Last Week’s Food For The Journey

”Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.” -Rev. 2:10

In every circumstance, is Christ enough for you? Life is of course overflowing with difficulties, joys, sorrows, doubts, and hopes. Through these valleys and mountaintops, is Christ the One you seek? He asks us to remain faithful, to trust Him with all of ourselves. He gently beckons us to place our every concern and anxiety upon Him, for He desires our peace and holiness.

What is too much for us to carry must be surrendered to the hands of Christ Crucified. As we enter into this Advent Season, let us call to mind the crown of glory He has in mind for those who seek to know, love, and serve Him. We are not to “remain faithful” when it is easy, or only when we are on spiritual mountaintops. We are to remain faithful until death. The more one strives to die to self, the more one tastes the peace, joy, and contentment of eternity.

Remain faithful, seek Christ above all else, and embrace a posture of heart that is humble and hope-filled. 

St. Antonio Francesco Fasani

St. Francesco (Francis) Antonio Fasani was born as Giovanneillo in Lucera, Italy in 1681, the son of Giuseppe Fasani and Isabella Della Monaca. He entered the Conventual Franciscans in 1695 and took the names of St. Francis and St. Anthony. He spent much of his time studying, and was ordained a priest 10 years after entering the order. He then taught philosophy to younger friars, served as the guardian of his friary, and later became provincial of his order. When his term of office as provincial ended, Francesco became a novice-master, and eventually pastor in his hometown. In all his various ministries, he was loving, devout and penitential. He was a sought-after confessor and preacher. One witness at the canonical hearings regarding Francesco’s holiness testified, "In his preaching he spoke in a familiar way, filled as he was with the love of God and neighbor; fired by the Spirit, he made use of the words and deed of Holy Scripture, stirring his listeners and moving them to do penance." Francesco showed himself a loyal friend of the poor, never hesitating to seek from benefactors what was needed. He was also a mystic, known for his deep prayer life and supernatural gifts, and was known to levitate while praying. The people of Lucera were known to compare him with St. Francis of Assisi, from whom he derived his name. He died in 1742 and was canonized in 1986.

When Christ initially began His ministry, He selected twelve men to share the Good News with all nations and He entrusted His Church to these men. These men were far from perfect, they failed many times throughout Christ's earthly ministry. Peter in particular denied Our Lord three times but that did not deter Christ from establishing Peter as the Cepha, or the rock upon which He would build His Church. This is a beautiful example of how Jesus, knowing we are fallen and imperfect, still calls His Church to be holy just as His Father is holy.

The New Testament speaks of the heirarchy of the Church that was developing and the establishment of bishops, priests and deacons. "Jesus endowed his community with a structure that will remain until the Kingdom is fully achieved. Before all else there is the choice of the Twelve with Peter as their head....The Twelve and the other disciples share in Christ's mission and his power but also in his lot. By all his actions, Christ prepares and builds the Church." (CCC, 765). I find this passage beautiful because it shows that Christ indeed uses man but He does not him and man's frailty is not a hindrance to the graces God wishes to give.

This is a truly freeing and beautiful truth that in the end our salvation does not depend the priest who is weak in his nature, but our salvation depends upon Christ who is perfect and will never fail us. This reality keeps us mindful of the true need for a perfect God who throws off the chains and mistakes of human weakness, whether that be a priest or laymen, we all need a perfect loving God. When you are drawn to consider the frailty of another soul, remember your own limitations, humble your heart, and pray for them.

“The Lord upholds me”- Psalm 3

Do not be discouraged! Oh, dear brothers and sisters, heavy are the burdens you bear, deep are the wounds you suffer. May Christ console you, may His tender love envelope you. Do not be discouraged! Have hope, Our Lord upholds you. There is nothing you carry, no burden upon your shoulders which, Christ does not know, see, understand, and carry also. If He asks it of you, then He trusts you are willing to love Him in a particular way.

The weight of the cross you carry, is not a mystery to Christ Crucified. He knows the length and weight, He has felt the splinters and bruises of it. If He asks much of you, then take heart, rejoice, and surrender to a posture of heart that is willing to give much. Give much, with love, to Christ. Do not hesitate to deny yourself, pick up your cross, and follow Him. Surely it is not easy, but alas, it is always beautiful. The ways of the Divine are beautiful indeed. It is our pride and self interest that distorts the beauty. A heart full of hope and humility will always see the necessary beauty and crucifying love of the cross.
Our Lord upholds you. Present tense. He upholds you. He is your refuge. Seek Him, love Him, and then love Him more. 

St Rose Philippine Duschene

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, a French-born nun and missionary, dedicated her life to serving the Native American population in the United States. She was known for her deep commitment to education, prayer, and spreading the Catholic faith. She founded the first Catholic school for Native Americans, providing education and spiritual care. Canonized in 1988, she is a symbol of dedication and perseverance in the face of hardship.

St. Rose Philippine Duchesne was born on August 29, 1769, in Grenoble, France. She grew up in a time when the French Revolution was starting to shake the foundations of the country, yet her early life was marked by a strong devotion to the Catholic faith. At the age of 18, she entered the Religious of the Sacred Heart, an order founded by St. Madeleine Sophie Barat. St. Rose had always felt a calling to serve others, and her religious vocation soon became the driving force in her life.

In 1818, she was sent to the United States as part of a missionary group. Arriving in Missouri, she was struck by the conditions of the Native American population, who had been largely abandoned by society. Despite her advanced age and frail health, she felt compelled to help. She dedicated herself to working with the Native American children, founding the first Catholic school for Native Americans in 1820. The school was established to teach the children not only academic subjects but also the Catholic faith and moral values.

Throughout her life, St. Rose Philippine Duchesne faced many obstacles. She struggled with health issues, a language barrier, and the difficult conditions of frontier life. However, her deep faith and perseverance carried her through. She was known for her intense prayer life and dedication to the religious order. Despite many hardships, St. Rose was a beacon of hope to those she served. She was deeply compassionate and always ready to offer spiritual guidance.

Her work among the Native Americans left a lasting impact, and she became known for her kindness and selflessness. St. Rose Philippine Duchesne passed away on November 18, 1852, at the age of 83. Her life’s work was recognized when she was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1988, in recognition of her deep faith and missionary contributions. Today, she is remembered as a patroness of education and missions, and her feast day is celebrated on November 18.

The Sacraments of Confession and Anointing of the Sick are known as the Sacraments of Healing. They are similar in the ecclesiastical mission they share. Both sacraments are focused on the healing of the soul. Because we are all born with the stain of original sin and  challenged with concupiscence, we are persistently subject to the suffering and frailty of sin. Through the sacramental grace offered by Christ, we, however, are and invited to and granted the opportunity to be resurrected from our sin and preserved from a type of spiritual death. This is only possible of course through the love of Christ. The path to purification and eternal life requires the healing power of confession and the healing power of the anointing of the sick. The former provides us with the healing we need to live our lives free from the chain of mortal sin. Such ‘chains’ are detrimental to our actions and the sacrament of Confession provides us the healing needed to remain in a state of grace.

 These two Sacraments are very specific in their purpose of preparing our souls for our heavenly home and restoring a necessary relationship with Christ. While they are both Sacraments of healing, the Sacrament of Confession heals the damage done to our soul by sin and the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick has the power, through Christ, to heal also physical ailments. The Catechism illustrates that "The Lord Jesus Christ, physician of our souls and bodies who forgave the sins of the paralytic and restored him to bodily health, has willed that his Church continue, in the power of the Holy Spirit."(CCC, 1421). Thus, the Sacrament of Confession is a more of a form of spiritual healing while the Anointing of the Sick is a form of physical healing; nonetheless, both have the power to heal through the power of Our Lord who desires the reconciliation of our heart to His.

Isaiah 53

In Isaiah 53, God uses the prophecy of Isaiah to inform the people of Israel about the hope of the future Messiah, more specifically how He would  come as a servant willing to suffer and die. The words contained in Isaiah 53 provide a perfect image of  Christ's future life and Passion  narrative.  Isaiah begins describing, in the first two verses of chapter fifty-three, how Jesus was a normal boy growing up  who  did not stand out for any reason in particular. He "grew up like a sapling...he had no majestic bearing to catch our eye.". Following this notion in verse two, Isaiah writes about how Christ will proclaim the Word of God and tell everyone that the Kingdom is at hand, which is then recorded in Matthew 4:17. Of course we know that many people rejected Him and in turn would have caused  immense sorrow to the heart of Christ because the people are God's creation whom He cares for very much. In verse five, Isaiah is describing the scourging and the stripes that will come as a result of this love (seen in John 19:1-4). Yet in verse six, the description seems to relate more to the agony in the garden because this is where the weight of iniquity is now heavily upon Jesus as he sweats blood while He is praying to God the Father (later seen in Luke 22:39-46) Pope Benedict XVI pointed out that Christ experienced this anguish  because He knew the severity of sin and the full meaning and effects from sin since the beginning of time. Verse seven of Isaiah 53 indicates that, despite his suffering, Christ makes no effort to end His pain, to stop the scourging, or fight the soldiers. Jesus endured the physical and mental pain all throughout "like a lamb led to the slaughter he did not open his mouth.".  John the Baptist calls Christ the "Lamb of God"  which Isaiah foretold when he said  that the lamb was to be led to the slaughter. In verse eight, Jesus was judged by Pontius Pilate who gave the order to have Him crucified to appease the mob. In verse nine, He was hung on the cross with the wicked next to Him even though Jesus did no wrong with what He said or did. In verse ten, Isaiah tells us that it was God the Father who had His Son go through this indescribable death because His Son would be the perfect offering/sacrifice for the sin of Adam. In verse eleven, Christ arises as the one  who is able to bear our iniquities. One can easily observe is that Jesus is the perfect example of righteousness. In the last verse of Isaiah 53, Isaiah tells us how Jesus made the intercession to His Father on our behalf and carried with Him the sins of humanity. Furthermore, he indicates that Christ came to suffer as a servant to His beloved people and "He surrendered Himself to death."

Saint Martin of Tours

St. Martin of Tours, born on November 8, 316in Sabaria, in present-day Hungary, was the son of a Roman military officer. Raised in Pavia, Italy, Martin was conscripted into the Roman army as a young man. Though he remained in military service, he had an inner spiritual calling and had become a catechumen by the time he was around 10 years old.

His most famous act of charity occurred while he was still a soldier: one cold winter day, Martin encountered a beggar shivering at the city gate of Amiens, France. Moved with compassion, Martin took his sword, cut his military cloak in half, and gave one part to the beggar. That night, Christ appeared to Martin in a dream, wearing the same piece of cloak and saying, "Martin, a mere catechumen, has clothed me." This powerful vision led him to seek baptism and eventually leave the army.

Martin then became a disciple of St. Hilary of Poitiers and lived for a time as a hermit. His holiness and miracles drew followers, and he established the first monastery in Gaul (modern-day France), at Ligugé. In 371, much against his will, he was made the Bishop of Tours by popular acclaim. He continued to live a humble monastic life even as a bishop, founding another monastery at Marmoutier near Tours.

Martin was a tireless preacher and evangelizer throughout rural Gaul, known for his opposition to heresies, his dedication to the poor, and his bold defense of the faith. He was deeply respected for his gentleness, humility, and commitment to peace. He died on November 8, 397, and was buried on November 11, a date which became his feast day.

St. Martin was one of the first non-martyrs to be publicly venerated as a saint, and his cult spread rapidly across Western Europe. Many churches, towns, and even countries honor him as a patron.

Liturgy is the resting place of the Christian heart, it is the source of life within the Church and where we have the opportunity to participate in communion with God. The liturgy in where we meet Christ in a harmonious unity between the human and divine. As the lecture and Catechism illustrated, liturgy is a particularly weighty action performed on behalf of humanity. It is "the participation of the People of God in the work of God." (CCC, 1069.)

The Church is made present through the sacred gift of liturgy due to the fact that "Christ is always present in his Church, especially in her liturgical celebrations."(CCC, 1088.) Because the liturgy maintains, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, the mission of drawing individuals into the communal assembly of the Christ, the Church serves the purpose as an eschatological sign as the "threshold which symbolizes passing from the world.....to the world of new life." (CCC, 1186.) The liturgy is communal in its nature because it is the work of the Body of Christ, a unified cohesive entity which participates in the family of the communion of saints, at every liturgical existence. Furthermore, the liturgy within the Church calls us into an environment of prayer and catechesis which is intrinsically connected to a fruitful relationship with God which is offered through participation in the liturgy.

“The Lord hears the cry of the poor” -Ps. 34

Take courage, God has not abandoned you. He has not deserted you. Despite the overwhelming noise of the world and the unbearable weight of the pain and sorrows therein, God is still speaking. He is still King. He still inclines His ear to the cries of your heart. No matter how poor, or weak, or burdened you are Our Father is attentive to us. We are His children.

The ebbs and flows of this pilgrimage homeward to heaven, can cause us to become discouraged and feel abandoned. Our misfortune, adversities, illnesses, etc., plaque us with desolation and self pity. Beloved masterpieces,  brothers and sisters, do not lose hope. God is near. He is tending to everything. Perhaps the various challenges of your life are permitted precisely for your sanctification and purification. Instead of believing God is testing you, believe all the more that He is trusting you. He is trusting that you are willing to let your love for Him be purified, one kiss from the intimacy of the Cross at a time.

He hears your cry, beloved masterpiece. He will tend to you. His will and plan for you is only ever good, true, and beautiful. Trust Him. He is in love with you and the purpose of your life.

Blessed  Maria Gabriella

Blessed Maria Gabriella Sagheddu, also known as Maria Gabriella or Mary-Gabrielle Sagheddu, was born on 17 March 1914 in Dorgali, a town in Sardinia, Italy. She was born into a humble family of shepherds. As a child, Maria Gabriella was known for her strong-willed nature, often described as obstinate, critical, protesting, and rebellious. Despite these traits, she was also loyal and obedient, often saying no to requests but acting on them immediately.

At the age of 18, a significant transformation occurred in Maria Gabriella's life. She became gentler, her temper subsided, and she started getting involved in prayer and acts of charity. She joined "Azione Cattolica," a Catholic youth movement, which deepened her faith and commitment to serving others.

Three years later, at the age of 21, Maria Gabriella decided to devote herself entirely to the religious life and entered the Trappestine monastery of Grottaferrata. Her attitude towards God's will underwent a profound change, and she embraced a sense of surrender, saying, "Now do what You will."

During her time in the monastery, the community's leader explained the urgent need for prayer and offerings in support of the great cause of Christian Unity. Deeply moved by this call, Maria Gabriella felt compelled to offer her young life as a sacrifice for this cause. Although she had never been sick before, shortly after making this decision, she was afflicted by tuberculosis.

From the moment of her diagnosis, Maria Gabriella dedicated her life to prayer for Christian Unity. Over a period of just 15 months, she valiantly endured the sufferings and limitations caused by her illness, united with the sufferings of Christ. On 23 April 1939, during Vespers, Maria Gabriella passed away peacefully, truly giving her life for the promotion of Christian Unity.

After her death, a remarkable testimony to her holiness was discovered. In 1957, her body was found to be incorrupt, a sign often attributed to the sanctity of certain saints. Her relics are currently housed in a chapel at the Monastero Trappiste Vitorchiano near Viterbo, Italy.

Blessed Maria Gabriella Sagheddu's heroic virtues were officially recognized on 4 May 1981 by Pope John Paul II. She was beatified on 25 January 1983 by the same Pope, who acknowledged her profound spiritual journey and ultimate sacrifice for Christian Unity.

  Mary first participated in the role as Christ's Mother, she now participates in the role of maternally guiding the Church. The Catechism specifically states that "Mary's role in the Church is inseparable from her union with Christ and flows directly from it."(CCC, 964.) Thus, the Church traces Mary's footsteps, She is cooperating with the work of Christ in the supernatural task of restoring souls. It is no coincidence that Our Blessed Mother is invoked under the titles of Helper, Mediatrix, and Star of the Sea because She is indeed all of these and more.

By joining Her life of charity to Christ's mission of restoring believers by ".....bringing about the birth of belivers in the Church...." (CCC, 963) Mary is the mother of the Church within the proper order of grace because she herself is full of grace. She gave birth to the Savior of the world who is the head of the Body, the Church. When He was heaving His last sacred breaths upon the cross, Jesus entrusted Mary to one of His follower saying "Behold your mother."(John 19:27) I think when we look at the life of Mary we forget that she had a human nature with free will. Her life, Her choices, Her "yes" none of it was predetermined.

This shows how Mary is more than just the mother of Jesus in His humanity, She was the Mother of salvation history and the protector of the Incarnation of the Word, I think that is reason enough to love Her. What hope would I have if She had never conceived and birthed Christ, my hope?

“Blessed are those servants whom the master finds vigilant upon his arrival” -Luke 12:37

Are you asleep? This passage from the gospel of Luke, relays to us Christs pleading urge to His disciples. He tells them to “gird their loins and light your lamps” so as to always be ready when the master returns. This passage strongly emphasizes the need to live every moment of every day with intentionality, virtue, and greater death to self than the day before. 

If we are Christ’s servants and seek to do His will above our own, then we must strive to order our lives

well. Is our soul in order? Is our interior life fortified? If not, then when it is time to give an account of our lives, how will you be able to prove your love for Our Lord? More so, we must remain vigilant and never grow

lethargic in eradicating the weeds of sin which stifle

 the life giving blossoms of grace in our soul.

This gospel passage assures us that those who are

found prepared to give and receive Christ’s love, will be blessed indeed. We must ask for the grace then, to maintain souls that are awake and attentive to the voice of

Christ Jesus. Is He the master of your soul or have you given that authority to someone or something else? The world? The voice of Satan? The ever changing standard of what it means to be successful, worthy, or lovable? The more we incline our ear to the whisper of God, the more our lives will be permeated by all that is good, true, and beautiful.

May we be vigilant and discipline our lives in such a way that we are always found ready to give testimony to our love for Christ Crucified. Above all, may we radiate the blessing we possess in being loved firstly by Him.

Saint Crispin and Crispian 

St. Crispin and Crispinian were Roman Christian martyrs and the patron saints of cobblers, tanners, and leather workers. They were executed for their faith on October 25, 286, and their legacy is celebrated, especially by shoemaker guilds in Europe.

They were born into an aristocratic Roman family during the third century AD. They fled Roman persecution and found themselves in Soissons, a region of Gaul, where they lived in humble circumstances, making shoes by day and preaching Christianity by night. Despite their modest lifestyle, they managed to help those in need, using their craft as a means of support. Their missionary work was not without opposition, and they were eventually arrested by the Roman authorities. The governor of Belgic Gaul, Rictus Varus, angered by their success and influence, sentenced them to execution. They were tortured and thrown into the river with millstones around their necks, yet miraculously survived the ordeal. However, they were later beheaded under the orders of Emperor Diocletian in 286 AD.

Their remains were initially honored with a costly shrine built by St. Eligius, a famed goldsmith. Over time, a basilica was constructed over their graves in Soissons to preserve their memory. Charlemagne, in the 9th century, moved part of their relics to Osnabrück and to a church in Rome. Their feast day, October 25, has been commemorated for centuries, particularly by shoemaker guilds, reflecting their importance in the craft and trade of leatherworking.

Their legacy persists through the cultural and religious observances, as they are venerated as the patron saints of cobblers, curriers, tanners, and leatherworkers

  God makes Himself known to creation through His creation every single moment of every single day. His presence is what makes the world as we know it exist. This reality of the omnipotence of God reveals one very important entity, which is actually quite a humbling matter: God is the reason we are having this very conversation. When you take God out of the picture, you take us out of the picture. We are living, breathing, and valid examples of God's presence because His presence is what gives us the power to be alive, the ability to breathe, and the verification of His love. God makes Himself known to humanity when He shows us that we are  completely reliant upon His kindness and goodness to make Himself known to us. Paragraph 270 of the Catechism stresses that "God is the Father Almighty, whose fatherhood and power shed light on one another:God reveals his fatherly omnipotence by the way he takes care of our needs: by the filial adoption that he gives us" (CCC, 270) Scripture encourages this notion countless times, specifically in Matthew 6:32 where it says. "I will be a father to you and you shall be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty." Thus not only does God reveal His all encompassing power through His fatherhood, but also through the mercy He grants us along with the intellect, wisdom, and beauty He deigns all of creation with.

Then beautiful reality of God's omnipotence can be made known to our brethren by reminding one another that the glory of God resides in the recognition of vastness of His goodness. The same goodness that bore forth the world which God Himself defined as "good". By assisting one another in ascending to the purpose God created us for, we will begin to see the presence of God in everything. There is a scene in the movie Risen, where the Apostle Bartholomew is being questioned by a Roman authority about the Christians and their love for God. When asked by the Roman official where the Christians filled with love are, the Apostles leans forward and whispers with a smile "they are everywhere". When we remove the scales from our own eyes and then (with Christ's assistance) remove the scales from the eyes of our brethren, we can begin to see the reality of God at work everywhere. We then bear the vocation to awaken others to the depth of life's goodness because as St. Irenaeus clearly stated, "the glory of God is man fully alive." The important reality of God's omnipotence is made known to our fellow man when we realize that "God willed creation as a gift addressed to man, an inheritance destined for and entrusted to him."(CCC, 299)

“With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption “ -Psalm 130

Overwhelmed by our imperfections and the limitations of our fallen human nature, it can be easy to overlook the Lord’s mercy towards us. Often times, when it comes to our spiritual life, it can be very easy to turn to scrupulosity and doubt. We doubt God’s Divine Will, we question the circumstances of our lives, and we can even be lead to despair because we do not trust that what He intends and permits, is for our good.

Again and again, we see with Holy Scripture and in our own lives, the tenderness and patience of the Lord.

He is continuously pursuing, seeking, and patiently wait in for the hearts of His people to turn to the light of His countenance. The misery of sun and the circumstances that it confines you to, is disheartening to God

who is an all good, all knowing, and all loving Father. If we doubt His mercy then we only have reason to despair and self deprecat. However, if we trust in His merciful desire to redeem us, despite all our blemishes and wounds, then we only have reason to hope. Such hope, tested and purified through death to self, is to serve as a joy filled homily to the world. Yes, we are fallen and struggle with various vices. We are not worthy of God’s generosity and eternal love. Despite the depth of our imperfections, Our Father never stops seeking the hearts of His children.

Through the life, death, and resurrection of His Only Beloved Son, He asks that we trust Him and turn to Him in every time and place. He desires our redemption and wills for us to be with Him eternally in Heaven-our Home. May this psalm serve as a reminder that God’s mercy is attentive to our every need and is not deterred iniquities. Let us then trust in His Fatherly love and surrender all of ourselves, including our imperfection, to His care. 

St. Gerard Majella

Gerard Majella was born on April 6, 1726 in Muro, Italy. He was the son of a tailor who died when Gerard was 12, leaving the family in poverty. Gerard tried to join the Capuchin order but was denied because of his ill health. He was later accepted as a Redemptorist brother serving the Redemptorist congregation as gardener, tailor, fundraiser, peacemaker and spiritual adviser.

His intercession is requested for children (and unborn children in particular), childbirth, mothers (and expectant mothers in particular), motherhood, people falsely accused, good confessions and religious brothers.

He was a man of great depth and insight, prayer and kindness. He was a mystic and a reader of hearts, ever seeking to be perfectly obedient to the will of God. Unfortunately his health was never good. He died from tuberculosis on October 16, 1755 at 29 years of age. Gerard was beatified on January 29, 1893 by Pope Leo XIII, and canonized on December 11, 1904 by Pope Saint Pius X. His feast day is October 16th.

The Creed-Profession of Our Faith Part II

The Church encourages the faithful to read, contemplate, and study Scriptures in light of Her teachings because the prerogatives of Her teaching authority, is clearly presented in the text themselves. They are, to a certain extent, implied in the very institution. In his Epistle to Timothy, St. Paul elaborates upon the Church as the pillar and ground of truth. There is this nuance that illustrates that any who refuse to believe the words of the Faith will become shipwrecked. The Church holds an infallible position as the Body of Christ that is promised implicitly yet directly by the promise of Christ who said.“Behold I am with you all days even to the consummation of the world.” One can appreciate the fullness of Scripture by appreciating the mission of the Church to continue Christ's  mission to teach  and sanctify. Christ was the very Word and its power is the same as that which He received from His Father and, as He came full of truth no less than of grace, the Church is likewise an institution of truth as it is an institution of grace. The teachings of Scripture were to be spread across the world with the task of instilling faith into individuals. Christ gave the apostles the power of the Holy Spirit (which survives today through the apstolic succession) which guaranteed their teaching. As He Himself confirmed His words by His works He wished that they also should present with their doctrine unexceptionable motives for credibility. One should beckon the Church to accompany them as they travel through Scripture because the Church possesses the divine seal of teaching authority.  The Apostles performed miracles which were the Divine seals of their mission and their Apostolate.The Church Herself is an ever-living miracle, bearing always on her brow the unexceptionable witness that She is one with the Father. In this regard the Church then becomes a moral, intellectual, spiritual, and theological compass that assists us in not only reading the Bible but understanding and appreciating it. Divine truth delivers itself to us  in the mind of the Church and through the guardianship and transmission of this Divine truth by the magisterium, authentic faith, and by the profession of it.

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” -Matthew 7:7

This week’s verse, nestled in the Gospel of Matthew, calls to mind the blessed confidence we are invited to have in our pursuit of the Lord. In this passage, Jesus turns to His disciples and begins speaking to them about the friend who is in need and seeks the assistance of his companion. He knocks and beckons for three loaves of bread but his friend tells him not To bother him any longer. Jesus then encourages His disciples with the words of “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be open to you.“ Christ’s desire is to instill into them that in every circumstance they are capable of having confidence in the attentiveness of God the Father. Every need, every want, all the many joys and sorrows of this life are never entrusted to us without the loving care and providence of Our Father in Heaven. Christ is not merely asking His disciples (and us!) to follow Him; rather, Christ is affirming that unlike The friend who does not loan loaves to his companion in his time of need, God is always willing to grant us all that is necessary to know, love, and serve Him well. 

So often we do not ask for His help or guidance. We fail to seek what He wills for us as opposed to what the world wills for us. Every cry to God is heard and every door we knock upon will be opened as He wills it for our sanctification. So often we ask with selfish motives, we seek with slothfulness and indifference. If we knock on a door and it is not opened, we deem God as unfair or unfaithful. Conversely, the soul that humbly loves Our Lord, will recognize that what is not made known and remains behind “closed doors” is for our 

sanctification.’

Christ continues forming His faithful disciples and speaks in the following manner, “Everyone who asks receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knock, the door will be opened.”( Mt 7:8) Thus, Christ is not only urging His disciples to confidently turn to Him in all their want and need, He is also assuring them that a good and faithful Father does not ignore His children. Do not hesitate then,

to ask, seek, and knock with generosity. Trust that He freely wills to lavish you with His grace, mercy, and love. He waits humbly for us to turn to Him. May we be then be humble so as to receive His very gift of self. 

St. Victorian and Companions.

Saint Victorian was a wealthy and influential Christian living in North Africa during the 5th century. He served as a proconsul in the Roman province and was well known for his integrity, leadership, and deep commitment to the Catholic faith. During this time, North Africa was ruled by the Vandal king Huneric, who adhered to Arianism and violently persecuted Catholics who refused to convert.

As part of the king’s efforts to suppress the Catholic faith, Victorian was ordered to abandon his beliefs and accept Arian doctrine. Despite the threat of death and the promise of retaining his position and wealth, Victorian refused. He declared that his loyalty to Christ and the truth of the Catholic faith was worth more than any earthly honor.

Alongside Victorian, several other faithful Christians—including four wealthy merchants and many laypeople—were arrested and tortured. These companions, like him, were offered their lives in exchange for denying the faith. All of them remained steadfast. The group endured brutal treatment, including beatings and executions. They were eventually put to death on March 23, 484.

Though their names are not all recorded, these companions of Saint Victorian are honored together for their shared witness. Their martyrdom stands as a powerful testimony to the courage of the early Church in North Africa during times of severe oppression.

Their legacy inspired generations of Christians in Africa and beyond to remain faithful under persecution. Their feast day is October 10th.

St. Victorian and companions, pray for us

The early Councils were absolutely vital to the life of Christianity. The result of the Councils were the early Creeds and the importance they bear is evident in their life in the liturgical realm that survives to this day. I also think there is a lot of importance surrounding the Creeds in this manner because they are grounded upon the solid foundation of eyewitnesses who confessed what they saw related to the person of Jesus Christ, they were advanced by believers who repeated the testimony of the apostles, and they continue to flourish because they are based on the profession of those who believe

Scripture reiterates the importance of confessing the truth of who God is and what He does. A few passages that come to mind is Romans 10:9-10 "That if you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved." and Hebrews 13:15-16 "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips that profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." and lastly Hebrews 3:1 "Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess."  We know that Scripture affirms the existence, value, and role of objective truth because it beckons an individual to not only know the truth but to proclaim it and the Creeds are the perfect instrument for doing so.

The Creeds are the fruit of the early Councils and they assist believers in proclaiming the identity of their God and also their own, in a certain sense. The writers of scripture (and the first leaders of the church) valued these statements enough to document them for all time, and they understood their value to the Christian community. It’s important for us to understand the value of proclamations such as these, because they demonstrate believers have always been concerned about having the correct object of faith. The writers of scripture believed it was not only important for believers to have faith, but to place their faith in God in the proper manner. I think  Biblical authors truly understood that a saving faith must be placed in  God specifically and uniquely.

The authors of Scripture and the Creeds were even more concerned that teachers would retain the truth passed on to them.  Paul emphatically told Church leaders such as Timothy and Titus how important it was to hold on to the objective truth as we see in 2Tim. 1:13 "Retain the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Jesus Christ."  and Titus 1:9 "hold fast the faithful word which is in accord with the teaching, that he may be able to exhort in sound doctrine and to refute those who contradict." I think Paul stresses an important nuance that truth must be understood, retained, and remain pure and when we make the profession of our Faith, through the Creeds we are doing just that.

“Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten, but have not been satisfied; You have drunk, but not been exhilarated; have clothed yourselves but have not been warmed; And whoever earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it.” - Haggai 1:6

”Consider your ways!” denotes the urgency and vigor necessary to order one’s life well, with the goal of heaven in mind. This reading from the prophet Haggai, beckons us to consider the manner in which we are to live, which in turn dictates the state of our soul for eternity. Examining how we are ordering our time,

resources, talents, etc., is crucial in remaining disciplined in virtue and humble in such efforts. Knowing oneself, and the extent of virtue and vice therein,

paves the way for self possession, which is the taming and setting aside of vice and the flourishing of virtue. Self knowledge and self possession are essential steps in man’s ultimate purpose which is self gift. Self gift is the summit of a life of virtue because it is complete and humble imitation of Christ Crucified.

The passage continues, “ You have sown much, but have brought in little; you have eaten but have not been satisfied; you have drunk, but have not been exhilarated; you have clothed yourself, but have not been warmed.” How futile indeed are efforts and actions which are inwardly focused. Such actions do nothing to strengthen our peace or satisfy the hungering of our hearts. Instead, what will you permit the Lord to sow in your heart? Will you set aside scraps and eat of that which will satisfy your hunger? Why do we clothe our tongue in gossip and impurity? We do cling to identities that do nothing to preserve our virtue or strengthen our interior life? When we conform to the ways of this world and seek first our own will,

we ‘clothe’ ourselves poorly against the squals of sin.

Consider the ways of the Lord, consider His fidelity and generosity. The soul that seeks eternal union with Him, is invited to receive what He gives. Our Lord, in His Divine Providence, graces us with all that is needed for our sanctification. Trust Him. Receive His Fatherly affection and attentiveness. In God alone will you be satisfied. 

Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

These three saints are the only angels within Sacred Scripture that are named. Each archangel bears a unique mission with their respective qualities. St Michael is a protector. He is present in the visions of the Prophet Daniel. St. Michael is noted as the “great prince” who defends Israel from powerful enemies. More so, in the Book of Revelation, he is outlined as the Angel that leads the army of God in crushing the head of Satan and all evil.

The archangel Gabriel is given the mission of announcing God’s will. In addition to appearing in Daniel’s prophetic visions, Gabriel appears to the Blessed Mother as She makes her Fiat. Finally, St Raphael is an archangel of guidance. In the book of Tobit, he is portrayed as the angel who leads Tobiah on a rigorous journey and instructs him in all his ways.

These archangels, who are celebrated on September 29th, are the patron saints of death, grocers, police officers, radiologist, Germany, Additionally, St Gabriel is the patron saint of broadcasters and St. Raphael is the patron saint of travelers and the blind.

Saunts Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael defend us in this spiritual battle!

The virtue of charity is an instrumental tool in the task of defining love. Such a notion is clarified and edified when we come to an understanding of where the word "charity" is rooted, for it finds its identity in the term caritas, which in the distinctive Christian sense means love.

The Catechism supports this as well by defining charity as "the theological virtue by which we owe love to God above all things for his own sake, and our neighbor as ourselves for the love of God."(CCC, 1822). In a certain sense, charity is the greatest commandment given to us by Christ in the folds of the synoptic gospels.

The ten commandments, recorded in the Old Testament, illustrate an intricate dimension in regards to charity. The first three of the commandments point to love of God and the remaining seven point to love of neighbor which is the essential mission of charity,  to love God and neighbor.

However, in the process of loving naturally( natural loves such as relationships with parents, siblings, or friends), the human nature remains fallen and imperfect; thus, while we participate in the charitable act of love our love is still stained with sin. When we practice charity it "transforms our natural loves. It perfects them, elevating them toward a goal of union with God.”(Mattison. Moral Theology, pg. 308)  Fraternal correction that charity provides initiates a concrete difference in how we love people around us. This is vital to comprehend while appreciating the theological virtue of charity not just as a ‘nice way of treating people’ but a means by which we purify our relationships with our brethren and God through the assistance of grace.

“How great are the works of the Lord!” -Psalm 111

How generous and kind Our Lord is! How faithfully He overwhelms us with His goodness! On this pilgrimage homeward to Heaven, it is crucial to pause in awe and wonder at the grandeur of our God. From the magnificence of His creations, to the humility of His Eucharistic Love, to His precious presence in our brothers and sisters we are daily met with the gift of  genuflecting in gratitude at His greatness. Psalm 111 is a poignant reminder that we are to look at the fidelity of His works and the justice of His precepts. The unending and overwhelming depths of God’s love for us is trustworthy and eternal. May our lives bear humble witness to His greatness. May the words we speak give unceasing glory to Him. May our minds be open to reflect upon and contemplate all that is good, true, and beautiful-all that is of Heaven. May our hearts beat perpetually and solely with the burning fire to love Him more, so as to make His goodness known. 

St. Tarcisius -third century martyr

Holiness has no age limit.

During the hostile third century Roman persecution of the early Church, a young man by the name of Tarcisius gave His life in defense of the Most Holy Eucharist. Although he was only twelve years old, Tarcisius had a heart of courageous love and zeal for his faith. He was an acolyte that would risk and sacrifice his very life in order to bring the Eucharist to imprisoned Christians who were condemned to death.

Typically, aftet Holy Mass was offered in the catacombs, a deacon would then bring the Blessed Sacrament to imprisoned Christians who were awaiting their death. However, when a deacon was not available to do so, Tarcisius, who was an acolyte, was sent instead. Despite the danger of the modern day circumstances, Tarcisius was not afraid to carry out this heroic task for love of Christ and his persecuted brethren. 

During his travels to the prisons, a group of young playmates of Tarcisius who were not Christians, stopped him and asked Tarcisius to recreate with them. When Tarcisius declined and the young boys noticed he was carrying something closely to his chest, they began to question and eventually beat him in order to anxiously view the Precious Sacrament. Tarcisius was beaten down by their unjust blows and mockery. Eventually, a group of fellow Christian took note of what was occurring and rescued the young acolyte.

As he was being carried back to the refuge of the catacombs, Tarcisius died from his injuries which he had sustained while defending the Most Holy Eucharist. This humble altar boy gave his very life, out of courageous love for Jesus Eucharistic, in his holy effort to bring Christ to others. He was buried in the cemetery of St. Callistus and is the patron saint of altar servers.

His life, despite his age, should challenge our faith, most especially our fidelity to Christ’s Eucharistic Presence. Are we willing to love and cherish the Blessed Sacrament with the same ardor, faith, and courage as this young saint?

St. Tarcisius, pray for us!

Faith is one of the three theological virtues, endowed upon the human soul through the Sacrament of Baptism.  Our focus will be how this virtue bears fruit in relation to the gift of ‘reason‘.

Fides et Ratio sec. 17, demonstrates how the human that searches for truth,  is also the one who must learn to live by truth by discerning what to believe. ( this is where faith and reason are vital entities.) “There is thus no reason for competition of any kind between reason and faith: each contains the other, and each has its own scope for action. Again the Book of Proverbs points in this direction when it exclaims: “It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out” (Prov 25:2). In their respective worlds, God and the human being are set within a unique relationship. In God there lies the origin of all things, in Him is found the fullness of the mystery, and in this His glory consists; to men and women there falls the task of exploring truth with their reason, and in this their nobility consists….. The desire for knowledge is so great and it works in such a way that the human heart, despite its experience of insurmountable limitation, yearns for the infinite riches which lie beyond, knowing that there is to be found the satisfying answer to every question as yet unanswered.” Thus, we see that realm of belief is inclusive of interpersonal relationships in the sense that it delves into the capacity to know while entrusting your growth to the knowledge of others. Nonetheless, when knowledge through belief is grounded on trust between individuals it is linked to the action of mankind entrusting himself to another, which in turn extends the opportunity to make a gift of self.

This is actually a fairly easy to observe in contemplating the martyrs. Because they were devoted to the pursuit of truth, they entrusted the growth of that desire to the point of actually shedding their own blood for Christ. It is the balance of faith and reason in the pursuit of truth that appeals to man’s ultimate desires.

Truth infuses into mankind a certain divine momentum to discover what he was authentically created for. It is through faith that man knows and loves God and it is through reason that he knows himself and understands how to engage with the world with virtuous order.

“Come with joy into the presence of the Lord.”-Psalm 100

Is your joy intact? Is your heart satisfied in God alone? Do you rejoice in His goodness over you? 

Just as any parent delights in witnessing the joy of their child, so too, does God the Father delight in the joy of His children. He invites us to come to Him and to sing joyfully. Such a joy is a stark contrast to the ‘happiness’ which the world encourages us to pursue. The happiness of the world is based upon chasing frivolity and satiation of the passions. However, God invites us to come into His presence with a joy that is not based upon the things of this world. The joy that we bear as Christians must come from a place of interior confidence and gratitude in knowing that we belong to The Author of all life. Authentic joy is a direct result of trusting and knowing that the Lord is God and rules over all things. More so, it means knowing that He has crafted us for, with, and in Love. We are His and He tends to our every need with perfect compassion and providence. Psalm 100 emphasizes for us that belonging to Christ as His beloved gives us every reason to proceed in this life and in to the next with a joy full of thanksgiving. We rejoice in His goodness, faithfulness, and kindness and the fruit of joy is part of the humble gift we are invited to give back to Him. What good is a joyless Christian or thankless heart? It is through our joy and gratitude that we come “into the presence of the Lord” in our everyday interactions and responsibilities. May the joy that radiates from your life give testimony to Whose you are and where you are going in the life to come. 

St . Imelda Lambertini 1322-1333

”Tell me, can anyone receive Jesus into his heart and not die?”

This was the question that reverberated in the heart and mind of little St. Imelda. Despite her young age, she now serves as a beautiful example of Eucharistic love and devotion. St. Imelda Lambertini was raised in a pious family that prioritized fidelity to the will of God and sacramental devotion. On the occasion of her fifth birthday, St. Imelda’s one request to her parents was to be a living monstrance for Christ by receiving Him in the Blessed Sacrament. Regardless of her great love and purity in such a request, she was denied because of her age. Although this was painfully devastating to the heart of such a young child, St. Imelda  was resolved to only love Christ Crucified more. 

At the age of nine she was granted permission to join the Domicans close to Bologna. While she devoted herself to an austere life within the walls of the convent, she could not receive the Blessed Sacrament until the age of twelve. No matter how many times she begged her convent chaplain to reconsider, St. Imelda was not granted permission to receive the Most Holy Eucharist. 

Finally, on May 12th, 1333, on vigil feast of the Ascension, St Imelda was so overcome by holy sorrow that she could not help cry as she watched her fellow Sisters partake in reception of the Eucharist. As Holy Mass concluded, she was left alone in the chapel, unnoticed in her anguish.  Soon after, the monastery became filled with the aroma of roses, the nuns followed the fragrance to the chapel and there, in utter shock, witnessed a Consecrated Host suspended in the air above the sorrowful little Imelda. The priest who had just finished celebrating Holy Mass obtained a paten and waited for The Host to descend. Finally, the Sacred Host rested on the paten, St. Imelda at last received Her Eucharistic Lord. 

The overwhelming joy which followed in the heart of this humble child was too much for her bear. She at last had received her Beloved One and in turn she fell into a state of ecstasy. Full of heavenly joy and thanksgiving, St. Imelda died in this state of ecstasy. Her hunger and devotion to the Eucharist is a robust model of living and longing for Christ alone. St. Imelda’s incorruptible body can be viewed in the Church of San Sigsmondo in Bologna. She is revered as patron of First Holy Communicants.

St. Imelda Lambertini, pray for us!

Prudence

Prudence is one of the four cardinal virtues, which serves as a foundational tool for growth In the interior life.  Every action that is in correspondence with healthy or holy growth is discerned and chosen by prudential navigation and consideration. Without prudence, one can never act in accordance with goodness, nonetheless understand and choose the right means for achieving goodness. Through the use of reason, which was endowed upon us when we are were crafted in the Imago Dei,  prudence ultimately assists us in governing  ourselves in accordance with that which is holy. It is through reason that we reflect the image of God, for our rational souls possess the ability to intellectually understand and choose that which is objectively good in every situation so that God is made known.

There are a multitude of scenarios that require proper prudential judgment.  Because every action, every word, every moment has the potential to glorify God, there is the vigilant need of virtue so as to cultivate holiness. One does no become holy by accident. All choices require prudence, from simple example of selecting healthy food to a more weighted scenario of choosing how to best assist someone challenged by a grave moral dilemma. 

Prudence is best exercised in patience. What I mean by this is that usually, when there is a lack a prudence, there is a lack of understanding, whether intentional or unintentional. It takes time and diligence to learn and understand so as to appreciate the fullness of the impact that our decisions, on this side of heaven, maintain. Having patience and persistence provides us with the grace and the compassion to approach every situation wisely and with the Heart of Christ.

 “And for this reason we too give thanks to God unceasingly, that, in receiving the word of God from hearing us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is now at work in you who believe.” 1Thessalonians 2:13

In St. Paul’s address to the Thessalonians, he encourages them to give thanks unwaveringly and in every circumstance. God is ever deserving of prayers of thanksgiving due to the abundance of blessings and graces which He bestows upon us. More so, St. Paul emphasizes that what God has begun and is “at work” within us is further cause of unceasing praise and thanksgiving.

 It is in His humility that God gives and it is in humility which we are called to receive. The ’word of God’ that St. Paul is writing to the Thessalonians about is not merely the written word. Rather, we examine in John 1:1 that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” Thus, the ‘word of God’ which St. Paul is raising to the awareness of the Thessalonians is God’s very gift of self. He gives Himself to us so that we may possess His love and truth. In turn, we are called to give of ourselves through lives that our good, true, and beautiful so as to reflect God’s own self gift. We are to give thanks unceasingly, not simply through verbal prayers. More so, we maintain the privilege and responsibility of giving thanks through the prayer of our very life, a life laid down out of love for God and neighbor. 

St José Sánchez del Rio

”Long live Christ the King! Long live the Virgin of Guadalupe!”

Born on March 28th, 1913, St José was born into a devout Catholic family in Sahuayo Michoacán, Mexico. He was raised with his three siblings on a cattle farm. Even as a young boy, he had a strong devotion to the rosary, attending daily Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, and he would even encourage other young children in the faith.
St. José was only 12 years old when the Cristero War began. Despite his age, he pleaded with his mother to grant him permission to go fight with his older brothers. When his mother refused he said to her “ Mama, do not let me lose the opportunity to gain Heaven so easily and so soon.”

Even after after his mother gave in, José was met with opposition from Prudencio Mendoza, commander of the Cristeros. he questioned what contribution such a young boy could possibly make. José assured him that it did not matter if it was cleaning weapons or frying beans, he was willing to assist in any way possible. Upon seeing the resolve and zeal of José, Mendoza assigned young José to be the flag bearer and eventually aide General Rubén Guízar Morfin as the bugler. José was nicknamed “ Tarcisius” in reference to an early Christian martyr who gave his life for the Eucharist. 

On February 6, 1928, St. José was captured by federalist soldiers while assisting General Rubén in fleeing. 

In the midst of his captivity, St. José was a radiant example of complete trust and surrender to God’s providence. He even encouraged prisoners much older than him to remain hopeful in heaven and be joyful. This in turn, infuriated the federalists and they proceeded to torture him in numerous ways. Because of his refusal to denounce Christ, St José was cut with a machete and then shot several times. On February 10, 1928 St. José Sánchez del Rio died as a martyr of Christ at the age of fourteen. He was beatified in 2005 by Pope Benedict XVI and later canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis. 

St. José Sánchez del Rio, pray for us!

The Catholic Church is a mystery, it overflows with such velocity in its doctrines of truth and intricate teachings, yet in the same instance, the Church reverberates with profound simplicity. Christ’s message that He proclaimed over two thousand years ago is the foundation for such a simplicity, His message was love. Not the distorted twisted emotional love that the world has succeeded in formalizing; rather, a perfect gentle breath of love that is selfless. Jesus Christ accomplished the acme of love by sacrificing His very life upon a wooden throne, so that all of creation might have the opportunity to love as He did. This is the primary vocation for all, to love just as Christ loved. The cardinal virtues disposes mankind to participate in such a way that His love may be manifested in the simplicity of hearts. More specifically, the virtue of justice directs creation in such a way that every man relinquishes to God and neighbor the love that is due. Justice secures, protects, and expands the love that Christ cultivated when He accepted the flesh of man.

Justice is one of the four cardinal virtues contained within the teachings of the Catholic Church. All four, both singularly and collectively, play pivotal roles in stabilizing our attitudes, dispositions, habitual perfections regarding the intellect and will, and our passions in accordance to reason and faith. In the pages of Philippians 4:8 we are given a radical reminder to dwell upon these virtues saying, “Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

It is through justice that the  rights of man are established and respected. It is developed through the vigilant pursuit of harmony among all relations. Such an act promotes the common good and grants all their ius. Justice is not merely satisfied by the acquisition of deliberate acts done with the effort to dignify mankind but it is also the maintenance of moral balance. Christ was the greatest social worker that ever existed, he cared for the sick, healed the lame, fed the poor, admonished sinners, and saved souls from being stoned for their injustices. He showered upon humanity the gift of justice and protected many from injustice while he himself suffered immense agony unjustly. The life, death, and resurrection of Christ illustrates with profound humility that justice is not merely respecting others; rather, justice is the pursuit of mankind’s dignity.

This is the beauty of the teaching of the Catholic Church, instituted by Christ thousands of years ago. Christ came out of love for humanity, he served to teach us how to love, and he died upon the cross as love, and now he calls you and I to that very same vocation. A vocation that can only be fulfilled by loving others as you love yourself and giving to both God and man their proper due.

He put a new song into my mouth,
 a hymn to our God.
Many shall look on in awe
 and trust in the LORD.-Psalm 40:4

In a world where excessive noise is normalized and self reliance is placed on a pedestal, humble confidence in the goodness of the Lord has been gravely overlooked. Every morning, it is Christ who fills our hearts, minds, and souls, with the strength of a new song. A song of beauty and joy and one which bears the fruit that produces holiness and trust filled abandonment to His Divine Will. We are encouraged by societal standards and secular pressures to seek the things of the world so as to excite our hearts. Yet, so many hearts are miserable and unfulfilled. This is because our hearts were made for virtue-for God Himself.
Let us pray with this Scripture passage and ask for the grace to place our confidence in Christ alone and focus our gaze on the things of above. May our trust in the Lord yield an abundance of peace and humble contentment. 

St Juliana Falconieri

Welcomed into a prestigious family in Florence Italy, in 1270, St. Juliana Falconieri was born with a heart on fire for the Eucharist. She was an Italian mystic who would go on to participate heavily in the religious community known as the Servants of Mary. 

  Her years as a youth were filled with a desire to lay down her life in service to others and to embrace a lifestyle which was pious and generous.
While contributing to the founding of the Servite community in 1233, St Juliana entered the Third Order of St Francis. This permitted her to live an austere life at the service of those around her without taking formal religious vows. She spent her days tending to the spiritual and physical needs of the poor and became well known in Florence for her charitable heart.

St. Juliana was also a mystic who maintained a great love for the Eucharist. Towards the end of her life, she became very sick with a painful illness that took away her ability to consume food or water.  Despite her physical suffering, her greatest suffering was the privation of receiving Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

When the time of her earthly life was coming to an end, her one request was Jesus Eucharist. Although she could not receive Him, she was granted permission to adore Him in the Blessed Sacrament. The Most Holy Eucharist was then laid upon a corporal over her servant heart. As St. Juliana took her last breath, the Sacred Host disappeared into her bosom, no doubt imprinting itself upon her sanctified heart. St. Juliana Falconieri passed in 1341, and was canonized in 1737 by Pope Clement XII. She is the patron of those gravely ill and a resilient example of Eucharistic fervor and love.
St. Juliana Falconieri, pray for us!

Many of us hope for a new job or for a thrilling experience lurking just around the corner. Some of us hope that a person we love will get better or that our favorite sports team will win the next championship. The world uses the word “hope” to stir up an empty anticipation of the next “best thing” that is going to come our way.
However, the truth is, those things come and go and the happiness or high they brought with them soon passes. What does it then mean to truly hope? To truly recognize it as a virtue by which we live holy lives and not merely as a pregnant pause of waiting for what we want?
For the saints, to hope meant to not despair; rather, to place all their confidence in God. These holy men and women chose to believe in the goodness that He had willed for them and understood that to despair would be a direct contradiction to the love and mercy of His Sacred Heart.
The virtue of hope is one of the three theological virtues and carries upmost importance in the integrity of every Christian life.
The virtue of hope directs our every aspiration, concern, and need to those things which are eternal. St. Paul writes that “Faith is the realization of what is hoped for and evidence of things not seen” Hebrews 11:1.