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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