October 1, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, October 1

ST THERESE OF THE CHILD JESUS, VIRGIN, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH: ST JOSEPH
OF THE DAY

Jb 9: 1-16
Ps 88: 10-15
Lk 9: 57-82

INTENTION OF THE MONTH: "Whoever understands the divine mandate to preach the Gospel to every creature notices how much is still lacking toward the perfect fulfillment of the desire of Jesus." (SP Jun 1955)  During this month let us pray for brothers and sisters  of the Pauline Family in Russia, Singapore, South Africa, South Sudan, Spain, United States.

From Father Tom:  Praying for our Paulines in...RUSSIA! Yes indeed. Too easily we forget our FSP Sisters who have had a Book and Media Center there for may years, fruit of the good work of Mons. Antonini I.J.P., Protonotary Apostolic in the first steps of the Church in Russia.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Bro Franco Dario SSP (1996)--Sr. M. Ignacia Cufre PD (1996)--Sr M. Alba Roagna FSP (2001)--Sr. M. Annunziata Stanizzi PD (2008)--Rina TAddei AIM (2011)--William Beck (1996)--Helen Vargo (2005)

September 30, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, September 30

ST JEROME, PRIEST, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Jb 3: 1-3, 11-23
Ps 88: 2-8
Lk 9: 51-56

The devotions to the Divine Master, Jesus, to Mary Queen of Apostles, to Saint Paul the Apostle are spreading widely...Posted everywhere in our chapels are the expressions: "From here I will give light; fear not, I am with you: be sorry for your sins" (SP May-Jun 1953).

From Father Tom:  The Founder remarks that our special devotions are "spreading widely". Whatever about that, his final thought this month will always (be) very relevant--the words of the Divine Master during his special appearance to Fr. Alberione when things looked a bit uncertain. Does the Master speak to us? Certainly, but of course the is to remember what he says and put it into practice.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Vittoria De Benedetti FSP (1984)--Bro. Innocenzo Manolino SSP (1967)--Fr. Antonio Bartolucci IJP (1984)--Fr. Gino Fornari SSP (1988)--Sr. M. Maddelena Vinagre PD (2007)--Sr. M. Rita Ruffo FSP (2009)--Sr. M. Veronica Crevani PD (2009)

September 29, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, September 29

SS MICHAEL, GABRIEL, AND RAPHAEL, ARCHANGELS
OF THE DAY

Dn 7: 9-14
Ps 138: 1-5
Jn 1: 47-51

Our apostolate embraces all our life and it is necessary that it be felt deeply and sincerely out of great love for God, for the Church and for souls.  (SP Apr 1958).

From Father Tom:  "Embraces all our life." That's the ideal but each of us has to examine his or her conscience to see if this (is) true.  The apostolate is first of all work, and it is all too easy either to dodge it and make the Religious Life a pleasant experience or to overwork and  forget the spiritual. These are two particularly dangerous tendencies in our time.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Raffaella Rivetti PD (1975)--Fr. Ferdinando Sgambetterra IJP (1982)--Sr. Silvia Ragone FSP (1992)--Sr. M. Girolama Modena PD (1993)--Sr. M. Teofania Mazzara PD  (2001)--Fr. Mario Maresi IJP (2001)--Sr. M. Addolorata Piccari FSP (2003)--Antonietta Valenza HFI (2004)--Virgil Halcomb (1980)

September 26-28, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, September 28

TWENTY-SIXTHY SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

Ez 18: 25-28

Ps 125: 4-9

Phl 2: 1-11

Mt 21: 28-32

Doing the will of God makes us brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. But the apostolate makes us fathers and mothers of souls (RdA 193).

From Father Tom:  This seems pretty obvious and hardly requires comment. The only question might be: are we brothers and sisters and I think the answer is “yes;” and are we “fathers and mothers” and here the answer is, I think, hopefully “yes,” but the final answer remains to be given at the Last Judgment.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Lilia Nicola PD (1982)—Fr. Renato Dorio SSP (2001)

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Saturday, September 27

ST VINCENT de PAUL, PRIEST

OF THE DAY

Eccl 11: 9 – 2: 8

Ps 90: 3-6, 12-17

Lk 9: 43-45

There is a close kinship among the Pauline Congregations, because all of them are born of the Tabernacle. There is a single spirit: to live Jesus Christ and to serve the Church. There are those who spread the doctrine of Jesus Christ as from on high; and those who approach individual souls (AD 34).

From Father Tom:  AD? We have referred to this already as “Abundantes Divitiae, “e.g., the summary he wrote in 1954 of the early days of the SSP and the general principles he had followed down the years. In this quote he refers to the Sister Disciples(“those who represent all…before the Tabernacle”), the SSP and FSP (“spread the doctrine”), the SSP and FSP (“approach individual souls”).

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Bro Benedetto Abrate SSP (1941)—Sr. Maddlena Dotta FSP (1978)—Sr. M. Beatrice Sllocco PD (1982)—Sr. M. Patrice Roullard PD (1989)—Sr. M. Irene Vinciguerra PD (1991)—Sr. Anna Delana SGBP (1990)—Sr. M. Celina Mongo FSP (1991)—Sebastiano Corona HFI (2003)—Angela Genova HFI (2010)—Sr. M. Fides Scurti FSP (2011)—George D Hines Jr (1985)—Henry Berlo (1951)

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Friday, September 26

SS COSMAS AND DAMIAN, MARTYR

Eccl 3: 1-11

Ps 144: 1-4

Lk 9: 18-22

Everything flows from the Teacher in the Eucharist as from a life-giving spring. Thus is born of the Tabernacle the P{auline Family, thus she nourishes herself, thus she lives, thus she operates, thus she sanctifies herself. From the Mass, from Communion, from the Eucharistic visit, everything: sanctity and the apostolate (UPS II, 10).

From Father Tom:  USPS II is not the well-known transport company but a collection of the Founder’s talks given in 1960 when he had built the Retreat House in Ariccia and had invited all the pioneer members from the various Nations to a special Retreat in that House. He took the opportunity to go back over the great principles on which his work was founded and this quote is taken from one of them.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Cleric Frnacesco Frizzi SSP (1934)—Fr. Pio Barohi SSP (1945)—Sr. Mardonia Espanol FSP (1990)—Sr. Bruna Battistone FSP (1992)—Jolanda Cecchetti HFI (2007)—Sr. Paolina Eleonora Boldrin SGBP (2007)—Sr. M. Cherubina Fernandez FSP (2008)—S.r Giuliana Ianelli FSP (2009)—Sr. M. Eugenia Baggio PD (2009)—Sr. M. Guadalupe Andrade Reyes PD (2011)

September 25, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, September 25

OF THE DAY

Eccl 3: 1-11
Ps 144: 1-4
Lk 9: 18-22

The consecrated soul feels solely the desire for things that are of God, to find herself with Him, to live her wonderful religious life in joy and to be busy with her mission (Prediche alle Suore Pastorelle, IX, p. 91).

From Father Tom:  This is a very fine plan of life, but not for that reason very easy. Essentially it seems to underline again the crying need for the Visit where we can have time to think about what needs to be corrected. That is one point. The other is that the Visit should always include prayer for the souls WE are reaching. The "reaching" is done by the Pauline person actually making material or intellectual contact, but the "spiritual effectiveness" belongs to the member who who at that moment is closest to the Master.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Maria Concetta Citarda IAM (1974)--Sr. Rosa M. Onofre FSP (1989)--Sr. M. Giovanna Nicosia FSP (1993)--Sr. Emiliana Miserere FSP (2008)

September 24, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, September 24

OF THE DAY

Prv 30: 5-9

Ps 119: 29, 101-104, 163

Lk 9: 1-6

The apostle must know how to forget himself to give himself to souls and to God (UPS IV, 89).

From Father Tom:  How can I forget myself? It's something heroic, isn't it? Forget my human rights to produce calm. Forget injuries. Forget insults. Remember kind deeds and sunny days. (The thought of insult may return unwanted. No problem. Just gently eliminate it.). What a day it will be when I need you and don't remember the nasty ways you treated me. Crucified Lord Jesus, give us the right attitude.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr M  Consillia Marello FSP (1983)--Sr. Francesca Cordero FSP (1985)--Br. Michele Lando (1996)--Anthony Karkosza HFI (2013).

September 18-23, 2004 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, September 23

ST PIUS OF PIETRELCINA, PRIEST

OF THE DAY

Prv 21: 1-6, 10-13

Ps 119: 1, 27-35

Lk 8: 19-21

After a soul has consecrated itself, its mind, heart, will and body with its senses, if then belongs to God in everything and for everything (Prediche alle Suore Pastorelle, IX p. 91)

From Father Tom:  “After a soul has consecrated itself…” Well, yes but we are not for sure talking about the formula of consecration but rather the long, slow and frequently painful process of giving all to God. Don’t we all—sometimes not being aware of it—keep something for ourselves: too much of something, too much time spent on something else, old habits that look like they’ll go with us to the grave…and old age seems to make things worse, not better. God have mercy on us!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr M Margherita Rabbia FSP (1990)—Fr. Mario Volpini IJP (1996)—Sr. Maria do Rosario Sandi FSP (1997)

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Monday, September 22

OF THE DAY

Prv 3: 27-34

Ps 15: 2-5

Lk 8: 16-18

The Pauline life, more exposed to dangers, would not hold out without the Eucharistic visit. The Constitutions would not have provided enough for perfection and the apostolate if they had not introduced it. It is in Christ that we establish our union of spirit, faith, charity, thought and activity (UPSII 108).

From Father Tom:  Here the Founder touches on an important point. While we can with good will give thanks and make preparation for Communion through our activity, it is also true that the best efforts in this connection may not be enough. “All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” And what happens when there is “all work and no PRAY?” Our activity alone can help no one.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Riccaarda Pasin PD (1970)—Sr Mercede Migliardi FSP (2007)-Sr. M. Letizia Britti FSP (2008)

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Sunday, September 21

TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

TRIDUUM—DAY THREE

Is 55: 6-9

Ps 145: 2-18

Phil 1: 20-27

Mt 20: 1-16

Born of the Eucharist, always live it; and the daily hour of adoration is set down for everyone, in accord with the Constitutions (SP Jul-Aug 1964).

From Father Tom:  The daily hour of adoration is set down for everyone, in accord with the Constitutions.” What could be simpler and what is most easily omitted? Too much to do.. too tired.. unable to concentrate…bored to bits..the only one in the community to do it..arriving ten minutes later and leaving ten minutes early. Is it any surprise that the rest of our spiritual life should suffer?

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Ermenegilda Pasqualini PD (1941)—Savino Crema HFI (2993)—Fr. Renato Perino SSP (1995)—Sr. M. Elena TEzzele FSP (2007)—Sr. M. Adelia Moreira FSP (2007)—Sr. Concetta Marongiu FSP (2007)—Sr. Concetta Marongiu FSP (2009)—Sr. M. Letizia Di Michele FSP (2011)

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Saturday, September 20

SS ANDREW KIM-TAE-GON, PRIEST, AND PAUL CHONG HA-SANG, AND COMPANIONS

TRIDUUM—DAY TWO

1 Cor 15: 35-37. 42-49

Ps 56: 10-14

Lk 8: 4-15

Jesus brings to the heart of one who makes well his communion vitality and vivacity in the spiritual life (RSP p 491).

From Father Tom:  The proper reception of Communion is not a simple process in church. The Founder recommends that we use the morning time to thank the Lord for coming to us and the evening time to prepare for the following morning. This need not be “formal”. A sincerely lived spiritual life and a commitment to the apostolate, which goes beyond what I have to do just now and occasionally think of whom I hope to reach is preparation enough.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr M. nazarena Taricco PD (1943)—Fr. Daniele Bernardo SSP (1994)—Sr. M. Clelia Nakagawa PD (1985)—Sr. M. Bambina Tramuta PD (1989)—Sr. M. Teresa Figher FSP (1992)—Bro Critino M. Rifici SSP (1994)—Fr. Dario Moauro IJP (1998)—Sr. M. Pia Delgado FSP (2008)—Reynold Feldman (2006)

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Friday, September 19

ST JANUARIUS, BISHOP, MARTYR

TRIDUUM—DAY ONE

1 Cor 15: 12-20

Ps 17: 1- 6-8

Lk 8: 1-3

I must show to souls the treasures of the tabernacle and draw peoples by word and example to Jesus in the Eucharist. He is truly the hidden God. Those who approach Him will joyfully obtain eternal life (SM 431).

From Father Tom:  Only by example can we effectively “show to” souls the treasures of the tabernacle.” It is hypocrisy to preach or to recommend devotion to the Eucharist if I celebrate Mass as if trying always to cut a minute from my previous time. It is hypocrisy if I skip the Visit with the excuse that I have too much to do. Always in the Church we need not only priests, but devotees of the “hidden God.” If we are this, the news will get around.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Luigi Rolfo SSP (1986)—Vincenza Vassallo HFI (1992)—Bro Modesto Gotelli SSP (1998)—Sr. Anastasia Da Ros FSP (2005)—Johnnie Gastin (2000)

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Thursday, September 18

OF THE DAY

1 Cor 15: 1-11

Ps 118: 1-2

Lk 7: 36-50

By means of reading and daily meditation, by means of study and the practice of faith in the word of God, man thinks like God, judges like God, reasons according to God. His mind becomes divinized and his tongue will say the same words that Christ says (SM 441).

From Father Tom:  This is an excellent plan for a saintly life but perhaps more than most of us can put into practice. Simplifying, we can say that first we must eliminate sin and this itself will lead to some of the consequences the Founder outlines. Each of us can do this, though in different ways, and perhaps the “grandiose enterprises” listed yesterday will be precisely becoming as perfect as humanly possible.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Bro Angelo Botzon SSP (2010)—Fr. Lorenzo Stefano Costa SSP (2011)

September 17, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, September 17
ST ROBERT BELLARMINE, BISHOP,
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 12: 31-13: 1
Ps 33: 2-12
Lk 7: 31-35

Love for the Gospel is a sign and mark of souls that God reserves for grandiose enterprises (RSP33, p. 82)

From Father Tom:  The Founder may have been referring to himself as one of those "souls God reserves for grandiose enterprises." Fr. Rolfo in his first-class bio of Fr. Alberione and the Pauline Family, seems to think that the Founder never quite conquered his pride. My own opinion is that, if this is so, he certainly tried very hard. We who are called less glorious enterprises can still imitate him in this.l

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Cleric Silvio Albicini SSP (1938)--Fr. Salvatore Carolta SSP (1958)--Sr. Anna Giuseppina Cane FSP (1969)--Giovanna Malvolti IM (1991)--Bruno Pascalis HFI (1995)--Sr. Annunziatina Guidi FSP (1996)

September 16, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, September 16
SS. CORNELIUS, POPE, AND CYPRIAN, BISHOP, MARTYRS
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 112: 12-14
Ps 100: 1-5
Lk 7: 11-17

Everywhere: in our study rooms, in the premises of the cinema and of the (press) apostolate, let the Gospel be exhibited: from it comes light, wisdom, fortitude (RSP p. 78).

From Father Tom:  One of the Pauline customs is not only to publish the Bible but to display it publicly in study rooms and in churches and chapels. Besides this, we must remember to at least read the word of God, preferably with helpful notes.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Emma Merlini PD (1991)--Msgr Vicenzo Iacomo IJP (1993)--Crescenza Brindisi HFI (2001)--Fr. Fedele Molino SSP (2006)--Susumu Uchino SSP (2008)--Ruth Hernadez (1989)

September 15, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, September 15
OUR LADY OF SORROWS
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 11: 17-26
Ps 40: 7-10
Jn 19: 25-27

On Calvary, a mutual look of tender love between Mother and Son was enough to make them understand each other, join them in suffering, in purpose and in sacrifice (BM p. 386).

From Father Tom:  Calvary again, but now with the Sorrowing Mother introduced. Sorrowing mothers are nothing new in our society
     * weeping beside their sons in the court room, shamed
     * by daughters who seem to have lost all shame and
     * often forgotten and rejected in their old age.
     *Let us pray for all mothers that their pain may be eased.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Espedito Visconti IJP (1982)--Lina Savoldi IAM (1988)--Sr. M. Valentina Moser FSP (2005)--Eusetio Albano (1940).

September 14, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, September 14
THE EXALTATION OF THE HOLY CROSS
Nm 21: 4-9
Ps 78: 34-38
Phil 2: 6-11
Jn 3: 13-17


Jesus Christ is God made man: as a man he poured out His blood and as God he gave to this sacrifice an infinite value (BM p. 126).

From Father Tom:  A short, but significant thought illustrating the two-fold role of Jesus. Mention of the shedding of blood and a sacrifice of limitless value brings us back to the Sacrifice of Calvary which is re-presented every day on our altars.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Innocenza Columbara FSP (1986)--Fr. Giuseppe Galasso SSP (1993)--Sr. Michelina Pomo FSP (1998)--Fr. Francesco Cappa SSP (2003)--Erminia Finotti IAM (2003)--Sr. Mary Nazarene Prestolippo (2011)--Bob Vincenzo (1999)

September 13, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, September 13
ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM, BISHOP, 
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
1 Cor 10: 14-22
Ps 116: 12-18
Lk 6: 43-49


The Lord lights up the lamps ahead of us, gradually, as we walk and there is need; He does not light all of them quickly and at the start, when they are not yet needed. He does not waste the light, but always gives it at an opportune time (SP Apr-May 1959).

From Father Tom:  The Founder shares some of his philosophy of life on the Master's dealings with us. We received as needed the graces to do the Lord wishes us to do. Fr. Alberione was scrupulously careful to ascertain the will of God before every significant step he took--rightly so. How much can any of us accomplish if God does not support us?

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Doris Osegueda Santin IAM (1999)--Sr. M. Tecla Quiroz Hernandez FSP (2001)--Art Bropy (1999)--James A. Ducote Sr. (1978).

September 12, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, September 12
MOST HOLY NAME OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 9: 16-27
Ps 84: 3-12
Lk 6: 39-42


One day the authority of the hierarchy has placed us on a different road and apostolate. This happened one evening when the bishop of Alba intervened during a sermon about the Name of Mary (12 September), when I invited the faithful to establish the motherly kingdom of Mary who, as her apostolate, brings Jesus Christ to the world... He pointed out the way to me: the press of the diocese (SP Jul 1957).

From Father Tom:  Fr. Alberione always esteemed the directions he received from the Church--either the local Bishop or the Vatican. Classic examples are our Institutes. The Founder asked approval for secular institutes while the Vatican came back with approval for "aggregated" Institutes. This actually is a better deal though there is no room to explain further.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Kieran Hayes SSP (1973)--Sr. M. Giovanna Buniotto FSP (1981)--Bro. Anania Rosso SSP (1982)--Sr. Lina Gozzo FSP (1984)--Sr. Lydia Manfro FSP (1988)--Heberto Santa Zuluaga HFI (1988)--Sr. M. Giuseppa Crisponi PD (2003)--Sr. M. Laurentana Carnevale PD (2008)

September 11, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, September 11
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 8: 1-13
Ps 139: 1-3
Lk 6: 27-38


We live for souls, we practice mortification for souls, we want them to be holy, and we give them what God has given us (I Novissimi meditati davanti al SS. Sacramento, 81).

From Father Tom:  Perhaps the easiest way to "live for souls" is simply to read the papers or check the media and see our unfortunate brothers and sisters apparently enjoying life, toasted and feted by all and sundry, "coming out" to cries of approval...and then dying in car crashes or otherwise without visible preparation for the final step...Query: why is 90% of our membership not enrolled in our SAVE THE DYING?

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Pascasio Marsigli SSP (1962)--Sr. AMalia Peyrolo FSP (1980)--Fr. Maggiorino Portaluppi SSP (1996)--Bro. Pierino Panno SSP (2010)--Albert Murray HFI (1991)

September 10, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, September 10
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 7: 25-31
Ps 45: 11-17
Lk 6: 20-26


How on target are the words: Don't be afraid, I am with you. From here I want to give light! You are the rays of this light which is Jesus, because you take from him and give him to others. Go on, therefore, following this good road! (FSP56, p. 73).

From Father Tom:  You take from Him and give Him to others." A sobering thought here is that much of our life will not register in the eternal accounts if we have given false currency (action without prayer) or have in fact given nothing, neither praying, doing our duties carefully, or doing also something extra if we can.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Antonietta Cafaro IAM (1973)--Sr. Rosa Cummaudo SGBP (1985)--Fr. Alfonso Colaneri IJP (1990)--Sr. M. Ausilia Castillo PD (2007)--Fr. Antonio Mighita SSP (2010)--Pablo M. Garcia (1990)

September 9, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, September 9
ST PETER CLAVER, PRIEST
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 6: 1-11
Ps 149: 1-9
Lk 6: 12-19


Our apostolate is an irradiation of Jesus Christ. It is to give to the world the entire Jesus Christ: Way, Truth and Life (RdA 18).

From Father Tom:  This is a challenging statement. I believe it means that we are to share with others the "entire Jesus Christ," which means I think His holiness in us, ready to "go out" to others either by personal contact or through the media. Easier said than done.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Dorotea Marchisio FSO (1945)--Fr. Francesco Perino SSP (1946)--Sr. M. Luici Gironelli PD (1977)--Sr. M. Angelina Bordino PD (1978)--F.r Bernardo Kayaba SSP (2000)--Fr. Angelo Sonego SSP (1977) Fr. Giuseppe Baratelli SSP (2000)--Sr. M. Gesualda Marin PD (2002)--Fr. Joseph Triano SSP (2007)--Sr. Anna Maria Rocca FSP (2009)--Denis Oz??? (1999)--Ellen Cassarino (1999) Caroline Caroline Smalding (2011)

September 8, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, September 8
NATIVITY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
COMMON OF BVM
Mi 5: 1-4
Ps 13: 6abc Mt: 1-23


The Sisters of Mary Queen of the Apostles ave as their motivation prayer and vocational initiatives, with the motto "all vocations, for all apostolates" (UPS I, 19)

From Father Tom:  We have spoken of these Sisters before. Actually, I don't know how they are doing, but certainly they need plenty of prayers--their own and ours, as they seek vocations to ALL Church groups...including theirs. They were the last Foundation, begun at the request of the Vatican in the 60's when the Founder--as the saying goes--could do no wrong.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Adele Dal Bello SGBP (1995)--Sr. M. Ignazia Lumini FSP (1996)--Fr. Donato Bianco (2000)--Luisa Loera (71)--Colleen Kettly (1996)

September 7, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, September 7
FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH--DIVINE MASTER, WAY, TRUTH, AND LIFE
TWENTY-THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Ez 33: 7-9
Ps 95: 1-9
Rom 13: 8-10
Mt 18: 8-10


Jesus is Eucharistically present in our houses: He is the Divine Master Who wants to comfort, sustain and enlighten us, His friends, firstly, then all men through the apotolate using the fastest and most effective means (SP May-Jun 1953).

From Father Tom:  The Founder here makes an important point which perhaps we may not always notice: first, the Master wants to "comfort, sustain and enlighten us"...and if we are so foolish as to ignore this help, why be downcast when our efforts produce limited or no results? We haven't begun on the right lines.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Venanzia Galiffa FSP (1949)--Sr. M. Claudia Cruz FSP (1963)--Bro Paolo Zanatta SSP (1980)--Sr. M. Lia Vegetti PD (1986)--Sr. M. Rosa Curcio SGBP (1993)--Sr. M. Rosaria visco FSP (2005)--Ada Crapis IAM (2005)--Sr. Kathleen Hart FSP (2007)--Rosalia Ilardo HFI (2009)--Sr. Virginia Benedetti FSP (2011)

September 6, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberonie and With Father Tom

Saturday, September 6
FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH--MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 4: 6-15
Ps 145: 17-21
Lk 6: 1-5


A particular light came from the Sacred Host, greater understanding of that invitation of Jesus "venite ad me omnes--come to Me all of you." He felt himself deeply obliged to prepare himself to do something for the Lord and for the men of the new century with whom he would have lived (AD 15).

From Father Tom:  The Founder felt inspired and "deeply obliged" but how? "To prepare himself to do something" Therefore, his first thought was to pray much so as to keep in touch with the Light had spoken to him from the Host, then and only then he would try to discern what the "something" might be.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Delfina Destefanis FSP (1956)--Sr. M. Domenica Dolcini FSP (1963)--Sr. Guglielmina Toppino FSP (1980)--Sr. Pierpaola Garofalo FSP (1987)--Sr. Gabriela Zanuz SGBP (2007)--Dominic Vincenzo (no year)

September 5, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, September 5
FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH--THE SACRED HEART
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 4: 1-5
Ps 37: 3-6, 27-40
Lk 5: 33-39


The light the enveloped the Divine Master, the force in His voice when saying I want and  from here, and the prolonged pointing of His hand to the Tabernacle were understood in this way: an invitation to take everything from Him, the Divine Master dwelling in the Tabernacle (AD 157).

From Father Tom: Another quote from the Founder's vision. How are we doing in this context? I mean us- Priests, Brothers and Sisters? I think the Sisters have nothing to be worried about. And we? The Founder was inspired and making due allowances, so can we be. Pray for us, O holy members, that we may be worthy of our calling.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Carmine Nicolo PD (1943)--Sr. Ciacoina Blunno FSP (1951)--Alberto Folcani HFI (1997)--Sr. Erminia Brunetti FSP (1996)--Tony Suniga (1996)

September 4, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, September 4
FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH--THE ANGEL GUARDIANS
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 3: 18-23
Ps 24: 1-6
Lk 5: 1-11


We entrust to Brother Andrea M. Borello a great intention: the vocations of the Disciples, for whom he offered his life to the Lord (SP Jun 1964)

From Father Tom: Talk about humility and obedience! Bro Borello apparently most of his years repairing the footwear of the Alba community! No technical skills, limited education, but great humility... and what can be more valuable than that?

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Vincenza Merlo FSP (1943)--Ven Bro Andrea M. Borello SSP (1948)--Bro Paulo Viegas SSP (1987)--Sr. M. Domenica Bond SGBP (1981)--Sr. M. Fidelis Pulinas FSP (2000)--Bro Julian Villalzan SSP (2003)--Sr. M. Trinity Taricco PD (2008)--Sr. M. Emma Fornaro FSP (2008)

September 3, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, September 3
FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH--ST JOSEPH
ST THE GREGORY THE GREAT, POPE, DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
OF THE DAY
1 Cor 3: 1-9
Ps 33: 12-21
Lk 22: 24-30


May Mary, Mother of the Divine Shepherd, form the heart of the Pastorelle and of all their aspirants, so that their heart may be humble, generous, pious and especially loving: loving Jesus the Good Shepherd and loving souls (Alle Suore di Gesu Buon Pasotre, 1959, 284). 

From Father Tom: The Pastorelle, or Sheperdesses were founded when the Vatican Council had still to open the door to the laity, and at that stage they were extremely useful to pastors. today their role is perhaps more in schools where they can present a healthy alternative to modern school problems.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. GSaverio Boano SSP (1990)--Blanche Dolland--Fr. Bruce--Judy Pierce--James B. Helm--Peter Mille--Warren--Ann Brem (no years for these)

September 2, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, September 2
FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH
THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
1 Cor 2: 10-16
Ps 145: 8-14
Lk 4: 31-37


"FROM HERE HERE I WANT TO ENLIGHTEN"--The "from here" came from the Tabernacle; and with force; such that to make it understood that from Him the Master all light is to be received (AD 153).

From Father Tom: The Founder is here recounting the vision (he always spoke of "dreams") during which the Divine Master said several encouraging things including an emphasis on Eucharistic devotion. If you have the opportunity, visit with the Lord frequently and, rather than doing the talking, just listen in silence.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Gabriele Costs SSP (1949)--Fr. Giovanni Roatta SSP (1985)--Luigia Vidano SSP (1993)--Sr. M. Irene Scarcella PD (2011)--Bro Lucas Aranjo SSP (2003)--Sr. Annziata Zuncheddu FSP  (2007)-Fabrizio Gabriele HFI (2008)--Fr. Luigi Ranalli IJP (2009)-- Sr. M. Nicolina Casula FSP (2011)