Neither are the souls of the pious dead separated from the Church which even now is the kingdom of Christ. Otherwise there would be no remembrance of them at the altar of God in the communication of the Body of Christ. -- Saint Augustine of Hippo from “The City of God

Please Note

Whenever you use the links on my blog's to make purchases, such as from Mystic Monk Coffee, CCleaner, and others, I earn a small commission. This commission does not have any effect on your costs.

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Saint Marguerite d'Youville



The sixteenth century was a decisive one for Canada, in that the war between Britain and France, also affected many of the States within Canadian borders. As each State fought for its own equality amidst a vast landscape of natural beauty and splendour.

But before Canada became its own Sovereign Nation, it began as a fledgling group of Provinces with their own trade networks which were used by its neighbouring country America, the British and the French which made for a volatile cocktail, as many made much money and few of the native Canadians benefited.

But it was in the year 1763 after bitter contention between Nations that the Treaty of Paris was signed which gave most of the territories within Canada to be maintained by the British under the Monarchy. An agreement that did not suit all Canadian people most especially those Provinces dominated by the French.

But it is in the year 1701 that Canada would be blessed with the birth of Marguerite Lajemmerais, which brought much joy to her parents, Christophe and Marie Renee. Marguerite would be joined by a further 5 siblings but tragedy would strike the Lajemmerais family early when her father died, leaving the entire family in poverty and dependant upon kind relatives.

It was her Great Grandfather who helped the family financially and enabled the young Marguerite to attend Boarding School with the Ursulines. Unfortunately for Marguerite, she had to once again return home after only two years of schooling in order for her to help her mother, who found it difficult to cope.

And the young Marguerite was an invaluable help to her poor mother who tried her utmost to provide for her large family. Therefore Marguerite took it upon herself to teach her siblings what she herself had learnt under the Ursulines.

But Marguerite also longed for personal happiness and though she was a steadfast helper to her mother and also tried to instil into her brothers and sisters a deep love for God and the Church, love was to call Marguerite from her loving family.

Marguerite married Francois d'Youville in 1722, but though this lovely woman had married for love her husband was not as principled. It was not long before Marguerite would be disappointed in her husband and the pain of his many dalliances caused her much anguish which was not helped by her mother -in- laws interjections.

These were very difficult years for the young Marguerite who also shared her residence with her embittered mother-in-law. Though Marguerite was long suffering still her heart ached at her husbands duplicity most especially with his business associates and underhand business dealings with those of Indian heritage by selling them liquor.

But despite this sadness Marguerite would bear her husband six children, as she continued to pray for her husband and her Mother in Law. She also instructed her children with a deep love for the Faith and for God. But due to the times, four of her children never lived to be adults and had died at very young ages, this was heartbreaking for Marguerite especially as her husband failed to comfort her in her loss and grief!

Francois d'Youville died in 1730, during his illness his devoted wife, Marguerite cared for him till the end. Through all these ordeals which was thrust upon Marguerite she never lost her Faith but instead clung even more strongly to God and the Church. And even though she had suffered much at the hands of her husband and cruel mother-in-law, Marguerite continued to offer up prayers for them and also practiced the corporal works of mercy, which was a great and noble example to set for her surviving children.

Marguerite was a loving and earnest mother who taught her children the fundamentals of their Faith and encouraged them to also practice mercy and kind acts to all those they met. She was able to provide a good education for her children and two sons would eventually become Priests, which was a proud moment indeed for Marguerite.

During all the hardships of her life, Marguerite fostered a deep and abiding love for our Heavenly Father and sought to express this love by helping the poor find food to eat, clothes to wear and also to try and pay for the funerals of prisoners who died in jail.

Upon taking in a poor woman who was blind into her own home and still practicing charity to all those in need in her neighbouring streets, was to annoy some but also brought admiration from others. Marguerite would later also take in three other ladies who like herself wished to devote the rest of their lives to alleviating the sufferings of the poor. This would cause much consternation to her neighbours who did not wish to see the poor and dispossessed land on their door steps but it did not stop the erstwhile Marguerite, and her small group of ladies.

It was on a cold December day in 1737, that Marguerite along with her ladies made their Consecration to God and promised to help the poor in whatever capacity they could. This would be the humble beginnings of the 'Grey Nuns'. Through the struggles of life that Marguerite had endured surely tempered her patience and understanding of those who also had endured much suffering in their lives. This gave Marguerite a great respect and admiration for those who did wish to rise above their circumstances and also to comfort those who were near their end.

So through criticisms from her neighbours, deaths and fire Marguerites persevering spirit remained intact. For in all things whether good or bad Marguerite recognised the Hand of God and gave Him all honour and glory, she also encouraged her ladies to have this same confidence even when their hospital burnt down. Marguerite encouraged her fellow sisters to rebuild the hospital and to at all times maintain their confidence in a loving God.

But age was creeping up on Marguerite and though her spirit was strong still her body weakened under such a work load.

Marguerite d'Youville died in 1771.

Saint Marguerite d'Youville was canonized in 1990 by Pope John Paul ll.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Saint Josephine Bakhita



Sudan like many countries had a troubled history, and as in most cases it is the poor who pay the heavier price. It was in the year 1820 that Sudan found itself at war with Egypt; it was eventually taken over and placed under the leadership of Mehmet Ali this invasion would lead to many rebellions and uprisings for the Sudanese peoples.

During one of the uprisings the famous British Statesman General Gordon was killed, and in 1898 under the leadership of Lord Kitchener both British and Egyptian forces divided Sudan into two provinces, Southern Sudan and northern Sudan. This division of the country would stay like this for many years to come, which brought much hardship for the Sudanese people.

But it was in the year 1869 that a little baby girl would be born, in the village of Olgossa, her family were considered upper middle class as her uncle was the Chief of Olgossa.

But tragedy would strike the family very early when Josephine was kidnapped by slave traders, and because of the political turmoil of the times her family was unable to find where their beloved little daughter had been taken.

Josephine was only nine years old when she was brutally torn from the bosom of her beloved family and thrown into the gruesome and torturous slave trade, this so traumatised this sweet natured girl that during the course of time, she would forget her original name.

This poor girl would be sold off to numerous owners and few showed her any mercy as many brutally whipped and tortured her on a daily basis. During one beating poor little Josephine was unable to rise from her bed as she recovered from the terrible bruising and pain.

But this was not the end of her torture for it was another owner who had poor Josephine tattooed which was a terribly painful procedure. As a knife was used to cut a pattern on the young girl’s skin and then to have salt placed in the wounded region, one can only imagine the horror of it all.

Even though Josephine bore such daily brutalities she never allowed this treatment to brutalise her inner being, as she longed for her freedom with all her heart. So it was in 1885 that she was bought by an Italian, Callisto Legnani, who in turn gave her to his friend Augusto Michieli, who was in need of a nanny for his children.

Josephine would find that the Italians treated her kindly though in her heart of hearts she still longed for the freedom to be herself. But it would be in Italy under the guidance of the Michieli family that Josephine learnt about the Catholic Faith. So when the daughter of the Michieli family Mimmina went to board at the Daughters of Charity, Josephine as her nanny accompanied her there.

This would also give Josephine the opportunity to learn even more about the Catholic Faith as she alongside her charge began taking instruction. The more Josephine learnt of this wondrous and loving God the more her heart was set on fire as she also longed to become Catholic and receive her beloved Jesus in the Eucharist.

For though Josephine suffered much brutality she did not allow this to embitter her heart nor did she long for vengeance, she simply longed for God. The more Josephine learned about this awesome God the more she longed to love only Him, as she opened her heart to the overwhelming power of God's Love.

So it was with distress that when Madame Michieli came to the Daughters of Charity to once again take Josephine back to Africa, poor Josephine did not wish to leave. For during her time with the Sisters she had come to love the Order of the Daughters of Charity and felt a calling to join them in their mission.

So it was with the help of the Sisters that Josephine was able to defy the very angry Madame Michieli and in 1890 Josephine was baptized into the Catholic Church, this filled her heart with such rejoicing that she thought her heart would surely burst with joy!

And so with much prayer Josephine felt the calling of her beloved Lord to enter the Religious life, so she entered the Daughters of Charity and took her vows in 1896. She was to serve her Religious community as seamstress, sacristan, cook and other sundry duties. But at the heart of Josephine was her deep prayer life, as she prayed for her fellow Sisters, the Church and those suffering oppression as she had had to endure.

Though Josephine suffered much, she never once allowed any thoughts of hatred to enter her heart and through her brutal experiences; she kept her humility and her humanity. What a courageous heart this woman had, who even under the most brutal of circumstances, discovered this truth, that love overcomes all manner of evil.

Josephine Bakhita died in 1947.

Saint Josephine was canonised in the year 2000 by Pope John Paul ll.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Copyright © 2005 Marie Smith. All rights reserved.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Saint Apollonia- Virgin and The Martyrs of Alexandria


Saint Apollonia- Virgin and the Martyrs of Alexandria

Memorial
9th February

Patronage
Dentists, tooth-disease, toothaches

The year was 249, the place Alexandria. The pagans instigated the persecution of the Christians in the city. An old man, Metras was the first to be killed, his eyes were pierced out and then stoned to death. Quinta was the next to die, she refused to worship the heathen gods and met the same fate.

Saint Apollonia, an aged virgin, lived a life of self-sacrifice and doing works of charity. She fell prey to a mob that was persecuting any Christians they could find. Enraged by her courageous refusal to worship and make sacrifice to their pagan idols, they struck out all of her teeth. They threatened to burn her if she would not renounce Christ; she refused to deny her God. She was so anxious to embrace martyrdom that she tore free from the hands of her tormentors and ran into the flames. The pagans were amazed at the courage this seemingly weak, old, lady had, she was anxious and willing to die for Christ.

The persecution of the Christians continued into the next year. Some cowered in fear and went trembling and pale to make sacrifices to the pagan gods to preserve their lives. However multitudes went willingly to receive their crown of martyrdom.



Lord you showered heavenly gifts on St. Apollonia. Help us to imitate her virtues while on earth. Amen.