Tuesday, September 1, 2009

From A Year With Blessed James Alberione,

Compiled by J. Maurus

We are Cooperators of Christ

Jesus said, "I am the vine, and you are the branches" (Jn 15:5). The branches are united with the vine and from it they draw the sap to produce leaves, flowers and fruits: grapes.

The sap is the same both in the vine and the branches which produce fruit.

In the same way, it is Jesus who works in us. He is the head, we the members. From the Lord come the orders, the dispositions, the movement, and value as well of the actions because they are carried out intelligently and conscientiously. The head moves the members, and they are extensions of the head and make the body complete.

Thus Jesus Christ is the head, and we complete his body; we are the branches: "I am the vine, you are the branches." We are then cooperators of Christ... let us work with him.

What Strikes Me Most Today

"We are then cooperators of Christ." I like this line of Blessed Alberione's, especially since he called lay members of the Pauline Family "Pauline Cooperators." It gives me a sense of how important he felt they were to the work of evangelization in the modern world.

What strikes you most today?

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Monday, August 31, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

In the Name of the Father

"'Father' is the name which, for all eternity, the Son gave His Father. It is the name He speaks of frequently, lovingly, and reverently in the Gospel. It is the name which He continues to express silently and with ineffable love in the Sacred Host. It is the word which must open every prayer: 'Our Father...' It is the word we are inspired to say by the Holy Spirit, 'in whom we cry: Abba, Father!' It is the word which breathes complete trust into the Church militant and the Church suffering. It is the summation of all the praises the blessed in heaven give to God because it is the beginning and the consummation of life."

What Strikes Me Most Today

Abba, Father, Daddy. Because Jesus became man and redeemed us, our relationship with God the Father is closer than ever. Can we really think of the Almighty God the Father as Daddy? Jesus told us to --> that's all I need to hear!

What strikes you most today?

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CHICAGO COME AND SEE 2009 published 7 min

Daughters of St. Paul Vocation Discernment Retreat in Downtown Chicago! Postulant Emily travelled from St. Louis to co-star in this video!

Sunday, August 30, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Gratitude to God

What has God not done for us? He has loved us from all eternity. The bread we eat, the clothes we wear, the beauties of nature we see - all these He has prepared for love of us. We are moved when someone does us some kind favor; why are we not similarly moved by God who has given us all things? He gave us everything: mountains, sea, water, fish, air, food, clothes, the sun, the plants, flowers and health. O great and good God! If we are grateful to the person who gives us anything, even of small value, what should the feelings of our heart not be for God who has given us everything? St. Francis of Assisi learned from this reality to praise the Creator every moment of his life.

What Strikes Me Most Today

Giving thanks to God! Instead of me writing a lot, I attached Sr. Helena Burns' video - the joy of the Daughters of St. Paul that they share with the world - including their gratitude for God's awesome world he created for us (including beautiful downtown Chicago - one of my favorite places!) is evident in her video. Quit reading my words - watch her 7 minute video!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Beheading of St. John the Baptist

Martyr

Today the Church celebrates the martyrdom of St. John the Baptist, or Baptizer. It is also the anniversary of the translation of his head to Rome.

Let us make St. John's attitude toward Christ our own: "He must grow greater and I must grow less" (Jn 3:30).

What Strikes Me Most Today

"He must grow greater and I must grow less" reminds me of St. Paul's line "...I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me..." Gal 2:20. I'm just going to spend 5 minutes meditating on these 2 lines today.

What strikes you most today?

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Friday, August 28, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Augustine

Bishop and Doctor

St. Augustine was born at Tagaste, Africa, in 354. His mother, St. Monica, taught him how to pray, but he was perverted by the Manichaeans. He went to Rome and then to Milan where he was converted by the grace of God through the incessant prayers of his mother and St. Ambrose's preaching. Augustine was 33 years old when he was baptized. He was ordained to the priesthood and later was Bishop of Hippo for 34 years. With his warm and brilliant sermons and writings, Augustine fought error and explained the Faith. He founded the Order of Augustinians and died in the year 430.

Let us show our appreciation for the Faith by living it without compromise.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I think of St. Monica praying for all those years. She must have had an incredible faith. I can imagine day after day, year after year, praying for him - not knowing he would one day be a great saint - yet still never stopping in her prayer for her son. It's a good lesson to me to persevere in prayer, even when I feel things are hopeless. I have to remember it is God that I am praying to - and he can do anything!

What strikes you most today?

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Thursday, August 27, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Monica

The beloved St. Monica, mother of the great St. Augustine, was born in 332. She obtained from God the grace to convert her husband, who was a pagan, and her son, Augustine, who was a Manichaean, to the Catholic Faith. She died in 387.

Let us pray for our dear ones, that we may all be united in heaven.

What Strikes Me Most Today

We know the story of St. Augustine well, but as I read this I am thinking of the influence St. Monica had on her husband. He may not be a canonized Saint, but how awesome she was able to convert him from a pagan to a devout Catholic.

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

New Life

Let our soul be permeated with internal joy and holy happiness, giving perpetual praise to our Divine Savior, who through His victory over sin and death has redeemed us and reconciled us with God. We have to rise from a lukewarm and static life to a life that is fervent, holy, spontaneous: "If you have risen with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God" (Col 3:1). Alleluia!

What Strikes Me Most Today

I really need to work on being more fervent, holy, and spontaneous. There is no growth when I am lukewarm and static. Sometimes I think it would be good to pretend I just learned for the first time that Jesus has redeemed us and reconciled us with God. His victory over sin and death should be just as awesome the millionth time I meditate on it as it is the first!

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, August 25, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Louis

St. Louis, born in 1214, became King of France at the age of 22. His pious mother, Queen Blanche, taught him to prefer death rather than to commit a mortal sin. Louis, the happily married father of 11 children, always governed his kingdom with kindness and justice. He died while on a crusade near Carthage of Africa in 1270.

Let us find the peace serenity that King Louis knew, by first living at "peace" with our own conscience.

What Strikes Me Most Today

A Saint who was the father of 11 children! He gets added to my list of heroes! And despite having to be part of the world on a daily basis (raising children, running a country, fighting in the crusades), he kept his focus on eternity. I am proud to live in the city named for him!

What strikes you most today?

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Monday, August 24, 2009

St. Bartholomew Within the Last Judgment

This detail is of St. Bartholomew from the Last Judgment (1536-41). It was in the figure of St. Bartholomew, the martyr who was flayed alive, that Michelangelo chose to create a tragic and anguished self-portrait. He depicted his own face in the empty envelope of skin that hangs grotesquely from the saint's hand, a metaphor for the artist's tortured soul.

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Bartholomew

Apostle

It is believed that St. Bartholomew is the same person mentioned in the Gospel as Nathaneal and who our Lord praised for his innocence and simplicity of heart. Bartholomew died a martyr's death; some say he was crucified, others say he was flayed alive. His remains are enshrined in the church of St. Bartholomew in Rome.

Let us please God by being simple of heart.

What Strikes Me Most Today

Being flayed alive. Horror movies bother me enough, but I can tell myself they're not real. These real stories of people being flayed alive is hard to imagine. But if they could endure that for love of God, can't I do a little more in my life every day?

What strikes you most today? Click on "COMMENTS" below to share your thoughts?

Sunday, August 24, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Rose of Lima

Virgin

St. Rose was born in Peru, South America, in 1586. She led an austere life and received the habit of a Tertiary of the Order of St. Dominic. On August 24, 1617, at the age of 31, she died, after having lived a life of suffering for the conversion of sinners.

Let us learn from the example of St. Rose to find true joy in prayer.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I am thinking about St. Rose being a Tertiary of the Order of St. Dominic. Secular members of religious orders play a vital role in the spiritual life of any religious order. Blessed Alberione knew immediately that he wanted to have a lay apostolate of Pauline Cooperators. St. Rose is a great example of the awesome contribution a "Third Order" person can be in the world.

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, August 22, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Queenship of Mary

This feast was instituted in 1954. It remains a perennial commemoration of Pope Pius XII's consecration of the Church and of all mankind to the Immaculate Heart of Mary that had taken place in 1942, during the terrible Second World War. The feast of the Queenship of Mary is celebrated one week after the Assumption.

Let us meditate often on the great privileges of our Lady in order to increase devotion to her.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I like Blessed Alberione's last line --> "Let us meditate often on the great privileges of our Lady in order to increase devotion to her." What does it for me is meditating on the word "Theotokos." She is the Mother of God, how can we not be devoted to her?

What strikes you most today?

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Friday, August 21, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Pius X

Pope

Joseph Sarto was born in very humble surroundings in the small town of Riese, Italy. Starting out as an ordinary parish priest, he rose to be a bishop, then a cardinal, and finally, Pope, without ever losing his profound humility and love for poverty. Pope Pius X is also known for his marvelous gifts of insight and practicality which enabled him to lead the Church over a most difficult period.

Let us deprive ourselves of little luxuries in order to better understand the things of God.

What Strikes Me Most Today

OK, I have talked enough about things I should do. Today, Blessed Alberione gives a very concrete suggestion in his last line above. So tonight - I'm on call, busy, very stressed. I got home after 10:00 PM. My wife had just baked a loaf of banana chocolate chip bread - yes, still warm! I knew this was the little luxury I should give up tonight. I knew I would temporarily feel better, but that would wear off and I'd feel worse later for having eaten that many calories after I hadn't missed any calories earlier in the day. I gave it up for God alone - no other reason.

I have to admit I'm feeling pretty good about that. I feel like I'm investing in Someone eternal, rather than something very temporary.

Again, a baby step, but a step in the right direction.

What strikes you most today?

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Thursday, August 20, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Bernard

Abbot and Doctor

St. Bernard was born of a noble Burgundian family in 1090. At the age of 22, accompanied by 30 other young men, he entered the Cistercian Order. Orator and learned Doctor, he was the flame which enlightened the world in the 12th Century. He died in 1153.

Let us imitate St. Bernard in his generous dedication to God and his tender love for the Mother of God.

What Strikes Me Most Today

The fact I remember about St. Bernard was his love of Scripture - when he was stressed or just looking to relax, reading Scripture is what did it for him. I would love to pick up that habit!

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. John Eudes

Priest

St. John was born at Rye, in France, in 1601. From his early childhood he had a great devotion to the Blessed Virgin. This fervent apostle consecrated himself to our Lady by a vow of perpetual virginity. He is the founder of the Congregation of Jesus and Mary known as the Eudists, and also of that of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, who care for wayward girls. He died in 1680.

Let us show our love to the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary by living a pure life.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I love reading about people Blessed Alberione chose to write about and try to discover why he was particularly attracted to that person. St. John Eudes I especially like learning more about in this Year of the Priest. I have certainly noticed the formula:

Good Priest + Devotion to the Blessed Mother = Saint!

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Orientation Toward Sanctity

How many souls there are who long for their own sanctification, with a very good will! Yet they are fluctuating and disoriented, without a stable direction, always trying to find sure orientation and a spirituality of their own in books and spiritual directors, changing all the time, with neither consolation nor profit, wasting graces, gifts and time.... In a secular institute these persons would find firm and secure direction and constant progress; they would live a true life of sanctification and apostolate.

What Strikes Me Most Today

Blessed Alberione is describing the Pauline Cooperators, lay persons who share in the Pauline charism and spirituality. For Blessed Alberione, the lay apostolate of his Pauline family was not an afterthought, it was part of his plan for the Pauline family from the beginning. To learn more about the Pauline Cooperators, go to www.paulinelaity.blogspot.com.

What strikes you most today?

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Monday, August 17, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Personality

Jesus, Man-God, is the goal to which all holiness aspires. In the saint the Father sees His own Son. The human ego is replaced by the divine ego - a new personality. Thus the saint will be a true person "living and acting of itself" to the degree that he masters his senses, his passions, circumstances, opinions, attractions, his own ideas, the inclinations which make a man a slave. Sometimes one sings the praises of liberty while instead he enslaves himself in a thousand ways. To some extent the saying "we submit to the law in order to be free" can be adapted so as to state "my ego is Jesus." To reach this goal, attained by St. Paul, we must discover and savor the interiority of Jesus Christ.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I like the statements, "my ego is Jesus" and "in the saint the Father sees His own Son." These thoughts give me a much better understanding of what St. Paul meant when he said, "no longer I, but Christ who lives in me." Meditating on who Jesus really is can be the only way to achieve this - I need to work on this more!

What strikes you most today?

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Sunday, August 16, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Stephen of Hungary

A descendant of the Huns, St. Stephen introduced Christianity into Hungary and earned the title of Apostle of Hungary. He placed his native land under the protection of the Blessed Mother, took care of the widows and of the poor, and made good laws. He died on the feast of the Assumption in 1038. Stephen and his son Emeric were both canonized saints in 1083.

Let us, too, do our best to help others as much as we can.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I really like the thought of Father-Son Saints, especially with both being canonized together, less than 50 years after St. Stephen died. What an awesome family life they must have had!

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, August 15, 2009

Assumption

Peter Paul Ruben (1612-1617)

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Assumption

The feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin is the greatest of all her feasts. Her divine maternity may be regarded as the immediate reason for her Assumption, but the formal reason for the preservation of her body from corruption and for her privileged Assumption into heaven may be sought in her immunity from all stain of original sin.

Let us rejoice with our celestial Mother, and ask her intercession "now and at the hour of our death."

What Strikes Me Most Today

I remember as a teenager, a Protestant friend making fun of the fact that Catholics believed Mary was Assumed into heaven body and soul, even though it doesn't say that in the Bible. My initial reaction was to panic. When I returned to my high school, I brought it up in Theology class to my Jesuit teacher. What struck me most about that class was the teacher's reaction to the question - for some reason I expected him to look upset, like this was a tough question he wouldn't be able to explain. But he smiled and calmly, and very happily, talked at length about our Mother Mary. I don't remember every detail, but I remember him giving examples of prophets who had been raised from the grave. And Mary, the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle of our Lord, the Mother of God - how could she NOT be Assumed into heaven at the time she could finally be reunited with her Son? Every teaching is not explicitly written out in the Bible. Fortunately, we have the Magisterium - and, as I learned, I am not the first in these 2000 years of Christianity to ask these questions. The thing I learned was that the Magisterium is afraid of no questions - it exists to teach us the truth of Him who is Truth itself - Jesus, Way, Truth, and Life. What a blessing we have in our One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church!

What strikes you most today?

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Friday, August 14, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Journeying

Philosophers and masters of the spirit say: "In all things look to your last end." Our life does not end here. Death overtakes us and impels us toward eternity. If one wants to go to Rome, he does not choose a road going in the opposite direction - that is clear. Although life is short, its consequences are eternal, for our happy or unhappy eternity depends on our life.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I meditated on how long eternity is...

just for one minute...

WOW...

Think about it!

What strikes you most today?

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

From A Year With Blessed James Alberione,

Compiled by J. Maurus

Be your own doctor

Take care of yourself! No skill of a doctor can substitute your experience of your own body.

Take care of yourself! No spiritual director can help you much if you don't learn from your own story, which is your best mentor for right living.

Your spirit always needs your examen of conscience, and your body needs your care and concern.

Check your work habits, food habits, and rest habits.

Be vigilant over your eyes, tongue, relationships, reading and friendships.

Practice prudence which examines everything, makes correct judgments, and executes resolutely what is decided. For example, if a particular food makes you sick, avoid it, no matter how much you like it.

The one who is prone to have many doctors and much medicine will, instead of being healthy, worry over every small disturbance. Such a person leads a miserable life.

What Strikes Me Most Today

More practical advice on taking care of yourself. I like it. Now don't take it to the extreme and think that doctors are not necessary (especially if you are 50 years old and haven't had your screening colonoscopy yet, or over 40 with a family history of colon cancer). Many diseases (like colon cancer) are preventable and treatable - it is a privilege to perform colonoscopies every day and prevent colon cancer! It's all a part of taking care of yourself!

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, August 12, 2009

From A Year With Blessed James Alberione,

Compiled by J. Maurus

To Live Longer

Appetite is a better condiment. Food is more appetizing after work, study, walk, and good exercise.

Rich, spicy, and fatty foods are difficult to digest.

As a proverb says: "Food kills more people than the sword."

Take care to chew well for it helps produce digestive saliva and breaks down food into tiny particles. To swallow food greedily without proper mastication causes indigestion and many other disorders.

"One who wants to live long and better leaves the table a little hungry, never fully filled."

What Strikes Me Most Today

I can picture Blessed Alberione worrying about the health and welfare of all those in the various communities he started. I like the practical and sensible recommendations he gives, concerned about the health of those around him as a father would be for his children, or a doctor for his or her patients.

His advice is accurate, too. I personally need to heed the last bit of advice of leaving the table a little hungry - I would be healthier if I followed that advice!

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Clare

Virgin

St. Clare, imitating St. Francis of Assisi, renounced her wealth and consecrated herself to God. Clare became "mother" and foundress of the Poor Clares and governed her monastery for forty-two years. She was canonized in 1255, two years after her death.

In imitation of St. Clare, let us value the eternal goods above the passing things of this earth.

What Strikes Me Most Today

"Let us value the eternal goods above the passing things of this earth." I know I should be doing this, but when I look at all that I am doing during each day, there are so many things that have little to do with eternal life. I feel like I need to make myself more aware of this at times throughout the day. On Catholic Radio on Saturday, a speaker mentioned setting his alarm on his watch for several times during the day, and at each one stopping and saying a prayer or stopping for a full examen of conscience. (I may have to borrow his idea!)

What strikes you most today?

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Monday, August 10, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Lawrence

Deacon and Martyr

St. Lawrence was one of seven deacons attached to the service of the Pope. One of his duties was to administer the revenues of the Church. Believing that Lawrence concealed treasures (which in reality he had distributed to the poor), the pagan Prefect of Rome had Lawrence roasted alive on a gridiron, in the hopes that he would reveal where he had hidden the treasure. St. Lawrence died on August 10, 258, praying for his persecutors.

Let us, in imitation of St. Lawrence, "burn" with love of God.

What Strikes Me Most Today

"Burning" with love of God sounds good, but could we actually go through with being burned alive? St. Joan of Arc was tied to the stake and couldn't move. Many other Saints were burned alive. Burning and drowning are two ways of dying that sound horrific to me. Although they sound awful, I pray I would remain a faithful witness to Jesus Christ, focusing on eternity with Him. I have tremendous admiration for those Saints who actually did accept this torture for the sake of our Lord and Savior!

What strikes you most today?

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Sunday, August 9, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

A Basic Necessity

Let us often think of how little we are worth. To be humble it is not necessary that we search out fairly valid reasons or that we be more or less convinced of them. All we have to do is to think of the Last Things: that we are approaching death and that we wish to die peacefully, filled with a great trust. We should think of our judgment and recall that our works are of value only if they are done with a right intention and for the love of God. Yet we must always examine ourselves to be sure that He will not discover in us sins which were overlooked or unrepented, or which we did not bother to correct.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I am currently reading Blessed Alberione's book The Last Things. I thought it would be sad and morose reading about death, but if we look at it from the Eternity point of view, it is a preparation for how to achieve eternal joy - we better pay attention to that now!

What strikes you most today?

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Saturday, August 8, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Dominic

Priest

St. Dominic was born in 1170 in old Castile, Spain. He was distinguished for innocence of life and zeal for souls. Founder of the Dominican Order, he labored among the Albigensian heretics and preached in France, Spain, and Italy. He spread devotion to the rosary, and loved the Blessed Mother in a special way. St. Dominic died on August 6, 1221.

Let us honor our Lady by faithfully reciting the rosary.

What Strikes Me Most Today

The rosary - I have read so many stories of the power of the rosary and miracles associated with the rosary and how pleasing to JMJ it is to pray the rosary, and still I don't make time to do it daily. I need to make time.

What strikes you most today?

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August 7, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Cajetan

Priest

St. Cajetan was the founder of the Theatines, the first Congregation of Clerks Regular. Their outstanding characteristic was their faith in God. So great was their faith that they refrained from asking alms but waited for the faithful to help them of their own free will. St. Cajetan was one of the pioneers of the Forty Hours' devotion. He died at Naples in 1547.

Let us, too, show great faith in God by always doing His holy will.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I find it so hard to be that abandoned to Divine Providence. I know God can do all. I guess it's the responsibility to my family that I have to plan so much. Although, if you saw my last credit card bill, you'd realize I'm not planning all that well, and I better be depending on some Divine Providence to pay bills and tuitions over the next dozen or so years!

What strikes you most today?

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Thursday, August 6, 2009

"Transfiguration" by Raphael

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Transfiguration

The Gospel event of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ has been celebrated in Rome from the fifth century. The Transfiguration was meant to prepare the apostles for the sad events of Holy Week.

Like the privileged apostles, let us, too, find and embrace the Lord Jesus in moments of triumph and in moments of difficulty.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I certainly am guilty of praying most and praying hardest in difficult times - when I need something! I do tend to say, "Thank you, God" during the really good times or "triumphs," but these prayers are much shorter and more quickly forgotten than when I am in need. Other days where there are not such extremes, I pray, but not nearly as fervently as I do during the darker, more difficult times. I need to pray daily as if my life depends on it, because my eternal life does!

What strikes you most today?

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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Dedication of St. Mary Major

This Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome is called "Major" because it is the first church in the West in honor of our Lady. Constructed by Pope Liberius (352-366), this church was renovated twenty years after the Council of Ephesus, the Council which declared belief in Mary, the Mother of God.

Devotion to Mary will surely help us in our spiritual progress.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I remember being young and almost afraid to foster a devotion to Mary, afraid this could somehow take away from devotion to God. It was from reading the lives of the Saints that I saw that they all seemed to have a devotion to Mary, and that devotion brought them closer to Jesus. Over the years, I have found this to be true - the closer I get to Mary, the closer she brings me to her Son. "Devotion to Mary will surely help us in our spiritual progress."

What strikes you most today?

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Tuesday, August 4, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. John Vianney

Priest

St. John, generally known as the Curé of Ars, was born at Dardilly, France, in 1786. After overcoming many difficulties in his studies, he was ordained to the priesthood and was appointed pastor of the tiny village of Ars. With prayer, penance, sermons, catechism classes and indefatigable hours spent in hearing confessions, the holy Curé transformed his parish into a haven of holiness. His reputation spread throughout France, and Ars became a place of pilgrimage. They had to build a railroad to Ars to accommodate all the penitents who flocked to this holy priest. He died in 1859 and was canonized in 1925.

Let us humbly try to know and love God with all our hearts, and let us not be afraid to spread that love to all whom we meet.

What Strikes Me Most Today

The "Incorruptibles" have always fascinated me. The photo above is of the incorrupt body of St. John Vianney. People who have seen his body say it still looks completely lifelike - like he is asleep. This must be a special grace from God, not so much for the Saint, but for the rest of us to know just how awesome this Saint is! What a perfect patron for priests, especially in this Year of the Priest!

What strikes you most today?

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Monday, August 3, 2009

From A Year With Blessed James Alberione,

Compiled by J. Maurus

Jesus Christ, the gift of the Father

The Son of God had compassion for humankind and so became man to redeem humanity. In his public life he defined himself: "I am the way, the truth and the life."

Jesus Christ is truth for our intelligence, way for our will, and life for our heart.

The more a person lives in Jesus way, truth and life, the holier he will be.

There is only one way to follow Jesus Christ.

In the creation of man the three divine Persons cooperated, and it resulted in creating man in God's image of the most holy Trinity in a much superior way.

What sin destroyed redemption restored (cf Eph 1:10).

What Strikes Me Most Today

"What sin destroyed redemption restored." This sentence reminds me of the phrase "O happy fault," referring to the fall of Adam. Because of Adam's fall, we needed redemption. God outdid himself by sending his Son. As a result, we have the potential to become even closer to the Most Holy Trinity than we would had we never fallen and been in need of redemption. God is so incredibly awesome!

What strikes you most today?

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Sunday, August 2, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Eusebius of Vercelli

Bishop

St. Eusebius was born in Sardinia around 300. He was Bishop of Vercelli in Northern Italy, and an able defender of the Church against the Arian heresy. Enraged, the heretics had Eusebius imprisoned and exiled for over six years. Constant in the midst of his sufferings, Eusebius not only continued his defense of the Faith, but also encouraged the faithful of Vercelli with his letters. He died a holy death on August 1, 371.

Let us imitate St. Eusebius by generously embracing our daily trials and encouraging others to do the same.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I am currently reading a book by Blessed Alberione called The Last Things. In the book he talks over and over about how important it is to pray for a good death, a holy death. I noticed today that after all of St. Eusebius' suffering and humiliations, he did die a holy death (over 1600 years ago!) At first it seemed strange to me to pray for a good death or a holy death - but with its eternal consequences, I sure am praying for that!

What strikes you most today?

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