January 31, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, January 31

ST JOHN BOSCO, PRIEST
Heb 11: 1-2, 8-19
Lk 1: 69-75
Mk 4: 35-41

Let us pray to Jesus meek and humble of heart so He may make our hearts similar to His (FSP 41, p. 128).

From Father Tom:  Jesus, Meek and humble of heart! What a massive victory for Satan when he blinded so many eyes to this beautifully divine characteristic! What  a beautiful modern world if it were widely practiced! And doesn't everyone know this but, somehow forgets it when it is most needed? May this new year bring a welcome change!

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

January 30, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, January 30

ST MARTINA OF ROME
ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 10: 32-39
Ps 37: 3-6, 23-40
Mk 4: 26-34

Hope is a great help and a comfort in the work of our sanctification. it unites us to God, detaching us from the goods of the present life (BM, p. 202).

From Father Tom:  Now here is another view on the same subject: we don't favor or disfavor prayer but take an attitude which quietly includes prayer but gives the lion's share of the eventual success to hope and are not beaten when there is short-term failure: "hope springs eternal in the human breast" (anybody know the author of this quote?).

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Anthony Colella FSP (1983)--Sr Assunta Gagliardelli SGBP (1987)--Fr. Desideric Costa (1989)--Sr. Provvidenza Arrigo FSP (1992)--Sr M. Isaia Cendron PD (1997)--Fr. Paolo Salomon IJP (1997)--Bro Christopher Toppo SSP --Hernandc Hurtato HFI (2003)--Fr. Ugo Zecchiin SSP (2004)

January 29, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, January 29

ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 10: 19-25
Ps 24: 1-6
Mk 4: 21-25

Let prayer precede, accompany and follow our apostolate. that it be full of fruits of eternal life, first for ourselves and then for others (FSP 29, p. 50).

From Father Tom:  This is one of those maxims that we know from our earliest days and even in a sense wish would go away! In our better moments we fully agree with it. Ah, yes! Prayer--that's the secret! But as our technical or other activity comes up against road-blocks, our view changes: Prayer? Oh sure. How stupid can we get?

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Bro Michele Trappolini SSP (1978)--Fr. Eugenio Turci SSP (1986)--Giuseppe Gulino HFI (1997)--Sr. M. Pasqualina Colorizio FSP (1999)--Fr Antonio Turci IJP(2002)

January 28, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, January 28

ST THOMAS AQUINAS, PRIEST, DOCTOR
OF THE CHURCH
Heb 10: 11-18
Ps 110: 1-4
Mk 4: 1-20

You correspond to your vocation by means of study: study in all its forms, whether for the subjects that must be learned in school, or for the manner of accomplishing the apostolate (RSP, p 515).

From Father Tom:  An old proverb says something about education being a "light load." It is more: it is the secret of a consistently-progressive spiritual and secular life: if one plan does not work, e turn to another, avoiding the temptation to give up on prayer and work altogether.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Clara Capelletti SGBP (1973)--Fernanda M. D Costa IAM (1973)--Fr. Gaetano Tedeschi IJP (1985)--Sr. M. Bertilla Franchetti PD (1987)--Sr. Maria Cucchi SGBP (2001)--Lidia Gerbase HFI (2004)--Geraldine Gretchko (1987)---Hilario Zuniga (1972)

January 27, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, January 27

ST ANGELA MERICI, VIRGIN
ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 10: 1-10
Ps 40: 2-11
Mk 3: 31-35

Jesus Christ, upon entering the world, started a perfect cult to His Father: through His total obedience and very sincere love; through His assiduous praise and adoration; through His prayers and great force (BM, p 520).

From Father Tom:  The Founder here outlines how the ideal Christian life should be: obedience and love, praise (=prayer) and adoration, "tears and great force." We may be a bit doubtful about the third aspect of our spiritual lives, but aren't we all from time to time both "in tears" at our failures and enthusiastic about the latest project?

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

January 26, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, January 26

STS TIMOTHY, MARTYR AND TITUS, BISHOP
2 Tim 1: 1-8
Ps 96: 1-10
Mk 3: 22-30

Among the letters of Saint Paul there are three said to be pastoral: two to Timothy and one to Titus. They are said to be pastoral, because addressed to pastors of souls and give rules relative to the government of the Church...They are to be read and meditated, applying them to the present time (SP Jan 1967)

From Father Tom:  These are two of the most moving of the Pauline Letters. Whatever about reading them as pastors of souls in the present time (do we ever see ourselves in that light!)? They are the voice of an old and tired man, awaiting execution but wonderfully in tune with the needs of the Church then and always. What a magnificent Patron we have!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Frances Masala FSP (1980)--Amabile Grando HFI (1987)--Fr. Anselmo Viano SSP (1996)--Sr. M. Oliva Catapan PD (1998)--Pietro Secchiaroli HFI (2000)--Angerico Boncan (1999)--Joseph (1970)--& Mary Dwojacki (1976) Douglas Patton (2011)

January 25, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, January 25

THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
THE CONVERSION OF ST PAUL THE APOSTLE
Jn 3: 1-10
Ps 25: 4-9
1 Cor 7: 29-31
Mk 1: 14-20

Vocation comes from God, not from men, not even from the priest; and much less from the individual himself (SP 1965).

From Father Tom:  Vocation comes from God--every vocation. The Founder doubtless has religious vocations in mind but all of us are "called" ("vocare" in Latin=call) to serve the Lord as He wishes and -- something entirely undeserved--to receive the reward of being united to Him forever. How is it that we are not more excited just by being alive?

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Bro Giuseep Chisea SSP (1991)--Sr. M. Emiliana Sartor PD (2002)--Bro James De Feo SSP (2002)--Fr. Valentino Gambi (2002)_-Sylvester Teterycz-- Ralph Mennella (2010)

January 24, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, January 24

ST. FRANCIS de SALES, DOCTOR 
OF THE CHURCH
Heb 9: 2-3, 11-14
Ps 47: 2-9
Mk 3: 20-21

You know how the Maestro Giaccardo loved his brothers, how he loved holily the sisters; and we think that his desire, in eternity, is that of the sanctification of everyone (RSP. p. 349)

From Father Tom:  Early in each year the great figure of Blessed Giaccardo emerges from the halls of infinity to remind us of what he did and what we have to do. No wonder he wants "the sanctification of everyone." Is there a better way of passing a life than the way he passed his--albeit in the midst of astonishing difficulties?

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Blessed Giaccardo SSP (1948)--F.r Angelo Fenoglio SSP (1980)--Sr. M. Gabriela Raccosta PD (2001)

January 23, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, January 23

STS. VINCENT, DEACON, MARTYR;
AND MARIANNE COPE, VIRGIN
ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 8: 6-13
Ps 85: 8-14
Mk 3: 13-19

The prayer repeated by Jesus for all the members of the Church "that they be one" applies also to the Pauline Family and this unity is realized in conforming ourselves to live the Constitutions in every house and nation (UPS I, 51)

From Father Tom:  Here is an interesting point: during 2014 we had a heart-warming display of unity among the different Pauline branches: Events, Retreats, Meals, Talks...But the Founder is saying that "this unity is realized in conforming ourselves to live the Constitution in every House and Nation"...talk about a dose of cold water!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Gabriella Ambrogio FSP (1944)--Maria della Croce Cavalleris PD (1949)--Antonio Vecchio HFI (1986)--Bro Mario Eustaquio Da Fonseca SSP (1995)--Bro Ramiro Morales SSP (2004)

January 22, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, January 22

DAY OF PRAYER FOR THE LEGAL PROTECTION OF UNBORN CHILDREN 
ANNIVERSARY OF ROE vs WADE
Heb 7: 25-8: 6
Ps 40: 7-10
Mk 3: 7-12

It is all to our interest to make ourselves saints. What do we want, what do we desire, we who have left everything (if it's truly so...), that is not God, souls, or heaven? (Ven. Thecla Merlo, Vi porto nel cuore, p. 460)

From Father Tom:  This, of course, is obvious, or is it? How many of us begin enthusiastically the journey toward holiness..and then grow weary even if we do not actually fall by the wayside. The young priest on his Ordination Day...twenty years later. The Religious who is now a good-living bachelor. And you and I? If we have fallen...let's begin again. The Lord's love never weakens.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Vincenzo BErnardini IJP (1990)--SR. Giovannina Deano FSP (1991)--Sr. M. Gabriella Massariiol PD (1996)--Sr. M. Marcelina Monticelli FSP (2002)

January 21, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, January 21

ST AGNES, VIRGIN, MARTYR;
Heb 7: 1-3, 15-17
Ps 110: 1-4
Mk 3: 1-6

The priesthood is like a high mountain being climbed by those whose hands are clean and whose hearts are pure: it is the greatest dignity on earth (BM, p 489).

From Father Tom:  The greatest dignity on earth? Yes, because at the instant of CONSECRATION,  the priest IS Jesus pronouncing the words. Does your priest celebrate as if he were keenly aware of this? Yes? God bless him. No? Pray for him--and for all the other priests.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Anita Firmo FSP (1974)--Sr. M. Franca Janniello FSP (1987)--Sr. Francesca Trenei SGBP (1993)--Fr. Giuseppe Bistolfi SSP (1999)--Teresa Cortese HFI (1999)--Teresa Cortese HFI (1999)--Sr. M. Gesuina Quaranta FSP (2001)--Rose Teterycz (1985)--Fr. Francis Ledbar (no year given)

January 20, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, January 20

STS: FABIAN, POPE, MARTYR;
AND SEBASTIAN,MARTYR
ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 6: 10-20
Ps 111: 1-10
Mk 2: 23-28

Let us intend for men all the desires, sighs, spirit and thirst of Jesus and let us become His ardent voice that calls, insists, reprimands and implores with all patience and teaching (SP Dec 1934).

From Father Tom:  Here we have the cry of a super-ardent soul responding to the very special graces received from the Diving Master. Can we do what Bl. Alberione asks us? Yes, but let's begin with the essential: morning Mass-or Mass at some time during the day--and some form of Visit--albeit curtailed due to family duties. It is there that we hear "the desires, sighs, spirit and thirst of Jesus."

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Giuditto Benzo (1972)--Sr. Teresa Maria Hernandez FSP (1977)--Sr. Assunta Moyano FSP (1978)--Sr. Pancea Bragliola FSP (1993)--Leda Vitale HFI (1998) Sr. M. Edina Franco Quitian FSP (1999)--Bro Cirilo Penas SSP (2001)--Fr. Umberto Aguilar SSP (2001)

January 19, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, January 19

ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 5: 1-10
Ps 110: 1-4
Mk 2: 18-22

We imitate the unity of God by practicing charity. Jesus prayed the Father: "That they be one, as You and I are one" [Jn 17: 22](BM p. 134)

From Father Tom:  Looks simple until you try practicing it. We ourselves are so subject to the pains and aches of body and are very definitely "one' in our own lives and so are not always able to present a serene personality. Let's do our best!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Margharita Gerlotto PD (1965)--SR. Massima Serinelli PD (1990)--Sr. Maria Ines Cavagnoli SGBP (1993)--Matteo Zaccaria HFI (1994)--Fr. Dion Pacini IJP (1995)--Sr. M. Salvatora Rosa PD (1998)--Bro Florindo D'Ascenzio SSP (2001)--Sr. Onorina Cruciani FSP (2001)--Bro Gabriele Sconti SSP (2003)

A Wonderful Explanation of the Real Presence/Eucharist

From the You Tube Sophia Sketch Pad Video Podcast

January 18, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, January 18

SECOND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
1 Sm 3: 3-19
Ps 40: 2-10
Jn 1: 35-42

the sign of Jesus is this: that there be one sheepfold and one Shepherd. His thirst for souls was incessant. He has shed His blood for all and He wants that all be saved and come to the knowledge of truth (BM, p. 177).

From Father Tom:  Jesus was not simply an incredibly saintly man: He was God Himself. God by definition is (a) limitless and (b) wants to give Himself ENTIRELY to us (He can't give a part because, as a Spirit, He has no parts). Contrast that--we might say--desperate desire to give with the prejudiced and ignorant reaction of the people.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Bro Tito Della Bartola SSP (1972)--Fr. Armando Gualandi SSP (1982)--Fr. Armando Giovannini SSP (1991)--Benito Filemon Villa HFI (1996)--Mario PIetrofeso HFI (2004)

January 17, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Alberione

Saturday, January 17

ST ANTHONY, ABBOT
Heb 4: 12-16
Ps 19: 8-15
Mk 2: 13-17

Cordiality makes for pleasing relations, but it supposes a habit of benevolent thoughts in our minds (BM, p. 101).

From Father Tom:  "A habit of benevolent thought:--that's not as easy to wear as our religious habit and we can lose it even more quickly. Perhaps we should just do the right thing and leave the bene-volence to those who have just ended a great and "spirit-filled" lunch!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Alonsa Marello PD (1984)--Sr. M. Stella Signorini FSP (1986)--Fr. Vito Frassanito IJP (1998)--Sr. Anna Foschi SGBP (1999)

January 16, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, January 16

ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 4: 1-5
Ps 78: 3-8
Mk 2: 1-12

When one's charity is ardent, everything seems light, one does everything seems light, one does everything willingly and with promptness whatever may be proposed (FSP 32, p. 434).

From Father Tom:  "Ardent charity!" How we wish we had at least a little! But the reality is that the enthusiasm of youth dims quickly, and what in the beginning was a joy becomes a penance. Fortunately there are fewer problems than we think: just do what has to be done and leave the rest to God!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Antionetta Viola FSP (1962)--Sr. M. Michelina Perbellini PD (1962)--Fr. Ligi Fago IJP (1985)--Fr. Gregorio Delpogetto FSP (1996)--Fr. Francesco Sirito SSP (1997)--Giuseppina Pauluzzi HFI (1998)--Sr. M. Pierluisa Vidano PD (2000)--Fr. Paolo Maeda SSP (2002)--Guadalupe Lozano IAM (2002)

January 15, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Thursday, January 15

ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 3: 7-14
Ps 95: 6-11
Mk 1: 40-45

The Master Timothy Giaccardo started the House of Rome. He governed the Motherhouse for many years. He supported and strengthened the Pious Disciples in their spirit. He was a tireless confessor, preacher and consoler. He offered his life for the Pauline Family (UPS, III, 240)

From Father Tom:  The early story of the House of Rome, and the incidental struggles with impossible circumstances, are clear proof of the heroism of Bl. Giaccardo's virtues. In the Motherhouse (Alba) he gave a tremendous display of faith in retaining the young people all during World War II instead of sending them home.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Consolata Binello FSP (1948)--Paolina Magnani FSP (2000)--Sr. M. Valentina Bedino PD (2000)--Fr. vincenzo Marseglia IJP (2002)--Bro Harry Morgan FSC (2005)--Peter Murphy (1976)

January 14, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, January 14

ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 2: 14-18
Ps 105: 1-9
Mk 1: 29-39

The Council has brought about a universal awakening in the whole Church and in the world. The Church herself is more alive than ever (SP Sept-Dec 1964).

From Father Tom:  "Awakening" in the Church? Well, yes, but whatever about the first good years--there followed what we might call an awakening with a hangover: so much fun in legislating and so many problems==mostly unexpected--afterwards!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Teresa Congiu FSP (1961)-Sr. M. Leonilde Torrengo PD (1971)--Sr. Anna Caterina Tagliani FSP (1997)--Fr Roberto Nunez IJP (2004)

January 13, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, January 13

ST HILIARY, BISHOP, DOCTOR OF 
THE CHURCH
ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 2: 5-12
Ps 8: 2-9
Mk 1: 21-28
Mk 1: 14-20

Only the Church is the true teacher of faith. Everything that she teaches, she gets from Revelation of which she is the keeper, the testifier and the interpreter (BM, p. 193)

From Father Tom:  The world is full of teachers-chief among them being certainly the secular  media-the problem is to make the voice of the Church heard among this clamor.  Evidently technical means alone are not enough--one more opinion among thousands--but technical means founded on prayer.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Bernadetta Ferraris FSP (2002)

January 12, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, January 12

ORDINARY WEEKDAY
Heb 1: 1-6
Ps 97: 1-2, 7-9
Mk 1: 14-20

The incarnate Son of God is also the infinite wisdom of God, and it is no wonder if many of His words surpass human understanding and reveal mysteries. Let us bow down our heads, believe and reflect like Mary (BM, p. 381).

From Father Tom:  The Son of God is the Wisdom of God! Can we imagine, therefore, the prodound pain of Jesus yearning to bring the blessing of Divine Wisdom to the people of Palestine, knowing that in this gift is their greatest blessing, but being constantly repulsed by ignorance and prejudice!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: /fr, /agude Oasittu IJP (1995)

January 11, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, January 11

THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD
Is 55: 11
Is 12: 2-6
1 Jn 5: 1-9
Mk 1: 7-11

Grace is divine and eternal life in one who is baptized (SP Jan 1963).

From Father Tom:  How little we know about the action of "grace"! We see it as a "thing" or perhaps something that flows into our lives. In reality--to the extent that we can talk about it at all--it is the very power of God sustaining our spirits with heavenly goodness.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Celestina Giglione FSP (1949)--Sr. M. Lidia Zago FSP (1950)--Bro Alfonso Panaro SSP (1972)--Fr. Giuseppe Penu IJP (1981)--Sr. M. Camelina Lamberti PD (2000)--FR. Franco Pierini (2001)--Sr. Blesilda Ganalon FSP (2004)

January 10, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, January 10

CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY
1 Jn 5: 14-21
Ps 149: 1-9
Jn 3: 22-30

All the power of Mary before God depends on the fact that she is the Mother of God. Therefor let our prayer be humble on the one hand, but also full of confidence (Meditazioni per consecrate secolari, p. 325).

From Father Tom:  How can we express the power of Mary? Is she not--she will forgive me for the comparison--like a great dynamo at the heart of the old-style ocean liner--there in quiet power but in maintaining the great ship on course just as the presence of Mary is absolutely central to the boat of Peter?

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Bernadita Arcila FSP (1987)--Mary Kennedy (2005)

January 9, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, January 9

CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY
1 Jn 5: 5-13
Ps 147: 12-20
Lk 5: 12-16

Our confidence is revived while we call God with the title of "Father" (SM 664).

From Father Tom:  Jesus referred constantly to His "Father-" and died a terrifying death to show his love for this "Father" of His.The Father is the first-named when we talk of the Trinity but the relationship of Son to Father is beyond our minds to comprehend, all the more when we speak of the "Holy Spirit"!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Maria Orsola Gattei PD (1947)--Fr. Antonio Maccaferri IJKP (1994)--Lucia Melotto HFI (1994)--Michele Budetta HFI (1997)--Maria da Assucao Pereira Pinto IAM (2001)

January 8, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Alberione

Thursday, January 8

CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY
1 Jn 4: 19-5:4
Ps 72: 12, 14-17
Lk 4: 14-22

One of the characteristics of this Council is ecumenism as commitment of the Church and as exercise: respect for the separated Churches, for non-Catholics, for non-Christians, for adorers of the one God, for those who have some cult, for the atheists themselves, for all mankind (SP Sept-Dec 1964).

From Father Tom:  An important item of Council deliberations was what was called Ecumenism or the consideration of the life and teaching of other religious groups, some separated from us, other Christians but not of our persuasion, etc. We went from saying -- if not in actual words--"we are right and you people are wrong:-- to saying : "we are right but you people have also much right on your side."

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Manuel Marques SSP (1990)--Fr. Paolo Cirio SSP (1990)--Sr. M. Guglielmina Bufano PD (1995)--S.r Maria Cristina Barbieri FSP (1995)--Emilia Desato HFI (1995)--Bro Crisostomo Cancini SSP (2000)--Angelo Falchi, Gabrielite (2004)--Ruth Helline (1986)

January 7, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, January 7

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH-- ST JOSEPH
ST RAYMOND OF PENAFORT, PRIEST
CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY
1 Jn 4: 11-18
Ps 72: 1-2, 10-13
Mk 6: 45-52

Characteristic of this Council are: the present-day situation of the Church in today's world, religious liberty, the role of the Catholic laity, intervention in everything and every-where bringing the voice of the Church as contribution toward peace, social justice, good morals, help for the poor and in everything that is real progress in every field (SP Sept--Dec 1964).

From Father Tom:  The Council looked at the situation of the Church at the time it assembled. Some characteristics and problems will always be much the same and these are as listed. Less visible but actually of tremendous importance was the role of the media, just beginning at the time That was where we came in!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Ambrosina Vargas Suena FSP (1996)--Sr. M. Oliva Garcia Allende FSP (1997)--Fr Vincenzo Catrino IJP (1997)--Fr. Giovanni Scalone IJP (2002)--Charles W. Basquette (1992)

January 6, 2014 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, January 6

FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH-- 
THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
ST ANDREW BESSETTE, RELIGIOUS
CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY
1 Jn 4: 7-10
Ps 72: 1-8
Mt 6: 34-44

The reign of God always starts like the mustard seed. Likewise do all those works that are supernatural and destined to endure; they start in this way. Blessed are they who start from the Manger! All the rest can make an impression but they are worth nothing (Meditation, 22 Dec 1933)

From Father Tom:  The Kingdom of God begins like a mustard seed, and all the supernatural works and works which are going to last, begin in this way. Blessed is the one who begins from the crib! All the rest may make an impression but it is worth nothing..

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Bilberto Adaco Vasquez SSP (1985)--Esuperanzio Sdrubolini HFI (1987)--Bro Gilberto Zachin SSP (1990)--Sr. Marta Prinotti FSP (1993)--Fr. Giuseppe Cuva IJP (2002)--Sr. Anticla Labrettini FSP (2004)

January 5, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, January 5

FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH-- ST PAUL
ST JOHN NEUMANN, BISHOP
1 Jn 3: 22-4:6
Ps 2: 7-12
Mt 4: 12-25

The Council is the greatest, most complex and necessary of the world; it is the most immense and qualified assembly, called and presided over by the Vicar of Jesus to deal with human and divine problems, under the light and comfort of the Holy Spirit (SP Sept 1962)

From Father Tom:  Like every such meeting, the Vatican Council had representatives
                       * mostly Bishops from every corner of the world, the best brains
                       * the most experienced, the most dedicated and the most
                       * prayerful. It was a wonderful assembly.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Giacinta Cocciolone FSP (1945)--Bro Antonio Mollo SSP (1989)--Sr. Cristina Bertello FSP (1990)--Paterniano Falcioni HFI (1985)--Alfonso romano HFI (2000)--Sr. Elena Roallos FSP (2002)--Sr. Monica Lunkes FSP (2002)--Henry J. Berlo (1994)--Charles A Bujol (1939)

January 4, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, January 4

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH--
THE DIVINE MASTER, WAY, TRUTH AND LIFE
EPIPHANY OF THE LORD
Is 60: 1-6
Ps 72: 1-11
Eph 3: 2-6
Mt 2: 1-12

We are children of God, members of the Church, disciples of the Divine Master: it [the Council] is not a matter that does not touch us; we constitute the Church: hence it is a matter of our spiritual and eternal interests, of the salvation of humanity (SP 1962).

From Father Tom:  It is a little fascinating--and also awe inspiring-to think that we, common or garden Catholics, have been raised by our Profession to be Church -- designated people and special representatives of the Divine Master. Let's never forget it!

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. M. Luigina Grandi FSP (1974)--Sr. Maria Agostina Agnetti FSP (1988)--Sr. M. Emanuella Pintus FSP (1989)--Fr. Remo Anselmi IJP (1990)--Fr. Alfredo Bordon IJP (1996)--Sr. Cristina Leonardo FSP (1997)--AMalia Tomasello HFI (2000)--Marie Mennella

January 3, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Saturday, January 3

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH--
MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES
THE MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS
CHRISTMAS WEEKDAY
1 Jn 2: 29-3:6
Ps 98: 1-6
Jn 1: 29-34

I am sure that in all houses of the Pauline Family, the members have prayed every day with the Pope, for the Pope and for the Ecumenical Council (SP Sept 1961).

From Father Tom:  Yes, there were great expectations and prayers were many and fervent --even though most of us Paulines didn't really know what exactly we were praying for!Happens all the time...the main thing is to pray

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Fr. Davide Cordaro SSP (1958)--Fr. Antonio Sabarino SSP (1963)--Sr. Maria Deomnica Aguilar SSP (1987)--Fr. Benedetto De Stefano IJP (1989)--Fr. Nicola Cavotta IJP (1993)--Sr. M. Santos Gamez de Dios PD (2000)--Robert Walton Emily Renda (2008)

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

Friday, January 2

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH--
THE SACRED HEART
STS. BASIL THE GREAT & GREGORY NAZIANZEN, 
BISHOPS, DOCTORS OF THE CHURCH
1 Jn 2: 22-28
Ps 98: 1-5
Jn 1: 19-28

His Holiness, John XXIII, to whom we had promised our prayers for the preparation of the Vatican II Ecumenical Council, answered: "Thank you. Let us all pray...I commend to you the Holy Catholic Church. Pray for her unity. Ut unum sint (=that they may be one). Continue in your generous efforts for the coming of a better world" (SP--San Paolo-Sep 1962).

From Father Tom:  The reference here is not just generic--"better world" but has in mind the "Better World Movement" flourishing at the time under a Jesuit, Fr. Lombardi.

Please Pray for Our Deceased: Sr. Rosaria Nazari SGBP (1950)--Fr. Josep Labedz SSP (1967)--Sr. Aloisia Aciarri FSP (1977)--Fr. Sperandio Ravenoldi IJP (1985)--Fr. M. Benedicta Aimo PD (1997)--Sr. Quirina Angeli FSP (1999)--Sr. M. Matilde Garzitto FSP (2000)--M. Cristina Canfarotta HFI (2000)--Mateo Albano (1945)