brief talks. The pictures are rather indistinct, but it works well because they don’t interfere with the story. This is a wonderful little book that parents and children should read and discuss together. I highly recommend it.


Awards:
PBS Kids Recommended title
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/family/adoption/print_books.html

Book web site:
http://www.chancetheshelterdog.com

Sandra J. Gerencher Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1579236662

Tribute Books website:
http://www.tribute-books.com

Tribute Books Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Archbald-PA/Tribute-Books/171628704176

Tribute Books Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/TributeBooks

Sandra J. Gerencher Bio:
Sandra J. Gerencher is a special education teacher in the Bangor Area public school system. Prior to becoming a teacher, she worked at Lehigh University in a school-based program, as a Program Specialist for adults with disabilities. Over the past 20 years she has worked with children and adults with special needs in such areas as counseling, Behavior Specialist Consultation, behavioral research, crisis intervention and abuse therapy. Sandra graduated from Lehigh University with a M.Ed. in Special Education (2004) and from Chestnut Hill College in Philadelphia with an M.S. in Counseling Psychology (1999).



Buy links:
http://www.tribute-books.com/shop.html#children6

Excerpt:
http://www.freado.com/read/8704/second-chance-how-adoption-saved-a-boy-with-autism-his-shelter-dog

January 29, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, January 29
OF THE DAY
Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday
Heb 11: 1-19
Mk 4: 35-41

The process of sanctification is a process of "Christification"-- "that Christ be formed in you." (Gal 4: 19). We are holy in the measure with which we live the life of Christ in us. This takes place gradually, just as the infant gradually becomes an adult (VMC 191).

While most of the work is Christ's we do our part by constant examination of conscience and the gradual elimination of all that is not Christ or conforming to Him. Nothing emotional. Just everyday effort, never giving up.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Bro Michele Trappolini SSP (1978)-- Fr. Eugenio Turci SSP (1986)-- Sr. M. Palqualina Colorizio FSP (1999)-- Fr. Atonio Turci IJP (2002)-- Fr. Angelo Segato SSP (2005)-- Felicitas Morales (2006)

January 28, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, January 28
ST THOMAS AQUINAS, priest, doctor
Heb 10: 2-39
Mk 4: 26-34

Let us ask the Lord to be able to love him with the heart of Jesus and with all our other power, omitting nothing.

This involves a special grace on the Lord's part and a special effort of will on our part. To "Love" truly is something quiet and persistent--not colorful and emotional. How am I doing on this point? How are you?

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Clara Capellettil SCBP (1973)-- Fernandez M. Da Costa IAM (1973)-- Fr. Gaetano Tedeschi IJP (1985)-- Sr. M. Bertilla Frnchetti PD (1987)-- Sr. Maria Cucchi SGBP (2001)-- Luis Spalla HFI (2005)-- Fred Dolland-- Walter Williams-- Uncle Joe--Geraldine Gretchko (1987)-- Hilario Zuniga (1972)

January 27, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, January 27
OF THE DAY
St. Angela Merici, Virgin
Heb 10:19-25
Mk 4: 21-25

Humility of heart leads us to a continual disposition to receive the grace of God (APD, 1957).

Or we might say that with humility comes a greater trust in God's plans for us--which are invariably better than our own. So we take events and people as they come and behind each one have no problem in spotting the Lord with a special gift for us.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Msgr. Alfred Fernandez IJP (1983)-- Sr. Anna Rinaldi FSP (1996)-- Fr. Giuseppe Manzo IJP (2002)-- Sr. M. Lia Chirone FSP (2003)-- Sr. Amabile Zuppardo FSP (2004)-- Charles Piampiano (1978)

January 26, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

January 26, 2011
STS TIMOTHY AND TITUS, Bishops
2 Tm 1: 208
Mk 4: 1-20

Today's education--including religious education--tends to lack a hard core: there is not enough challenge to a life of sacrifice (VMC 186).

The Founder was writing in 1934. But today he could write the same words--in capitals. And so, trying to lead an easy life and ignore sin...the world has brought all the houses of cards down over its head!

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. Francesca Masala FSP (1980)-- Amabile Grando HFI (1987)-- Fr. Anselmo Viano SSP (1996)-- Sr M. Oliva Cattapan PD (1998)-- Pietro Secchiaroli HFI (2000)-- Agerico Boncan (1999)-- Anthony J. Madeline (1980)-- May Dwojacki (1976)-- Emile Brunelle HFI (2009)

HFI: Some Institute Basics

SOME
INSTITUTE
BASICS

I begin this list of different organized ways of serving the
Lord more carefully, by pointing out that ALL organized
religious groups approved by the Church are intended to
lead to the greater holiness of the members and to the
progress of the Church's work. While we are free to
examine the different ways of special Church service
before we make a choice, ,it is most unwise to compare
our situation with the situation of people in other
organizations or to say we - or they - are "better." Only
God knows who is "better" or "worse" and there are plenty
of good people who are not affiliated to ANY organization
but are more pleasing to God than any of the organized
people.

Having said that, let us distinguish between "devotions,"
"Third Orders," "Institutes" and our own Holy Family
Institute.

DEVOTIONS, of which there are thousands in the Church,
involve prayers and/or religious activities by which we
express our allegiance to a religious idea or practice
involving Our Lord, Our Lady or some Saint or Blessed.
These devotions are expressions of our faith and are
blessed by God.


THIRD ORDERS, so called because they are the lay
element in some Religious Orders where the priests are
seen as the First Order, and the Sisters as the Second
Order. Today they are also known as "Secular Orders:
e.g. "Secular Franciscans." They are groups of men and
women identifying with the prayer and spirit of the Order to
which they belong. They are laity with a special
commitment who have been in the Church for centuries'
and have produced famous Saints. They are governed by
their own internal regulations and express their basic
Baptismal commitment in this special way.

SECULAR INSTITUTES, are a relatively recent
phenomenon in the Church, going back to the last century
and distinguished from Religious because they wear no
habit and for the most part live in their own homes and
have day jobs like others. However they are unmarried,
are vowed and consecrated and have their Statutes or
Rule examined and approved by the Vatican. The first
Church legislation relating to Institutes of this nature was
provided in the 1948 Apostolic Constitution of Pope Pius
XIII - Provida Mater Ecclesia - which you can probably
obtain from the Daughters.

THE HOLY FAMILY INSTITUTE is in a class by itself and
is "unique" in the true sense.

In 1960 Fr. Alberione obtained Vatican approval for
Institute for single men, for single women and for Diocesan
clergy. Such Institutes already existed in the Church and
required no special legislation. At the same time he
obtained general approval for the concept that married
couples might also make vows but he did not submit - as
in the other cases - any outline Statute because there no
aspiring members.


In the years after 1960 the three approved Institutes made
good progress but not the fourth one. Fr. Alberione found it
impossible - it seems - to interest any of his priests in this
very new concept and nothing happened until the summer
of 1970 when a group of Jesus Priest members making
their annual Retreat in Rome were invited to do something
about it. They were very interested and promised to
introduce the idea to their parishioners.

One priest in particular, Fr Furio Gaus from Trieste - his
name expressing the two cultures - Italian and Austrian of
that part of Italy - was especially enthusiastic and he had
no trouble in finding many suitable couples in his parish.
Then in November of 71 his Bishop sent him to Rome to
take part in a Conference on the pastoral (= concerning
parish life) of the means of social communication (= the
media).

When he went to the Basilica of the Queen of Apostles to
celebrate Mass he found the members in a very confused
and concerned state. Inquiring the reason he was told: "
The founder is dying!" When he finished his Mass he went
to the Founder's bedside, knelt down and told him that he
intended to begin the Holy Family Institute. Whether the
Founder heard him or not we don't know - he was already
in a coma. Fr Furio let the room and went to inquire who
was in charge of the Institute. He was told: "There's no
one!" And the Superior General later said to him: "You
had better make a start with the work." He did so and so
did other Jesus Priest members and thus in November of
1973 the first couples made their profession in the
Basilica. Later the General appoint Fr. Stefano Lamera
as the official Society Delegate. Fr Lamera had already
found several hundred members for the Jesus Priest
Institute and these - being mostly pastors - were a great
help to him to build up the Institute. So much so that in

1982 the first Statute was submitted for Vatican approval.
The initial approval was for ten years and when this
passed with the addition of many more members, a
second Statute was submitted and was finally approved on
March 19, 1993. This is the one we have now. The other
one - a large, green-covered book - was given in the
early years and the CD's are for the most part based on it.

So much for the historical background to the Institute. But
what is the situation today?

1. It is a true Institute (= organized way of
living), not a Third Order.

2 It is for married couples /the widowed.

3 It is an aggregated Institute, not a Secular
Institute, meaning it is linked to the Society of St. Paul
and does not have its own superiors or administration -
this is how it received Vatican approval.


4. Its vows are described as "simple" or "private"
but they are made in public in a Church-regulated
ceremony. ("Public Vows" is a technical term describing
the vows of Religious). These terms say nothing about
the spiritual value of either vow which is given by the
one making it, not by what it is called.

5 It has its own Statute or legislation explicitly
approved by the Church.

The Institute does not attempt to reproduce the Religious
or "regulated" life in the family. This needs to be
underlined. The Religious Life is as old as the Church (St.
Paul talks about "widows" or good women of his time who
devoted themselves to prayer and good works (1 Tm.5,9).


The Institute, however is not for people who devote
themselves to prayer and good works but much more for
the majority who live the everyday confusion and stress
of family life. While no one is saying that Mass and
Adoration are not important, they are not the typical activity
of a Holy Family member who will find the Lord more
authentically in the kitchen or workplace than in church.
Family life must be "sanctified" meaning "made a means
of growing closer to the Lord" in the exercise of patience,
forgiveness, trust, understanding, humility as we fail on
this point or that, etc. If we make the Morning Offering and
find a few minutes every now and then to turn to the Lord,
then our day closely resembles his - after all, he went to
the synagogue just once a week like everyone else. In-
other words we must courageously make a distinction
between our lifestyle and the lifestyle of Religious and be
convinced that the more we suffer with difficult spouses,
unkind neighbors, bills that never stop coming in,
challenging children and all the other flotsam and jetsam of
family life, the more we will be living our Holy Family
vocation. If we have time for prayer we should certainly
take it but never think that we are "more saintly" in church
than in the house or at our job. There are plenty of odd
moments in even the busiest day - the thing is to be close
to the Lord and ready to take them.

Remembering always, of course, that we are not "ordinary"
married folk no matter how ordinary we look but are "set
apart" people, "consecrated" people and our day is in
general far more meritorious than the day of other family
people.


THOSE MYSTERIOUS INITIALS: From time to time
member haves asked me to explain what certain letters after
this or that name mean, so here goes:

S.S.P Society of St. Paul
F.S.P Filiae Sancti Pauli - Daughters of St. Paul
P.D. Pious Disciples -Sister Disciples of the
Divine Master
SGSP Suore di Gesu Buon Pastore - Good Shepherd
Sisters
IJP Institute of Jesus the Priest
IAM Institute of the Annunciation of Mary
GABRIELITE Institute of St Gabriel the Archangel
AP Sisters of Mary, Queen of Apostles

The Good Shepherd Sisters - also known as "Pastorelle"
work in parishes to help the pastors. They are not in the
States but have long been in S. America. The Queen of
Apostles Sisters were Fr. Alberione's last Foundation and
have had more problems than most owing to the nature of
their apostolate: finding vocations for all the Church. They
are in Italy and S. America. So far, efforts to found the Jesus
Priest Institute in the States have not been successful though
it is in Italy and a number of other countries. All the others
groups are here - including, of course, the HFI which I did
not list, presuming that you know those initials already!
NB This item is a reprint and the comment on our
Jesus Priest Institute is incorrect and we now have our
first Jesus Priest member. Other initials, mostly the ones
appearing on the daily Calendar refer to writings of Fr.
Alberione or talks he gave and have, for the most part,
not been translated.

January 25, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, January 25, 2011
CONVERSION OF ST PAUL, APOSTLE
Acts 22: 3-16
Mk 16: 15-18

Don't give too many orders. Just a few clear ideas and above all good example which is more effective than any words. They way to live is outlined in the Statute, but only when we see these guidelines practiced are we influenced for good (VMC 181).

We complain that our children fail to do what we say... perhaps after we have frequently contradicted our own rules by our behavior. Being parents these days--or at any time--is a big responsibility.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Bro Giuseppe Chiessa SSP (1991)-- Sr. M. Emiliana Sartor PD (2000)-- Bro James de Feo SSP (2000)-- Sr. Marherita M. Gergolet FSP (2008)--Sylvester Teteryz (2964)-- Ralph Menella (2010)

January 24, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, January 24
ST. FRANCIS DE SALES, Bishop, Doctor
Heb 9: 15, 24-28
Mk 3: 22-30

The word "educate" derives from the Latin "e" or "ex" meaning "out of" and "ducere" to lead, so it really involves enabling the individual to "draw out" what is useful from his store of talent and information (VMC176).

So each of us is a potential Saint-- or the opposite. The trick is to help those we meet find what is good in them and make that into a life project.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Bl. Timothy Giaccardo SSP (1948)-- Fr. Angelo Fenoglio SSP (1980)-- Sr. M. Gabriela Raccosta PD (2001)- Sr. Giulia Fontana FSP (2005)-- Sr. M. Cristina Gamez FSP (2009)

January 23, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, January 23
THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Is 8: 23-9:3
1 Cor 1: 10-13, 17
Mt 4: 12-23

Spiritual direction is part of pastoral (=for spiritual life) ministry and consists in an imitation of the Master's style: "Teach them to do what I commanded." (Mt 28:20) We lead others progressively from the basics to whatever point they are able to reach.

A good word here is "progressively" -- not forcefully, but yet with a gentle pressure toward greater good. The Master has a cut-off point of holiness for everyone but the majority--even the Saints--don't reach it.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. Gabriella Ambrogio FSP (1944)-- Sr. Maria della Croce Cvalleris PD (1949)-- Bro Mario Eustaquio Da Fonseca SSP (1995)-- Bro Ramiro Morales SSP (2004)-- Fr. Alessandro Marengo SSP (2006)-- Sr. M. Clotilde Gianusso FSP (2008)

Take a Stand for Life

Today January 22, 2011 marks the 38th anniversary of Roe V. Wade. This decision has caused over 53,000,000 innocent human beings to lose their lives to voluntary pregnancy terminations (abortions). Today I am changing my status(on Facebook) for life, to stand in unity with other pro-lifers against this horrible tragedy. Stand with me for life, say a prayer, copy and paste this status for one hour today.

God bless you all.

January 22, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*** Today is a particular day of penance for violations to the dignity of the human person through acts of abortion and of prayer for full restoration of the legal guarantee of the right to life.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, January 22

St. Vincent, Deacon and Martyr

Blessed Virgin Mary on Saturday

Please Pray for our Deceased: Fr. Vincenzo Bernardini IJP (1990)-- Sr. Giovannina Deano FSP (1991)-- Sr. M. Gabriella Massariol PD (1996)-- Sr. M. Stella Degni FSP (2006)-- Fr. Realino Mazzotta IJP (2007)

January 21, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, January 21
ST. AGNES, Virgin, Martyr
Heb 8:6-13
Mk 13-19

True zeal in reforming others begins with reform of the ...reformer! More prayer, more examination, time to consider if what we want to change in others really needs to be changed. First our personal good example. Then--perhaps--we may give some humble advice...

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Annita Firmo FSP (1974)-- Sr. M. Franca Janniello FSP (1987)-- Sr. Francesca Trettel SCBP (1993)-- Fr. Giuseppe Bistolfi SSP (1999)-- Sr. M. Gesuina Quaranta FSP (2001)-- Rose Teteryz (1985)

January 20, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, January 20
OF THE DAY
St. Fabian, Pope, Martyr
St. Sebastian, Martyr
Heb 7: 25-8:6
Mk 3: 7-12

To guide other people we need knowledge, goodwill, good judgment and then...the ability to stand back and let the Spirit operate (VMC 167).

We have the first three qualities, but not always the fourth one-- actually the most important. WE can't guide people spiritually, only the Spirit can...so let's give Him plenty of room to operate!

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Guiditta Benzo PD (1972)-- Sr. Teresa Maria Hernandez FSP (1977)- Sr. Assunta Moyano FSP (1978)-- Sr. Panacea Bragliola FSP (1993)-- Sr. M. Deilma Franco Quitian FSP (1999)-- Bro Cirilo Penas SSP (2001)-- Fr. Humberto Aguilar SSP (2001)

January 19, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, January 19
OF THE DAY
Heb 7: 1-3, 15-17
Mk 3: 1-6

To be normally able to bear patiently with reverses makes for a patient, serene soul, united to God, taking each duty of the day as it comes along (APD 1957).

The basic quality needed in this case is not so much a naturally serene disposition as a profound FAITH founded on reflection and prayer. This is a special gift of God.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Margherita Gerlotto PD (1965)-- Sr. Massima Serinelli PD (1990)-- Sr. Maria Inges Cavagnolli SGBP (1993)-- Matteo Zaccaria HFI (1994)-- Fr. Dino Picini IJP (1995)-- Fr. Giovanni Piscopo IJP (1995)-- Sr. M. Salvatoris Rosa OD (1998)-- Bro. Florindo D'Ascenzo SSP (2001)-- Sr. Onorina Cruciani FSP (2001)-- Bro. Gabriele Scionti SSP (2003)-- Sr. Alessandra Salvade' FSP (2005)-- Maria Assunto Giudice IAM (2005)-- Sr. Augusta Bernardini FSP (2005)

January 18, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, Janauary 18
OF THE DAY
Heb 6: 10-20
Mk 2: 23-28

*Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity

When Peter was shocked by the miraculous catch of fish, he did not say he couldn't handle it but immediately called in reinforcements: James and John (VMC 146).

Even if our "catch" is not quite like that, let's call others to help with it and even add to it. "Many hands make light work." EVERYONE has special gifts, not just you and me.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Bro. Tito Della Bartola SSP (1972)-- Fr. Armando Gualandi SSP (19991)-- Benito Filemon Villa HFI (1996)-- Mario Pietrofeso HFI (2004)-- Sr. M. Luisa Fallado PD (2006)-- Vincenza Lionetti IAM (2009).

January 17, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, January 17
ST. ANTHONY, Abbot
Heb 5: 1-10
Mk 2: 18-22

Our Institute members should try to progress in such as way as to have positions of responsibility in society or in the Church and so be able to do more good-- try to do good (VMC 142).

An interesting statement and part of the Founder's various writings on his "secular" Institutes (we recall that the Vatican approved them as "aggregated" but sometimes his pen slipped...).

I think among us even now there are one or two examples of this happening. Deo gratias!

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Alfonsa Marella PD (1984)-- Sr. M. Stella Signorini FSP (1986)-- Fr. Vito Frassanito IJP (1998)-- Sr. Anna Foschi SGBP (1999)- Sr. RAchele Binello FSP (2005)-- Sr. M. Amabilis Casarotto FSP (2009).

January 16, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, January 16
SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Is 49: 3, 5-6
1 Cor 1: 1-3
Jn 1: 29-34

The needs of humanity are immense, the needs of the Church and of souls. To met these needs we have to have activities and people, people who will be the more productive the more they are grafted onto Christ (VMC 133).

That's the challenge! "Grafted onto Christ" in our mind, our heart, our will.
And what a challenge it is--but what results we believe we will see in eternity!

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Michelina Perbellini PD (1962)-- Fr. Luigi Fago IJP (1985)--Fr. Gregorio Delpogetto SSP (1996)--Fr. Francesco Sirito SSP (1997)--Giuseppina Pauluzzi HFI (1998)-- Sr. M Pierluisa Vidano PD (2000)-- Guadalupe Lozano IAM (2002)-- Lucia Laghetto HFI (2009)

January 15, 2011 With Father Alberione and Wtih Father Tom

Saturday, January 15
OF THE DAY
B.V.M. on Saturday
Heb 4: 12-16
Mk 2: 13-17

You have a very valuable apostolate to which you do not dedicate but rather consecrate yourselves and are accepted by God (PPIII, p. 62).

An interesting distinction: DEDICATE we can do, but CONSECRATE involves something more: a response to our dedication, making it worthwhile. Dedicate involves proclaiming our allegiance. Consecrate involves a reciprocal response, usually religious (Webster).

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. Consololata Binello FSP (1948)-- Sr. Paolina Magnani FSP (2000)-- Sr. M. Valentina Bedino PD (2000)-- Fr. Vicenzo Marseglia IJP (2002)-- Peter M. Murphy (1978)-- Bro. Harry Morgan fsc (2005)

January 14, 2011 With Father Alberione and Wtih Father Tom

Friday, January 14
OF THE DAY
Heb 4: 1-5, 11
Mk 2: 1-12

Donation must be lived progressively: in the mind through frequent thought about God; in the will through perfect submission to the Divine will and the observance of our commitments; in the heart, concentrating on the love of God (APD).

Can we do this amid the stress and strain of family and children? We can do ANYTHING we feel is worthwhile and in ANY situation if we are convinced of it. So let's ask the Master to open our minds and our hearts: "Lord, that I may SEE."

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Teresa Congiu FSP (1961)-- Sr. M. Leonilda Torrengo PD (1971)-- Sr. Anna Caterina Tagliani FSP (1997)-- Fr. Roberto Nunez IJP (2004)-- Sr. M. Teresina Pallavicino FSP (2005)

January 13, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, January 13
ST. HILARY, Bishop, Doctor
Heb 3: 7-14
Mk 1: 40-45

It is not possible for a soul full of love for God to keep silent...when a vessel is full but receives additional water, it necessarily overflows (FSP 41).

An important point here--talking of our promotion of the HFI-- is to be sure we understand it from every point of view. In these months we have articles here and there clarifying various aspects of it. When we know what we are talking about, when we pray and when we act, we have done all we could.

January 12., 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, January 12

OF THE DAY

Heb 2: 14-18

Mk 1: 29-39

Virtue is a power. It is not a simple desire: "I would like." It is" "I'm going to do it--or at least to try." "I would like..." attitudes get you nowhere. either we are truly strong, generous and fervent...or we are not committed (APD, 1956).

And there is another phrase in this connection I have often quoted: "Of all sad words of tongue and pen...the saddest are these 'it might have been.'" It might be but it wasn't. And my other favorite: "To TRY is to SUCCEED."

Please Pray for our Deceased: Fr. Agide Pasotti IJP (1995)

January 11, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, January 11
OF THE DAY
Heb 2: 5-12
Mk 1: 21-28

I took as a basic directive what my Spiritual Director told me again and again: "Before beginning a project make sure you have a certain group of people to pray for it and if needed make sacrifices for it. Then it will be vital."

I think we have this situation in the HFI and for this we praise the Lord. Now let's continue to pray, suffer, AND reach out!

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Celestina Giglione FSP (1949)-- Sr. M. Lidia Zago FSP (1950)-- Bro Alfonso Panaro SSP (1972)-- Sr. M. Carmelina Lamberti PD (2000)-- Fr. FRanco Pierini SSP (2001)--Sr. Blesilda Ganalon FSP (2004)-- Sr. Vittoria Magni FSP (2005)-- Fr. Marcello Krebel IJP (2008)-- Gloria Keeney (2006)

January 10 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, January 10
OF THE DAY
Heb 1: 1-6
Mk 1: 14-20

Devotion to Mary, to St. Paul and to our other Patrons should lead us to live better in Jesus Christ, Way, Truth and Life (VMC 563).

Devotion to Mary, certainly. She leads us to her Son. St. Paul? Of course. He has made the Lord "come alive" for countless people. St. Joseph? He can teach us something of the Divine silence (And he can teach of something of faith, obedience and mercy--my thoughts).

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Bernardita Arcila FSP (1987)-- Cesarino Carlini HFI (2006)--Sr. M. Veronica Varona FSP (2007)--Mary Kennedy (2005)

January 9, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, January 9
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Is 42: 1-4; 6-7
Acts 10: 34-38
Mt 3: 13-17

Distinguish between "devotionS" and "devotion". "Devotions" are ways to honor the Lord, practices of piety. "Devotion" is really a gift God gives us e.g. our way of honoring our Patrons: Divine Master, Our Lady, St. Paul, St. Joseph.

(Always forget the last Patron, don't I? Don't you? St. Joseph, forgive me.)

Please pray for our Deceased: Sr. Orsola Gattei PD (1947)--Lucia Melotto HFI (1994)-- Michele Budetta HFI (1997)-- Maria da Assuncao Pereia Pinto IAM (2001)-- Fr. Antonion Tacconi SSP (2008)--Fr. Giuliano Zoppi SSP (2009)-- Sr. M. Giustina Larcher PD (2009).

January 8, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, January 8
OF THE DAY
1 Jn 5: 1-21,
Mt 3: 22-30

Devotion to Jesus Master not only in prayer but even in our apostolate: presenting the TRUTH of our Institute, in the best WAY and enlivening it not only with prayer, but with the most attractive promotion-piece we can find or produce ourselves (VMC 590).

And of course, continuing to present it in spite of the endless refusals-- after all, perhaps we ourselves refused it at the beginning!

Please Pray for our Deceased: Fr. Manuel Marques SSP (1990)-- Fr. Paolo Cirio SSP (1990)-- Sr. M. Guglielmina Butano PD ( 1995)-- Sr. M. Cristina Barbieri FSP (1995)-- Emiliia Sesiato HFI (1995)-- Bro. Crisostomo Canclini SSP (2000)-- Angelo Falchi, Gabrielite (2004)-- Sr. M. Angeles Lopez PD (2006)-- Fr. Ermnegildo Botti SSP (2006)-- Ruth Helline (1986)

January 7, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, January 7
OF THE DAY
St. Raymond of Penafort, priest
1 Jn 5: 5-13
Luke 5: 12-16

In the Pauline Family the first thing to be learned is the devotion to Jesus Master, Way, Truth and Life which must not consist just of an occasional prayer or hymn, but must mark our entire life (VMC 590).

What seems to be involved here is a sincere application of our powers of mind, heart and will to THINK of the Lord frequently--he never forgets us!-- to turn our HEARTS to him, even (and perhaps especially!) in complaint--to TRY SERENELY to do the right thing in each situation. Make Him, in other words, come alive in us--the best brother we have!

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Ambrosina Vargas Suena FSP (1996)-- Sr. M. Oliva Garcia Allende FSP (1997)-- Fr. Vicenzo Caterino IJP (1997)-- Fr. Giovanni Scalone IJP (2002)-- Fr. Luigi Cristofani IJP (2009)

January 6, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, January 6
ST ANDRE BESSETTE, Religious
1 Jn 4: 19-5: 4
Lk 14-22

The Son of God came to repair the destruction caused by our First Parents and to restore our human faculties. He healed our minds (TRUTH), our emotions (LIFE) and our will (WAY).

In other words, the Lord is incessantly active in us, like a sculptor working on clay or marble, chipping, scraping, smoothing and straightening. All this in and through especially the stress and strain of daily life. See, can you spot the latest "scrape" of the Divine Artist!

Please Pray for our Deceased: Fr. Gillberto Aldaco SSP (1985)-- Esuperanzio Sdrubolini HFI (1987)-- Bro. Gilberto Zanchin SSP (1990)-- Sr. Marta Prinotti FSP (1993)-- Fr. Giuuseppe Cuva IJP (2002)-- Sr. Antida Labrettini FSP (2004)

January 5, 2011 Wtih Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, January 5
ST. JOHN NEUMANN, Bishop
1 Jn 4: 11-18
Mk 6: 45-52

Following Jesus Christ we worship God perfectly: faith in our minds, obedience in our wills, love in our emotions: know, serve and love God (VMC 592).

Our exam should follow these lines -- not a multitude of confusing details, but a simple question: have I tried to serve God in my mind, my heart and my will. Usually we do and that makes the brief daily check much easier.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. Giacinta Cocciolone FSP (1945-- Bro Antonio Mollo SSP (1989) -- Sr. Cristina Bertello FSP (1990)-- Paterniano FAlcioni HFI (1995)-- Alfonso Romano HFI (2000)-- Sr. Elena Roallos FSP (2002)-- Sr. Monica Lunkes FSP (2002)-- Charles A. Bujol (1939)

January 4, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, January 4
ST. ELIZABETH ANN SETON, Religious
1 Cor 13: 4-13
Lk 10: 38-42

If you wish to become holy, avoid disputes about the different schools of spirituality and the latest "devotions." Dedicate yourself to living to the fullest your life in Christ (VMC 598).

Spiritual life = to live in Christ, imitating His TRUTH, in thought and speech, imitating His WAY in behavior, imitating his LIFE in a constant effort to keep in contact with Him-- those short, incessant invocations are SO effective!

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. M. Luigina Grandi FSP (1974)-- Sr. Maria Agostina Agnetti FSP (1988)-- Sr. M. Emanuella Pintus FSP (1989)-- Fr. Remo Anselmi IJP (1990)-- Fr. Alfredo Bordon IJP (1996)-- Sr. Cristina Leonardo FSP (1997)-- Sr. Adriana Monti FSP (2008)-- Priscilla Romero (2010)--Joan Avitabile (2010)

January 3, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, January 3
THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS
1 Jn 3: 22-4, 6
Mt 4: 12-17, 23-25

Our devotion consists of incorporation in Christ and it is the beginning and the end and the very substance of our spiritual life (BVM 598).

The Lord enters our life at Baptism and remains there intending to be very active. Let us pray to HIM and think of HIM often during the day--especially in the moments of family stress. He first, everything else very much second.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Fr. Davide Cordero SSP (1958)-- Fr. Antonio Sabarino SSP (1963)-- Sr. M. Domenical Bassi FSP (1984)-- Cleric Jairo Enrique Gaitan Aguilar SSP (1987)-- Fr. Benedetto De Stefano IJP (1989)-- Fr. Nicola Cavotta IJP (1993)-- Sr. M. Santos Gamez PD (2000)--Gianna Panico HFI (2006)--Robert Walton Cadenhead II, (1995)--Emily Renda (2008).

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

Sunday, Jaunary 2
THE EPIPHANY
Is 60: 1-6
Eph 3: 2-6
Mt 2: 1-12

Don't get involved in discussions about the different schools of spirituality. The Lord has given you just one: Jesus Master, Way, Truth and Life (VMC 597).

Prayers are SOUNDS and the sounds must express what the person making the sounds is. Our sounds, therefore, must express what we are. Are all the "sounds" you make truly "Pauline" sounds or of some other devotion?

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. Rosaria Nazzari SCBP (1950)--Fr. Jozef Labedez SSP (1967)-- Sr. Aloisia M. Acciarri FSP (1977)--Fr. Sperandio Ravenoldi IJP (1985)--Sr. M. Benedicta Aimo PD (1997)--Sr. Quirina Angeli FSP (1999)--Sr. M. Matilde Garzitto FSP (2000)--M. Cristina Canfarotta HFI (2000)-- Sr. Nathalia Martins Assis FSP (2006)-- Sr. Leonarda Loria PD (2009)-- Mateo Albano (1945)

January 1, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

I found this image on the internet. I don't know who created it, but I think it's beautiful. I will give credit to the artist if anyone knows who it is.


Saturday, January 1
BLESSED VRIGIN MARY, the Mother of God
Nm 6: 22-27
Gal 4: 4-7
Lk 2: 16-21

Let us live as children of our most holy Mother as Jesus, our Master, did (VMC 607).

This is also the teaching of Frank Duff whom I quoted in a recent CONCORD. Frank was a leading Civil Servant in the early Irish Government and an aide to Ministers during difficult negotiations with the British. Highly intelligent, he had his ideas exactly right.

Please Pray for our Deceased: Sr. Pierina Giovannini FSP(1972)-- Fr. Francesco Gatto IJP (1995)-- Sr. Diomira Sossi FSP (1999)-- Sr. Gerardina Cundo FSP (2002)-- Bro Celestino La Perna SSP (2003)-- Fred Dolland-- Walter Williams-- Uncle Joe

Happy New Year everyone. May 2011 bring you many blessings from God and much happiness and peace.