Tuesday, June 9, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Ephrem

Deacon and Doctor

St. Ephrem was born in Nisibis in Mesopotamia (now Turkey) of a pagan family. When Ephrem became a Christian at the age of eighteen, he was cast out of his paternal home by his father who was a pagan priest. Ephrem then became a monk and was ordained a deacon. His humility caused him to decline to be ordained a priest. He passed most of his life as a solitary, and practiced severe penances. He refuted several heretical errors by writing poems and Christian hymns; for this he is called "the harp of the Holy Spirit."

Let us help to lead others to our Catholic-Christian Faith by our own joyful witness.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I always love to hear conversion stories. St. Ephrem was the son of a pagan priest; his conversion caused him to be kicked out of his parents' home. How difficult that must have been. But St. Ephrem would settle for nothing less than the Truth, and as we know, Jesus is the Truth (and the Way and the Life). There is no real controversy or drama to me proclaiming my Catholic faith - I would like to think I would be as vocal in my faith if they would produce difficulties like St. Ephrem faced.

What strikes you most today?

Click on "COMMENTS" below to share your thoughts.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Faith, Hope and Charity

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,
by Blessed James Alberione
The Work of the Spirit in Us
Faith, Hope and Charity

What are the effects which the Holy Spirit produces? First of all He gives us grace which makes us friends and sons of God, substantially holy and sharers in the divine nature. There are the three theological virtues: faith, by which we believe in God and in revealed truths; hope, which leads us to look to heaven and to work with the hope of reaching it; charity, through which we love God and our neighbor. The Holy Spirit inclines us to practice the Gospel beatitudes, a foretaste of our reward. He gives us the twelve fruits mentioned by St. Paul in his Letter to the Galatians (chapter 5). When the Holy Spirit penetrates the soul, He makes it like a living plant, and renders it fruitful for eternal life. It is commendable to ask for the gifts of the Holy Spirit often.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

The Spirit of Christ

The Holy Spirit made Jesus holy in His humanity. In fact our Savior was born through the action of the Holy Spirit and He grew in holiness and wisdom as well as in age. Again, it was the Holy Spirit who led Him into the desert and descended on Him in baptism. And just as the Holy Spirit made holy the Head of the Mystical Body, so He makes the members holy. With His coming the Church became a vital organism. Through the Holy Spirit the Chruch was made infallible and indefectible. Through Him the apostles preached all over the world, the martyrs bore the most atrocious torments, the virgins blossomed and the religious state came into being.

Saturday, June 6, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Norbert

Bishop

St. Norbert was born near Cologne. He dicided to change his careless ways and to dedicate his life to God. After having been ordained to the priesthood, he founded the Order of Premonstratensians, who were dedicated to advancing the holiness of priestly life. Later, as Archbishop of Magdegurg, he worked to help remove the schism of the anti-pope Anacletus, and defended the doctrine of the Real Presence. He died in 1134.

Let us pray for a true devotion to the Real Presence.

Friday, June 5, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Boniface

Bishop and Martyr

St. Boniface, a Benedictine monk, was born in England toward the end of the sevent century. He was sent by Pope Gregory II to evangelize the pagans in Germany and was made legate to the Holy See. Boniface called together several synods and when he was nominated Archbishop of Mainz, he anointed Pepin king of the Franks. He and thirty of his monks were massacred by a pagan mob in 755. Boniface is called the Apostle of Germany.

Le us, too, be diligent in our daily duty, meeting each task with joy in spite of tiny "martyrdoms" for the love of God.

Thursday, June 4, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Under the Guidance of the Spirit

Once the soul has abandoned itself to the care of its heavenly Father, to the care of Jesus, once it has given itself over to the action of the Holy Spirit, let it believe and trustfully allow the Blessed Trinity to work, following Them with great docility.

Let it abandon itself to infinite wisdom, to infinite goodness, to the infinite love of God, and then, without being upset, agitated or feeling lost, let God arrange things, guide and operate. Nothing must ever disturb the soul which has given itself completely to God, to belong entirely to Him.

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Charles Lwanga and Companions

Martyrs

The first black martyrs of Uganda in Africa, St. Charles Lwanga, chief of the royal pages, and his companions, died in a fierce persecution of the Church in 1886. They were canonized saints by Pope Paul VI in 1964.

Let us be truly Caholic or "universal" in ourlook and pray for Christ's Church in every corner of the globe.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Sts. Marcellinus and Peter

Martyrs

St. Marcellinus, a priest, and St. Peter, and exorcist, were decampitated in a forest during the persecutions under Diocletian. They were martyred around 304 or 305. The family of Constantine built a large basilica in their honor.

Following the examples of these courageous martyrs, let us pray for the strength to be firm in our faith.

Monday, June 1, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Justin Martyr

     St. Justin was a pagan philosopher at first.  Not satisfied with the philosophical system of the pagans, he studied the teachings of Jesus Christ and became a Christian.  Justin then went to Rome and opened the first school of Christian philosophy.  He died for the Faith under Emperor Murcus Aurelius in about 165.

     In imitation of St. Justin, let us study our Lord's teachings which show us how to become better Christians.

What Strikes Me Most Today

I think we truly are lucky to have the Church, the Magisterium, and the examples of the Saints to help us learn to become better Christians.  I just need to take better advantage of these in my life.

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

Sunday, May 31, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Visitation

     This feast was instituted by Pope Urban VI in 1389.  The feast reminds us of our Blessed Mother's visit to St. Elizabeth and Jesus' sanctification of John the Baptizer.

     Let us cultivate the virtue of charity which brings God's peace to us and to our neighbor.

The Fruits of Mary's Visit

     The Virgin's visit to her cousin Elizabeth was an extraordinary one, completely holy.  Let it be a model for our visits, both those we pay to our relatives, acquaintances and friends and those we receive from them for any reason whatsoever:  help, comfort, sympathy, instruction, relaxation, business, social reasons, friendships, etc.

     In the Visitation, the one who visited was most holy.  Her action was inspired by humility and charity.  The person visited was holy and the fruits of the visit were admirable:  the sanctification of John the Baptizer, the infusion of the Holy Spirit into Elizabeth, and Zechariah's regaining of his speech.  We, too, should make our visits holy.

What Strikes Me Most Today

My visits in Quebec City have required quite a bit of "help" and "instruction" from people I'm trying to speak French with.  My high school French needs quite a bit of help and instruction, but it's been fun trying, and most people with whom I try to speak French seem to appreciate my efforts, and have been very helpful (which is very charitable if you would hear my French!)

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

Saturday, May 30, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Apostolic work

     The most noble and useful work for society is apostolic work:  "How beautiful are the footsteps of those who evangelize peace, of those who evangelize the good!"  This was the great work done by Jesus Master in His public ministry:  "I came so that they might have life and have it abundantly."  Jesus associated collaborators to Himself:  Mary and Joseph - in their respective positions - were the first and principal cooperators in the Redemption.  They prepared for humanity the Divine Master, the eternal Priest, the Victim of expiation.  The apostle is a cooperator.  With Christ, in Christ and for Christ, he works for the salvation of men and brings them the great benefits of faith, holiness and grace.

What Strikes Me Most Today

Foggy, but no rain today.  We went to a beach just north of Halifax in Lawrencetown - absolutely beautiful.  The water was freezing, but people were actually surfing.  Heading to Quebec City in the morning.  God bless!

Friday, May 29, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Charity - Love of Neighbor

Following the example of the Virgin, who served her cousin, St. Elizabeth, for three months, let us ask of Mary charity towards our neighbor, and charity for our "first" neighbor, our family.  Let us have confidence in Mary, our Mother.  She was constituted by the heavenly Father as treasurer, mediatrix and distributrix of grace; she was associated with Christ in the Redemption and in the acquisition of grace.

What Strikes Me Most Today

It is cold and rainy in Halifax.  We are planning on visiting the Citadel and driving to one or two beaches this afternoon, so hopefully it will clear up.  Actually, it still hasn't been a bad day.  We went out to breakfast, swam in the hotel pool for a little while, and now everyone is drinking hot chocolate, coffee, or tea and reading.  I really like that today's reading remind us that our "first" neighbor is our family.  I think I'll log off now and spend time just being with mine.  Have a Blessed day!  I already am!

Thursday, May 28, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

The Vocational Problem

Everywhere the problem of vocations is the most difficult.  We read in the Gospel that the Divine Master, model of every apostle, or rather the Apostle par excellence, concerned Himself about this problem in the first place, with the greatest zeal, making every sacrifice.  Before manifesting Himself, He had already called James, John, Andrew, Peter, etc.  God has prepared vocations everywhere.  He saves men through the work of men, as the Son of God became man in order to save man:  "For us men and for our salvation."  God blesses in every way new houses that immediately set to work to recruit vocations.  Of course, we mus be prudent; there are small differences from one place to another.  But substantially it is always the same.  

What Strikes Me Most Today

We went to Peggy's Cove today - absolutely beautiful!  The day was perfect.  Appropriate that we have fishermen in today's blog.  Food is great.  People here just couldn't be nicer.  Hope you all are well wherever you are today.  Will be back soon!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Augustine, a Roman monk of the Benedictine Order, was sent to England as a missionary.  His sermons, accompanied by numerous miracles, soon converted many to the Faith.  At his death, twelve bishoprics had already been established.

     Let us always pray for those who do not know and love the Lord Jesus and His Church.

What Strikes Me Most Today

OK, weather was terrible leaving St. Louis, we had an even longer delay in Chicago, and arrived in Nova Scotia at 2A.M.  The car rental place had closed already, so we had to rent a van to take us to our hotel, then take a cab back to the airport the next morning to get our car.  So it is taking us a little longer to settle in - but everyone has been very nice and Halifax is absolutely beautiful.  Hope everyone is well.  I'll try to get back to the blog soon!

Jeff

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

St. Philip Neri

Priest

     "Saint with a joyful heart," Philip was born in Florence, Italy.  He founded the Congregation of the Oratory.  His great love for God and for young people made him exclaim:  "Amuse yourselves, but do not offend God."  He died in 1595.

     Let us, too, lobe God and obey His commandments cheerfully.

Be Happy and Holy

     Alleluia!  Happy and holy!  I believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  I believe in the final resurrection of all mankind.  I believe in the duty to rise every day to a new life and a new hope.

What Strikes Me Most Today

Today is the day we leave for Canada!  It'll be the first time there for everyone in my family.  I think it is absolutely perfect that the Saint with a joyful heart has his feast day today!  I am hoping we will have an awesome time visiting more of God's awesome created world, and hopefully not offending God at all during the trip, but remembering to glorify Him as all creation comes from Him!  Please keep my family in your prayers - I'll do my best to write from Canada when I can!

What strikes you most today?  

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Monday, May 25, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day, 

by Blessed James Alberione

Venerable Bede

Priest and Doctor

     St. Bede became a Benedictine monk and spent his life in prayer and study.  He became the first English historian.  The great Benedictine is know as "Venerable Bede," a title he was given while still alive because of his profound religious writings.  He died in 735.

     Let us imitate him in his fervent application to prayer and to study.

What Strikes Me Most Today

The painting above is "Venerable Bede Translating the Gospel of John," by JD Penrose.  It's hard to imagine in this little cell 1300 years ago St. Bede was making progress for the English speaking Catholic Church.  He is another example of someone who had no idea what a profound effect his work would have on the world.

What strikes you most today?  

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Sunday, May 24, 2009

From A Year With Blessed James Alberione,

Compiled by J. Maurus

The Apostolate of Suffering

We can consider suffering in three ways:

1. as mortification to prevent sin
2. as sanctification to do good
3. as supplication that the apostolate may be fruitful and efficacious

Every apostolate is good;  but it is the cross and passion of Jesus that redeemed the world.

     When the apostolate of publication is united with the apostolate of suffering, then the redemption is complete.  "And now I am happy about my sufferings for you, for by means of my physical sufferings I am helping to complete what still remains of Christ's sufferings on behalf of his body the Church" (Col 1:24).

What Strikes Me Most Today

The Meaning of the Year of St. Paul Logo

 

• The chain represents the imprisonment of Paul in Rome.
• The sword is symbolic of his martyrdom.  As a Roman citizen, Paul could not be crucified nor stoned, the two most common means of execution, but rather was accorded the "honor" of beheading by sword.
• The book represents his epistles.
• The cross is emblematic of Christ, of whom Paul said, "We preach Christ crucified" (1 Corinthians 1:23).
• The tongue of flame refers to the Holy Spirit.
• 2008-2009 are the dates of the Pauline year.
• 29 VI represents June 29, the ending day of the Pauline celebration and the Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul.

What strikes you most today?  

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Saturday, May 23, 2009

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

The Family

Let our lives reflect the most holy life of the Holy Family of Nazareth.  Let us ask that all families follow it and imitate it.  Civil and Christian life are the outcome of family life.  Let us ask that parents live a holy life and educate their children in a Christian manner; that children obey and follow the directives of their parents; that parents be of good example and love their children with parental care; that children, in turn, love their parents, be of consolation to them, and help them according to their needs; and that all the members of the family pray and attend church.

What Strikes Me Most Today

Our family is preparing to go on a 12 day trip to Eastern Canada (Nova Scotia, Quebec City, Toronto and Niagara Falls).  We are planning on bringing no cell phones with us.  The fact that we will be in a different country, where we would have to pay roaming charges for calls and texts and data, gives us a good excuse to leave the phones at home.  I'm hoping it will result in more face-to-face time and actual talking.  My teenagers text an awful lot.  I know we can communicate better as a family - we did last year on vacation.  It's too bad we have to travel so far to get closer as a family.  

What strikes you most today?  

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Friday, May 22, 2009

"The Visitation"  

Watercolor by Lois Giorgis

From Saint and Thought For Every Day,

by Blessed James Alberione

Mary Makes Christ Known

When we speak of spreading the Good News, we should always remember the second joyful mystery:  the visit of Mary to St. Elizabeth.  This was the first time anyone made Jesus known.  Mary carried Him in her womb and brought Him to that family, to be its health, salvation and sanctification.  She walked many miles to bring the Good News.  Her visit paid to this family must be our model for apostolic visits to families.

What Strikes Me Most Today

Unfortunately, I often find myself looking for reasons not to be outspoken or not to witness to my faith.  When I read today's writing, I thought of all the good excuses Mary could have given not to be an active witness, but fortunately she didn't make excuses like I do!  First of all, Elizabeth is family; often it is more difficult to talk to family about spiritual issues.  Then, too, Mary was pregnant, with the Son of God!  She could have easily thought she should stay home and rest.  She walked a long way to visit Elizabeth and her family, but she never thought twice about going to visit Elizabeth.  Mary never ceases to amaze me - God once again shows He knew what He was doing when He asked her to be the Mother of God!

What strikes you most today?  

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Thursday, May 21, 2009

From A Year With Blessed James Alberione,

Compiled by J. Maurus

Feel with the Pope in the apostolate

     In the apostolate feel with the Pope always, to repeat that which he teaches, with the means the Lord has given us, the means Vatican II has indicated:  the press, cinema, radio, TV, and all the technical means of social communication in general.

     Collaborate with the Pope and be at his service; cooperate with bishops and priests; be of service, that is, work in dependence on and in collaboration with the Church.

     Thus like Mary, you will stay close to the Church.  This principle should guide and inspire the apostolate.

What Strikes Me Most Today

     Pope John Paul the Great!  What a Pope he was!  He was certainly very Pauline in his approach to his work - what an awesome use he made of the means of social communication!  How fitting that he was the Pope who beatified Blessed James Alberione!

     Pope Benedict XVI is doing a great job, too - I'd love for him to be the one to canonize St. James Alberione one day soon!  

What strikes you most today?  

Click on "COMMENTS" below to share your thoughts.