April 1, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

FRIDAY, APRIL 1
FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH--
SACRED HEART OF JESUS
EASTER FRIDAY

Acts 4: 1-12
Ps 8:2-9
Lk 24: 35-48

No message. 

FROM FATHER TOM: No commentary

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Fr. Carlo Stella SSP (1973)--Bro Enrico Pantaleo SSP (1984)--Fr. Michele Leone IJP (2003)--Fr. Elio Baron Toaldo SSP (2015)

March 31, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

THURSDAY, MARCH 31
EASTER THURSDAY

Acts 3: 11-26
Ps 8:2-9
Lk 24: 35-48

Many have wanted to reform the Church without first reforming themselves. They had neither mission or virtue nor true piety (UPSI, 516).

FROM FATHER TOM: Actually, if they had in fact reformed, they might have perceived that the Church was already on the right lines and this would (have) avoided much pain and destruction.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Fr. Giuseppe Zilli SSP (1980)--Fr. Giuesppe Morini SSP (1985)--Fr. Gennaro Di Nucci UP (2994)--Luigi Giovanni Giaccio HFI (2006)--Guido Bosio HFI (2007)--Sr. M. Margherita Croci PD (2008)

March 30, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30
EASTER WEDNESDAY

Acts 3: 1-10
Ps 105: 1-9
Lk 24: 13-35

We will be saints in the measure in which we live the life of Jesus Christ--or, better, in the measure in which Jesus Christ lives in us (CISP 11, 12).

FROM FATHER TOM: We cannot do this by ourselves--how many good resolutions have we broken? But we can try and leave the rest to Him.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. M. Bertilla Urbani FSP (1962)--Fr. Vincenzo M. Urbani UP (2000)--Sr. Agnese Magarotto SGBP (2001)--Maria do Carmo Gomes Oliveira IAM (2005)--Fr. Giuseppe Ferrazzano UP (2006)--Sr. M. Leonia Diez FSP (2007)--Sr. Costanza Bianciotto FSP (2010)--Fr. Antonio Nigro UP (2011)--Sr. M. Teresa Gramaccia SGBP (2012)--Sr. M. Francesca La Perna PD (2015)

March 29, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

TUESDAY, MARCH 29
EASTER TUESDAY

Acts 2: 36-41
Ps 33: 4-5, 18-22
Jn 20: 11-18

The Pauline Family aspires to live the life of Jesus Christ, Way, Truth and Life, integrally and under the watchful guidance of hte Queen of the Apostles (AD 63, 64).

FROM FATHER TOM: The two go together. Masculine perseverance and feminine insight.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Fr. Michele Sarullo UP (1993)--Sr. Teresa Bianco FSP (1995)--Sr. Gugielmina Oliboni FSP (1995)--Sr. M. Cornelia De Tofoli PD (1996)--Egidio Pitzus HFI (1997)--Fr. Felipe Gutierrez SSP (2004)--Sr. Mansueta Chiesa FSP (2005)--Sr Luica Migliore FSP (2007)--Giuseppina Sanfilippo IAM (2009)--Giovanni Italiano HFI (2011)--Sr. Carla (Cecilia) Ferrari SP (2012)--Bro Natale Juigi Corso SSP (2014)

Rest in Peace, Mother Angelica...Please Pray for Us

Mother Angelica passed away on Easter Sunday 2016.  

Eternal rest grant unto Mother Angelica, Oh, Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon her. May she and all the faithful departed through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Please pray for us, Mother Angelica. We will miss you

Happy Easter!

March 28, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

MONDAY, MARCH 28
EASTER MONDAY

Acts 2: 14, 23-33
Ps 16: 1-11
Mt 28: 8-15

Jesus Christ is the Teacher Who best respected the human person, elevating and guiding us to share God's life in time and in eternity (FP 36).

FROM FATHER TOM: Indeed the living of a good life is not only something morally useful but equally the secret of many useful years.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Michele Perillo HFI (1996)--Sr. M. Tarcisia Spadaro PD (2008)--Sr. M. Emanuella Satii PD (2011)

March 27, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

SUNDAY, MARCH 27
EASTER SUNDAY

Acts 10: 34-43
Ps 118: 1-2, 16-23
Col 3: 1-4
Jn 20: 1-9

Everyone who has acquired a taste for reading Paul is a sturdy soul (SP 414).

FROM FATHER TOM: But it is not just a question of reading--that would not be a problem--but of knowing the context. Hopefully, the series on St. Paul's life and work (run twice) will have been a help.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. M.Fulgenzia Rapagnani PD (1979)--Fr. Gino Grmaldi UP (1983)--Sr. M. Giuseppina Ambrosio PD (1989)--Sr. M. Nazarena Andolfi PD (1994)--Sr. M. Erichetta Morabito PD (1998)--Sr. Giacinta Pescio FSP (1999)--Servo di Dio--Fr. Bernardo Antonini UP (2002)--Assunta Gramaglia HFI (2002)--Bro Giovanni Novarino SSP (2011)--Lillie Cusack (1994)

March 26, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

SATURDAY, MARCH 26
HOLY SATURDAY

Ez 36: 16-28
Ps 51: 12-19
Rom 6: 3-11
Lk 24: 1-12

The thought of Easter comes to the fore: Jesus Who comes out of the tomb and we who resurrect from our sins (FSP 56, p. 192).

FROM FATHER TOM: The two things don't go together anymore. If world conditions are peaceful, we still run the risk of celebrating in dubious spiritual circumstances.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. M. Ausilia Cristino PD (1964)--Bro. Giuseppe Zemiti SSP (1975)--Sr. M. Paolina Piveta FSP (1990)--Fr. Faffaele Tonni SSP (1995)--Fr. Adelmo Barbati SSP (1999(--Fr. Aldo Ferraboschi UP (2004)--Angelo Alessi HFI (2008)--Sr. M. Alicja Tarasek PD (2011)--Jos6 (Jose?) Carvalho Ferreira HFI (20TT (2011?) )--Sr. M. Piera Pedercini FSP (2012)--Sr. M. Stefanina Iparato PD (2012)

March 25, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

FRIDAY, MARCH 25
GOOD FRIDAY

Celebration of the Lord's Passion
Is 52: 13-53: 12
Ps 31: 2-25
Heb 4: 14-16; 5: 7-9
Jn 18: 1- 19: 42

If we feel the weight of the cross on our shoulders, it is a sign that the Lord is with us, that God is present, that He loves us. (FSP 41, p. 119).

FROM FATHER TOM: The weight of the cross varies according to the spiritual state of each one: we are more or less accepting. How are you and I from this point of view?

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Fr. Guerrino Pelliccia SSP (1991)--Fr. Antonio Govinazzo UP (1992)--Sr. M. Faustina Audisio PD (2003)--Anna Ferrari IAM (2011)--Sr. M. Aurora Catillo FSP (2012)--Sr. M. Fiorenza Fukuoka FSP (2012)--Giovanni Sana HFI (2013)--Dom Germano Fantechi Gabrielite (2015)

March 24, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

THURSDAY, MARCH 24
HOLY THURSDAY

THURSDAY OF HOLY WEEK
Ex 12: 1-14
Ps 116: 12-18
1 Cor 11: 23-26
Jn 13: 1-5

The Pious Disciples of the Divine Master have three functions in the Church and in the Pauline Family, due to which we hope from Divine Providence a good number of vocations: Eucharistic Adoration, service or assistance to the priests, liturgical apostolate (UPS, I, 376).

FROM FATHER TOM: And of these, the first is the most important.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Venerable Sr. M. Scolastica Rivata, prima Madre delle PD (1987)--Sr. Teresinha Michels FSP (1993)--Sr. Cesarina Rossi FSP (1995)--Fr. Bernardo Zorzetto UP (1996)--Antonia Farruggio IAM (1996)--John Albert Vincenzo HFI (2004)--Sr. Gabriella Marcazzan FSP (2005)--Sr. Ines Zuccherino FSP (2013)--Mary Kilbane HFI (2015)--Felicismo Quinto (2004)

March 23, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

WEDNESDAY OF HOLY WEEK
Is 50: 4-9
Ps 69: 8-10; 21-34
Mt 26: 14-25

After the test will come the glory; after the ignominy of the cross, the Father took the work of glorifying His Son, showing Him as the true God (Nov 285).

FROM FATHER TOM: And after my test and yours will come life everlasting--REAL life, not just existence!

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr Angelica Dondi FSP (1944)--Fr. Lorenzo Bertero SSP (1991)--Fr. Antonio Bostico SSP (2000)--Fr. Michele Gargano UP (2002)--Sr. M. Onorina Mussi FSP (2002)--Bro Antonio Piva SSP (2004)--Sr. M. Scolastica Aoki PD (2004)--Sr. Luigina Fuerri SGBP (2015)

March 22, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

TUESDAY, MARCH 22

TUESDAY OF HOLY WEEK
Is 49: 1-6
Ps 71: 1-6, 15-17
Jn 13: 21-33, 36-38

I meditate on the Gospel of Saint John: "The light shines in the darkness (it is Jesus) and the darkness (the world) did not comprehend it." (Jn 1: 5). A great battle is being fought...And the darkness succeeds in shielding somewhat the light in an apparent victory (BM, p. 542).

FROM FATHER TOM: This is not just a Gospel extract, but equally the story of each of us(e)--a "great battle" of which we are largely ignorant (just as our bodies function admirable without our awareness).

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr M. Felicia Scellato PD(1967)--Sr. M. Franca Cald FSP (1991)--Sr. M. Caterina Bertolino PD (1992)--Sr. Annita Loi FSP (1998)--Bro FFrancisco Menegon SSP (2004)--Sr. Iracema Gattelli FSP (2004)--Elisa Deidda IAM (2010)--Sr. M. Silvana Cuscito FSP (2011)--Fr. Antoniio Pinedo SSP (2013)--Fr. Giuseppe Pasini Benvegnu UP (2015)--Arthur P. Herron Jr. HFI (2015)--Anne Nephew (1991)

March 21, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

MONDAY, MARCH 21

MONDAY OF HOLY WEEK
Is 42: 1-7
Ps 27: 1-3, 13-14
Jn 12: 1-11

Only God can fill the heart. Not riches which are external goods and therefore do not quench the thirst of the heart (Nov 225).

FROM FATHER TOM: To believe is relatively easy; to accept it is another story.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr M. Felicia Scellato PD(1967)--Sr. M. Franca Cald FSP (1991)--Sr. M. Caterina Bertolino PD (1992)--Sr. Annita Loi FSP (1998)--Bro FFrancisco Menegon SSP (2004)--Sr. Iracema Gattelli FSP (2004)--Elisa Deidda IAM (2010)--Sr. M. Silvana Cuscito FSP (2011)--Fr. Antoniio Pinedo SSP (2013)--Fr. Giuseppe Pasini Benvegnu UP (2015)--Arthur P. Herron Jr. HFI (2015)--Anne Nephew (1991)

March 20, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

PALM SUNDAY OF THE LORD'S
PASSION
Is 50: 4-7
Ps 22: 8-9, 17-24
Phil 2: 6-11
Lk 22: 14-23

Bearing with small and big crosses is a secret of merits and peace (BM 542).

FROM FATHER TOM: And for this we need faith, otherwise some situations are so bad that members end by leaving--hardly ever a good move.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr M. Battista Bettinelli PD(1993)--Sr. Rosangela Pasquino AP (1993)--Emilio Tomassini HFI (1993)--Sr. Adele Aimasso FSP (1997)--Sr. M. Fortunata Arrotta FSP (1999)--Fr. Antonio Diaz SSP (2008)--Sr. Paola Porez FSP (2014)--Joyce Sablone (2001)

March 19, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

SATURDAY, MARCH 19

ST JOSEPH, SPOUSE OF THE 
BLESSED VIRGIN MARY
LENTEN WEEKDAY
2 Sm 7: 4-5, 12-16
Ps 89: 2-5, 27-29
Rom 4: 13-22
Mt 1: 16-24

May St. Joseph obtain for us peace, sanctity, joy and faith (SP Apr 1956).

FROM FATHER TOM: Actually, 'faith' might come first. It is the basic reason why we can have the other blessings.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr Lilia M. Lavagnini FSP (1964)--Sr. M. Bernarda Marnoni FSP (1987)--Fr. Pio Rossi UP (1987)--S.r M. Carola Damo FSP (1987)--Sr. M. Sira Baldassari FSP (1994)--Rosa Deplano HFI (1995)--S.r Geltrude Botto FSP Botto FSP (1999)--Fr. Fredo Brondino SSP (2003)--Sr. M. Bemardina Borghini FSP (2004)--Sr. M., Querubina Contreras PD (2005)--Bro Federico Faccioli SSP (2008)--Sr. Mary Caroline Tessa FSP (2008)--Sr. M. Regina Nota FSP (2009)--Pasquale Festa HFI (2009)--Elean Ciaglia IAM (2010)--S.r M. Leoia Torresan PD (2012)--Olga Bemardoni HFI (2014)--Mary Ellen Donnelly HFI (2002)

March 18, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

FRIDAY, MARCH 18

ST CYRIL OF JERUSELUM, BISHOP,
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Jer 20: 10-13
Ps 18: 2-7
Jn 10: 31-42

In Brother Andrea M. Borello, the beloved Disciples of the Divine Master have a solemn confirmation of their vocation comes from God; that their life, as it is presented in the Constitutions, is pleasing to the Divine Master; and if it is lived with fidelity and love, surely leads to the heights of the most splendid sanctity (SP, Jun 1964)

FROM FATHER TOM: This is an ancient quote. Since then, Pauline Brothers have gone on to higher studies and more responsibility. 

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Domenico Sebastianelli HFI (1987)--Sr. M. Immacolatina Simonetto PD (1990)--Sr. M. Andreina Binello FSP (1994)--Sr. M. Colombina Di Gregorio PD (1998)--Sr. M. Gabriella Miresse FSP (1999)--Sr. M. Lucia Mana PD (2006--Sr. M. Regina Carducci FSP (2015)

March 17, With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

THURSDAY, MARCH 17

ST PATRICK, BISHOP
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Gn 17: 3-9
Ps 105: 4-9
Jn 8: 51-59

Saint Joseph passed his life in the small house at Nazareth, where no din of words was heard; where the Lord was loved, in silence and in labor (RSP, p. 75)

FROM FATHER TOM: Saint Joseph was a model of every virtue; obtain for us your interior spirit in loving and active silence.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. Natalia Colavecchio FSP (1949)--Sr. M. Alba Prest SGBP (1967)--Sr. Romana Migliardi FSP (1988)--J. Rene' Pelletier HFI (1998)--Sr. Raffaella Cappai FSP (2008)--S.r Teresa Migliorini FSP (2010)--Sr. M. Erminia Cattapan PD (2012)--Bro. Nicolb Brezza SSP (2015)

Prayer for Vocations

This prayer is put out by the Diocese of Arlington as A Children's Prayer for Vocations.  I think it's a prayer that anyone can say--simple but beautiful. :)

Children's Prayer for Vocations

Jesus, I know that You love me.

I love You very much.

In Baptism, You made me a child of God 

and called me  to be close to you always.

Teach me how to talk to You,

how to listen to You,

and how to follow You.

May everything I do lead me to You.

Bless religious sisters 

and brothers and priests,

who follow You with their whole lives.

Bless my family and all families.

Keep them close to You heart.

Amen.

~Catholic Diocese of Arlington

office of vocations

March 16, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Dn 3: 14-20, 91-95
Dn 3: 52-56
Jn 8: 31-42

Let us ask Saint Joseph for the grace to love the apostolate, thanking the Lord who has chosen us for this (RSP, p. 355).

FROM FATHER TOM: Each of us will react to this quote in a personal way. For me, personally, no problem whatsoever. I am doing what I do best.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Fr. Domenico Ravina SSP (1982)--Italo Beretta HFI (2002)--Sr. Giuseppa Dell'Aira FSP (2003)--Sr. M. Immacolata Tresham PD(2004)--Sr. Lorenzina Davico FSP (2005)--Sr. M. Agnesina Pinez FSP (2013)-Rev Joseph J. Lappett (1965)

March 15, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

TUESDAY, MARCH 15

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

Since the Lord has deigned to receive us to work in the Church for His glory, let us strive to accomplish ever more faithfully our duties; let us see to it that we tend with ever greater good will to that perfection that we can and must reach in the Congregation, in which He has called us and to which He has been pleased to put, so to say, His Divine seal (Ven. Thecla Merlo, Vi porto nel cuore, p. 182).

FROM FATHER TOM: Very true. The trouble in our day might be to see how apparently little we are accomplishing externally (and especially in the field of modern media) and forget that-though we should do our best--external accomplishments are never why we joined the Pauline Family in the first place.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. M. Amabile Lombardi FSP (1952)--Fr. Ligi Borio SSP (1979=0)--Fr. Ercole Canavero SSP (1975)--Fr. Giovanni Boccaleoni UP (1982)--Placido Airo HFI (1982)--Fr. Govanni Rossi SSP (1983)--Marianna Zaccaria HFI (2000)--Fr. Vincenzo Di Renzo UP (2007)--Nunzia Zinni IAM (2008)--Maria Bacci HFI (2013)

March 14, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

MONDAY, MARCH 14

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Dn 13: 41-62
Ps 23: 1-6
Jn 8: 12-20

To express the strong tendencies of the flesh is a great virtue: "The flesh has desires contrary to the Spirit" [BAL 5, 17] (BM, p. 243).

FROM FATHER TOM: We have the other problem: stir ourselves to do something extra for God.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. Adeodata Gallo FSP (1974)--Maria Tommaso HFI (1996)--S.r Pilar Roggero FSP (2005)--Sr. Domenica Credico FSP (2005)--Sr. Magdala Castellino FSP (2005)--Fr. Giovanni Bandini SSP (2009)--Leo Converse (1961)

Are You Ready...

Today I was doing some spiritual reading when I came upon something that made me think.  I am sharing it below.

"Are you ready to suffer a little in order to grow spiritually?"
~Rediscovering Jesus: An Invitation

Definitely something to think about, especially now as we approach Holy Week.

God bless...

March 13, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

SUNDAY, MARCH 13

FIFTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Is 43: 16-21
Ps 126: 1-6
Phil 3: 8-14
Jn 8: 1-11

The examination of conscience is a look at our souls, before God and our duties. (RSP, p. 76).

FROM FATHER TOM: Don't you know this already? What is required is a constant look, a general sensitivity, a custom. Takes time--and how much time have we left? (Speaking for myself).

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. Barberina Sacco FSP (1967)--Domenica Dellerba HFI (1995)--Sr. Gaudenzia Sanino FSP (2005)--Sr. M. Elisa Mattioli FSP (2011)--Mauel Bricelio Valencia Henao HFI (2011)--Sr. Corazon Tariman FSP (2012)---Thomas Daniel Endress (1991)

The One Who Truly Believes...

“The one who truly believes is the one who puts what he believes into practice.”

~St. Gregory the Great

March 12, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

SATURDAY, MARCH 12

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Jer 11: 18020
Ps 7: 2-9
Jn 7 : 40 -53

The Blessed Virgin Mary lived not only in Nazareth, but also in Bethlehem, in her cousin Elizabeth's house and on Calvary. Let us try to gain merits there, where the Lord wants us to be (Ven. Andrea M. Borello).

FROM FATHER TOM: The secret-- and the problem--is to keep awareness during our varied day of the Master's constant attention to us--even ensuring that, when we remember Him, He has first reminded us of His presence!

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. Irene Venturi FSP (1990)--Fr. Leonardo Zardi SSP (1991)--Sr. Chiara M. Bellinato FSP (1998)--Joseph Reno Pelletier HFI (1999)--Bro Isidoro Porello SSP H(2000_Fr. Giovanni Battista Mabritto SSP (2001)--Sr. Martha M. Morales FSP (2005)--Fr. Francesco Manca UP (2009)--Bro. Luke Mathew Addasseril SSP (2011)--Michele Ledda HFI (2012)--Maria Pulli HFI (2012)--Enrico Fiorentini HFI (2013)--Joseph J. Bumieika (1993)

March 11, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

FRIDAY, MARCH 11

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Wis 2": 1. 12-22
Ps 34: 17-23
Jn 7 : 1-2, 10, 25-30 

The Pauline Cooperator is an exemplary Christian who lives united to the Pauline Family in spirit; who contributes to its apostolate according to his possibility, through prayer, action, offerings; who enjoys many spiritual advantages both during life and after death.  The name of our Cooperators is written in heaven (Autographic text, without date).

FROM FATHER TOM: And so are yours...but with the added blessings of vows.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Fr. Matteo Plassa SSP (1965)--Fr. Giacomo Giraudo SSP (2003)--Sr. M. Melania Ravarotto FSP (2004)--Sr. Cecilia Paula Livingston FSP (2011)--John Vincenzo Sr. (1980)--Joesphine Merlene (2000)

March 10, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

THURSDAY, MARCH 10

LENTEN WEEKDAY
Ex 32: 7-14
Ps 106: 19-23
Jn 5: 31-47  

There are seven capital sins. The Brother atones for pride with humility; for avarice with poverty; for anger with meekness; for envy with goodness; for gluttony with abstinence; for lust with love of Jesus; for laziness with assiduous work (UPS, IF, 194)

FROM FATHER TOM: All of us can do this, the problem is to begin and, even it is my special fault (did you discern it?), which is yours?

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. Zazzareno Amantini U (2007)--Sr. Paulina M. Tibaldo FSP (2007)--Chiara Greco HFI (2008)--Fr. Flippo D'Alessandro UP (2010)--Marie Howard HFI (2011)--Laura Drouhard (1974)--Maryelle Donnelly (2002)--Cristina Quega Tarlit (2002)

March 9, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9

ST FRANCES OF ROME, RELIGIOUS
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Is 49: 8-15
Ps 145: 8-9, 13-18
Jn 5: 17-30  

As a Pauline Religious the [Brother's] spirit is characterized by a) prayer, where emphasis is on atonement; b) habitual recollection and a sense of silence; c) submissive and serene participation in the apostolate by means of technical work and promotion; d) constant striving for Pauline perfection (UPS, IV, 189).

FROM FATHER TOM: The references to Brothers are especially relevant in March--dominated by St. Joseph, their holy Patron--but we could all practice these things and with great profit.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Bro. Andrea Degani SSP (1986)--Sr. Marcellina Bertero FSP (1990)--Berna Mufioz De Zicari HFI (1996)--Regina Giorgi 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 SFBP (2008)--Sr. M. Gertrudis Fabbri PD(2009)--Nancy Ann Deren IAM (2011)--Renza Razzolii IAM (2012)--Sr. Albina Baruzzi FSP (2013)--Sr. M. Immaculata Vaz FSP (2013)--Laurine Buada (2010)

March 8, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

TUESDAY, MARCH 8

ST JOHN OF GOD, RELIGIOUS
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Ez 47: 1-12
Ps 46: 2-9
Jn 5: 1-16  

Brother Andrea Maria Borello deserves to be glorified and recommended as an example to all those who consecrate themselves to the apostolate of social communication, but in a particular way to our Brothers (SP Jun 1964).

FROM FATHER TOM: The quote is still relevant after over 50 years. The challenges to our work are so great that prayer is often the ONLY relevant thing we can do. Sure we can reach a certain number of people...but convert them...?

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. M. Carmine Vittiello FSP (1972)--Fr. Alvise Soppelsa SSP (1978)--Fr.  Giuseppe Gregoris UP (2000)--Sr. M. Benedetta Baiguera FSP (2010)--Fr. Leo Mathew Vechoor SSP (2011)--Fr. Gino Ferrari UP (2015)--Byron B. Bordellon, Jr. (1974).

March 7, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

MONDAY, MARCH 7

FIRST MONDAY OF THE MONTH--
ST PAUL THE APOSTLE
SS PERPETUA AND FELICITY, MARTYRS
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Is 66: 17-21
Ps 30: 2-4, 11-13
Jn 4: 43-54

This miracle (today's gospel) must contribute to make us grow in faith in Jesus Christ, by whose action we have been freed from the fever of sin (RSP, p. 279).

FROM FATHER TOM: The actual miracle is not listed but it might be the recover of Peter's mother-in-law whose fever Jesus cured just as he can cure us if we ask His help.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Fr. Domenico Ambrosio SSP (1971)--Sr. Adelaide Bertolini SGBP (1979)--Michele Piccininni HFI (2003)--Sr. M. Enrica Paloschi FSP (2012)--Sr. M. Angelica Ancilotto FSP (2014)--Sr. Clotilde Sorrentino SGBP (2014)

When You Forgive...

March 6, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

SUNDAY, MARCH 6

FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH--
THE DIVINE MASTER, WAY, TRUTH 
AND LIFE
FOURTH SUNDAY OF LENT
Jos 5: 9-12
Ps 34: 2-9
Eph 5: 8-14/ 2 Cor 5: 17-21
Lk 15: 1-3, 11-32

With the help of Divine grace we have the strength to bring to a good end the work of our sanctification and all the good initiatives of the apostolate (BM, p. 220).

FROM FATHER TOM: All the good initiatives? And what might be the "bad" initiatives? Your guess is as good as mine, but doubtless the Founder is talking about activity founded on, and preceded by prayer.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. M. Natalina Rivetti PD (1961)--Francesco Luperto HFI (1992)--Fr. Giovanni Mana SSP (2007)--Sr. M. Gabriella Mana FSP (2012)--Sr. M. Fedele Olivero PD (2012)--Sr. M. Giacomina Monticone FSP (2013)--Sr. Emma Garol FSP (2013)--Sr. M. Giulietta Leguizamon PD(2013)--Leo Helline (1993)

God Never Ceases to Call...

God of mercy, 

You never cease calling us

to renew our relationship with You.

Bring us back

when we wander from the path of truth

and fidelity.

Help us return to You with humble and

contrite hearts.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen
~Daily Prayer 2016, p. 98

March 5, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

SATURDAY, MARCH 5

FIRST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH--
MARY QUEEN OF THE APOSTLES
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Hos 6: 1-6
Ps 51: 3-4, 18-21
Lk 18: 9-14

Gradually as we lower ourselves in humble and true knowledge of ourselves, we approach God and elevate ourselves to Him (BM, p. 544).

FROM FATHER TOM: As I have pointed out several times, the movement in this case comes especially from God. We don't need to "elevate ourselves"--presumption--but simply leave enough space in our lives for our humble God.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. M. Natalina Rivetti PD (1961)--Francesco Luperto HFI (1992)--Fr. Giovanni Mana SSP (2007)--Sr. M. Gabriella Mana FSP (2012)--Sr. M. Fedele Olivero PD (2012)--Sr. M. Giacomina Monticone FSP (2013)--Sr. Emma Garol FSP (2013)--Sr. M. Giulietta Leguizamon PD(2013)--Leo Helline (1993)

March 4, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

FRIDAY, MARCH 4

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH--
THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS
ST CASIMIR
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Hos 14: 2-10
Ps 81: 6-17
Mk 12: 28-34

The souls who confide in St. Joseph run to him in every necessity. And they notice soon enough his protection and his prayer (RSP, p. 356).

FROM FATHER TOM: How are you on this point? How am I? Don't be so inquisitive.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. M. Annina Strano PD (1949)--Sr. M. Vincenza Adamao PD ( 1980)-Fr. Amedeo la Mattina UP (1983)--Fr. Mario Senettone UP (1990)--Sr. M. Albertina Parma PD (1999)--Sr. M. Redenta Alessi PD (2002)--Sr. Nazarena Merigo SG-BFH2Q04--Isabel MSrquez--IAM (2008)--Luigi Roberti HFI (2011)--Frederick Tarlit (2003)

March 3, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

THURSDAY, MARCH 3

FIRST THURSDAY OF THE MONTH--
THE GUARDIAN ANGELS
ST KATHERINE DREXEL, VIRGIN
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Jer  7: 23-28
Ps 95: 1-9
Lk 11: 14-23

In the light of Saint Joseph, the concern of Brother Andrea Maria Borello was to inform the whole of his life with intense reparatory piety, habitual recollection and silence, a serene docility in generous sharing in the apostolate through technology. and propaganda, a constant straining toward Pauline perfection (SP Jun 1964).

FROM FATHER TOM: We have to recall, however that Brother Borello lived what was called "the life of perfection," and did not have to accept that perfection can be reached in any lifestyle.

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Sr. Edvige Vitali FSP (1946)--Bro Slavatore Paglieri SSP (1997)--Bro Arturo Guinea Barredo SSP (2014)--Paul Douglas (2004)--Buna Weckter (2010)

March 2, 2016 With Blessed Father Alberione and With Father Tom

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 2

FIRST WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH--
ST JOSEPH
LENTEN WEEKDAY
Dt 4:1, 5-9
Ps 147: 12-20
Mt 5: 17-19

The first Wednesday is dedicated to Saint Joseph with a threefold aim: 1) protection over the Church universal; 2) a happy death for each one of us and for all the dying of the month; 3) Divine assistance in all our needs (SP Dec. 1952, I)

FROM FATHER TOM: The "hours of prayer" are the surest guarantee that we will have a happy death. And is the opposite not equally true?

PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR DECEASED: Fr. Giovanni Tronci UP (1980)--Fr Francesco Bonfiglio SSP (1988)--Sr. M. Emilia Demarie PD (1999)--Egidio Gazzola GABRIELITE (2002)--Sr. M. Elisa De Paolis FSP (2003)--Anelina Mencarini HFI (2004)--Anna Muneroni IAM (2006)--Fr Giovanni Selle SSP (2010)--Sr. M. Cecilia Baron Toaldo FSP (2011)--Sr. M. Lorenza Binni FSP (2013)--Bro Alex Lameida SSP (2014)--Massimo Bientinesi HFI (2014)--Olandia Bonoarr (1952)