April 1, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Wednesday, April 1

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH--
ST JOSEPH
WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK
Is 50: 4-9
Ps 69: 21-34
Mt 26: 14-25

INTENTION OF THE MONTH:
For persecuted Christians.

"The kingdom of God is not built up by the sword, but is made by hearing the truth and bearing witness to it, and it grows through the power of love by which Christ lifted high on the cross draws human beings to himself." (Dignitatis Humanae, 11).

From Father Tom:  "Bearing witness to the truth." Perhaps we never thought that in our lifetime we would see real martyrs but they are of daily occurrence as I write and we can only hope that they don't extend beyond all expectations. Oremus...

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Carlo Stella SSP (1973)--Bro. Enrico Pantaleo SSP (1984)--Fr. Michele Leone IJP (2003)--Robert Paplow (No date)

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

Tuesday, March 31

TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK
Is 49: 1-6
Ps 71: 1-6, 15-17
Jn 13: 21-38

It is necessary that we be well persuaded that the predominant passion for us (nine out of ten cases) is pride, and therefore the principal virtue to be acquired is humility (FSP 41, p 264)

From Father Tom:  Yes, that is a marvelous characteristic of the Lord's attitude among the many Scripture references on this point is Phil 2: 6-11 where St.  Paul quotes an ancient hymn to illustrate this point. As regards us, our faith tells us that when we have clear knowledge of the Divine will, then we obey in faith...and we are going to be very successful.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Gisueppe Zilli SSP (1980)--Fr. Gisueppe Morini SSP (1985)--Fr. Gennaro Di Nucci IJP (1994)--Luigi Giovanni Giaccio HFI (2006)--Guido Bosio HFI (2007)--Sr. M. Margheritia croci PD (2008)

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

Monday, March 30

MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK
Is 42: 1-7
Ps 27: 1-2, 13-14
Jn 12: 1-11

In humility there is peace. The Lord looks on those who are humble in mind and heart. Humility is the keeper of the virtues (SM 461).

From Father Tom:  Reading and studying are, of course the basic methods of learning anything--including the teachings of Jesus. However--as St. Paul would also agree--Jesus has His own "school," open 24 hours of day, every day of the life of each of us; and there He gives precious lessons adapted to the needs of each one.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. m. Bertilla Urbani FSP (1962)--Fr. Vncenzo M. Urbani IJP (2000)--Sr. Agnese Magarotto SGBP (2001)--Maria do Carmo Gomes Oliveira IAM (2005)--F.r Giuseepe Ferrazzaano IJP (2006)--Sr. M. Leonia Diez FSP(2007)--Sr. Costanza Bianciotto FSP (2010)--Fr. Antonio Nigro IJP(2011)

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

Sunday, March 29

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S PASSION
Is 50: 4-7
Pd 22: 8-24
Phil 2: 6-11
Mk 14: 1-15

Let us dominate our hearts and build them up for charity and benevolence so that they may not betray us (RSP p. 228).

From Father Tom:  True, but the subject matter is a bit too refined for our somewhat blunted tastes--if, that is, it is available at all. We hear scary stories of CCD being subject to the views of the teacher, rather than the views of the Church--and the parents who don't send their children to CCD at all.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Michele Sarullo IJP-Sr. Teresa Bianco FSP (1995)--Sr. Guglielmina Oliboni FSP (1996)--Egidio Pitzus HFI (1997)--Isabel Sabugo HFI (2002)--Fr. Felipe Gutirerrex SSP (2004)--Sr. Mansueta Chiesa FSP (2005)--Sr. Lucia Migliore FSP (2007)--Giuseppina Sanfilippo IAM (2009)--Bro Mario Palmi SSS (2011)--Giovanni Italiano HFI (2011)

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

Saturday, March 28

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Ez 37: 21-28
Jer 31: 10-13
Jn 11:45: 56

The reputation of sanctity, the admiration and devotion for Maggiorino Vigolungo grew gradually with the growth of the Pauline Family so that he remains as the ideal model of all the Pauline schoolboys (SP Jan 1961)

From Father Tom:  Our piety is substantially connected with our general knowledge and we should cultivate a piety founded on theology and always prefer that type of piety (APD 1961)

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Michele Perillo HFI (1996)--Sr. M. Tarcisia Spadaro PD (2008)--Sr. M. Emanella Santini PD (2011)

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

Friday, March 27

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Jer 20: 10-13
Ps 18: 2-7
Jn 10: 31-42

It is necessary to dominate our thoughts. Sin first of all depends on the mind. Merit and good work first of all depends on the mind. What we think sooner or later will become action (RSP p. 339)

From Father Tom:  This, however, is not easy. St. Paul had a special vocation, ours is more banal. So we keep in touch with the Lord as best we can and throw ourselves on His mercy for our many offenses, shortcomings and negligence.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. M. Fulgenzia Rapagnani PD (1979)--Fr. Gino Grimaldi IJP (1983)--Sr. M. Giuseppina Ambrosio PD (1989)--Sr. M. Nazarena Andolfi PD (1994)--Sr. M. Enrichetta Morabito PD (1998)--Sr. Giacinta Pescio FSP (1999)--Msgr Bernardo Antonini IJP (2002)--Bro Giovanni Novarino SSP (2011)--Lillie Cusack (1994)

March 26, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Alberione

Thursday, March 26

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Gn 17: 3-9
Ps 105: 4-9
Jn 8: 51-59

The Lord hates sin with an eternal hate. He adorns souls with the nuptial vestment of grace. If we want God to dwell in us, let us purify our souls with confession and adorn them through communion (BM p. 358).

From Father Tom:  The Founder mentions piety s something very much involved with positive institute membership. And he means Pauline piety which now and then may present problems while some other 'devotion" is more attractive. What we must do is have the larger Prayer Book and make a free selection of prayers from it, not limiting ourselves to just the basics.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. M. Ausilia Cristino PD (1964)--Bro Giuseppe Zemiti SSP (1975)--Sr.M. Paolina Pivetta FSP (1990)--Fr Raffaele Tonni SSP (1995)--Fr. Adelmo Barbati (1999)--Fr. Aldo Feraboschi IJP (2004)--Angelo Alessi HFI (2008)--Sr. M. Alicja Tarasek PD (2011)

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

Wednesday, March 25

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE LORD
Is 7: 10-14
Ps 40: 7-11
Heb 10: 4-10
Lk 1: 26-38

Mary received a twofold communication: from the Angel Gabriel, who told her of her divine Motherhood as regards Jesus Christ, and from the crucified Jesus Christ, who told her of her universal Motherhood as regards His mystical Body which is the Church (AD 182).

From Father Tom:  To be at the center of history? Universal history, not likely, but each of us has a personal history which, come to think of it, is the only history we can influence; and the combination of our different histories makes up universal history.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Guerrino Pelliccia SSP (1991)--Fr. Antonio Giovinazzo IJP (1992)--Sr. M. Faustina Audisio PD (2003)--Anna Ferrari IAM (2011)

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

Tuesday, March 24

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Nm 221: 4-9
Ps 102: 2-3, 16-21
Jn 8: 21-30

All our affection and gratitude go to Mother Scholastica, the first former Mother General of the Pious Disciples. "Much weight is to be given to her teaching, advice, directives and prayer".

From Father Tom:  This is one definition--sanctity consists in keeping a low profile--However, our Divine Master was very different: He did what had to be done and stunned His listeners equally by His discourses as He did by His miracles. Sanctity, therefore, consists in the right use of our talents--much more difficult than simply hiding them.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. M. Scolastica Rivata, first Mother General of the Sister Disciples (1987)--Sr. Teresina Mchels FSP  (1993)--Sr. Cesarina Rossi (FSP (1995)--Antonia Farruggio IAM (1996)--Fr. Bernardo Zorzetto IJP (1996)--John Albert Vincenzo HFI (2004)--Sr. Gabriella Marcazzan FSP (2005)--Felicismo Quinto (2004)

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

Monday, March 23

ST TURIBIUS OF MOGROVEJO, BISHOP
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Dn 13: 41-62
Ps 23: 1-6
Jn 8: 1-11

Holy conversations can become a true direction for souls. We can call to mind (Jesus') conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well in Sichem. He made His way in that ignorant soul, stained by sins, full of prejudices. He asked for drink and quenched her thirst with water springing up toward eternal life. He revealed the secrets of His heart and showed Himself as the Messiah. He reminded her of her scandals and made her an apostle (BM p. 329).

From Father Tom:  Important point: "growing...in charity toward our neighbor." Sometimes we think the opposite: sanctity consists in many prayers, many "good works," many vigils and many mortifications. But nothing can beat bearing with those awful people we have to meet...and continue smiling.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. Angelica Dondi FSP (1944)--Fr. Lorenzo Bertero SSP (1991)--Fr. Antonio Bosticco SSP (2000)--Sr. M. Onorina Mussi FSP (2002)--Sr. M. Scolastica Aoki PD (2004)

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

Sunday, March 22

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Jer 31: 31-34
Ps 51: 3-15
Heb 5: 7-9
Jn 12: 20-33

There will truly be religious when people think like Jesus: examination of one's thoughts. When people love like Jesus: examination of one's sentiments. When people do what Jesus wants: examination of one's works, how one lives his life (FSP 55, p. 130)

From Father Tom:  The bread of truth...And where would we put a "cake" of truth in this context? Is there such a thing? Perhaps, yes,:the joy of learning the great future God has prepared for us. In this context, "bread" would be the basis of serving God and "cake" would be the reward. (But don't tell anybody I said that!)

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Armando Pesaresi IJP (1985)--Sr. Elena Ramondetti FSP (1999)--Msgr Acille Palmerini IJP (2000)--Giuseppe Izzi (2006)--Sr. M. Franca Riba PD (2007)--Sr. Maria da Conceicao Carnetto Azevedo FSP (2008)--Luciano Andreoni HFI (2008)--Antonietta Poddi HFI (2010)

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

Saturday, March 21

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Jer 11: 18-20
Ps 7; 2-12
Jn 7: 40-53

May Saint Joseph, cooperator in the work of the Redemption, make our Brother Disciples wise and generous cooperators in the ministry of God's word. May they be always gifted with piety and docility, for these are the two secrets of their holiness and their apostolate (SP Mar 1950)

From Father Tom:  Well, yes, but what about a little spontaneity? I would say that our holy Founder fulfilled this definition--he was anything but free and easy, and people in his presence knew there was something special about him. But that was in his 60's onwards. Do you think you can gain more self-control when you reach that age?

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. M. Felicia Scellato PD (1967)--Sr. M. Franca Calo' FSP (1991)--Srm. M. Caterina Bertolino PD (1992)--Sr. Annita Loi FSP (1998)--Francisco Menegon SSP (2004)--Sr. Iracema Gattelli FSP (2004)--Elisa Deidda IAM (2010)--Sr. M. Silvana Cuscito FSP (2011)--Anne Nephew (1991)

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

Friday, March 20

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Wis 2: 12-22
Ps 34: 17-23
Jn 7: 1-2, 25-30

There is a particular rapport between Saint Joseph and the Brothers. Like him they find their joy in the spirit of prayer, in humble conformity to the will of God, in active silence (SP Mar 1950).

From Father Tom:  Actually it is probably true to suggest that most women are as strong as or even stronger than men: if not physically, then in their ability to bear the special challenges women face. And are there not more women saints?

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. M. Battista Bettinelli PD (1993)--Sr. Rosangela {asqiomp AP (1993)--Emilio Tomassini HFI (1993)--Sr. Edele Aimasso FSP (1997)--Sr. Fortunata Arrotta FSP (1999)--Fr. Antonio Diaz SSP (2008)--Joyce Sablone (2001)--Joyce Sablone (2001)

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

Thursday, March 19

ST  JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
2 Sm 7: 4-16
Ps 89: 2-5, 27-29
Rom 4: 13-22
Lk 2: 41-51


May the beloved Saint Joseph obtain fro us from his reputed Son, Jesus, the grace to taste the sacred liturgy during this time and to enjoy the abundant fruits of a holy Easter (Feast of St. Joseph, 1961).

From Father Tom:  How can we comment on such a complete list of what "mortification" means? Perhaps we can begin with some self-questioning: which of the items in this list do we most identify with? That might help us discover where we can still improve.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. Lilia M. Lavagnini FSP (1964)--Sr. M. Bernarda Marinoni FSP (1971)--Sr. M. Carola DAmo FSP (1987)--Fr. Pio Rossi IJP (1987)--Sr. M. Sira Baldassari FSP (1994)--Rosa Deplano HFI (1995)--Sr. Geltrude Botto FSP (1999)--Fr. Fredo Brondino SSP (2003)--Sr. M. Bernardina Borghini FSP (2004)--Sr. M. Querubina Contreras PD (2005)--Bro Federico Faccioli SSP (2008)--Sr. Mary Caroline Tessa FSP (2008)--Sr. M. Regina Nota (2009)--Pasquale Festa HFI (2009)--Elena Ciaglia IAM (2010)

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

Wednesday, March 18

ST  CYRIL OF JERUSALEM, BISHOP
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Is 49: 8- 15
Ps 145: 8-14, 17-18
Jn 5: 17-30

The life of Mary and that of Saint Joseph have been fused by one intention, by one commitment, by one mission: that of together glorifying better the Lord, helping each other in growing toward perfection, accompanying the incarnate Son of God in His mission (BM 366).

From Father Tom:  To feel poor? Yes, definitely, but yet retain our sense of self-worth and the astonishing truth that GOD became human and suffered and died to save us from ourselves. We just don't realize how much He loves us!

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Domenico Sebastinanelli HFI (1987)--Sr.M. Immacolatina Simonetto PD (1990)--Sr. M. Andreina Binello FSP (1994) Sr. M. Colombina Di Grgorio PD (1998)

March 17, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Tuesday, March 17

ST PATRICK
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Ez 47:1-12
Ps 46: 2-9
Jn 5: 1-16

Penitence as a virtue is an attitude that inclines us to a continuing renewal of our life. Man, in fact, when he reflects regarding himself, finds himself defective, a sinner, imperfect (BM 466).

From Father Tom:  A very good definition even if not always seen in reality. What happens is that we miss this meaning, get involved with the too-human side of our fellow-religious who then become not a help to sanctification but a problems to live with. What is needed is faith.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. Natalia Colavecchio FSP (1949)--Sr. Alba Prest SGBP (1967)--S.r Romana Migliardi FSP (1988)--Rene'e Montes HFI (1988)--Raffaella Cappai FSP (1008)--Giovanni Cleri HFI (2008)--Sr. Teresa Migliornini FSP (2010)--Rev Joseph E. Lappett (1965)

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

Monday, March 16

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Is 65: 17-21
ps 30: 2-6, 11-13
Jn 4: 43-54

Faith satisfies the desires of the mind and the heart. Therefore it brings peace and instills it in the soul (SM 261).

From Father Tom:  Envy played a big part in our human history: we usually see Satan's approach to Eve as founded on enormous envy and anger at these pieces of earth" that are destined to take the eternal happiness he lost. Its effects are equally ruinous today in human society.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Domenico Ravina SSP (1982)--Itao Beretta HFI (2002)--Sr. Giuseppe Dell'Aira FSP (2003)--Sr. M. Immacolata Tresham PD (2003)--Sr. Lorenzina Davico FSP (2005)

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

Sunday, March 15

FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
2 Chr 36: 14-23
Ps 137: 1-6
Eph 2: 4-10
Jn 3: 14-21

The prudent Christian goes forward in life with diffidence and hope. He fears himself, confides in Jesus Christ and prays ( I Novissimi meditati davanti al SS. Sacramento , 81)

From Father Tom:  A lot, however, depends on what follows the good example, vis, are we taking pride in how good we are? Ideally we do our best...and forget about who is watching.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. M. Amabile Lombardi FSP (1952)--Fr. Luigi Borio SSP (1970)--Fr. Ercole Canavero SSP (1975)--Fr. Giovanni Boccaleoni IGS (1982)--Fr. Giovanni Rossi SSP (1983)--Marianna Zaccaria HFI (2000)--Fr. Vincenzo Di Renzo IJP (2007)--Nunzia Ninni IAM (2008)

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

Saturday, March 14

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Hos 6: 1-6
Ps 51: 3-4, 18-21
Mk 18: 9-14

The Way of the Cross teaches us humility and loving patience in carrying our cross (Alla sorgente p. 11)

From Father Tom:  The Lord sent out His missionaries, asking that they put faith in Him and it worked very well. But...they could do miraculous healing and even raising from the dead...People were naturally impressed and in that atmosphere care for the miracle-workers came automatically. Today things are somewhat different.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. Adeodata Gallo FSP (1974)--Maria Tommaso HFI (1996)--Sr. ilar Roggero FSP (2005)--Sr. Domenical Credico FSP (2005)--Sr. Magdala Castellino FSP (2005)--Fr. Giovanni Bandini (2009)--Leo Converse (1961)

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

Friday, March 13

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Hos 14: 2-10
Ps 81: 6-17
Mk 12: 28-34

The heart of sanctity consists in overcoming ourselves, in dominating our passions. In fact, Jesus has said: "if one wants to come after Me, let him deny himself", that is, let him dominate his passions and heart (FSP 32 p. 502)

From Father Tom:  The Founder gives a rather depressing list of what pride does--some of the items contradicting others. There is also "legitimate pride"--a sense of satisfaction that we have done the right thing, done it well. However the legitimate becomes illegitimate very early so..shoot for humility.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. Barberina Sacco FSP (1987)--Domeinca Dellerba HFI (1995)--Sr. Gaudenzia Santino FSP (2005)--Sr. M. Eliza Mattioli FSP (2011)--Raffaele Iavazzi (2011)--Thomas Endress (1991)

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

Thursday, March 12

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Jer 7: 23-28
Ps 95: 1-9
Lk 11: 14-23

In every Christian there takes place a struggle between Jesus Christ and the old man, who clash and fight over the heart of man. Jesus Christ wants all of man: his mind, will and sentiment (BM p. 545).

From Father Tom:  This is one point of view. Leave it all to God. We might also quote the old saying "God helps those who help themselves." In both instances God is a main element: "Without me you can do nothing."

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. Irene Venturi FSP (1990)--Fr. Leonardo Zardi SSP (1991)--Chiara M. Belliinato FSP (1998)--Jospeh Rene' Pelletier HFI (1999)--Bro Isidoro Porello SSP (2000)--Fr. Giovanni Battista Mabritto SSP (2001)--Sr. Martha M. Morales FSP (2005)--Fr. Francesco Manca IJP (2009)--Bro Luke Mathew Addasseril SSP (2011)--Joseph J. Burnieika (1993)

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

Wednesday, March 11

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Dt 4: 1-9
Ps 147: 12-20
Mt 5: 17-19

In 1908 I have heard this invitation from my spiritual director: "Always bear in mind: Anuerunt sociis: it is necessary to look for the help of persons." So we started to take care of the Cooperators (FSP p. 566).

From Father Tom:  Actually this is the way we should all live. It is what we promised at our Profession, and the Constitutions have not been rewritten since then.  am I living like this? Are you?

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Matteo Plassa SSP (1985)--Fr. Giacomo Giaudo SSP (2003)--Sr. M. Melania Rivarotto FSP (2004)--Sr. Cecilia Paula Livingston FSP (2011)--Johan Nicenzo SR (1980)--Josephine Merlene (2000)

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

Tuesday, March 10

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Dn 3: 25-43
Ps 25: 4-9
Mt 18: 21-35

Live according to the spirit of the Secret of Success. Recite it every morning. We base ourselves on it: it is a base that is good, firm on which we can build. And we shall have life-giving works because in them is Christ and agile persons who run in order to reach the goal, so as to get the reward (RSP p. 46).

From Father Tom:  Yes, dear Fr. Alberione, I agree: the Sister Disciples wear their habits, live a strict community life and pray for all of us. The Founder should be very pleased with them.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. Gisella Gallinaro FSP (1991)--Sr. Amalia Zanatta FSP (1994)--Sr. M. Daria Riccitelli PD (1994)--Fr. Italo Fabbri SSP (2005)--Fr. Nazareno AMantini IJP (2007)--Sr Paulina M. Tibaldo FSP (2007)--Chiara Greco HFI (2008)--Fr. Filippo D'Alessandro IJP (2010)--Laura Drouhard (1974)--Maryellen Donnelly (2002)--Cristina Quega Tarlit (2002)--Marie Howard HFI (2011)

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

Monday, March 9

FRANCIS OF ROME, WIFE, MOTHER, MYSTIC
LENTEN WEEKDAY
2 Kgs 5: 1-15
Ps 42: 2-4; 43: 3-4
Lk 4: 24-25

It's time already that apostles inflamed by the love of God resist the devil. Sadly many already have knelt before him and adored him, but it is written: "You shall adore God alone" (RSP p. 404).

From Father Tom:  The danger in our time is to fail to live either the contemplative or active life--giving up on prayer and surviving on memories. There are a few exceptions--mostly, in my opinion, in the Congregations where the Religious looks like a Religious and not someone who came to fix the broken windows.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Bro Andrea Degani SSP (1986)--Sr. Marcellina Bertero FSP (1990)--Berna Munoz de Zicari HFI (1996)--Regina Georgi HFI (1998)--Sr. M. Raffaela Astolfi PD (1999)--Giuseppe Di Caro HFI (2001)--Sr. M. Candida Komine FSP (2002)--Sr. AMerica Gervasi FSP (2005)--Sr. Ambrosina Baldi FSP (2007)--Sr. M. Agnese Romeo SGBP (2008)--Sr. M. Gertrudis Fabbri PD (2009)--Nancy Ann Deren IAM (2011)

March 8, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Sunday, March 8

THIRD SUNDAY OF LENT
Ex 20: 1-17
Ps 19: 8-11
1 Cor 1: 22-25
Jn 2: 13-25

When God gives a vocation or a mission to a soul, he also gives her all the graces, all the helps needed to accomplish that given mission. He never falls short. We can fall short because of our inconstancy and weak faith, but not God (RSP p. 45)

From Father Tom:  Back to the Council--an to the hopes and fears of 50 years ago! The Founder's plan is simple in theory but it came up against opposition and error under each of these headings. Now we are in calmer waters and can do a better job.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. M. Carmine Vitiello FSP (1972)--Fr. Alvise Soppelsa SSP (1978)--Fr. Giuseppe Geegoris IJP (2000)--Sr. M. Benedetta Baiguera FSP (2010)--F.r Leo Matthew Vecchor SSP (2011)--Byron B. Bordellon JF (1974)

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

Saturday, March 7

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH--
MARY, QUEEN OF APOSTLES
STS PERPETUA AND FELICITY, MARTYRS
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Mi 7: 14-20
Ps 103: 1-4, 9-12
Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

Docility to grace is shown in particular when one obeys (RSP 272).

From Father Tom:  Obeying! A complicated subject. Do I obey for fear? or because I like the one giving the commands? Or because the commands are certainly right? It is hard to get a grip on our motivation isn't it? And what is the ideal motivation? Obedience because the command comes from God.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Domenico Ambrosio SSP (1971)--Sr. Adelaide Betolini SGBP (1979)--Micele Piccinnini HFI (2003)

March 6, 2015 With blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Friday, March 6

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH--
THE SACRED HEART
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Gen 37: 3-4, 12-28
Ps 105: 16-21
Mt 21: 33-46

I can assure everyone that everything done was done with the light from the Tabernacle and in obedience. The subsequent Church approvals proved that we were on the right track (VM 19)

From Father Tom:  Works for us too. Except it it a bit difficult sometimes to go through this process--urgent decisions need to be made and people to be consulted are not always at hand. True, but if we come before the Tabernacle in earnest prayer and then do the best we can...things will work out.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Nazareno Capozucca IGS (1977)--Rosa Cimino IAM (1997)--Sr. Pancrazia Musso FSP (1999)--SR. M. Assunta Lecco FSP (2000)--Sr. Gemma Dal Masetto PD (200)--Salvatore Castiglia HFI (2003)--Lucile R. Madeline (2002)

March 5, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tm

Thursday, March 5

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH--
THE ANGEL GUARDIANS
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Jer 17: 5-10
Ps 1: 1-6
Lk 16: 19-31

As regarding spending, Fr. Alberione consulted good people and also asked himself: Is this really needed? Have I a right intention? would I make it if I were to die soon after? If all signs were positive he incurred the expense.

From Father Tom:  This remains a good practice even ow, both for the Pauline Family and for each member. Try to resist those "Sales" offering incredible bargains--when you already have a dozen of the same item..

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. M. Natalina Rivetti PD (1981)--Francesco Luperto HFI (1992)--Fr. Giovanni Manna SSP (2007)--Leo Helline (1993)

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

Wednesday, March 4

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH--
ST JOSEPH
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Jer 18: 18-20
Ps 31: 5-16
Mt 20: 17-28

From Canon Chiesa he had learned to transform everything into something to be meditated on and prayed about (VM 9).

From Father Tom:  And we, who have not known the god Canon, can-and should-do the same. Nothing we experience happens by chance but is the Lord reaching out with one more gift to lead us to Paradise.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. Edvuge Vitali FSP (1946)--Bro Salvatore Paglieri (1997)-Prederick Tarlit (2003)

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

Tuesday, March 3

FIRST TUESDAY OF THE MONTH--
THE SOULS IN PURGATORY
ST KATHERINE DREXEL, RELIGIOUS
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Is 1: 10, 16-20
{s 50: 8-23
Mt 23: 1-12

He originally had in mind an organization of Catholic laity, writers, technicians, book sellers, etc. But soon, around 1910, he took a decisive step: this work would have to be done by religious... (VM 6).

From Father Tom:  Very true--also today. We do what we can in terms of "apostolate," viz., use of the media but...without prayer we can impress (maybe) but not convert.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Sr. M. Annina Strano PD (1949)--Sr. M. Vincenza Adamo PD (1949)--Sr. M. Vincenza Adamo PD (1980)--Fr. Amadeo La Mattina IJP (1983)--Fr. Mario Senettone IJP (1990)--Sr. M. Redenta Alessi PD (2002)--Sr. Nazarena Merigo SGBP (2004)--Isabel Marquez IAM (2008)--Luigi Roberti HFI (2011)--Paul Douglas (2004)--BUna Weckter (2010)

March 2, 2015 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

Monday, March 2

FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH--
ST PAUL
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Dn 9: 4-10
Ps 79: 8-13
Lk 6: 36-38

A particular light came from the Host, a greater understanding  of Jesu' invitation: "Come to me all of you..." -Mt 11: 18 (Vademecum 8).

From Father Tom:  The Founder heard the voice of God in prayer and this avenue is open to all of us: unexpected insight in prayer, but also in other moments: something we read, what some friend of ours said a mistake we made, etc. We can hear the voice of God anywhere, any time.

Please Pray for Our Deceased:  Fr. Giovanni Ronci IJP (1980--Fr. Francesco Bonfiglio SSP (1988)--Sr. M. Emilia Demarie PD (1999)--Egidio Gazzola, Gabrielite (2002)--Sr. M. Elisa De Paolis FSP (2003)--Angelina Mencarini HFI (2004)--Anna Muneroni IAM (2006)--Fr. Giovanni Selle SSP (2020)--Sr. M. Cecilia Baron Toaldo FSP (2011)--Olandia Bonoarr(1952)