Saints of the Faith

Monday, June 19, 2006

St Juliana Falconieri

What sets many Saints apart is their love of charity towards all and their at times severe penances towards themselves, such is this case with the young lady, Juliana Falconieri.

Juliana Falconieri was born in the year 1270 in the city of Florence into the Nobility. Juliana would also not be the only Saint to be born into the Falconieri family her uncle also became a Saint his name being Alexis Falconieri, not an unusual occurrence in the days when living the Catholic Faith meant something.

Juliana was lucky in that her parents were deeply devout and instilled into their beloved daughter a love of the Catholic Church and Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. Her devout parents in a spirit of thanksgiving towards God financed the building of the Church of the Annunciation in Florence in appreciation of how much God had blessed this Holy couple.

Juliana from a very young age showed little joy for trivial pursuits and had absolutely no time for dances and what she considered foolish past-times, her heart was totally dedicated to God and God alone! This did not make her a dour or morbid personality Juliana simply knew what her priorities in life were and lived them with joy and a deep knowledge of what was pleasing to God and it was in pleasing God that she gained her greatest joy and happiness.

Unfortunately Juliana's parents were both elderly when she was born and at a young age Juliana's beloved father died and so Juliana was raised by her mother, Riguardata with the help of her uncle Alexis. From a very young age Juliana's deepest desire was to serve God as a Religious, and though her mother was deeply devout she did not wish to be left alone and so was against her daughter leaving her to join an Order. As Juliana was an obedient child, she did not wish to disobey her beloved mother and so a compromise was reached where Juliana could join a Third Order the Religious Order chosen was the Servites.

After taking instructions from her uncle Juliana was given her Habit to wear as a Third Order Servite and was able to live at home for many years while putting into practice the Charism of the Servite Order. Juliana and her mother were deeply devoted to one another as both loved their faith deeply so it saddened Juliana deeply when her mother died, she had lost not only her mother but also one of her closest friends. The death of her mother allowed Juliana to leave her former home and to live in another house where the memories were not so heartrending.

As she lived the Charism of the Servite Order, Juliana's obvious holiness came to the attention of many who knew of her and had heard about her total devotion to God and the Catholic Church. Soon more women would join her in her new home where Juliana started the Third Order of Servites, she and her lady friends began to wear a Habit that was similar to the male equivalent of the Servite Order.

Juliana and her fellow sisters practiced works of charity within their community and lived a prayerful life within the home as they dedicated their lives to God and lived out the message of the Gospels. Though Juliana had a deep love of the poor and tried her best to alleviate their sufferings, she intensified her own mortifications sometimes at the expense of her own health. Juliana and her fellow Servite sisters became well renowned for their love and service to the poorest of the poor and the love that they took in treating all as if they were royalty, this made Juliana greatly loved and admired for her virtue and charity towards all. It is also one of the reasons why she remained the Director of her Servite Third Order community for nearly 35 years, an astounding feat.

Due to her severe penances Juliana's health became severely impaired and caused her many stomach ailments later in life. This deeply affected her in that due to her inability to retain food she could no longer receive the Eucharist, something that grieved her deeply. A compromise was reached when close to death Juliana requested that the Priest lay the Eucharist on her heart, this he did. The Priest was astonished when the Host disappeared as were the rest of her community.

Upon her death and as she was being prepared for burial there was found to be the image of the Eucharist upon her heart.

Juliana Falconieri died in 1341.

Saint Juliana Falconieri was canonized in the year 1737 by Pope Clement XII.

Peace of Christ to ALL

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Monday, June 12, 2006

Saint Hannibal Di Francia

In an age where many countries are feeling the shortage of Priests the Church needs more men like Hannibal Di Francia.

Hannibal Di Francia, was born in the year 1851 in Messina Sicily. He was fortunate to be born into a wealthy and socially prominent family, but this did not lead Hannibal to have a haughty or arrogant view on life. Unfortunately for Hannibal his father died when he was very young his mother Anna Di Francia, a noble woman by birth sent Hannibal at only age 7 to boarding school, this would help open Hannibal's eyes to the world beyond his own home environment.

Being of a kind disposition he was shocked at the actions of his fellow boarders and their harsh attitude towards the poor in their area. One day a beggar was able to gain access to the school cafeteria where he then begged for some sustenance, many of the children were cruel and made fun of this poor man, little Hannibal though was horrified to see such poverty. He was even more horrified to witness many of his friends tease and torment this poor beggar, finally Hannibal could stand it no longer and he went forward to give the poor man some food.

Hannibal from a very early age showed a great love for the Eucharist and with his inherent humility and meekness of character he was allowed to receive Communion much earlier than other children. This love for Jesus in the Eucharist would hold sway over his entire life and also the need to promote Priestly vocations, truly he was a boy ahead of his times. When Hannibal was 15 his boarding school had to close down and so Hannibal undertook private instructions at home where he thrived on learning everything he could.

Things would change for Hannibal one day as he prayed in front of the Blessed Sacrament and felt God calling him to the Priesthood. During this time in prayer these words took root in this young man's heart and mind, "Ask the Lord of the harvest to sent out laborers to gather his harvest." These words would prompt Hannibal in his mission to promote the Priestly vocation to all he could. Through this insight Hannibal was able to tap into what would become a crucial need in the generations that would follow, he surely is a prophet for these times.

Once Hannibal had completed his studies in theology he was Ordained into the Priesthood in the year 1878. Though Hannibal did not have to struggle financially still he never forgot that poor beggar who had come to his boarding school and upon meeting a blind beggar Francesco Zancone, he was able to see for himself the sad plight of many of his fellow citizens, this sight affected Fr. Hannibal profoundly. Being fatherless himself gave Hannibal a compassionate empathy towards other children who were also orphaned at young ages.

The plight of the poor and the homeless so deeply touched Fr. Hannibal that he decided to make his home alongside the disenfranchised of society after gaining the Bishops approval for this move, he set out to do all he could to try and alleviate many of the sufferings he saw within the poor community.

At first the poor in his region were suspicious of this Priest who though his intentions were good many felt that he would lack the stamina to be successful and so some paid scant regard to this Priest and what they assumed was his naivety when dealing with the truly impoverished. This did not put Fr. Hannibal off one bit and he set out not to prove these people wrong but to simply be a shepherd to his flock and bring them the Good News.

As he walked the streets he could not fail to see the miserable conditions that many children were left to wallow in and one child in particular touched his heart. The poor boy was mentally retarded and was being misused and abused by some around him, Fr. Hannibal could not stand to see such suffering and so brought the young boy home with him. After feeding him a wholesome meal and giving the poor boy a bath, Fr. Hannibal made him a comfortable bed and after prayers he gently said goodnight to the poor boy. When gazing at his face, suddenly the boy's features turned into the face of Jesus, Fr. Hannibal was deeply moved, and even more determined to help these children in a more meaningful and practical way.

This would set the course for the foreseeable future as Fr. Hannibal began to instruct the children of his area, firstly by starting day schools and then with orphanages for both girls and boys. This total devotion to the poor also brought with it controversy as many of his former social standing didn't understand his love for the poor and so questioned why this Priest was so dedicated to what they considered the 'dregs of society', this questioning didn't stop Fr. Hannibal who also had the support of the Bishop and some fellow Priests. It was during this time that Fr. Hannibal wrote this poem:

So bread upon the table might not lack,

I brave the cold, the dripping sweat on back…

Oh, here it is today the food my children need;

Tomorrow's dole our Father sure will speed.

I've often knocked on doors, a scant welcome bidden

My sentence stiff has scarce been hidden:

"Beware of him, the pest, he's lost his mind.

Now let him suffer fate unkind!"

Discern my martyrdom, my flaming core;

No father loved his children more…

For you I God and man implore!

As the good works of Fr. Hannibal progressed he did not forget his first love that of promoting the Priesthood and this through prayer, for Fr. Hannibal understood the power of prayer most especially for Religious vocations. With this in mind Fr. Hannibal began a new Religious Order called 'The Daughters of Divine Zeal' at a later date he also founded the 'Rogationists' both of which were approved in the year 1926. With this mission for Priests in mind Fr. Hannibal started several projects one of them being a periodical called 'God and Neighbour' so that all could enjoin him in praying for vocations and promoting the Priesthood.

While doing all this work Fr. Hannibal was also one of the Priests that Luisa Piccarreta had chosen for her spiritual director, this would bring more controversy as many misunderstood the meaning of Luisa's particular calling. The Catholic Church is still investigating the message given to this noble soul, Luisa Piccarreta.

As Fr. Hannibal undertook all this work with holy zeal many of his contemporaries were already calling him the 'saintly Priest', Fr. Hannibal simply got on with the work God had called him to do with humility and a deep sense of charity towards all even those who were antagonistic towards his various fields of work.

Throughout his entire life Hannibal Di Francia always kept his eyes on his goal that of doing God's Will rather than his own. He also never lost sight of his particular mission that of spreading the love of the Priesthood to all who would listen. This world so needs more Priests of Fr. Hannibal's calibre.

Father Hannibal Di Francia died in 1927.

Saint Hannibal Di Francia was canonized in the year 2004 by Pope John Paul II.

Some Quotes:

"What are these few orphans we attend to, these few people we bring the good news to, compared to the millions who are lost and abandoned as sheep without a shepherd? I looked for an answer and I found a complete one in the words of Jesus: 'Ask the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers to gather his harvest'. I concluded then that I had found the secret key to all good works and to the salvation of all souls".

"From my early youth I have committed myself to that Holy Word of the Gospel: ‘Rogate ergo...' From my small Institutes an unceasing daily prayer is raised by the orphans, the poor, the priests and the consecrated virgins, to the most Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary, to Saint Joseph and the Apostles, that they may abundantly provide the Church with holy and chosen priests and with evangelical workers for the spiritual harvest of souls."

"The entire Church must formally pray for [vocations] because the purpose of the prayer to gain vocations must concern all the faithful, every Christian who has at heart the good of souls and, in a particular way, the Bishops who are the shepherds of the spiritual flock and to whom souls are entrusted. They are the living Apostles of Jesus Christ today."

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Wednesday, June 07, 2006

SAINT JOHN BAPTIST DE LA SALLE

John started out in life much luckier than many of his compatriots and fellow French Saints. He was born in the year 1651 to wealthy parents, Louis and Nicolle de la Salle. His father had hopes that his intelligent son would pursue a career in law but John was of a decisive nature and had already decided to become a Priest.

After studying at various academy's where he impressed many of his teachers, John eventually gained a place at the Sorbonne where he studied theology and also excelled in that field. Though not all compliments were given because of his high intellect for John also had a pleasing personality which sought no fame for himself but instead sought to help others. John's obvious piety was witnessed by many of his teachers and fellow students, who all had high praise for this young man who wished to serve God all his life.

Grief though would touch the life of John when both his parents died within a year of each other, which brought much heartache to John who had dearly loved both his parents. This was a difficult time for John as he grappled with his own grief and tried to the best of his ability to provide for his younger siblings. It also meant putting his studies on hold as he took the reigns of the household till his brothers and sisters were able to take care of themselves.

Though he was immersed in the domestic activities of his home John did not forget his first love which was to serve God. So after speaking with his spiritual advisor Nicolas Roland, John was ordained as a subdeacon at Cambrai. During this time between looking after his family and his parish commitments John also did not forget the poor and sought out ways to help them in a practical manner.

John eventually fulfilled his longed for wish to become a Priest, he was ordained in the year 1678 and gained his Doctorate in theology in 1680. Though Father John wished to serve God as any other devoted Priest through the care of his parish, God had other plans for this true son of the Church. It so happened that he came across an enterprise where a few good men were trying to teach literacy to young boys who had been born in rough circumstances. One of the leaders of these young boys was Adrien Nyel who though he did his best his gift was in interacting with his students and not in the organizational needs that this little group desperately needed in order to succeed.

Father John first watched this group of boys and a few good men from a distance, rendering help when needed. Gradually though it dawned on Father John that the boys needed a strong figure head, one who could make this ideal of educating poor young boys into a movement. Father John even though he was very busy decided with his usual decisive nature to bring the boys back to his own house so they could be properly supervised, not everyone was thrilled with this idea, as questions were raised about the young boys moral characters. This love that grew within Father John for these poor boys would soon become a matter of principle as he grappled with the consequences of truly helping these young men gain a good future for themselves whilst regaining their lost dignity.

This great man of the Church though was never one to back away from a challenge and so Father John took the extraordinary step of leaving behind his comfortable lifestyle, so that he could become one with the poor rather than continue to remain aloof from them. Father John realised that in order to truly gain the respect of these boys he had to live with them in order to teach them a better way of life. This brought much contention within his own family and circle of friends, and also much heartache as many of his family disowned him through this act of true and authentic charity of spirit displayed by Father John.

Due to his love of these poor boys Father John endured the estrangement from his family, friends and some of his fellow Priests, he even faced prison when the authorities raised objections to his teaching techniques. It was just as well that Father John De La Salle was resolute of nature and not one to give up easily no matter how many hurdles were thrown at him, he would rise above them all. This was not done from a spirit of pride in himself but of a self giving to those who needed him most, the poor.

Father John would face many obstacles on the path he had chosen and he also faced betrayal from those he had trusted in founding this institute to educate the poor boys in France which was named, 'Brothers of the Christian Schools'. He struggled against many adversaries many of whom from within the Catholic Church, but always Father John kept his eyes on Jesus and did not waver in his attempts to form a school to help the young youth of France find better lives for themselves.

When it came to teaching the boys Father John would prove to be an innovator and with a small group of like minded men, he changed the face of Christian education as it had been into a more modern and more practical way of educating his young boys to equip them better when they left his schools and began lives of their own.

Though Father John faced much adversity he never allowed this to embitter him even when friends betrayed his trust, still Father John focused on Jesus and to Father John God truly did suffice.

Many thought that Father John gave up all the glories and honors that could have been his for the taking....but the one thing that Father John longed for and the only words that Father John wanted to hear were....'well done good and faithful servant'.

Father John Baptist de La Salle died in the year 1719.

Saint John Baptist de La Salle was canonized in the year 1900 by Pope Leo XIII.

Peace of Christ to ALL

Tuesday, May 30, 2006

Saint John of God

John de Dios was born of a humble couple in the year 1495, though his parents were devout they were also poor. The young John was very taken with stories of adventures far from his native land of Portugal so from a young age John decided to run away from home and explore the excitements of the wider world. This would bring much sorrow to his parents most especially his mother who died not long after John left home, but she was comforted when an Angel appeared to her and told her that though her son would suffer adversity he would lead a good and holy life. John's mother then died a peaceful death.

Upon running away it didn't take John long to have regrets over his actions, for John at first did not find the expected excitement and instead worked as a shepherd in the fields of Spain. Through his hard work he was able to gain the trust of his employer who offered John his daughter to marry, but John declined the offer, as he felt God calling him to another direction entirely. Once he refused the offer of marriage John felt a little uncomfortable so he stowed away in the middle of the night and decided to join the Spanish army in their fight against France. John roamed about for many years not really knowing what to do with his life as he served in the army, and though he was a good soldier and joined in with the antics of his fellow soldiers in the end it failed to deliver the fulfillment that he longed for. Because of Johns inner wranglings his fellow compatriots became annoyed and so tricked John into leaving his post thereby angering the authorities and John subsequently was discharged from serving with them.

Through this internal dialogue within himself John would prove himself to be no ordinary man as he repented deeply of the wrongs he had done in his life most especially the pain he had caused his parents. He decided that he would put things right between himself and his parents and so returned to his native homeland. Upon arriving though John was sorrowful unto death when he discovered that both of his parents had died during his absence this truly tore at the heart of this repentant man and he wept profusely that it was now too late to make amends to his parents. Once again this got John thinking and he decided right there and then to never let an opportunity to do good pass him by, he may have let down his parents, his former employer and the army but John would not let down God.

He returned to work as a shepherd for a short time and it was when he heard of the war with the Moslems that once again John's impetuous heart was set afire and he decided to join those who were opposing this mighty army of the Moors. Once he reached the port of Gibraltar where he had indented to take a ship to Africa he came upon a wealthy family who also had need to leave the area immediately, without too much forethought John decided on the spur of the moment that he would instead become the servant to Count DaSilva. Unfortunately the Count died and the DaSilva family were able to return to Spain. John also returned to Spain, thinking himself a failure yet again.

John's whole life seemed to be one misadventure after another, as he tried to find some meaning to his life by jumping from one thing to another only to find that this was not what he was seeking. It was not so much that he was selfish as in he could not pinpoint the direction for which he felt an internal restlessness and so seemed to flit from one occupation to another in a frenzy of activity in order to fill the emptiness he felt within his soul. This did not make John a bad man nor a flighty one it made him a restless one with no place to call home.

It was while he was at Granada that he heard a sermon delivered by John of Avila, this stirred his heart deeply so much so that through his outward display of his intense feeling of grief over his past sins, John soon found himself locked within an insane asylum. He was visited by John of Avila and finding him to be sane John of Avila instructed John to behave himself and to do something with his life rather than meander on his meaningless trail. This truth truly struck home with John and he promised then and there to do all he could to serve God and the poor.

Upon his release from prison John began collecting all he could for the poor of the area in Granada. This particular work appealed to John in that he also empathized with all he met and did not judge those who found themselves in difficult circumstances. John knew that his own past behaviour did not bare closer scrutiny and though he knew God had forgiven him still he compassionated with those who did not yet understand the deep mercy of God's Love. Johns deep love for the poor was never in doubt and when he heard that a terrible fire had broken out in a nearby hospital John immediately left to do all he could to assist in saving those from the burnt out wreckage. Once he arrived though John was stunned to see many spectators just standing around as they watch the inmates burn, John did not lack courage so he raced into the burning building to save as many lives as he could. This time his impetuous nature not only worked for him it also saved lives.

There were many instances that changed Johns life most especially when he aided a poor beggar who had collapsed and as he bent to kiss the feet of the poor beggar it was here that John noticed he had nail marks driven into his feet. John was full of awe and knelt at the feet of his Lord and Savior. John was to come to the aid of many of the poor and his friends, one especially who had accidentally fallen into a raging river, John with no thought for his own safety jumped in and saved his friends life. It was through this accident that John would become critically ill as he caught pneumonia.

Though John's beginnings seemed to be one long accident after another as he tried desperately to 'fit in' John finally found his calling to serve God through the poor. John found the meaning of his existance through the love of God, and therefore he strove to serve God the rest of his remaining days.

John de Dios died in 1550.

Saint John of God was canonized in 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII.

Some Quotes

"If we look forward to receiving God's mercy, we can never fail to do good so long as we have the strength. For is we share with the poor, out of love for God, whatever he has given to us, we shall receive according to his promise a hundredfold in eternal happiness. What a fine profit, what a blessed reward! With outstretched arms he begs us to turn toward him, to weep for our sins, and to become the servants of love, first for ourselves, then for our neighbors. Just as water extinguishes a fire, so love wipes away sin."

"I work here on borrowed money, a prisoner for the sake of Jesus Christ. And often my debts are so pressing that I dare not go out of the house for fear of being seized by my creditors. Whenever I see so many poor brothers and neighbors of mine suffering beyond their strength and overwhelmed with so many physical or mental ills which I cannot alleviate, then I become exceedingly sorrowful; but I trust in Christ, who knows my heart. And so I say, "Woe to the man who trusts in men rather than in Christ."

"God is Gracious"

Peace of Christ to ALL

Wednesday, May 24, 2006

Blessed Ivan Merz

Saints

Ivan Merz was born in the year 1896 in Bosnia. Like every young person Ivan attended school in a society that tended towards the more liberal way of thinking where great literature was extolled over the Churches Teachings. This did not deter the young Ivan who not only loved his Faith but tried his utmost to live it everyday.

This was the standout point with Ivan, unlike many of his contemporaries Ivan's focus was on God and living to please God by prayerfully doing His Will. This meant a great deal of self discipline as Ivan distanced himself from those who led loose lives with equally loose morals.

Ivan chose instead to concentrate on his education and attended the University of Vienna with the hope that he would be able to pass on his own love of the Catholic Church to a younger generation. Ivan's love of the Church was so fierce and so devout that he could not imagine a world where people could be happy without God, so began his longing to evangelize the Catholic Church to all he met and all he would come to meet.

Though Ivan did not feel a calling to become a Priest he did decide after much prayer to make a vow of chastity so that he could concentrate on spreading the Faith that he loves so well and so passionately. Ivan truly is a wonderful example of how a young man can live in the world without becoming corrupted by it nor of living in the world.

As in all things though what we plan does not always turn out exactly how we would wish, this was so with Ivan with the commencement of the First World War. A horrific war with devastating consequences for many families and for the world as a whole, it would also deeply impact Ivan's own life, and lead him ever deeper into prayer and trusting in God alone.

During this most brutal war the Italian soldiers were poorly equipped with some of the fighting in the mountainous regions. It led to much bloodshed and loss of life and through it all Ivan was able to maintain his Faith even if at times he felt himself in the pits of hell due to the suffering and devastation he witnessed. Though the First World War would become known as 'the war to end all wars' unfortunately history does not bear this out, but Ivan would not see the brutality of yet another World conflict.

Upon the finish of the First World War, Ivan returned to resume his studies and took a course on Literature whereupon he completed his studies in Paris in 1922. He then studied Philosophy specializing in the Liturgy and the influence of French literature within the Liturgy itself. Ivan undertook this course of study so he could help young people gain a new love and reverence for the Liturgical elements in the Mass and the deeper meaning within the Mass, so as to impress upon young minds the essentialness of the Liturgy in Catholic Worship.

During this time Ivan also started several groups for young people in order to teach and instruct them on the Faith one of these groups being, "League of Young Croatian Catholics". Through his in-depth and private studies of documents within the Magisterium, Ivan hoped to renew the love of young people towards the Catholic Church and to influence them to give their obedience to the Vicar of Christ and the Magisterium. This young man truly was an inspiration to many he met as he sought to convey his own passion for the Church to those who needed to hear that God can be found within the One Holy and Apostolic Catholic Church.

Through all this activity Ivan never lost track of prayer and devoted many hours in silent prayer in spiritual communion with the Triune Spirit, after all it was the source of Ivan's strength, for no good work for the Church has ever been accomplished without a deep and devout prayer life. Though Ivan would suffer the ridicule of some and the insults of others he did not allow this to affect his Faith or his peace of heart. This was a young man who's soul was immersed in the love of God which knew no bounds as he offered up these sufferings to our Lord and Savior. Ivan simply wished to spread the love of God to all and the joy he had found in the embrace of the Catholic Church.

Ivan would be spared the pain of having to endure yet another world war and also the pain of watching his own country erupt in civil war. Though Ivan suffered and endured much pain he was spared this searing affliction of his own war torn country.

Ivan Merz died in 1928.

Blessed Ivan Merz was Beatified in 2003 by Pope John Paul II.

Peace of Christ to ALL