Tuesday, May 31
VISITATION OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
Zep 3: 14-18
Lk 1: 39-56
In Mary charity reached a very high degree. Destined to bring Jesus to the world, she brought Him first to the house of Elizabeth. Charity looks for activities to do good to one’s neighbor (BM 368).
To do good to one’s neighbor, yes, but first…have I carried out all my OTHER duties? It is more “fun” to work for others visibly, than to bear the burden of monotonous daily duties…but Jesus borer that burden for twenty years and in THOSE years He became our Way, our Truth and our Life.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Margherita Imarato PD (1963)—Sr. M. Luisa Laurenti FSO (1967)—Sr. M. Vittorina Vellone PD (1976)—Fr. Giovanni Ev. Robaldo SSP (1977)—Sr. M. Nives Ferrari FSP (1988)—Sr. Pierina Columbro FSO (1999)—Fr. Angelo Bellanzon SSP (2003)—Raimondo Orru’ HFI (2003)—Alfred Vance Ducote (1949)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Framing Faith
FRAMING FAITH
A pictorial History of Communities of Faith
By: Sarah Piccini
Photos by: Ivan Pavelka and ARTS! Engage
When I first decided to read FRAMING FAITH:A pictorial History of Communities of Faith, by: Sarah Piccini (Photos by: Ivan Pavelka and ARTS! Engage), I thought it would be a rather dry listing of a number of Catholic parishes in northeastern Pennsylvania that had been forced to close. While it is indeed a listing of parishes, it is anything but dry. Each parish has its own section and is described in such as wa as to have a distinct personality. The place of these parishes in the lives of those they served is clearly apparent. I’m always saddened when a Catholic Church is forced to close its doors. After reading about these parishes, I was even sadder.
This book will appeal not only to those interested in Catholicism and Catholic Churches in general, but also to those who love history, especially the history of the northeastern region of Pennsylvania. The author is not content to tick off parishes and give the bare facts, but delves into the reasons the parishes came into being, often at great personal sacrifice to the immigrant communities they served. She gives an informative and interesting overview of just how important the church, priests and sisters were to the community and how integrated the parish was in everyday life.
An added bonus for readers is the Catholic tidbits spread throughout the book. There are explanations of devotions, prayers and citations from Catholic documents and the Bible. Other, more secular tidbits include excerpts from local newspapers that really make the information come alive.
As if the well researched material (footnoted in the back of the book) were not enough to hold the reader’s interest, there are dozens of beautiful photographs taken by Ivan Pavelka and ARTS! Engage. These images really drive home how much love went into the building of the various parishes and what pride of place the church held in the hearts and minds of the people.
Framing Faith is historically and religiously accurate and well foot-noted. It held my interest from start to finish. The pictures and textual inserts put what is being read in context for even greater understanding and appreciation. I believe lovers of history in general, and of north-eastern Pennsylvania and Catholic history in particular will enjoy this book immensely. The forward alone, holds a wealth of information that whets the appetite for what is to follow. The book does not fail to deliver on that promise.
I learned so much from reading this Framing Faith, but feel sure I’ll have to revisit its pages if I am to absorb everything that I read the first time around. If you love history or have an interest in the role of Catholicism in the settling of northeastern Pennsylvania, this is a must read. In my humble opinion this book is definitely a keeper.
Sarah Piccini Bio:
SARAH PICCINI graduated from the University of Scranton with a degree in History and Communications. In 2010, she received a Master’s degree in History focusing on the ethnic and labor history of the Lackawanna Valley. She collaborates with the Lackawanna Historical Society on many projects and programs, and serves the Vice President of the board for the Anthracite Heritage Museum and Iron Furnaces Associates.
Ivana Pavelka Bio:
IVANA PAVELKA is a co-founder and co-manager of the photographic gallery Camerawork in Scranton and is a professional photographer who has had many solo and group shows. Her professional career includes teaching in the art department at Keystone College (La Plume, PA), giving workshops and residencies as a rostered artist in schools, and working as a commercial photographer. She is also a professional bookbinder who was trained in European methods in Prague, where she grew up. When she came to the United States in 1980, she free-lanced as a bookbinder for such institutions as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. She has lived in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, since 1991.
YouTube video book trailer embed html code:
Buy links:
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Excerpt:
http://www.freado.com/read/9779/framing-faith-a-pictorial-history-of-communities-of-faith
Book web site:
http://www.framingfaith.com
Book Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Framing-Faith/155670971158620?sk=wall
Sarah Piccini Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=30703496
Ivana Pavelka Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100002171373171&sk=wall
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May 30, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and with Father Tom
Monday, May 30
EASTER MONDAY
Acts 16: 11-15
Jn 15: 25-16: 4
During the wedding at Cana, Mary said to the servants: “do what He tells you.” She meant to say: “Everything depends on doing what He says to you.” (BM 392).
These are the last words of Mary as listed in the Gospel and what more meaningful words could the Holy Spirit have her close with? Is this not the essence of sanctity and real success: find out what the Master wants and do it carefully?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Lorenzina Ligari FSP (1935)—Sr. M. Alessandrina Migliardi FSO (1973)—Fr. Aldo Varaldo SSP (1997)—Sr. M. Pacis Ferrero PD (2000)—Sr. M. Veritas Grau FSP (2004)—Sr. M. Amalia Bertolusso PD (2007)—Maria Ascanio IAM (2009)—Anna Maria Cocci HFI (2009)—Armida Primavera (1999)—Philip Smelka (1995)
EASTER MONDAY
Acts 16: 11-15
Jn 15: 25-16: 4
During the wedding at Cana, Mary said to the servants: “do what He tells you.” She meant to say: “Everything depends on doing what He says to you.” (BM 392).
These are the last words of Mary as listed in the Gospel and what more meaningful words could the Holy Spirit have her close with? Is this not the essence of sanctity and real success: find out what the Master wants and do it carefully?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Lorenzina Ligari FSP (1935)—Sr. M. Alessandrina Migliardi FSO (1973)—Fr. Aldo Varaldo SSP (1997)—Sr. M. Pacis Ferrero PD (2000)—Sr. M. Veritas Grau FSP (2004)—Sr. M. Amalia Bertolusso PD (2007)—Maria Ascanio IAM (2009)—Anna Maria Cocci HFI (2009)—Armida Primavera (1999)—Philip Smelka (1995)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Spiritual Perfection
The Spiritual Life (5)
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION
We enter now a field where there is great possibility of misunderstanding. The word "perfect," is from the Latin: "per," implying "fullness" or perhaps "thoroughness," and "facere" meaning "to make." So perfect gives the idea of something fully made or fully completed. All life must perfect itself or go forward in a process of renewal and improvement. So also the spiritual life. Our final perfection is in heaven but we can prepare for it on earth - indeed, we must.
But first a brief look at some mistakes we may make, seeking perfection where it cannot be found. We can mistake "devotions" for "devotion." We may think that perfection consists in reciting a great number of prayers, in making many pilgrimages, in joining all sorts of pious societies, in listening to many religious programs on tv or radio, etc. This is to substitute the non-essentials for the necessary. We can give ourselves to fasting and sacrifices, injuring our health and at the same time becoming bad- tempered, nasty, unpleasant and hard to live with. Not to talk of being unable to do a full day's work. This is to forget the essentials of perfection and neglect the basic duty of charity in favor of practices which may be good but are far less important. We can give generously to charitable causes but perhaps forget to pay our debts or forgive our enemies. We can confuse spiritual
consolations with genuine fervor and think we have arrived at perfection when we
are filled with joy and can pray with ease. Or we condemn ourselves when we are
harassed by distractions which may not be our fault. We may have read the Lives of he Saints where ecstacies and visions are described and feel that perfection consists In these extraordinary events and strain our minds and imagination to have them. But the Saints tell us that such phenomena do not constitute the essence of sanctity and that it is very unwise to desire to have them. A far more certain guide to our sanctity, or the lack of it, is our conformity - or the lack of it - to the will of God.>br />
What, therefore, is this "perfection" we would like to have? The question covers everything that exists, not just us and our quest for "holiness" or "wholeness." St. Thomas Aquinas tells us: Each being / created thing, is perfect when it attains fully the end for which it was made. This, he says, is absolute perfection. There is also, of course, relative or progressive perfection which, in our own case, consists in the approach towards that goal by doing all that we think we should do without making the mistakes already listed. What does this "perfection" consist in when we talk of you and me? It is something tremendous, unspeakable: we were made by God and for God! We creatures of clay are destined to enjoy after death not just what we call a "natural" happiness (our present life but without any of its many disadvantages), but a supernatural happiness, a share in the very life of God Himself to the extent that we can share. When we have said this we understand immediately why nothing on earth can satisfy us, can make us fully and completely and permanently happy. We are designed for another destiny and will never find on earth anything to fulfill us permanently. God alone is capable of completely satisfying our endless desire for happiness. This is why, talking of perfection, we must make an intense effort to know, love and serve God and thereby to glorify Him; in return He will glorify us or lead us to a situation of endless joy and fulfillment. Because this is the goal in life of every human being, whether he or she knows about God or not, we cannot do it in our natural state - we are just animals like the others. But God wishes to raise all of us to what we call the supernatural state and this takes place for Christians at the moment of their baptism. Totally unable to draw close to God even if we have heard about Him, He Himself graciously draws close to us and not just to shake our hands and acknowledge our existence, but to make Himself an integral part of our human nature. At the Last Supper the Lord referred to this in language which doubtless went over the heads of the apostles, like all the rest he said, but which is today much clearer to us: On that day you will understand that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you. (John 14, 20-21). This situation is so marvellous and so far beyond the wildest of our imaginings that it is not surprising that the vast majority of Christians - as I mentioned already several times - know their birthdays but in nine cases out of ten could not name their baptismal day even if they were asked the question on "The Price is Right" or some similar program. Indeed, this was my own situation up to the time we were ordained Subdeacons (a stage before Ordination that no longer exists), and we had to produce evidence that we were baptized. I had always taken January 20 as my birthday and so my baptism would have been perhaps January 23 (note the vagueness). But when I received my "baptismal lines" I found that I had been born on January 7 and baptized on January 10! So I'm two weeks older than you thought (no wonder I have aged so much!). But, getting back to the marvellous Gift of God, we now can formulate a simple rule of thumb for perfection: living for God in union with our Divine Master. Simple, but not easy, because we still have to correct our defects which limit our degree of union with the Lord, and practice the virtues also in union with him. Nevertheless this awareness of the Lord's presence is a wonderful consolation.
We are not alone! The Master is the greatest and most powerful Friend we will ever have. Nor is his Presence something vague and hard to pin down. Not so. The Lord IS us - at least he would like to be - and we are the Lord's! When we think, speak or act (in any way as long as what we do is not sinful) the Master identifies with us and - to put it like that - takes us over a little more. On the other hand when we think, speak or act sinfully, he is slightly "ousted" from his desire to possess us fully. All day long the Risen Lord is in every Christian - except unfortunately the huge numbers in our time who have thrown him out by serious sin - loving, wanting to be more and more united, helping, inspiring, guiding, protecting one more human being who, in his plans, is far, FAR above the purely human appearances and situations. After all, God made Man lived and worked in Nazareth for twenty years and nobody had the slightest idea who he really was! It follows, therefore, that the more we keep in conscious contact with the Lord, the more effectively we are living our Christian lives and are - as far as human beings can be - more or less perfect. This process has various stages.
1) We begin our day with our Pauline prayers, thanking him for the night, good or bad as it might be. But we are talking of PRAYER, viz our personal contact with him which may mean just one or two prayers said slowly and reverently. I hope by now that we have all given up the insane practice of dashing through all the different formulae as if there were a prize for the speediest recitation. No, dear members, NO! NO!! Would you read the Master an address of welcome if he suddenly appeared before you? Say less prayers by all means but with more attention.
2) During the day, as your duties allow, turn deliberately to the Master and relate to him according to you present circumstances. Deliberately take even five seconds to recognize his presence. This is possible for everyone. If the Master were to forget you, what do you think would happen? You'd simply disappear!
3) Because the Institute vocation is to be lived mostly in the family or workplace, you can find the Master just as effectively in your office or schoolroom or hospital ward as in the church. If you have time for Mass and/or the Pauline Visit, good for you. But we are Institute people, not Religious.
4) The Master lives in you and me but also in him and her. Thus we contact him most effectively to the extent that we relate to others in a Christ-like way. Other points could be made but it is not by making points but by putting into practice the points we are already aware of which makes for the perfect Christian. The perfect Institute member has a special point to keep in mind. He or she has made a special, Church- regulated commitment to relate to the Master in a more intense way and, in our case, keeping in mind the special evangelical goals of our Pauline Family.The Master, living in me and you, is also out there " on the front lines" with brothers and sisters actually engaged in the editorial or technical apostolate. The effectiveness of their activity is, fundamentally, linked to their unity with the Master in them. Because you and I are united to the same Master, clearly we are not just "on the outside looking in" but are fully engaged and effectively in the entire Pauline apostolate. Our Divine Master is the Evangelizer - indeed, the only one - and we can support and sustain our brothers and sisters very effectively by living closely in union with the Master in us and asking him to make their work - which is also our work - fruitful for the people they actually contact. Have we wandered away from the subject of "Perfection." Not in the least. Perfection is individual but not just individual. St. Thomas says: "Essentially the perfection of the Christian life consists in charity first and foremost in the love of God, then in the love of one's neighbor." But in this life the love of God cannot be practiced without renouncing our in-built love of self and so in practice love requires sacrifice - it required sacrifice on the part of the Master and it requires sacrifice on our part also.
(continued)
"I strongly suspect that if we
saw all the difference even
the tiniest of our prayers to God
make, and all the people those
little prayers were destined
to affect, and all the consequences
of those effects down through
the centuries, we would be so
paralyzed with awe at the power
of prayer that we would be unable
to get up off our knees for the
rest of our lives."
-Peter Kreeft, .,
The Integrated Catholic Life
SPIRITUAL PERFECTION
We enter now a field where there is great possibility of misunderstanding. The word "perfect," is from the Latin: "per," implying "fullness" or perhaps "thoroughness," and "facere" meaning "to make." So perfect gives the idea of something fully made or fully completed. All life must perfect itself or go forward in a process of renewal and improvement. So also the spiritual life. Our final perfection is in heaven but we can prepare for it on earth - indeed, we must.
But first a brief look at some mistakes we may make, seeking perfection where it cannot be found. We can mistake "devotions" for "devotion." We may think that perfection consists in reciting a great number of prayers, in making many pilgrimages, in joining all sorts of pious societies, in listening to many religious programs on tv or radio, etc. This is to substitute the non-essentials for the necessary. We can give ourselves to fasting and sacrifices, injuring our health and at the same time becoming bad- tempered, nasty, unpleasant and hard to live with. Not to talk of being unable to do a full day's work. This is to forget the essentials of perfection and neglect the basic duty of charity in favor of practices which may be good but are far less important. We can give generously to charitable causes but perhaps forget to pay our debts or forgive our enemies. We can confuse spiritual
consolations with genuine fervor and think we have arrived at perfection when we
are filled with joy and can pray with ease. Or we condemn ourselves when we are
harassed by distractions which may not be our fault. We may have read the Lives of he Saints where ecstacies and visions are described and feel that perfection consists In these extraordinary events and strain our minds and imagination to have them. But the Saints tell us that such phenomena do not constitute the essence of sanctity and that it is very unwise to desire to have them. A far more certain guide to our sanctity, or the lack of it, is our conformity - or the lack of it - to the will of God.>br />
What, therefore, is this "perfection" we would like to have? The question covers everything that exists, not just us and our quest for "holiness" or "wholeness." St. Thomas Aquinas tells us: Each being / created thing, is perfect when it attains fully the end for which it was made. This, he says, is absolute perfection. There is also, of course, relative or progressive perfection which, in our own case, consists in the approach towards that goal by doing all that we think we should do without making the mistakes already listed. What does this "perfection" consist in when we talk of you and me? It is something tremendous, unspeakable: we were made by God and for God! We creatures of clay are destined to enjoy after death not just what we call a "natural" happiness (our present life but without any of its many disadvantages), but a supernatural happiness, a share in the very life of God Himself to the extent that we can share. When we have said this we understand immediately why nothing on earth can satisfy us, can make us fully and completely and permanently happy. We are designed for another destiny and will never find on earth anything to fulfill us permanently. God alone is capable of completely satisfying our endless desire for happiness. This is why, talking of perfection, we must make an intense effort to know, love and serve God and thereby to glorify Him; in return He will glorify us or lead us to a situation of endless joy and fulfillment. Because this is the goal in life of every human being, whether he or she knows about God or not, we cannot do it in our natural state - we are just animals like the others. But God wishes to raise all of us to what we call the supernatural state and this takes place for Christians at the moment of their baptism. Totally unable to draw close to God even if we have heard about Him, He Himself graciously draws close to us and not just to shake our hands and acknowledge our existence, but to make Himself an integral part of our human nature. At the Last Supper the Lord referred to this in language which doubtless went over the heads of the apostles, like all the rest he said, but which is today much clearer to us: On that day you will understand that I am in my Father and you in me and I in you. (John 14, 20-21). This situation is so marvellous and so far beyond the wildest of our imaginings that it is not surprising that the vast majority of Christians - as I mentioned already several times - know their birthdays but in nine cases out of ten could not name their baptismal day even if they were asked the question on "The Price is Right" or some similar program. Indeed, this was my own situation up to the time we were ordained Subdeacons (a stage before Ordination that no longer exists), and we had to produce evidence that we were baptized. I had always taken January 20 as my birthday and so my baptism would have been perhaps January 23 (note the vagueness). But when I received my "baptismal lines" I found that I had been born on January 7 and baptized on January 10! So I'm two weeks older than you thought (no wonder I have aged so much!). But, getting back to the marvellous Gift of God, we now can formulate a simple rule of thumb for perfection: living for God in union with our Divine Master. Simple, but not easy, because we still have to correct our defects which limit our degree of union with the Lord, and practice the virtues also in union with him. Nevertheless this awareness of the Lord's presence is a wonderful consolation.
We are not alone! The Master is the greatest and most powerful Friend we will ever have. Nor is his Presence something vague and hard to pin down. Not so. The Lord IS us - at least he would like to be - and we are the Lord's! When we think, speak or act (in any way as long as what we do is not sinful) the Master identifies with us and - to put it like that - takes us over a little more. On the other hand when we think, speak or act sinfully, he is slightly "ousted" from his desire to possess us fully. All day long the Risen Lord is in every Christian - except unfortunately the huge numbers in our time who have thrown him out by serious sin - loving, wanting to be more and more united, helping, inspiring, guiding, protecting one more human being who, in his plans, is far, FAR above the purely human appearances and situations. After all, God made Man lived and worked in Nazareth for twenty years and nobody had the slightest idea who he really was! It follows, therefore, that the more we keep in conscious contact with the Lord, the more effectively we are living our Christian lives and are - as far as human beings can be - more or less perfect. This process has various stages.
1) We begin our day with our Pauline prayers, thanking him for the night, good or bad as it might be. But we are talking of PRAYER, viz our personal contact with him which may mean just one or two prayers said slowly and reverently. I hope by now that we have all given up the insane practice of dashing through all the different formulae as if there were a prize for the speediest recitation. No, dear members, NO! NO!! Would you read the Master an address of welcome if he suddenly appeared before you? Say less prayers by all means but with more attention.
2) During the day, as your duties allow, turn deliberately to the Master and relate to him according to you present circumstances. Deliberately take even five seconds to recognize his presence. This is possible for everyone. If the Master were to forget you, what do you think would happen? You'd simply disappear!
3) Because the Institute vocation is to be lived mostly in the family or workplace, you can find the Master just as effectively in your office or schoolroom or hospital ward as in the church. If you have time for Mass and/or the Pauline Visit, good for you. But we are Institute people, not Religious.
4) The Master lives in you and me but also in him and her. Thus we contact him most effectively to the extent that we relate to others in a Christ-like way. Other points could be made but it is not by making points but by putting into practice the points we are already aware of which makes for the perfect Christian. The perfect Institute member has a special point to keep in mind. He or she has made a special, Church- regulated commitment to relate to the Master in a more intense way and, in our case, keeping in mind the special evangelical goals of our Pauline Family.The Master, living in me and you, is also out there " on the front lines" with brothers and sisters actually engaged in the editorial or technical apostolate. The effectiveness of their activity is, fundamentally, linked to their unity with the Master in them. Because you and I are united to the same Master, clearly we are not just "on the outside looking in" but are fully engaged and effectively in the entire Pauline apostolate. Our Divine Master is the Evangelizer - indeed, the only one - and we can support and sustain our brothers and sisters very effectively by living closely in union with the Master in us and asking him to make their work - which is also our work - fruitful for the people they actually contact. Have we wandered away from the subject of "Perfection." Not in the least. Perfection is individual but not just individual. St. Thomas says: "Essentially the perfection of the Christian life consists in charity first and foremost in the love of God, then in the love of one's neighbor." But in this life the love of God cannot be practiced without renouncing our in-built love of self and so in practice love requires sacrifice - it required sacrifice on the part of the Master and it requires sacrifice on our part also.
(continued)
"I strongly suspect that if we
saw all the difference even
the tiniest of our prayers to God
make, and all the people those
little prayers were destined
to affect, and all the consequences
of those effects down through
the centuries, we would be so
paralyzed with awe at the power
of prayer that we would be unable
to get up off our knees for the
rest of our lives."
-Peter Kreeft, .,
The Integrated Catholic Life
May 29, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Sunday, May 29
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 8: 5-8
1 Pt 3: 15-18
Jn 14: 15-21
Preparation is needed for the apostolate—we must draw everything from the Tabernacle. Jesus chose the apostles “to stay with Him and learn to pray and do as He did” (RSP p. 43).
Sometimes we are impatient: prayer, yes, but where does it get us? Perhaps the best answer is: where does your activity get you? And most ties the answer is either “not very far” or even “nowhere”. So let’s get back to prayer. What was good enough for Christ, is surely good enough for us!
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Gemma Magno FSP (1945)—Fr. Adolfo Lotta IJP (1998)—Sr. Veronica Glassmann FSP (2008)—Elvira Targa IAM (2008)
SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 8: 5-8
1 Pt 3: 15-18
Jn 14: 15-21
Preparation is needed for the apostolate—we must draw everything from the Tabernacle. Jesus chose the apostles “to stay with Him and learn to pray and do as He did” (RSP p. 43).
Sometimes we are impatient: prayer, yes, but where does it get us? Perhaps the best answer is: where does your activity get you? And most ties the answer is either “not very far” or even “nowhere”. So let’s get back to prayer. What was good enough for Christ, is surely good enough for us!
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Gemma Magno FSP (1945)—Fr. Adolfo Lotta IJP (1998)—Sr. Veronica Glassmann FSP (2008)—Elvira Targa IAM (2008)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
May 28, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and Father Tom
Saturday, May 28
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 16: 1-10
Jn 15: 18-21
Let us learn patience from Mary, or, we might say, learn to mortify ourselves and so remain good and do good (APD 539).
”Mortification” = “make dead” (Latin: “facere” = “to make” and ‘mors” death). WE “make dead” our evil side. So just doing “hard things” is not the idea. We have to choose which “hard things and direct them against “my character”, “the way I am,” “Thata’ how it is” etc.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Sofia Jimenez FSP (1998)—Sr. M. Beatrice Dante PD (2004)—Rosanna Paoloni HFRI (2007)—Sr. M. Ecclesia Gastaldo PD (2009)—Fr. Vincenzo Rossi IJP (2009)
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 16: 1-10
Jn 15: 18-21
Let us learn patience from Mary, or, we might say, learn to mortify ourselves and so remain good and do good (APD 539).
”Mortification” = “make dead” (Latin: “facere” = “to make” and ‘mors” death). WE “make dead” our evil side. So just doing “hard things” is not the idea. We have to choose which “hard things and direct them against “my character”, “the way I am,” “Thata’ how it is” etc.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Sofia Jimenez FSP (1998)—Sr. M. Beatrice Dante PD (2004)—Rosanna Paoloni HFRI (2007)—Sr. M. Ecclesia Gastaldo PD (2009)—Fr. Vincenzo Rossi IJP (2009)
Friday, May 27, 2011
May 27, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and Father Tom
Friday, May 27
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop
Acts 15: 22-31
Jn 15: 12-17
Talking of “reforming” there are three dangers: 1) wanting to reform others but not ourselves; 2) wanting to reform something that is already ok; 3) failing to reform what should be changed for the better (VMC 352).
And perhaps it is useful to recall that many genuine reformers paid the price with their lives—our Divine Master among them. So let’s begin first with ourselves.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Fr. Giovanni Casuccio IJP (1982)—Fr. Felice Carosso SSP (1985)—Antonio Pigiona HFI (1985)—Sr. M. Flores Marsili FSO (1992)—Sr. Sabina Meneghelli FSP (2001)—Illuminato Dainotto HFI (2001)—Sr. Annunziata Desogus FSP (2002)—Mary Knefler (1999)
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. Augustine of Canterbury, Bishop
Acts 15: 22-31
Jn 15: 12-17
Talking of “reforming” there are three dangers: 1) wanting to reform others but not ourselves; 2) wanting to reform something that is already ok; 3) failing to reform what should be changed for the better (VMC 352).
And perhaps it is useful to recall that many genuine reformers paid the price with their lives—our Divine Master among them. So let’s begin first with ourselves.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Fr. Giovanni Casuccio IJP (1982)—Fr. Felice Carosso SSP (1985)—Antonio Pigiona HFI (1985)—Sr. M. Flores Marsili FSO (1992)—Sr. Sabina Meneghelli FSP (2001)—Illuminato Dainotto HFI (2001)—Sr. Annunziata Desogus FSP (2002)—Mary Knefler (1999)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
May 26, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and Wtih Father Tom
Thursday, May 26
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. PHILIP NERI, Priest
Acts 15: 7-21
Jn 15: 9-11
The love of Mary was separated, detached from everything that was not God, it was unitive with God and it was reparative—she was co-redemptrix (FSP 43).
And we, too, in our limited way, can imitate this great Marian love for God, for us and for all peoples.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Cleric Artemio Valenti SSP (1935)—Sr. Crocifissa Benevenuti FSP (1961)—Sr. M. Agata Rizzo PD (1964)—M. Teresa Alcibar HFI (1989)—Sr. Angela M. Pavesi FSO (1990)—Sr. M. Virgilia Romanelli FSO (1991)—Giuseppe Corona HFI (2001)—Fr. Vincenzo Buongiorno SSP (2009)—Sr. M. Teresina Melis (2010)
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. PHILIP NERI, Priest
Acts 15: 7-21
Jn 15: 9-11
The love of Mary was separated, detached from everything that was not God, it was unitive with God and it was reparative—she was co-redemptrix (FSP 43).
And we, too, in our limited way, can imitate this great Marian love for God, for us and for all peoples.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Cleric Artemio Valenti SSP (1935)—Sr. Crocifissa Benevenuti FSP (1961)—Sr. M. Agata Rizzo PD (1964)—M. Teresa Alcibar HFI (1989)—Sr. Angela M. Pavesi FSO (1990)—Sr. M. Virgilia Romanelli FSO (1991)—Giuseppe Corona HFI (2001)—Fr. Vincenzo Buongiorno SSP (2009)—Sr. M. Teresina Melis (2010)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
May 25, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Wednesday, May 25
EASTER WEEKDAY
St.Beded the Venerable, priest and doctor
St. Gregory VII, Pope
St. Mary Magadalen de’Pazzi, virgin
Acts 15: 1-6
Jn 15: 1-8
Make your intentions the intentions of Jesus the Worker and feel ennobled even if your hands are stained with ink (RSP 549).
The reference is especially to the priest/brother relationship in the Society, but it applies to all of us. It is THE MASTER in you andme who gives value to what we do, NOT our word or action alone. Human actions are much the same in each person. That is WHAT is done, but it’s the WHY which counts.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Flaminia Di Nezza FSP (1947)—Fr. Joseph Kolencheril SSP (1997)—Fr. Valerio Cascia IJP (1997)—Fr. Giovanni Basigli IJP (1999)—Sr. M. Gesualda Aureli FSP (2004)—Salvatore Iannelli HFI (2004)
Personal Prayer:Lord Jesus, my Divine Master, please purify my intentions that everything I think, or do, or say may reflect your holy will. Amen
EASTER WEEKDAY
St.Beded the Venerable, priest and doctor
St. Gregory VII, Pope
St. Mary Magadalen de’Pazzi, virgin
Acts 15: 1-6
Jn 15: 1-8
Make your intentions the intentions of Jesus the Worker and feel ennobled even if your hands are stained with ink (RSP 549).
The reference is especially to the priest/brother relationship in the Society, but it applies to all of us. It is THE MASTER in you andme who gives value to what we do, NOT our word or action alone. Human actions are much the same in each person. That is WHAT is done, but it’s the WHY which counts.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Flaminia Di Nezza FSP (1947)—Fr. Joseph Kolencheril SSP (1997)—Fr. Valerio Cascia IJP (1997)—Fr. Giovanni Basigli IJP (1999)—Sr. M. Gesualda Aureli FSP (2004)—Salvatore Iannelli HFI (2004)
Personal Prayer:Lord Jesus, my Divine Master, please purify my intentions that everything I think, or do, or say may reflect your holy will. Amen
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
may 24, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and Father Tom
Tuesday, May 24
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 14: 19-28
Jn 14: 27-31
What is the supreme personality? What is the Pauline ideal? And how does it become a reality? It becomes real when we are able to say: “It is no longer I who live, it is Christ living in me.” (VMC 341)
As we have seen already, we should not feel that this ideal is too high. Christ is living in us already and He “grows” and takes us over to the extent that we respond to the many insights we receive to practice this or that virtue in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life. Let’s begin to study how we are and how Christ wants us to be.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Bro Serafino Bertolotti SSP (1979)—Sr. M. Rosa Giardino FSP (19878)—Sr. M. Silvia Mangiarotti FSP 1999)—Bro Pietro Pisani SSP (2001)—Maria Caforio HFI (2006)—Sr. M. Consilia Spedaliere FSP (2009)—Rev. Fr. Fidel (1976)
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 14: 19-28
Jn 14: 27-31
What is the supreme personality? What is the Pauline ideal? And how does it become a reality? It becomes real when we are able to say: “It is no longer I who live, it is Christ living in me.” (VMC 341)
As we have seen already, we should not feel that this ideal is too high. Christ is living in us already and He “grows” and takes us over to the extent that we respond to the many insights we receive to practice this or that virtue in the ordinary circumstances of everyday life. Let’s begin to study how we are and how Christ wants us to be.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Bro Serafino Bertolotti SSP (1979)—Sr. M. Rosa Giardino FSP (19878)—Sr. M. Silvia Mangiarotti FSP 1999)—Bro Pietro Pisani SSP (2001)—Maria Caforio HFI (2006)—Sr. M. Consilia Spedaliere FSP (2009)—Rev. Fr. Fidel (1976)
Monday, May 23, 2011
May 23, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Monday, May 23
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 14: 5-18
Jn 14: 2--26
A good character blends goodness and firmness, gentleness and strength, honesty and respect and wins the esteem of all he or she meets (VMC 338).
Our exam, besides highlighting actual defects, can usefully also take a look at aspects of our lives which are not sinful but may yet be having a negative impact. “It’s the way I am,” is not a valid excuse. The question is: how should you be?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Colomba Crepaldi FSO (1997)—Lina Minerva IAM (1997)—Sr. M. Angela Sanino PD (2000)—Irene Osorio IAM (2008)—Sr. Pierina Marras FSP (2009)—Dr. James Glosser (2000)
A Personal Prayer:Lord Jesus, my Divine Master, please help me to remember that being the way I am is not meant to be a permanent state. It is your gift to me, but is only meant to be a starting point. What I do with that gift, what I work to become, with the help of Your grace, is my gift to You. Help me to make it the best gift I can offer You. Amen.
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 14: 5-18
Jn 14: 2--26
A good character blends goodness and firmness, gentleness and strength, honesty and respect and wins the esteem of all he or she meets (VMC 338).
Our exam, besides highlighting actual defects, can usefully also take a look at aspects of our lives which are not sinful but may yet be having a negative impact. “It’s the way I am,” is not a valid excuse. The question is: how should you be?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Colomba Crepaldi FSO (1997)—Lina Minerva IAM (1997)—Sr. M. Angela Sanino PD (2000)—Irene Osorio IAM (2008)—Sr. Pierina Marras FSP (2009)—Dr. James Glosser (2000)
A Personal Prayer:Lord Jesus, my Divine Master, please help me to remember that being the way I am is not meant to be a permanent state. It is your gift to me, but is only meant to be a starting point. What I do with that gift, what I work to become, with the help of Your grace, is my gift to You. Help me to make it the best gift I can offer You. Amen.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
It Would Not be Right...
"It would not be right for us to neglect the word
of God so as to give out food."
May 22 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
We are continuing the story of the early Church and at this stage the first Christians were still living in a sort of "commune" full of joy and love and the Holy Spirit. But not entirely, as we can see from the First Reading. Discrimination apparently reared its ugly head. There were at least two groups of new converts: Jews who had always remained in the old country and spoke and thought in Aramaic, and Jews who had lived abroad in a Greek culture and spoke only Greek. The snobbish locals looked down on the others and made some trouble for them. This proved to be providential because it led to the ordination of the first Deacons - all of them Greek! There is an interesting phrase which will always be relevant: " It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food." Sometimes we in the Pauline family may feel inferior to the striking works of charity performed all around us. Not so. There are FAR MORE people starving spiritually - not to talk of being dead!- than we could possibly imagine, and we must reach out incessantly with our prayer first of all and then with what technical means are available to us. Our Pauline Offering puts things in the right perspective.
The Responsorial Psalm continues to express the joy of the early Church responding to the good news in the First Reading:already there are the outlines of an organization which is always required when there is growth and the growth itself is impressive - even " a large group of priests made their submission to the faith." These were, of course, the priests of the Old Testament. As we saw already, the word "priest" as we understand it today is expessed in the early Church by words such as "steward" or "overseer."
The Second Reading has some very interesting concepts. St. Peter takes his inspiration from the idea of "stone" or "rock." He sees the inidividual Christian as "living stones making a spiritual house" - membership of the Church, therefore, as we would say today and faithful membership. A stone by itself is next to useless. Joined to others it becomes vastly more important. At the center of this "association of stones," so to speak, is "the living stone, rejected by many who met him (= "men") but chosen and loved by God, i.e. Jesus Christ. The final sentence is very interesting: :"you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people set apart to sing the praises of God."
What is involved? What is involved is that, by Baptism, each of us has priestly function in the sense of a) offering our lives and work, b) giving witness to our beliefs, and c) turning to the Lord in prayer. This is intended to be the outline of the Christian life though it has been largely forgotten because what we call the ordained priesthood has been exalted for centuries while the priesthood of the people has been largely diminished. The priesthood of the priest involves more because, by ordination, that particular man is enabled through the Sacrament of Orders to be the link between Christ and the people in the sense that he is individual in the community at whose words the Lord comes down on the altar, as Calvary is re-presented, at whose words sins are forgiven and the other Sacraments conferred.
Outside the church the people exercise their priesthood in REALITY. In church they exercise it in RITE and one of the many reasons people are not going to church any more is because they have forgotten who they are and how to live. The Gospel presents a familiar scene, familiar at least to Paulines who find in this page from John the origin of our special devotion. Actually we find it in two places. The first is Chapter 13 where Jesus washes the feet of the embarrassed - we might better say "thunderstruck" - disciples and then declares afterwards: "You call me Master and Lord, and it is right that you do, because that is what I am." The second is in today's extract: " I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." Here we have another of Christ's self-definition and, as such, much more relevant than many others which are better known and more popular. We should not be ashamed of using these titles frequently in private and in public. The Institute - like the Pauline Family in general - reveals its full value not just when we make our Profession but when we live our Profession by faithful adherence to what is contained in the Statute and in the monthly materials. It takes some time and requires in most cases some sacrifice but ... so does every other worthwhile accomplishment.
~May 2011 Concord
of God so as to give out food."
May 22 - Fifth Sunday of Easter
We are continuing the story of the early Church and at this stage the first Christians were still living in a sort of "commune" full of joy and love and the Holy Spirit. But not entirely, as we can see from the First Reading. Discrimination apparently reared its ugly head. There were at least two groups of new converts: Jews who had always remained in the old country and spoke and thought in Aramaic, and Jews who had lived abroad in a Greek culture and spoke only Greek. The snobbish locals looked down on the others and made some trouble for them. This proved to be providential because it led to the ordination of the first Deacons - all of them Greek! There is an interesting phrase which will always be relevant: " It would not be right for us to neglect the word of God so as to give out food." Sometimes we in the Pauline family may feel inferior to the striking works of charity performed all around us. Not so. There are FAR MORE people starving spiritually - not to talk of being dead!- than we could possibly imagine, and we must reach out incessantly with our prayer first of all and then with what technical means are available to us. Our Pauline Offering puts things in the right perspective.
The Responsorial Psalm continues to express the joy of the early Church responding to the good news in the First Reading:already there are the outlines of an organization which is always required when there is growth and the growth itself is impressive - even " a large group of priests made their submission to the faith." These were, of course, the priests of the Old Testament. As we saw already, the word "priest" as we understand it today is expessed in the early Church by words such as "steward" or "overseer."
The Second Reading has some very interesting concepts. St. Peter takes his inspiration from the idea of "stone" or "rock." He sees the inidividual Christian as "living stones making a spiritual house" - membership of the Church, therefore, as we would say today and faithful membership. A stone by itself is next to useless. Joined to others it becomes vastly more important. At the center of this "association of stones," so to speak, is "the living stone, rejected by many who met him (= "men") but chosen and loved by God, i.e. Jesus Christ. The final sentence is very interesting: :"you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a people set apart to sing the praises of God."
What is involved? What is involved is that, by Baptism, each of us has priestly function in the sense of a) offering our lives and work, b) giving witness to our beliefs, and c) turning to the Lord in prayer. This is intended to be the outline of the Christian life though it has been largely forgotten because what we call the ordained priesthood has been exalted for centuries while the priesthood of the people has been largely diminished. The priesthood of the priest involves more because, by ordination, that particular man is enabled through the Sacrament of Orders to be the link between Christ and the people in the sense that he is individual in the community at whose words the Lord comes down on the altar, as Calvary is re-presented, at whose words sins are forgiven and the other Sacraments conferred.
Outside the church the people exercise their priesthood in REALITY. In church they exercise it in RITE and one of the many reasons people are not going to church any more is because they have forgotten who they are and how to live. The Gospel presents a familiar scene, familiar at least to Paulines who find in this page from John the origin of our special devotion. Actually we find it in two places. The first is Chapter 13 where Jesus washes the feet of the embarrassed - we might better say "thunderstruck" - disciples and then declares afterwards: "You call me Master and Lord, and it is right that you do, because that is what I am." The second is in today's extract: " I am the Way, the Truth and the Life." Here we have another of Christ's self-definition and, as such, much more relevant than many others which are better known and more popular. We should not be ashamed of using these titles frequently in private and in public. The Institute - like the Pauline Family in general - reveals its full value not just when we make our Profession but when we live our Profession by faithful adherence to what is contained in the Statute and in the monthly materials. It takes some time and requires in most cases some sacrifice but ... so does every other worthwhile accomplishment.
~May 2011 Concord
May 22, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Sunday, May 22
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 6: 1-11
1 Pt 2: 4-9
Jn 14: 1-12
The Lord sends sufficient vocations. May none fail because of us (SP April ’50)
’Nuff said!
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Giovanna Liverani PD (1974)—Sr. M. Gesuina Baschirotto PD (1979)—Sr. M. Felcina Belli FSP (1994)—Sr. M. Benedetta Marigliano PD (1996)—Pietro Monaldi HFI (1998)—Fr. Alfonso Tsukamoto SSP (2000)—Fr. Attilio Tempra SSP (2003)—Sr. Constanza Castagnola FSP (2006)—Sr. Elena Marsiglia FSP (2008)—Sr. M. Loredana Vito PD (2009)—Sr. Barnarda Vicario FSP (2010)—Escolastica Garcia (1988)—Celia Capuzello (1991)
FIFTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 6: 1-11
1 Pt 2: 4-9
Jn 14: 1-12
The Lord sends sufficient vocations. May none fail because of us (SP April ’50)
’Nuff said!
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Giovanna Liverani PD (1974)—Sr. M. Gesuina Baschirotto PD (1979)—Sr. M. Felcina Belli FSP (1994)—Sr. M. Benedetta Marigliano PD (1996)—Pietro Monaldi HFI (1998)—Fr. Alfonso Tsukamoto SSP (2000)—Fr. Attilio Tempra SSP (2003)—Sr. Constanza Castagnola FSP (2006)—Sr. Elena Marsiglia FSP (2008)—Sr. M. Loredana Vito PD (2009)—Sr. Barnarda Vicario FSP (2010)—Escolastica Garcia (1988)—Celia Capuzello (1991)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
May 21, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Saturday, May 21
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. Christopher Magallanes, priest, martyr and comps.
Acts 13: 44-52
Jn 14: 7-14
As soon as she knew with certainity that God was talking ot her thorught an angel, Mary was ready to obey (BM p 365).
Our “angel” is the Statute and the comments on Institute life in the materials supplied each month. They indicate the best possible use of our time and talents on earth and promise a special reward afterwards.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Fr. Francisco Villena SSP (1983)—Sr. Nair De Bona FSP (1983)—Teresa Pugenti HFI (1984)—Sr. M. Pia Crosio FSP (1990)—Sr. m. Albina Fasolo FSP (2001)—Sr. M. Pierina Vicari FSP (2007)—Sr. M. Olimpia Tunineetti FSP (2008)—Lt. James A. Ducote Jr. U.S.M.C. (1995)
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. Christopher Magallanes, priest, martyr and comps.
Acts 13: 44-52
Jn 14: 7-14
As soon as she knew with certainity that God was talking ot her thorught an angel, Mary was ready to obey (BM p 365).
Our “angel” is the Statute and the comments on Institute life in the materials supplied each month. They indicate the best possible use of our time and talents on earth and promise a special reward afterwards.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Fr. Francisco Villena SSP (1983)—Sr. Nair De Bona FSP (1983)—Teresa Pugenti HFI (1984)—Sr. M. Pia Crosio FSP (1990)—Sr. m. Albina Fasolo FSP (2001)—Sr. M. Pierina Vicari FSP (2007)—Sr. M. Olimpia Tunineetti FSP (2008)—Lt. James A. Ducote Jr. U.S.M.C. (1995)
Friday, May 20, 2011
May 20, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Friday, May 20
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. Bernardine of Siena, priest
Acts 13: 16-23
Jn 14: 1-6
God’s call is a treasure for three reasons: 1) it givews immense and eternal glory to God; 2) it is a source of grace and particular merit for the person chosen; 3) it is God’s great gift to a human being and to the world. (SP July-Sept 1948)
Well worth meditating on…and many times. Especially when get tired of HFI and our duties and the indifference of most people in it. WE LUCKY PEOPLE!!!
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Immacolata Panero PD (1976)—Sr. M. Gisella Mercanti PD (1998)—Fr. Maggiorino Testi SSP (2001)—Mario Bonati, Gabrielite (2003)—Sefafin Santiago (1998)—Pilar Albano HFI (2000)
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. Bernardine of Siena, priest
Acts 13: 16-23
Jn 14: 1-6
God’s call is a treasure for three reasons: 1) it givews immense and eternal glory to God; 2) it is a source of grace and particular merit for the person chosen; 3) it is God’s great gift to a human being and to the world. (SP July-Sept 1948)
Well worth meditating on…and many times. Especially when get tired of HFI and our duties and the indifference of most people in it. WE LUCKY PEOPLE!!!
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Immacolata Panero PD (1976)—Sr. M. Gisella Mercanti PD (1998)—Fr. Maggiorino Testi SSP (2001)—Mario Bonati, Gabrielite (2003)—Sefafin Santiago (1998)—Pilar Albano HFI (2000)
Thursday, May 19, 2011
May 19, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Thursday, May 19
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 13: 13-25
Jn 13: 16-20
The Visit to the Blessed Sacrament the fervent Communions, are strictly linked to our apostolate. The fruitfulness of the apostolate corresponds to the degree of Eucharistic life acquired (MRA, 93)
A simple rule…but how challenging. All day long to prepare for the next Eucharist… all day long to thank the Lord for His morning gift! A real challenge! But what a consoling thought!
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Scolastica Chisari PD (1960)—Sr. M. Ave Garuti FSP (1972)—Sr. Gopvamma Deidda FSP (1987)—Sr. Dopmosoa Capecci FSP (1998)—Sr. M. Loenzina Ellena PD (2003)—Sr. M. Rosetta Polloni PD (2006)—Sr. Lucia Lestuzzi SCBP (2006)—Sr. M.M. Elisa Comi FSP (2008)—Framca Portella IAM (2009)
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 13: 13-25
Jn 13: 16-20
The Visit to the Blessed Sacrament the fervent Communions, are strictly linked to our apostolate. The fruitfulness of the apostolate corresponds to the degree of Eucharistic life acquired (MRA, 93)
A simple rule…but how challenging. All day long to prepare for the next Eucharist… all day long to thank the Lord for His morning gift! A real challenge! But what a consoling thought!
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Scolastica Chisari PD (1960)—Sr. M. Ave Garuti FSP (1972)—Sr. Gopvamma Deidda FSP (1987)—Sr. Dopmosoa Capecci FSP (1998)—Sr. M. Loenzina Ellena PD (2003)—Sr. M. Rosetta Polloni PD (2006)—Sr. Lucia Lestuzzi SCBP (2006)—Sr. M.M. Elisa Comi FSP (2008)—Framca Portella IAM (2009)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
May 18, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Wednesday, May 18
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. John 1, Pope, Martyr
Acts 12: 24-13: 5
Jn 12: 44-50
Work which is intelligently increased is the best imitation of God Who is Pure Act (= He has no need of rest or stoppages) (VMC 326).
As time passes we can perhaps do less physical work, but there is always work for Pauline goals. Too much time spent on TV and radio simply accepting? No. the Pauline has to go out and in our case go out with the HFI message, welcome or not.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Rosita Diez PD (1966)—Sr. Angelina Valsania FSP (1974)—Fr. Marco Grossi SSP (1988)—Bro Francesco Sierra SSP (199)—Sr. Palma Rigoni PD (1995)—Piergiorgio Guerreschi HFI (1996)—Sr. Regina Caro FSP (1999)—Sr. Franceschina Colavecchio FSP (2008)—Enzo Alaimo IAM (2009)—Fr. Rui Prates SSP (2010)—Sr. Marcellina M. Dal Corso (2010)—Minnie Madeline (1965)—Jeanette Downey HFI (2007)
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. John 1, Pope, Martyr
Acts 12: 24-13: 5
Jn 12: 44-50
Work which is intelligently increased is the best imitation of God Who is Pure Act (= He has no need of rest or stoppages) (VMC 326).
As time passes we can perhaps do less physical work, but there is always work for Pauline goals. Too much time spent on TV and radio simply accepting? No. the Pauline has to go out and in our case go out with the HFI message, welcome or not.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Rosita Diez PD (1966)—Sr. Angelina Valsania FSP (1974)—Fr. Marco Grossi SSP (1988)—Bro Francesco Sierra SSP (199)—Sr. Palma Rigoni PD (1995)—Piergiorgio Guerreschi HFI (1996)—Sr. Regina Caro FSP (1999)—Sr. Franceschina Colavecchio FSP (2008)—Enzo Alaimo IAM (2009)—Fr. Rui Prates SSP (2010)—Sr. Marcellina M. Dal Corso (2010)—Minnie Madeline (1965)—Jeanette Downey HFI (2007)
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
May 17, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Tuesday, May 17,
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 11: 19-26
Jn 10: 22-30
To become a good member we need a number of steps: a) natural goodness and honesty; b) on this base we add the qualities of a good Christian; © and then we can add the qualities of a Pauline: outgoing, courageous, enterprising, loving the Master and constantly promoting Him (VMC 323).
We are Paulines, not only people who heard about St. Paul and say some prayers to him, but who try their hardest to reproduce his virtues in their lives. “I offer myself to this Institute with all my heart,” Will the Master not ask us why we didn’t put these words into practice?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Ann Grubb IAM (2003)—Giovanni Giove HFI (2004)—Fr. Giuseppe Perna IJP (2009)—Wilfred Waltz (2009)
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 11: 19-26
Jn 10: 22-30
To become a good member we need a number of steps: a) natural goodness and honesty; b) on this base we add the qualities of a good Christian; © and then we can add the qualities of a Pauline: outgoing, courageous, enterprising, loving the Master and constantly promoting Him (VMC 323).
We are Paulines, not only people who heard about St. Paul and say some prayers to him, but who try their hardest to reproduce his virtues in their lives. “I offer myself to this Institute with all my heart,” Will the Master not ask us why we didn’t put these words into practice?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Ann Grubb IAM (2003)—Giovanni Giove HFI (2004)—Fr. Giuseppe Perna IJP (2009)—Wilfred Waltz (2009)
Monday, May 16, 2011
May 16, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Monday, May 16
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 11: 1-18
Jn 10: 11-18
Virility. The word (from the Latin “Vir” = man) includes that group of qualities needed for strength, and strength is needed for the sacrifices we have to make (VMC 320).
Among these strengths the Founder lists the spirit of initiative to begin something, courage to face obstacles and firmness to ensure perseverance. How do these qualities appear in my life—and in yours? Are we cultivating a “milk and roses” spirituality?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Loreto Mari HFI (1995)—Fr. Giovanni Carrano IJP (1996)—Bro Angelico Abrate SSP (1999)—Sr. M. Cata Menonein PD (2007)—SR. Paola Macalli (FSP (2008)>
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 11: 1-18
Jn 10: 11-18
Virility. The word (from the Latin “Vir” = man) includes that group of qualities needed for strength, and strength is needed for the sacrifices we have to make (VMC 320).
Among these strengths the Founder lists the spirit of initiative to begin something, courage to face obstacles and firmness to ensure perseverance. How do these qualities appear in my life—and in yours? Are we cultivating a “milk and roses” spirituality?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Loreto Mari HFI (1995)—Fr. Giovanni Carrano IJP (1996)—Bro Angelico Abrate SSP (1999)—Sr. M. Cata Menonein PD (2007)—SR. Paola Macalli (FSP (2008)>
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Making a Decision: Blessed Timothy
Making a decision
Blessed
Timothy
We are continuing to look at the intense interior life of this brother of ours and at his active, not to say anxious, search for a solution to a great problem: will he remain a seminarian in the Alba Seminary and become part of the Diocesan clergy, or will he renounce this stable and secure future to become part of the "adventure" on which Fr. Alberione had already set out? And we cannot remain indifferent to his thinking and to his concerns. Have we not all been faced with difficult decisions at least once and perhaps several times in our lives? What decision, for example, is more crucial than the choice of a spouse, bearing in mind that in the normal way this decision is final until death?
Meanwhile he continues on parallel lines his constant self-study and his study of the decision facing him.
I am too hasty in my approach to spirituality and think I can obtain in a day a result that takes much longer. Then I get discouraged. I want to be more humble and I think I will have to struggle for humility for at least 20 years .. . I see more clearly that today in the Church it is the epoch of the Good Press and my future lies with the Congregation of the Good Press Religious... Lord, I had an unpleasant experience and I tremble at the possibility that I may fail in my duties as a Cleric and as a Prefect of the boys and so become responsible for the loss of souls . . . O Jesus, I beseech you through the intercession of Mary to forgive my past, to unite yourself closely to me and become my ideal.
Whatever our brother had in mind when he wrote these lines, it could not have been objectively grave. After his death the Founder testified to the common opinion that the Blessed had never committed a serious sin).
My third conference with the Spiritual Director on the subject of my future. I told him I have moments of terror at the thought that I may take the wrong road, not go where the Lord wants me and so fail to do all the good he has in mind. I said that my pride makes me tremble because it shuts out the divine light. The Director recommended more faith and warned against the danger of scruples. Meanwhile it was time for me to make a decision to avoid losing the divine assistance on this point. The decision will bring its own problems but my support will be the conviction that this is the will of God.
Then comes a positive moment.
When I realize that I will be an apostle of the Good Press my heart fills with joy and I am burning with enthusiasm. It's time for me to inform my parents of this change and also to ask the Bishop's permission Besides Fr. Alberione, I have been encouraged also by Canon Chiesa who said he felt certain that my vocation was to the apostolate of the Good Press. Then he thanks all those who helped him arrive at this point. O God, I thank you for your light. I thank St. Paul, St Joseph, my Angel Guardian and my dear Mother who obtained it for me. Thank you for this noble vocation of which I am most unworthy and for the high and extraordinary holiness to which you are calling me. O Mary, my Mother, I am a part of you and you must form me for it. St Paul, pray for us!
It is the month of May, 1917, and he lists some graces he wishes Our Lady to obtain for him, covering his various duties.
• To feel a constantly-increasing sense of union with her.
• That she may make me a true apostle of the Good Press and obtain permission for me from my superiors and my parents to enter into Fr. Alberione's family.
• That she may form in sanctity the seminarians I am responsible for.
• That she help Torquato to avoid military service
(Italy was now in WW 1 and all able-bodied young men were drafted including the seminarians. Torquato was one of the first boys Fr. Alberione recruited)
In return for these Marian favors he promises Mental sacrifices: trying to know Our Lady better through reading and study; Sacrifices of the will, seeking humiliations and other modifications; Sacrifices of the heart, practicing a tender, filial and intimate confidence with her.
Events are speeding up. Today the Spiritual Director and Canon Chiesa told me that it's time to make a move. O God, I am nothing,needed for nothing. Help me to make this transition. I will make a Triduum of prayer for this intention: to Jesus, Creator of the World and to Mary, hope of sinful humanity; to Mary Queen of Apostles and to Jesus our Redeemer. And on the third day I will receive the Blessed Eucharist.
Some time later.
Mary, here I am at the vigil of the great day when I desire to enter the family of Fr. Alberione, get to know my Sisters (the early Daughters of St. Paul) and begin to live with my dear brothers. Now I have to ask the Bishop for permission to leave the Seminary. This request raised various difficulties - remembering also the relationships between clerics of that age and their Bishops: very different from the relationships existing today.
This evening I asked permission. The Bishop showed that he was aware of my situation and asked if I wanted to remain a cleric, become a priest and then obey Fr Alberione rather than the Bishop. I replied in the affirmative. He thought about this reply for some considerable time and then replied that, if I wished to have his permission to leave, I could no longer wear my cassock. I told him I was quite determined to leave but would be reluctant to leave the cassock aside.
This interview took place on May 17. A week later, we read.
The Bishop called me again and asked me about my studies. He then said that, if I intended to remain a cleric,he wanted me to continue in the seminary. With Fr. Alberione I will never be a priest as I plan to be. Father cannot be all that sure that he is doing the will of God. Of course I am free to try out my call but I am being invited to that house just because I can be useful to them and when they find me useless they will throw me out. Canon Chiesa (Fr. Alberione's Spiritual Director) is a good priest but he has not given me practical advice on this point. And I do not have the serenity and calm needed to be a journalist. My love for the new idea comes from the fact that Fr. Alberione has always helped me - indeed, hypnotized me. The advice I have received contradicts the authority of the Bishop who is not personally, opposed to the work but simply suggests that it remains to be seen not.
The points he made were not difficult in themselves but I was shaken by them because I would have to resist the authority of the Bishop whom I esteem and love and with whom I feel deeply united. I begin to doubt... is my call truly from God. And I almost begin to regret the quiet life I might live if I had not thought of leaving the seminary. But yet my will remained very firm indeed and I still wanted to follow Fr Alberione so there was nothing to be gained by going over the same ground. I spoke to Fr. Alberione again and he said that if I don't believe what we are doing. .. then I should tear up the Gospel!
After this "onslaught" there were other sacrifices he had to make.
I renounced seriously in Jesus' favor what might prevent me following the divine call: my pride, my deep affection for the Seminary, the Clerics, the Superiors, the peaceful Seminary life and even the clerical cassock - though its loss will cause me pain and humiliation . . . And in this period I renewed several times the consecration of my whole being to Mary and this morning after Communion I asked Jesus to cleanse me of all my lack of attention to my tender Mother.
It was now June and Timothy began to make a move toward Fr Alberione. But first of all as a visitor during the summer seminary vacation. The Bishop agreed to this but insisted that, outside the seminary, Timothy would no longer be a cleric.
O Jesus how I thank you for this first grace which marks my life and humbles me. If I had got all I wanted 1 would have lost my head and would have forgotten you and would have lost interest in my formation. I have to spend all this vacation in profound humility having received a less-then-enthusiastic permission from the Bishop and no guarantee of a future permission. Lord, let me live in Fr. Alberione's house not as a member but as a species of poor man or beggar. Long live Jesus!
(continued)
~From the May 2011 Concord
Blessed
Timothy
We are continuing to look at the intense interior life of this brother of ours and at his active, not to say anxious, search for a solution to a great problem: will he remain a seminarian in the Alba Seminary and become part of the Diocesan clergy, or will he renounce this stable and secure future to become part of the "adventure" on which Fr. Alberione had already set out? And we cannot remain indifferent to his thinking and to his concerns. Have we not all been faced with difficult decisions at least once and perhaps several times in our lives? What decision, for example, is more crucial than the choice of a spouse, bearing in mind that in the normal way this decision is final until death?
Meanwhile he continues on parallel lines his constant self-study and his study of the decision facing him.
I am too hasty in my approach to spirituality and think I can obtain in a day a result that takes much longer. Then I get discouraged. I want to be more humble and I think I will have to struggle for humility for at least 20 years .. . I see more clearly that today in the Church it is the epoch of the Good Press and my future lies with the Congregation of the Good Press Religious... Lord, I had an unpleasant experience and I tremble at the possibility that I may fail in my duties as a Cleric and as a Prefect of the boys and so become responsible for the loss of souls . . . O Jesus, I beseech you through the intercession of Mary to forgive my past, to unite yourself closely to me and become my ideal.
Whatever our brother had in mind when he wrote these lines, it could not have been objectively grave. After his death the Founder testified to the common opinion that the Blessed had never committed a serious sin).
My third conference with the Spiritual Director on the subject of my future. I told him I have moments of terror at the thought that I may take the wrong road, not go where the Lord wants me and so fail to do all the good he has in mind. I said that my pride makes me tremble because it shuts out the divine light. The Director recommended more faith and warned against the danger of scruples. Meanwhile it was time for me to make a decision to avoid losing the divine assistance on this point. The decision will bring its own problems but my support will be the conviction that this is the will of God.
Then comes a positive moment.
When I realize that I will be an apostle of the Good Press my heart fills with joy and I am burning with enthusiasm. It's time for me to inform my parents of this change and also to ask the Bishop's permission Besides Fr. Alberione, I have been encouraged also by Canon Chiesa who said he felt certain that my vocation was to the apostolate of the Good Press. Then he thanks all those who helped him arrive at this point. O God, I thank you for your light. I thank St. Paul, St Joseph, my Angel Guardian and my dear Mother who obtained it for me. Thank you for this noble vocation of which I am most unworthy and for the high and extraordinary holiness to which you are calling me. O Mary, my Mother, I am a part of you and you must form me for it. St Paul, pray for us!
It is the month of May, 1917, and he lists some graces he wishes Our Lady to obtain for him, covering his various duties.
• To feel a constantly-increasing sense of union with her.
• That she may make me a true apostle of the Good Press and obtain permission for me from my superiors and my parents to enter into Fr. Alberione's family.
• That she may form in sanctity the seminarians I am responsible for.
• That she help Torquato to avoid military service
(Italy was now in WW 1 and all able-bodied young men were drafted including the seminarians. Torquato was one of the first boys Fr. Alberione recruited)
In return for these Marian favors he promises Mental sacrifices: trying to know Our Lady better through reading and study; Sacrifices of the will, seeking humiliations and other modifications; Sacrifices of the heart, practicing a tender, filial and intimate confidence with her.
Events are speeding up. Today the Spiritual Director and Canon Chiesa told me that it's time to make a move. O God, I am nothing,needed for nothing. Help me to make this transition. I will make a Triduum of prayer for this intention: to Jesus, Creator of the World and to Mary, hope of sinful humanity; to Mary Queen of Apostles and to Jesus our Redeemer. And on the third day I will receive the Blessed Eucharist.
Some time later.
Mary, here I am at the vigil of the great day when I desire to enter the family of Fr. Alberione, get to know my Sisters (the early Daughters of St. Paul) and begin to live with my dear brothers. Now I have to ask the Bishop for permission to leave the Seminary. This request raised various difficulties - remembering also the relationships between clerics of that age and their Bishops: very different from the relationships existing today.
This evening I asked permission. The Bishop showed that he was aware of my situation and asked if I wanted to remain a cleric, become a priest and then obey Fr Alberione rather than the Bishop. I replied in the affirmative. He thought about this reply for some considerable time and then replied that, if I wished to have his permission to leave, I could no longer wear my cassock. I told him I was quite determined to leave but would be reluctant to leave the cassock aside.
This interview took place on May 17. A week later, we read.
The Bishop called me again and asked me about my studies. He then said that, if I intended to remain a cleric,he wanted me to continue in the seminary. With Fr. Alberione I will never be a priest as I plan to be. Father cannot be all that sure that he is doing the will of God. Of course I am free to try out my call but I am being invited to that house just because I can be useful to them and when they find me useless they will throw me out. Canon Chiesa (Fr. Alberione's Spiritual Director) is a good priest but he has not given me practical advice on this point. And I do not have the serenity and calm needed to be a journalist. My love for the new idea comes from the fact that Fr. Alberione has always helped me - indeed, hypnotized me. The advice I have received contradicts the authority of the Bishop who is not personally, opposed to the work but simply suggests that it remains to be seen not.
The points he made were not difficult in themselves but I was shaken by them because I would have to resist the authority of the Bishop whom I esteem and love and with whom I feel deeply united. I begin to doubt... is my call truly from God. And I almost begin to regret the quiet life I might live if I had not thought of leaving the seminary. But yet my will remained very firm indeed and I still wanted to follow Fr Alberione so there was nothing to be gained by going over the same ground. I spoke to Fr. Alberione again and he said that if I don't believe what we are doing. .. then I should tear up the Gospel!
After this "onslaught" there were other sacrifices he had to make.
I renounced seriously in Jesus' favor what might prevent me following the divine call: my pride, my deep affection for the Seminary, the Clerics, the Superiors, the peaceful Seminary life and even the clerical cassock - though its loss will cause me pain and humiliation . . . And in this period I renewed several times the consecration of my whole being to Mary and this morning after Communion I asked Jesus to cleanse me of all my lack of attention to my tender Mother.
It was now June and Timothy began to make a move toward Fr Alberione. But first of all as a visitor during the summer seminary vacation. The Bishop agreed to this but insisted that, outside the seminary, Timothy would no longer be a cleric.
O Jesus how I thank you for this first grace which marks my life and humbles me. If I had got all I wanted 1 would have lost my head and would have forgotten you and would have lost interest in my formation. I have to spend all this vacation in profound humility having received a less-then-enthusiastic permission from the Bishop and no guarantee of a future permission. Lord, let me live in Fr. Alberione's house not as a member but as a species of poor man or beggar. Long live Jesus!
(continued)
~From the May 2011 Concord
May 15, 2011
"LET'S CONTINUE
INDEFINITELY TO
EVANGELIZE I.E.TO
SHARE THE NEWS OF
OUR INSTITUTE!"
May 15 - Fourth Sunday of Easter
We are following each Sunday the highlights of the beginning of the Church and Peter is, quite rightly, given the best lines in this great drama. The First Reading today finds him at has loudest and clearest - so to speak - and he has his audience - as you might say - in the hollow of his hand. An interesting point here is the number of conversions: 3000! What a speaker! But is this the reason? Is it not more probable that among the crowd were quite a few "closet Christians," i.e. people who had been convinced by the miracles and preaching of Christ but who up to then had not come forward "for fear of the Jews" viz. because they might have been thrown out of the local synagogue( more or less equal to excommunication in our time). And our conclusion, dear members? Is it not to continue indefinitely and tirelessly our special "evangelization' or work to share the good news of our Institute. Even if YOU don't see any results (as happened with Christ) the results are there. God misses nothing and His plans are immense. And so . . . just keep on keeping on!
Today, of course is Good Shepherd Sunday, special Feastday of our "Pastorelle" or "Shepherdess Sisters," not found in the USA but active in other countries. The Responsorial Psalm underlines this theme which includes also prayer and activity for priestly and religious vocations. And have we no need of vocations to the Institute? Of course we have and we should work for them. Indeed, let me stick my neck out and remark that the well-known Movements for Family betterment would benefit greatly if in some way they could link up with the HFI. I have made this point before: all these Movements have a spiritual basis but it depends on the goodwill of the members. How much better it would be if at least some members reinforced their convictions and activity with consecration and vows?
The Second Reading shows us once again a more mature Peter,no longer in his first youth but always revealing his ageless yearning to spread the good news which however has now become not so good for the early Christians. As we recall, the Roman Empire had begun to show its interior corruption and it became necessary to find a unifying ikon. The Emperor was chosen as the ikon and citizens were called to honor him by burning incense before his image and reciting some words. The Christians, of course, refused and paid a dear price, Peter consoles them, reminding them that the Lord had paid the price first.
The Alleluia refers to the situation of real shepherds in the Lord's time who truly did know their sheep in the sense that each shepherd had a special call to which his sheep, and his sheep, only responded. This was essential when all the sheep were put into one large fold at night. To distinguish them by their appearance would have been a nightmare but the shepherd's call brought each group out swiftly and safely.
The Gospel brings us back quite a bit to one of the Lord's many encounters with the Pharisees and also with people in general. John tells us that the Pharisees did not understand what he meant and the people were divided, some saying he must be out of his mind, others impressed by his miracles. He calls himself not just the shepherd (of which there were hundreds)but - very mysteriously - the actual GATE of the sheepfold. This brings us back to the Last Supper where he called himself the Way viz. an example of the way we should behave or an actual "way" or road on which we can walk to arrive safely at the end of our spiritual journey. The meaning is pretty clear to us now but it must have been greeted, as mentioned, either by a stunned and disbelieving silence or else by violent arguments among the listeners (as John in fact tells us). John was the last of the apostles to die and he had the twofold advantage of years of reflection and - doubtless - discussion with the Mother of the Lord who could surely contribute more genuine information. On the other hand, if the Lord had made the comments and comparisons that I just mentioned, what good would that have done? Call himself the " Gate" or the " Way" would have equally meant nothing to his hearers and yet this was the truth about who he was.
INDEFINITELY TO
EVANGELIZE I.E.TO
SHARE THE NEWS OF
OUR INSTITUTE!"
May 15 - Fourth Sunday of Easter
We are following each Sunday the highlights of the beginning of the Church and Peter is, quite rightly, given the best lines in this great drama. The First Reading today finds him at has loudest and clearest - so to speak - and he has his audience - as you might say - in the hollow of his hand. An interesting point here is the number of conversions: 3000! What a speaker! But is this the reason? Is it not more probable that among the crowd were quite a few "closet Christians," i.e. people who had been convinced by the miracles and preaching of Christ but who up to then had not come forward "for fear of the Jews" viz. because they might have been thrown out of the local synagogue( more or less equal to excommunication in our time). And our conclusion, dear members? Is it not to continue indefinitely and tirelessly our special "evangelization' or work to share the good news of our Institute. Even if YOU don't see any results (as happened with Christ) the results are there. God misses nothing and His plans are immense. And so . . . just keep on keeping on!
Today, of course is Good Shepherd Sunday, special Feastday of our "Pastorelle" or "Shepherdess Sisters," not found in the USA but active in other countries. The Responsorial Psalm underlines this theme which includes also prayer and activity for priestly and religious vocations. And have we no need of vocations to the Institute? Of course we have and we should work for them. Indeed, let me stick my neck out and remark that the well-known Movements for Family betterment would benefit greatly if in some way they could link up with the HFI. I have made this point before: all these Movements have a spiritual basis but it depends on the goodwill of the members. How much better it would be if at least some members reinforced their convictions and activity with consecration and vows?
The Second Reading shows us once again a more mature Peter,no longer in his first youth but always revealing his ageless yearning to spread the good news which however has now become not so good for the early Christians. As we recall, the Roman Empire had begun to show its interior corruption and it became necessary to find a unifying ikon. The Emperor was chosen as the ikon and citizens were called to honor him by burning incense before his image and reciting some words. The Christians, of course, refused and paid a dear price, Peter consoles them, reminding them that the Lord had paid the price first.
The Alleluia refers to the situation of real shepherds in the Lord's time who truly did know their sheep in the sense that each shepherd had a special call to which his sheep, and his sheep, only responded. This was essential when all the sheep were put into one large fold at night. To distinguish them by their appearance would have been a nightmare but the shepherd's call brought each group out swiftly and safely.
The Gospel brings us back quite a bit to one of the Lord's many encounters with the Pharisees and also with people in general. John tells us that the Pharisees did not understand what he meant and the people were divided, some saying he must be out of his mind, others impressed by his miracles. He calls himself not just the shepherd (of which there were hundreds)but - very mysteriously - the actual GATE of the sheepfold. This brings us back to the Last Supper where he called himself the Way viz. an example of the way we should behave or an actual "way" or road on which we can walk to arrive safely at the end of our spiritual journey. The meaning is pretty clear to us now but it must have been greeted, as mentioned, either by a stunned and disbelieving silence or else by violent arguments among the listeners (as John in fact tells us). John was the last of the apostles to die and he had the twofold advantage of years of reflection and - doubtless - discussion with the Mother of the Lord who could surely contribute more genuine information. On the other hand, if the Lord had made the comments and comparisons that I just mentioned, what good would that have done? Call himself the " Gate" or the " Way" would have equally meant nothing to his hearers and yet this was the truth about who he was.
May 15, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Sunday, May 15
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
**Feastday of the Good Shepherd Sisters**
**World Day of Prayer for Vocations**
Acts 2: 14a, 36-41
1 Pt 2: 20-25
Jn 10:1-10
St. Augustine says that thoughts, feelings, words and actions are the seed we sow for an eternal harvest (VMC 314).
All of us can go along with this thought but the problem is to remember it on a constant basis. Perhaps the secret of remembering is to STOP every now and then on even the busiest day and reflect on it. We stop for so many trivialities. Why not for eternity?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Marta Altomani PD (1964)—Sr. James Marie Roos FSP (2001)—Sr. M. Redenta Campana FSP (2005)—Sr. Clara Boff FSP (2007)—Bertha T. Sipos (2007)
FOURTH SUNDAY OF EASTER
**Feastday of the Good Shepherd Sisters**
**World Day of Prayer for Vocations**
Acts 2: 14a, 36-41
1 Pt 2: 20-25
Jn 10:1-10
St. Augustine says that thoughts, feelings, words and actions are the seed we sow for an eternal harvest (VMC 314).
All of us can go along with this thought but the problem is to remember it on a constant basis. Perhaps the secret of remembering is to STOP every now and then on even the busiest day and reflect on it. We stop for so many trivialities. Why not for eternity?
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Marta Altomani PD (1964)—Sr. James Marie Roos FSP (2001)—Sr. M. Redenta Campana FSP (2005)—Sr. Clara Boff FSP (2007)—Bertha T. Sipos (2007)
Saturday, May 14, 2011
May 14, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Saturday, May14
ST. MATTHIAS, Apostle
Acts 1: 15-17; 20-26
Jn 15: 9-17
Union with Christ means, ideally, that he becomes our personality, thinking, speaking and acting in and through us. “It is no longer I who live…it is Christ living me.”
Certainly this is not our usual situation, but on the other hand, perhaps it is. There is nop need to feel anything: just think, say and do what we believe is right and the Lord will gladly identify with us. Nothing or no one is unimportant for God. All of us have a special part in His plan and we identify with Him when we are on our best behavior.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Mary Alfonsa Maliakel FSP (1998)—Sr. M. Addolorata Boffa PD (1988)—Fr. Giovanni Chiesa SSP (1990)—Sr. M. Lucia Osorio FSP (1994)—Sr. M> Fedele Pellizzon (1997)—Maria Sara Leite IAM (1997)—Giovanni Patera HFI (2000)—Sr. Raffaella Gravina FSP (2008)—Rose Piampiano (1988)
ST. MATTHIAS, Apostle
Acts 1: 15-17; 20-26
Jn 15: 9-17
Union with Christ means, ideally, that he becomes our personality, thinking, speaking and acting in and through us. “It is no longer I who live…it is Christ living me.”
Certainly this is not our usual situation, but on the other hand, perhaps it is. There is nop need to feel anything: just think, say and do what we believe is right and the Lord will gladly identify with us. Nothing or no one is unimportant for God. All of us have a special part in His plan and we identify with Him when we are on our best behavior.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Mary Alfonsa Maliakel FSP (1998)—Sr. M. Addolorata Boffa PD (1988)—Fr. Giovanni Chiesa SSP (1990)—Sr. M. Lucia Osorio FSP (1994)—Sr. M> Fedele Pellizzon (1997)—Maria Sara Leite IAM (1997)—Giovanni Patera HFI (2000)—Sr. Raffaella Gravina FSP (2008)—Rose Piampiano (1988)
Friday, May 13, 2011
May 13, 2011 With Blessed Father Albeirone and With Father Tom
Friday, May 13
EASTER WEEKDAY
Our Lady of Fatima
Acts 9: 1-20
Jn 6: 52-59
We have to direct ourselves to God, pray, confess and receive Communion. That is the message of Fatima and only by following it can the mercy of God be granted us (FSP 43).
Somehow this message got lost in the long list of Agreements and Conventions and Treaties and Movements for peace. But peace, real peace and not merely a lull between wars, is in the human heart and mind and that is precisely where it is NOT at present and never has been.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Immacolata Satriani FSP (2002)—Sr. Tecla Zillanti FSP (2007)
EASTER WEEKDAY
Our Lady of Fatima
Acts 9: 1-20
Jn 6: 52-59
We have to direct ourselves to God, pray, confess and receive Communion. That is the message of Fatima and only by following it can the mercy of God be granted us (FSP 43).
Somehow this message got lost in the long list of Agreements and Conventions and Treaties and Movements for peace. But peace, real peace and not merely a lull between wars, is in the human heart and mind and that is precisely where it is NOT at present and never has been.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Immacolata Satriani FSP (2002)—Sr. Tecla Zillanti FSP (2007)
May 12, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Thursday, May 12
EASTER WEEKDAY
SS. Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs
St. Pancras, Martyr
Acts 8: 26-40
Jn 6: 44-51
Scrutinize in young people the signs and indications they present for their future life. And in the meantime we should be careful to correspond with our own vocation (BM 293).
Are young people interested in priestly and religious vocations? Yes. Among the young people in our HFI families, for example, more than one is thinking seriously about a future in direct Church service. We will favor this tendency without forcing and leave the rest to the Divine Master.
Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Tommasina Simonato FSP (1940)—Fr. Giovanni Gramaglia SSP (1981)—Sr. Serafina Milani FSP (1984)—Fr. Michele Grillo IJP (1993)—Fr. Giovanni Chiavarino SSP (1994)—Sr. M. Piera Giarizzo FSP (2004)—Dale Baldwin (2000)
EASTER WEEKDAY
SS. Nereus and Achilleus, Martyrs
St. Pancras, Martyr
Acts 8: 26-40
Jn 6: 44-51
Scrutinize in young people the signs and indications they present for their future life. And in the meantime we should be careful to correspond with our own vocation (BM 293).
Are young people interested in priestly and religious vocations? Yes. Among the young people in our HFI families, for example, more than one is thinking seriously about a future in direct Church service. We will favor this tendency without forcing and leave the rest to the Divine Master.
Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Tommasina Simonato FSP (1940)—Fr. Giovanni Gramaglia SSP (1981)—Sr. Serafina Milani FSP (1984)—Fr. Michele Grillo IJP (1993)—Fr. Giovanni Chiavarino SSP (1994)—Sr. M. Piera Giarizzo FSP (2004)—Dale Baldwin (2000)
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
May 11, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Wednesday, May 11
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 8:1-8
Jn 6: 35-40
Get everyone involved. Convince people that the vocation issue is the bacic issue now and in the future. Call their attention to the obligation to solve it (SP 1948).
“…to solve it!” Not, therefore, to come up with half-baked solutions or compromises or suggestions that only make things worse. There is only one rule: “Take up your cross and follow me.” Anything less than that is misleading genuinely-committed young and not-so-young people.
Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Imelda Marianni FSP (1971)—Sr. M. Gusualda Rota FSP (1974)—Sr. Brigida Perron FSP (1977)—Aldo Antnelli HFI (1991)—Luis Harnan Luna HFI (1999)—Fr. Lamberto Schiatti (2002)—Fr. Manfredo Caroli IJP (2004)—Bro. Luke Dedard SSP (2006)—Sr. M. Leonzia Manera FSP (2007)—Sr. M. Adalgisa Tozzi PD (2010)—Sr. Celestina M. Delpogetto FSP (2010)
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 8:1-8
Jn 6: 35-40
Get everyone involved. Convince people that the vocation issue is the bacic issue now and in the future. Call their attention to the obligation to solve it (SP 1948).
“…to solve it!” Not, therefore, to come up with half-baked solutions or compromises or suggestions that only make things worse. There is only one rule: “Take up your cross and follow me.” Anything less than that is misleading genuinely-committed young and not-so-young people.
Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Imelda Marianni FSP (1971)—Sr. M. Gusualda Rota FSP (1974)—Sr. Brigida Perron FSP (1977)—Aldo Antnelli HFI (1991)—Luis Harnan Luna HFI (1999)—Fr. Lamberto Schiatti (2002)—Fr. Manfredo Caroli IJP (2004)—Bro. Luke Dedard SSP (2006)—Sr. M. Leonzia Manera FSP (2007)—Sr. M. Adalgisa Tozzi PD (2010)—Sr. Celestina M. Delpogetto FSP (2010)
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
May 10, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Tuesday, May 10
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. Damien of Molokai, Priest
Acts 7: 51-8:1
Jn 6: 30-35
Vocations are the light of humanity, the purifying salt of the earth, the yeast in the dough, the lightning rods that ward off the Divine punishments (SP 1948).
The Founder was talking about the regular Religious Life, but his remarks apply equally to us if we take our vocation seriously and surely we would not be so foolish as to take it any other way?
Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Ilario Formento SSP (1934)—Olimpia Colombo IAM (1968)—Bro Daniele Parisella SSP (1979)—Dr. M. Angela Brigo FSP (1984) Sr. M. Germana Lazzarotto PD (1997)—Fr. Edoardo Molina IJP (2005)
EASTER WEEKDAY
St. Damien of Molokai, Priest
Acts 7: 51-8:1
Jn 6: 30-35
Vocations are the light of humanity, the purifying salt of the earth, the yeast in the dough, the lightning rods that ward off the Divine punishments (SP 1948).
The Founder was talking about the regular Religious Life, but his remarks apply equally to us if we take our vocation seriously and surely we would not be so foolish as to take it any other way?
Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Ilario Formento SSP (1934)—Olimpia Colombo IAM (1968)—Bro Daniele Parisella SSP (1979)—Dr. M. Angela Brigo FSP (1984) Sr. M. Germana Lazzarotto PD (1997)—Fr. Edoardo Molina IJP (2005)
Monday, May 9, 2011
May 9, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Monday, May 9
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 6: 8-15
In parishes there are energies to be tapped, generous people whom a spark would suffice to set them on fire…(SP 1947)
Certainly things were FAR different in 1947—no disputing that—and yet even today people are making inquiries about the Institute…Let us sow the seed if we can, but especially let us PRAY again and again.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Domenico Nuccio HFI (1995)—Sr. Alberta Scalet SGBP (2004)—M. Guadalupe G. de Montauriol HFI (2010)—Anna Marciante (2003)
EASTER WEEKDAY
Acts 6: 8-15
In parishes there are energies to be tapped, generous people whom a spark would suffice to set them on fire…(SP 1947)
Certainly things were FAR different in 1947—no disputing that—and yet even today people are making inquiries about the Institute…Let us sow the seed if we can, but especially let us PRAY again and again.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Domenico Nuccio HFI (1995)—Sr. Alberta Scalet SGBP (2004)—M. Guadalupe G. de Montauriol HFI (2010)—Anna Marciante (2003)
Sunday, May 8, 2011
May 8, 2011
''THE LORD KNOWS WHEN
TO COME TO US . .. AND
WHEN TO LEAVE!"
May 8 - Third Sunday of Easter
Ask the average Catholic today which is the greatest Church Feast and he or she is just as likely to say " Christmas" as "Easter." And yet Easter was the bedrock of the early Church experiences and preaching and the introduction of a new celebration in the Roman Church in 354 (the birth of Our Lord surely did not appear to threaten the established order... but it did - in a good sense, of course. Peter in the First Reading gives an amazing performance. Note that here we have an uninstructed Galilean, ex-fisherman,ex-denier of Christ who know raises his voice to expound truths he certainly never learned in any of the Rabbinical schools. In every age the Risen Lord is always with his Church - even in our faithless twenty-first century. It a bit difficult to read of Eater joy this year and then head home to another jobless week,one in a long and painful series. Lose faith? No. Anyone can "give up" trying and nobody was more tempted than Christ, not only in Gethsemane but much earlier when he became aware that he was destined to be the Great Failure at the human level - and, after all, he was perfect God but also perfect human being.
The reiterated phrase: " Show us, Lord, the path of life," adds a note of practicality to this Sunday's Responsorial Psalm. The Risen Lord is the same one who, at the Last Supper, described himself as "the Way, the Truth and the Life," — the perfect Guide on our journey on the way to our true home. Peter is the main player in this Sunday's liturgy but in the Second Reading we no longer have the confident preacher but an older and wiser man who has been on the missions field, and experienced success and failure, but most of all has learned a lot about the difficulty of convincing others of what he confidently proclaimed on the first Easter Sunday. We can surely relate to him and to his situation when we come up time after time against one more refusal to heed the Easter message of the Institute: "Rise, dear brother or sister! You don't know what you're missing!" The Alleluia has an interesting phrase: "Explain the Scripture to us." We are not talking of some scholar droning on about the different interpretations of the sacred writings but of our forever- young Lord ever at our side to blow away the clouds of doubt.
Perhaps the most interesting moment of the Gospel comes when the three travelers sit down in the inn (presumably, the text says "village,") and the Third Man breaks bread and opens the eyes of the other two. Why did he disappear? Did they not have much more to ask him? Indeed they had, including rushing to embrace him in the joy of their discovery, but . . . suppose he had remained. Would the initial excitement not have gradually died down? Would they have run out of questions? Would they have watched him eat and - insensibly - felt that really they now understood everything. Would they - God forbid! - have stifled polite yawns and thanked him, saying they had to go? What an anti-climax that would have been! The Lord always knows when to come into our lives and - especially - when to take his leave!
TO COME TO US . .. AND
WHEN TO LEAVE!"
May 8 - Third Sunday of Easter
Ask the average Catholic today which is the greatest Church Feast and he or she is just as likely to say " Christmas" as "Easter." And yet Easter was the bedrock of the early Church experiences and preaching and the introduction of a new celebration in the Roman Church in 354 (the birth of Our Lord surely did not appear to threaten the established order... but it did - in a good sense, of course. Peter in the First Reading gives an amazing performance. Note that here we have an uninstructed Galilean, ex-fisherman,ex-denier of Christ who know raises his voice to expound truths he certainly never learned in any of the Rabbinical schools. In every age the Risen Lord is always with his Church - even in our faithless twenty-first century. It a bit difficult to read of Eater joy this year and then head home to another jobless week,one in a long and painful series. Lose faith? No. Anyone can "give up" trying and nobody was more tempted than Christ, not only in Gethsemane but much earlier when he became aware that he was destined to be the Great Failure at the human level - and, after all, he was perfect God but also perfect human being.
The reiterated phrase: " Show us, Lord, the path of life," adds a note of practicality to this Sunday's Responsorial Psalm. The Risen Lord is the same one who, at the Last Supper, described himself as "the Way, the Truth and the Life," — the perfect Guide on our journey on the way to our true home. Peter is the main player in this Sunday's liturgy but in the Second Reading we no longer have the confident preacher but an older and wiser man who has been on the missions field, and experienced success and failure, but most of all has learned a lot about the difficulty of convincing others of what he confidently proclaimed on the first Easter Sunday. We can surely relate to him and to his situation when we come up time after time against one more refusal to heed the Easter message of the Institute: "Rise, dear brother or sister! You don't know what you're missing!" The Alleluia has an interesting phrase: "Explain the Scripture to us." We are not talking of some scholar droning on about the different interpretations of the sacred writings but of our forever- young Lord ever at our side to blow away the clouds of doubt.
Perhaps the most interesting moment of the Gospel comes when the three travelers sit down in the inn (presumably, the text says "village,") and the Third Man breaks bread and opens the eyes of the other two. Why did he disappear? Did they not have much more to ask him? Indeed they had, including rushing to embrace him in the joy of their discovery, but . . . suppose he had remained. Would the initial excitement not have gradually died down? Would they have run out of questions? Would they have watched him eat and - insensibly - felt that really they now understood everything. Would they - God forbid! - have stifled polite yawns and thanked him, saying they had to go? What an anti-climax that would have been! The Lord always knows when to come into our lives and - especially - when to take his leave!
May 8, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!
Sunday, May 8
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 2: 14-33
1 Pr 1: 17-21
Lk 24: 13-35
Enlighten people! Stir up in them (in) the flame of divine love for Jesus and Mary (SP April 1950).
This is very difficult. The lack of common piety among so-called “Catholics” today is widespread. Very well. Observe all the time. See likely couples. Become friends, if possible. Over a period find what they believe in. Try to leave them better than they were, even If not interested in HFI.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Rita Credico FSP (2009)—Prima Juntilla IAM (2009)—Margaret Di Fazio (2007)—Ella Friloux, John Stevens, Joseph Mahoney, Winnie Williams, Darrel Locker (no years for these).
Sunday, May 8
THIRD SUNDAY OF EASTER
Acts 2: 14-33
1 Pr 1: 17-21
Lk 24: 13-35
Enlighten people! Stir up in them (in) the flame of divine love for Jesus and Mary (SP April 1950).
This is very difficult. The lack of common piety among so-called “Catholics” today is widespread. Very well. Observe all the time. See likely couples. Become friends, if possible. Over a period find what they believe in. Try to leave them better than they were, even If not interested in HFI.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Rita Credico FSP (2009)—Prima Juntilla IAM (2009)—Margaret Di Fazio (2007)—Ella Friloux, John Stevens, Joseph Mahoney, Winnie Williams, Darrel Locker (no years for these).
Saturday, May 7, 2011
May 7, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Saturday, May 7
EASTER WEEKDAY
First Saturday of the Month—Mary Queen of Apostles
Acts 6: 1-7
Jn 6: 16-21
You make reparation every day for sins committed through the use of the media by operating in a contrary sense in your apostolate (RSP p 207).
Evidently an actual use of the media is not needed because we aer linked to the Pauline Family by our HFI membership. So we carry out our duties carefully and refrain from anything which could be seen as media misuse.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Bro Matteo Cattazzo SSP (2001)—Michele Miraglia HFI (2004)—Sr. M. Chiara Sergi FSP (2005)—Fr. Ivo Pazzaglini SSP (2007)—Bro Marion Santoro SSP (2009)—Assunta HFI (2010)
EASTER WEEKDAY
First Saturday of the Month—Mary Queen of Apostles
Acts 6: 1-7
Jn 6: 16-21
You make reparation every day for sins committed through the use of the media by operating in a contrary sense in your apostolate (RSP p 207).
Evidently an actual use of the media is not needed because we aer linked to the Pauline Family by our HFI membership. So we carry out our duties carefully and refrain from anything which could be seen as media misuse.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Bro Matteo Cattazzo SSP (2001)—Michele Miraglia HFI (2004)—Sr. M. Chiara Sergi FSP (2005)—Fr. Ivo Pazzaglini SSP (2007)—Bro Marion Santoro SSP (2009)—Assunta HFI (2010)
Friday, May 6, 2011
May 6, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
I’m sorry for the delay today. Things have been hectic.
Friday, May 6
EASTER WEEKDAY
First Friday of the month—the Sacred Heart
Acts 5: 34-42
Jn 6: 1-15
In making reparation, we ask that truth spread, that the writers may convert and placre themselves at the service of God (FSP 41).
And first of all perhaps we may need to pray for our own conversion! As our conscience becomes more sensitive we realize that certain things we passed over are in reality impediments to a better Institute life.
Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Innocenza Bottaro PD (1945)—Sr. M. Monica Battajello PD (1976)—Msgr Luigi Liverzani IGP (1995)—Sr. M. Dominika Gonciarz PD (2008)—Sr. Maria Grazia Mannini FSP (2009)—Bro Paolino Camparmo’ SSP (2010)—Caroline Giuggio (2002)
Friday, May 6
EASTER WEEKDAY
First Friday of the month—the Sacred Heart
Acts 5: 34-42
Jn 6: 1-15
In making reparation, we ask that truth spread, that the writers may convert and placre themselves at the service of God (FSP 41).
And first of all perhaps we may need to pray for our own conversion! As our conscience becomes more sensitive we realize that certain things we passed over are in reality impediments to a better Institute life.
Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Innocenza Bottaro PD (1945)—Sr. M. Monica Battajello PD (1976)—Msgr Luigi Liverzani IGP (1995)—Sr. M. Dominika Gonciarz PD (2008)—Sr. Maria Grazia Mannini FSP (2009)—Bro Paolino Camparmo’ SSP (2010)—Caroline Giuggio (2002)
Thursday, May 5, 2011
May 5, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Thursday, May 5
EASTER WEEKDAY
First Thursday of the month—the Angel Guardians
Acts 5: 27-33
Jn 3: 31-36
Suggest the prayer “For those who thirst for souls as Jesus did (= our 9-point prayer) to those who wish to make reparation to Jesus for sins committed by media misuse (TPA).
And add the recommendation to moderate the use of these means in addition to prayer. Taking medication for a cold while neglecting rest and warmth is not very smart.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Paulina Campos FSP (1964)—Sr. Imelda Bianchi FSP (1987)—Br. Vicenze Tommasini SSP (19994)—Sr. M. Pasqalina Giaccardi PD (1998)—Fr. Lorenzo Rossato IJP (2004)—Sr. M. Paola Bergadano FSP (2008)—Luigia Bendinelli HFI (2008)—Dolores Bressler (1997)—Ruth Ann Baker (1975)
EASTER WEEKDAY
First Thursday of the month—the Angel Guardians
Acts 5: 27-33
Jn 3: 31-36
Suggest the prayer “For those who thirst for souls as Jesus did (= our 9-point prayer) to those who wish to make reparation to Jesus for sins committed by media misuse (TPA).
And add the recommendation to moderate the use of these means in addition to prayer. Taking medication for a cold while neglecting rest and warmth is not very smart.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. Paulina Campos FSP (1964)—Sr. Imelda Bianchi FSP (1987)—Br. Vicenze Tommasini SSP (19994)—Sr. M. Pasqalina Giaccardi PD (1998)—Fr. Lorenzo Rossato IJP (2004)—Sr. M. Paola Bergadano FSP (2008)—Luigia Bendinelli HFI (2008)—Dolores Bressler (1997)—Ruth Ann Baker (1975)
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
May 4, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Wednesday, May 4
EASTER WEDNESDAY
First Wednesday of the month—St. Joseph
Acts 5: 17-26
Jn 3: 16-21
Ask the mercy of God on those who abuse the cinema to the detriment of souls bought by the blood of Jesus Christ: producers, actors, spectators, negligent parents (TPA 468)
Are we negligent? We would indignantly deny it, but if we don’t monitor our children’s TV and Internet use…the cap fits us. Homeschooling, yes, but also proper schooling in other matters.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Giacomina Adriano PD (1967)—Sr. Bertilla Lorenzi FSP (1991)—Fra(n)cesca Kopco IAM (1997)—Sr. M. Emanuela Souro FSP (1998)—Sr. M. Elisa Baggio PD (2008)—Maria José Raposo IAM (2008)—Sr. Leontina Facchiano FSP (2009)—Daniel McParland (1987)
EASTER WEDNESDAY
First Wednesday of the month—St. Joseph
Acts 5: 17-26
Jn 3: 16-21
Ask the mercy of God on those who abuse the cinema to the detriment of souls bought by the blood of Jesus Christ: producers, actors, spectators, negligent parents (TPA 468)
Are we negligent? We would indignantly deny it, but if we don’t monitor our children’s TV and Internet use…the cap fits us. Homeschooling, yes, but also proper schooling in other matters.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Giacomina Adriano PD (1967)—Sr. Bertilla Lorenzi FSP (1991)—Fra(n)cesca Kopco IAM (1997)—Sr. M. Emanuela Souro FSP (1998)—Sr. M. Elisa Baggio PD (2008)—Maria José Raposo IAM (2008)—Sr. Leontina Facchiano FSP (2009)—Daniel McParland (1987)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
May 3, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Tuesday, May 3
SS PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES
First Tuesday of the Month—the Souls in Purgatory
1 Cor 15: 1-8
Jn 14: 6-14
Our body is like a car—if we let it run on its own, it will end uip in the ditch. We have to govern ourselves internally and externally and first of all (in) our thoughts (VMC 308)
Distinguish between passing thoughts which are uncontrollable, and holding on to these thoughts, if not good. Patience is required, and first of all with ourselves.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Brother Giuseppe Ronconi SSP (2006)—Marie Ducote Smelka (1995)
SS PHILIP AND JAMES, APOSTLES
First Tuesday of the Month—the Souls in Purgatory
1 Cor 15: 1-8
Jn 14: 6-14
Our body is like a car—if we let it run on its own, it will end uip in the ditch. We have to govern ourselves internally and externally and first of all (in) our thoughts (VMC 308)
Distinguish between passing thoughts which are uncontrollable, and holding on to these thoughts, if not good. Patience is required, and first of all with ourselves.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Brother Giuseppe Ronconi SSP (2006)—Marie Ducote Smelka (1995)
Monday, May 2, 2011
May 2, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Monday, May 2
ST. ANTHANASIUS, Bishop and Doctor
First Monday of the month—St. Paul
Acts 4: 23-31
Jn 3: 1-8
Jesus worked at an ordinary job. The Father sent his Son earth to be…a tradesman (VMC 304)?
No. He was sent to give us a perfect example of right living during htose 20 years in Nazareth. Holiness is possible everywhere.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Silvestrina Rustico PD (1946)—Sr. Elena Montemezzo FSP (1983)—Colomba Pennesi HFI (1997)—Antoni Szulcek, Gabrielite (1999)—Sr. M. Lourdes Rodriguez PD (2000)—Aurelio Bellavista HFI (2004)—Imogene Kozak (2006)
ST. ANTHANASIUS, Bishop and Doctor
First Monday of the month—St. Paul
Acts 4: 23-31
Jn 3: 1-8
Jesus worked at an ordinary job. The Father sent his Son earth to be…a tradesman (VMC 304)?
No. He was sent to give us a perfect example of right living during htose 20 years in Nazareth. Holiness is possible everywhere.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Sr. M. Silvestrina Rustico PD (1946)—Sr. Elena Montemezzo FSP (1983)—Colomba Pennesi HFI (1997)—Antoni Szulcek, Gabrielite (1999)—Sr. M. Lourdes Rodriguez PD (2000)—Aurelio Bellavista HFI (2004)—Imogene Kozak (2006)
Sunday, May 1, 2011
May 1, 2011
It's Sunday!
May 1 - Second Sunday of Easter
What was your initial reaction when you heard about the Institute and then, understanding better, began to appreciate the gift the Lord had given you? Did you feel that a new and exciting orientation had entered your life and given it a purpose, a consistency and a unity which had never been there before?
If you did, then you will identify with the early Christians in the First Reading. Here are people living a life of faith, hope and charity as they a) listen to the teaching of the apostles, b) share in a brotherly (sisterly?) communion, c) partake in the "breaking of bread" ( = the Eucharist) and d) join in common prayer. These elements are all to be found in the Institute in a slightly varied form and they are also the basic elements of the larger Church. If one of these is missing - and surely today in the Church the first one is - then we have disorder and disunity where the, exact opposite should prevail. On the other hand, these characteristics are very much part of present-day Institute membership and we want to believe that they always will be.
The Responsorial Psalm mentions "shouts of joy and victory,"expressing (the amazed realization of these first Christians that Jesus had kept his word, had done the impossible, had risen from the dead, no less. Suddenly a new insight on how to live, a new awareness of how meaningful and joyful their everyday occupations could become, a new vision of themselves and of each other, took them over and, as we might say, put a permanent song on their lips. In the "breaking of bread" they felt again the mysterious power and presence of their great Friend - "the stone rejected by the builders has become the cornet stone."
The Second Reading again refers to the Resurrection, the great feature that sets Christianity apart from all other religions because our Founder is alive while theirs is dead. There is a reference to a "new birth" in Baptism and the beginning of a new and faith-filled life which, however, will inevitably be "plagued by all sorts of trials." After the pure joy of the First Reading, the practical Peter introduces a more sobering note.
There will be suffering even in this great new existence but fortunately the pain will produce a gain: when our faith is tested we will have everlasting praise and glory. The final sentences are very worthy of Peter: we believe, we are sure, we are filled with joy because our faith is not in intangibles but in the only event worth having: the salvation of our souls. How useful it would be to keep these words in the forefront of our minds as we face the challenges and stresses of everyday life.
The Gospel is the same for all three years of the Sunday cycle and, highlights the experiences of St. Thomas (not so much "doubting" as "hard-headed," determined to sift the evidence and arrive at his own independent conclusion; an honest man, therefore, with an inquiring mind which, once enlightened, can never doubt again). His beautiful words - "My Lord and my God!" will be on the lips of fervent believers till the end of time but the Lord has the best line: "Blessed are those who have not seen but yet believe."
~May 2011 Concord
*****
May 1, 2011 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom
Sunday, May 1
SECOND SUNDAY OF EASTER
Divine Mercy Sunday
First Sunday of the month—the Divine Master, Way, Truth and Life
Acts 2: 42-47
1 Pt 1: 3-9
Jn 20: 19-31
MONTHLY INTENTIONS
For the conversion of those who, in the use of the instruments of social communication, refuse to acknowledge the Magisterium of Christ and of the Church, thus misleading the mind, the heart and the activities of people everywhere.
This intention is part of our 9-point prayer and requires that we say the prayer but also restrain somewhat our use of these media.
Please Pray for Our Deceased:Angela Losito HFI (1994)—Alfred Edlmair, Gabrielitie (1998)—Fr. Pasquale Casillo SSP (2001)—Sr. M. Gabriella Munoz FSP (2008)—Sr. Maurizi Satorato FSP (2009)—Elizabeth Marie Beattie (2001)
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