Saint Aloysius Gonzaga

Saint Aloysius Gonzaga was born Luigi Gonzaga on March 9, 1568 (Castiglione delle Stiviere, Italy) and died June 21, 1591 (Rome) at the age of 23.

He is the Patron of youth; students; Jesuit novices; AIDS patients; AIDS caregivers; sufferers of pestilence. He was beatified on October 19, 1605, by Pope Paul V and canonized on December 31, 1726, by Pope Benedict XIII.

Saint Anthony of Padua

Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon, Portugal in 1195. Although associated in devotional prayer with the finding of lost objects, Saint Anthony was in fact an extremely gifted preacher and teacher of God’s word. He did seek out those lost in unbelief and denial and brought them back to the fold of faith by the power of the word he preached.

Saint Anthony of Padua or Anthony of Lisbon, O.F.M., (born Fernando Martins de Bulhes; c. 1195 – 13 June 1231) was a Portuguese Catholic priest and friar of the Franciscan Order. Though he died in Padua, Italy, he was born to a wealthy family in Lisbon, Portugal, which is where he was raised. Noted by his contemporaries for his forceful preaching and expert knowledge of Scripture, he was declared a saint almost immediately after his death and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church in 1946. No other doctor resembled Jesus Christ to a certain degree as Anthony. He lived as Jesus in obscurity for many years. He became known quite suddenly and died the youngest of the male doctors, about Jesus' age.

The gospels of the four evangelists were the main sources that Anthony wholeheartedly pursued and lived. His insatiable thirst to understand, master, and live out the message and meaning of the words of Jesus, and imitate his life, were his consuming interest. No other doctor is depicted holding the Infant Jesus more than "Tony", as he is so affectionately named by many due to his great purity and innocence of heart. Unlimited miracles, even today, are attributed to his holy intercession when we turn to him in genuine prayer and faith. There is a lasting tradition of him helping us find lost items, people, and that includes discovering ourselves more profoundly, when we turn to him in faith, honesty, and love.

"He received in baptism the name of Ferdinand. Later writers of the fifteenth century asserted that his father was Martin Bouillon, descendant of the renowned Godfrey de Bouillon, commander of the First Crusade, and his mother, Theresa Tavejra, descendant of Froila I, fourth king of Asturia. Unfortunately, however, his genealogy is uncertain; all that we know of his parents is that they were noble, powerful, and God-fearing people, and at the time of Ferdinand's birth were both still young, and living near the Cathedral of Lisbon. Having been educated in the Cathedral school, Ferdinand, at the age of fifteen, joined the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, in the convent of St. Vincent, just outside the city walls (1210). Two years later to avoid being distracted by relatives and friends, who frequently came to visit him, he betook himself with permission of his superior to the Convent of Santa Croce in Cóimbra (1212), where he remained for eight years, occupying his time mainly with study and prayer. Gifted with an excellent understanding and a prodigious memory, he soon gathered from the Sacred Scriptures and the writings of the Holy Fathers a treasure of theological knowledge."

His legacy to the world, and his popularity even today, his intercession before God is beyond comparison and comprehension. He is the patron of untold causes and the church has lavished upon him the highest honors of sainthood almost before he died. He was canonized within a year of his death because of popular acclaim. This fact alone is unprecedented in the history of the Catholic Church. He is perhaps the most popular saint ever among the faithful of the church.

He died on June 13, 1231.

PENTECOST SUNDAY

Today, Pentecost Sunday, marks the end of the Easter season and celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and the Blessed Virgin Mary. By the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, Christ’s paschal mystery was brought to its completion. The Holy Spirit prepares us with his grace in order to draw us to Christ.

Luke gives us a dramatic picture of the event: The Spirit came upon the apostles with a "strong driving wind" and with "tongues as of fire" (Acts 2:2,3).

Pentecost is meant to be experienced. The Spirit wants to burn the knowledge of God’s love and mercy into our hearts. He wants to fill us with the same joy that the apostles knew— the joy of our salvation and the joy of knowing Jesus. As we feel this joy, we will yearn for God’s presence every day, and we will want to avoid everything—every sin—that would separate us from him and his love.

May our lives be changed today— forever!"

Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter

SAINT BARNABAS

On this Eve of Pentecost, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Barnabas. He was a just and faithful servant to whom the success of the Gospel was far more important than his own. He willingly sought and sponsored Saint Paul without any thought of seeking a competitive edge. Humility in God’s service brings its own success.

Born in Cyprus, Barnabas is numbered among the first of the faithful in Jerusalem. He preached the Gospel in Antioch and, as a companion of Saint Paul, accompanied him on his first journey. He was also present at the Council of Jerusalem. Upon returning to his own country, he continued to spread the Gospel and eventually died there.

Acts 11:21-26; 13:1

He was a good man, filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. (Acts 11:24)

The name Barnabas indicates what the man was like: Barnabas —"son of encouragement" is how Luke translates it—was a nickname given him by the apostles (Acts 4:36). Barnabas was a missionary, prophet, and teacher and was outstanding for the generous way he used his gifts to encourage people. He gave his money to the Jerusalem community (4:37). He gave Saul his friendship and trust, vouching for him when everyone else was shunning the new convert (9:26-27). He saw John Mark’s potential and gave him a second chance, despite the young disciple’s failure to complete his first missionary journey (13:13; 15:36-39).

Encouraging, comforting, strengthening God’s people—these are actions of the Holy Spirit, and indeed, Barnabas was the Spirit’s envoy wherever he went. In Antioch, where today’s reading is set, the Spirit gives Barnabas discernment about the situation he has been sent to investigate. When Saul (St. Paul) and Barnabas were chosen and "sent forth" by the Spirit, Barnabas traveled off to exercise his ministry of encouragement in Cyprus and beyond.

Even Barnabas invites each of us to consider our own relationship with the Holy Spirit. "Do I know him and listen for his guidance? Am I letting him transform me into Christ’s image? Am I using the gifts he’s given me for the good of others?"

If you can answer each question with a "yes," Bravo! And if not just yet, don’t give up! As that great encourager, St. Barnabas, would tell you: God wants to fill you with his Spirit. Just ask!

Come Holy Spirit. Fill the hearts of your faithful. Enkindle within us the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and we shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth! Amen.

Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Acts 25:13-21

　

"Do not forget all the gifts of God." (Psalm 103:2)

Since Easter Monday, the Mass readings have been following the story of the early church as it unfolds in the Acts of the Apostles. We have gone from Pentecost to Paul’s imprisonment. We have seen Peter’s role in his mission to the Gentiles. We have followed the initial growth of the church in Jerusalem and watched it extend to the known world. It is a dramatic, inspiring story—and it doesn’t end with Paul!

This great extended Book of Acts includes chapters on the Franciscans, the Jesuits, and the Dominicans. It includes the tales of brave missionaries and the stories of church councils. And the book is still being written today, with each of our lives making up another chapter! None of us should think that we are unimportant in the kingdom. Or should we think that our lives don’t matter or that we’ll never make an impact. We have all been called by our heavenly Father to build his kingdom.  He is counting on us to take up this calling with faith, trust, and determination. Who knows how our own chapter will read? Who knows what plans the Lord still has in store for us?

One thing is certain - we are all temples of the Holy Spirit and each of us can accomplish great things in the name of Christ. There are many more chapters left to be written—and we are the main characters!

Thursday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Three days short of Pentecost Sunday, today, June 9th, we celebrate the memory of St. Ephrem.

Virtues are formed by prayer. Prayer preserves temperance. Prayer suppresses anger. Prayer prevents emotions of pride and envy. Prayer draws into the soul the Holy Spirit, and raises man to Heaven.

~ Saint Ephrem

Saint Ephrem was born of a Christian family in Nisibis around the year 306.  Ordained a deacon of Edessa in what is now Turkey, he vigorously combated the heresies of his time by writing poems and hymns about the Mysteries of Christ and the Blessed Virgin. He had a great devotion to Our Lady, and was in large part responsible for introducing hymns to public worship. He exercised his office as deacon throughout the country and in Edessa, where he founded a theological school.  Despite his ascetic life he did not relax his ministries of preaching and writing books to confute the errors of the time.

Ephrem (or Eprhaim) the Syrian left us hundreds of hymns and poems on the faith that inflamed and inspired the whole Church, but we know few facts about his own inspiring life.

We do not know the exact date or year of his death but June 9, 373 is accepted by many. Ephrem related in his dying testament a childhood vision of his life that he gloriously fulfilled.

Wednesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Acts 20:28-38

“We must help the weak.” (Acts 20:35)

As we continue to wind down to the end of the Easter Season, today’s reading gives us a final farewell from St. Paul. He had not only founded the church at Ephesus but lived among the believers for three years. During that time, “God did extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul.” As a result, “the word of the Lord grew and prevailed mightily.” (Acts 19:11,20)

Every community, every congregation, even every family has its own “weak” members. Through whatever combination of genetics, upbringing or unfortunate circumstances, it is unlikely that they will ever be able to take care of themselves adequately. These are the ones Paul singled out for special attention. He knew the fundamental precept that those who are more graced should care for those who are in need—not take advantage of them or ignore them.

Such a philosophy goes against our human nature. Those who move quickly find it irritating to slow down for those who lag behind. It can be hard for someone with a quick mind to have to explain things to someone who just doesn’t get it. Instead of putting ourselves in their shoes, we tend to imagine them in ours. When we do this, we exercise the judgment that belongs to God and we fail to extend the mercy that belongs to the strong and weak alike. The elders were not crying in admiration of Paul’s accomplishments but were crying tears of affection for a brother. And Paul, in turn, was concerned for the survival of “the whole flock …” and especially “the weak.” (Acts 20:28,35)

Tuesday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Acts 20:17-27

“But now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem.” (Acts 20:22)

Every Sunday at Mass we affirm our belief in the Holy Spirit when we pray the Creed: “We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the prophets.” Such powerful words—and so often spoken quickly and without much reflection. What would it be like if we were all aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit and his promptings in our daily lives?
 In Scripture, we see the Holy Spirit affecting the lives and decisions of so many people—even Jesus himself! Paul was compelled by the conviction of the Holy Spirit to go to Jerusalem. Mary was compelled to say “yes” to the angel and become the Mother of God. Peter was compelled to visit Cornelius’ house and baptize the first Gentiles into the church. Even Jesus was compelled by the Spirit to go into the desert to fast and pray.

The Holy Spirit wants to play an active role in our lives, just as he did in the lives of these early believers. He wants to counsel us and give us just the right words to say to someone who is hurting. He wants to console us when we are feeling unworthy or hopeless. He wants to help us see our sin, and then lead us into the freedom of his mercy. He wants to convince us of God’s passionate love for us so that we can walk through our days with our heads held high.

So how can we hear the Spirit? The obvious answers include prayer, fasting, and Scripture. But we should also be looking for those times when a new, unexpected sense arises in our hearts: spontaneous thoughts of love or mercy, or maybe a new insight into a Scripture passage or a possible new direction in our lives. Follow these senses. Test them out, and see if they bring you joy, hope, or peace. If so, you can be sure that the Holy Spirit is behind them. The more you practice, the clearer the Spirit’s voice will become.

Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

Acts of the Apostles (19:6)

"When Paul laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them."

We are only days away now from Pentecost. It is time to shift our focus and pay attention to the words of Scripture in Acts while keeping an eye on the way the Holy Spirit worked powerfully in the apostles in all they said and did.

In today’s reading, when Paul encountered believers in Ephesus who had no knowledge or experience of the Holy Spirit, he laid his hands on them—and the Spirit came, filling them with new life and moving them to pray in tongues. He used this simple, outward gesture as a sign of friendship and solidarity with them. Through his touch, the people were brought into contact with an ambassador of Christ, and it opened the door for greater blessings.

Paul gives us a model that we can follow. Praying for someone is a good thing. Praying with a person is even better. It tells that person that we are united in seeking the Lord’s help. But even more, we believe that whenever we pray in this way, we are giving the Holy Spirit a greater opening to act, sometimes in dramatic ways. We may even see miracles!

The Seventh Sunday of Easter

John 17:1-11a

"I glorified you on earth by accomplishing the work that you gave me to do.  Now glorify me, Father, with you, with the glory that I had with you before the world began."



There is one week until Pentecost Sunday and it is after the Ascension. The remaining apostles "have kept the Father’s word;" "they have believed that the Father sent Jesus." They witness to God’s glory by enacting their own sort of "triumphal" entry into Jerusalem redolent of Christ’s on Palm Sunday. It was triumphant "when they entered the city" because the Eleven were deeply united in faith and charity, resolved to do the will of the Father. It is not a coincidence the way that their actions mimic those of Jesus; they go to the upper room and there devote themselves to prayer with one accord. As a result of this conviction, persecution is soon to follow, but they will rejoice to the extent that they share in the sufferings of Christ.

This is true of us even today. It is only through suffering that we will have glory. And it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that we have the promise of eternal life and ultimately glory.

Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter

"Ask and you will receive." (John 16:24)

At the Last Supper, Jesus promised his disciples that he would give them the Holy Spirit. But how would they—and how would we—know the love and help that the Spirit has come to give? Jesus’ answer is simple: Ask!

So what will we receive if we ask for the Spirit?

First, and most important, we will receive revelation. One of the Spirit’s most vital gifts is that he shows us Jesus in a new and more glorious light. We see him not only as a man who died on the cross centuries ago but as our own Lord and Savior. Through the Spirit’s power, we see Jesus as a living person, the Son of God whose love for us is constant, perfect, and intimate. And not only do we see Jesus; we experience his presence in a powerful way. We feel his joy, his mercy, and his freedom in our hearts.

Along with this gift of revelation, the Spirit gives us a peace that the world cannot give (John 14:27). He helps us stay rooted in Jesus and his love for us, so that we can weather the storms of life. By constantly reminding us that we are treasured children of God, the Spirit helps calm our fears and anxieties. He brings us to a place of rest and trust. And he convinces us that we can do all things through Christ, who strengthens us.

St. Paul tells us that the Spirit also prays with us and for us "according to God’s will" (Romans 8:27). Even as we are asking, so is the Spirit. Only he is asking for the things that we don’t even know we need. He is asking for the yearnings in our hearts that we don’t dare speak. In other words, we don’t have to worry about a thing. All we have to do is keep seeking the Spirit and trying our best to submit to him. Then the Spirit, who searches our hearts, will give us every good and perfect gift we could ever need.

Friday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions - Memorial

Owing to religious hatred, many faithful Christians were killed in Uganda by King Mwanga during the yeas 1885 to 1887.  Some of them  had enjoyed the good graces of the king at his court, and some were even related to him.  Among the, Charles Lwanga and his twenty-one companions, adhering steadfastly to the Catholic faith, were put to death, some by sword, others by burning because they would not acced to the king's unreasonable demands.

Thursday of the Sixth Week of Easter

THE ASCENSION OF THE LORD

"You will see me." (John 16:16)

What a promise! Jesus was going away, but he promised that he would come back, and the apostles would see him once more. These words brought them a great measure of comfort. And yes, they did see Jesus again—on Easter Sunday, when he appeared to them in the upper room. But the "seeing" Jesus was speaking of here meant more than just encountering him again with their physical eyes. Jesus was also talking about the way that the Holy Spirit would help them sense Jesus’ presence and his guidance even after he ascended and was no longer visible.

The feast of the Ascension of the Lord is celebrated today, the fortieth day after Easter Sunday, commemorating the Ascension of Christ into Heaven and His completion of the work of our redemption. The liturgy on this day celebrates the entry of Christ into heaven with our human nature glorified, and the pledge of our glorification with Him. In the past, processions outside the church were held on this day to imitate Christ's leading the Apostles out of the city to the Mount of Olives, and to commemorate the entry of Christ into heaven.

Wednesday of the Sixth Week of Easter

Saint Justin Memorial

Saint Justin, philosopher and martyr, was born of pagan parents in Flavia Neapolis in Samaria at the beginning of the second century.  Following his conversion to faith, he wrote many works in defense of religion, of which we have only two:  The Apology and the Dialogue with Trypho.  He also opened a school in Rome in which public debates were held.  Justin was martyred along with several companions during the reign of Marcus Aurelius around the year 165.