FATIMA- 100 YEARS- NOT THE END

October 6, 2017, 10:52 am

Artist- Sr. Mary of the Compassion, OP ( Constance Mary Rowe)

This year we celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the Marian apparitions at Fatima, Portugal, witnessed by three shepherd children who reported that they saw visions of Mary beginning on May 13, 1917.

Whatever the significance of the Fatima apparitions is for each us personally, this 100-year anniversary of the apparitions is a reminder of the central message of the Gospels, calling everyone to conversion and bringing us closer to Christ. In our mad, mad world, in which things so often seem upside down, it is good to take the time to reflect on our Mother Mary’s message to us all- love my Son, love me!

In the joy of the Gospel, we will be the Church robed in white,

the whiteness washed in the blood of the Lamb,

blood that today too is shed in the wars tearing our world apart.

And so we will be, like you, an image of the column of light

that illumines the ways of the world,

making God known to all,

making known to all that God exists,

that God dwells in the midst of his people,

yesterday, today and for all eternity.

(Pope Francis)

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DOMINICAN ARTIST

October 10, 2017, 4:55 pm

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On the feast of the Holy Rosary, I posted a very modern, very lovely painting by an artist I had never heard of, but I think deserves mention. She was SISTER MARY of the COMPASSION, a Dominican nun born Mary Constance Rowe in 1908.

She was the daughter of Victor Weston Rowe, a Music Hall Artiste and Melfredine Josephine Fournier Rowe. She showed great promise as an artist and, after the Clapham School of Art, studied at the Royal College of Art in London and won the Prix de Rome in 1932 for mural painting. The prize money gave her two years of further study in Rome. While there became interested in the Catholic faith and later took instructions at the Brompton Oratory (The Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) and was baptized there on 8 September 1931 as Constance Dorothy Mary Rowe.

In 1935 she traveled to New Yorkonly to find her way to Union City, a place where she would remain for the rest of her life. She entered the Community of the Dominican Nuns of the Perpetual Rosary, also known as the Blue Chapel, in Union City, N.J. in 1938.

Sister Mary worked in many media types including textile, mosaic, and clothing. Her paintings include use of water colors, oil, and gold leaf on textures such as paper and wood. Echoing the style of Renaissance painters before her, Sister Mary painted portraits of the Madonna and important events such as Christ's removal from the cross.

One of her major works was a painting of Dominican saints surrounding a crucified Christ. The life-size painting (8 by 4 feet) is currently housed at the Dominican House of Studies in Washington, D.C.

According to Sister Maria of the Cross of the Monastery of Our Lady of the Rosary in Summit; Sister Mary was commissioned by the House of Studies during the '50s to paint an artwork there. The painting adorns the refectory of the house, regarded by some as the largest, most ambitious painting embarked on by Sister Mary.

Pictures of hers were included in a 1939 New Yorkexhibition of work by Catholic artists staged for the benefit of refugees who had arrived in the USA from Germany. Another of her ventures was the design of costumes and sets for an opera performed by the Music Department of Hunter College, New York. She also wrote a short book called “An Artist's Notebook”, in which she gave her thoughts on how art should be approached and how she approached it, offering occasional comments on the work of some artists.

Jesus with Mary Magdalene

Sister Mary of the Compassion died in 1977 after a medical checkup a week prior deemed "nothing wrong" with her. She died at the age of 69.

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DISCIPLE OF A SAINT- A BENEDICTINE FAMILY

October 13, 2017, 6:07 am

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In a Blog last week I wrote of the great Benedictine Bl. Dom Marmion. While he is well known for his writings, many are unaware of his disciples and the correspondence he conducted with men and women throughout the world, especially religious men and women who turned to him for spiritual direction.

I have just finished his biography and am astounded that someone in his position had the time to write so much.

One of his disciples was a monk, DOM PIUS de HEMPTINNE who left behind precious spiritual writings of his own. In a recent reading of the life of Bl. Marmion, I came across this monk and wondered who he was, especially since he had the same last name as the then abbot.

This holy young monk lived from 1897-1907 in the Abbey of Maredsous. I cannot find much more about him, though know he was the nephew of Dom Hildebrand de Hemptinne, the second Abbot (and later first Abbot primate of the Benedictine Order) of the Belgian Abbey where Bl. Marmion became the 3rd Abbot. This young monk's aunt, Dame Cecile de Hemptinne, was the first abbess of St. Scholastica's Abbey at Maredret (just a few miles from Maredsous). He also had a brother, Dom Jean, who was a monk in the same abbey.

Born of a noble Belgian family in 1880 he died at the age of 27, of an illness I could not determine. After his ordination to the priesthood he was made housemaster at the abbey school. He was always fail in health and in his last months he returned home to be nursed by family (not uncommon in those days). Dom Marmion was with him in his last days, giving him solace and blessings.

Some of his treasured writings, which I share, I found from the monks at Silverstream in Meath, Ireland. His prayers and meditations are magnificent, though sometimes highly intricate and stylized. Many of his spiritual thoughts were inspired by the conferences and lectures of Bl. Marmion.

Dom Pius gave expression to a profoundly Benedictine fusion of liturgy, personal prayer, and the whole of life, including the message of the natural world. His message encourages us to live ever more deeply the meaning of the sacred mysteries, never mind the wording, which is from another era- the message is timeless!

His famous relatives: Dom Hildebrand & Aunt Agnes (Cecile)

O Jesus, from this day forward grant that the souls given into my care may drawn from my poor heart the grace that Thou givest me. It is Thou Thyself who hungerest; eat, then, and drink all that Thou findest in my poor house. May my soul be a manger where Thy lambs can be filled with Thee. (1902, pp. 148–49)

Most holy and eternal Father, your divine Son has taught us that no one can come to Him unless you draw him, and that none shall be lost of those whom you have given Him. I beg of you, therefore, in the name of the mutual love you bear to Him and He to you, to offer me and all whom I love to this divine Son, begotten of you, so that being born again in Him, your Word, we may have a share in the eternal glory which He gives to you, and that we may thus be sanctified in you.

Eternal Son, whose holiness is equal to that of the Father, you have promised that “when lifted up from the earth, you would draw all to yourself.” Draw me, then, to you, O well-beloved of my soul, that being fed by you I may live by you, even as you live by your Father.

Holy Spirit, who descended upon the Virgin to accomplish the mystery of the Incarnation of the Word, come down upon me, O joy of my heart and strength of my soul! Impregnate me, to the end that Jesus Christ may grow in me, so that by your power, the closest union may be effected between my Savior and my poor soul, inflamed by your love.

O adorable Trinity, look down and behold how I burn with longing to glorify you — see how my soul shrinks into nothingness — see how little it is — how it abandons itself utterly to you! . . . I love you by the Heart of Jesus and by every one of the souls on earth, and therefore I will bring them all to you. To this end, Christ Jesus, only object of my desires, I take refuge in the bosom of your Father, and in His Name I give you all these precious souls, that not one of them may perish. Uniting myself to you, I offer them all to the Father, for the eternal honor and glory of the most adorable Trinity. Amen. (1901)

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SIMILAR NAMES- BOTH OF THE ELECT

October 17, 2017, 9:14 pm

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One of our nuns here is Mother Dilecta. Many years ago we had a young man from the CzechRepubliccome and spend summers with us while he was at school in the USA.

When I was able to go to Praguea few years later he was my guide, taking me to many of the wonderful monuments of his homeland. He had always been fascinated by Mother Dilecta’s name and wondered if it was related to a nun from Praguewho lived in the 17th century named Elekta. He took me to her convent where I was able to meet her as well as one of the nuns.

One of them sits in a chair in the Church of St. Benedict at Hradčanské Square in Prague and exalts sacred respect not only among the faithful, but also among experts. The body of the VENERABLE ABBESS MARIE ELECTA (1605-1663) is miraculously preserved even 350 years after death!

Mother Marie Elekta died in 1663, seven years after establishing a new order of Carmelites in Prague. This Italian-born nun, Caterina Tramazzoli, was greatly respected as a superior by the other nuns for her devotional and humble nature. After her death the nuns often went to her grave in St. Elijah's Chapel to pray, and then things started to happen.

One of the sisters always smelled violets, and another would see a heavenly glow. Others, when touching their heads on the gravestone were relieved of headaches. In 1666 the grave was opened and according to the original reports, the cavity of the tomb and the coffin itself were flooded with black, smelly water. The body of Mother Marie Electa remained intact, which those present considered a miracle. When they washed it with vinegar and a mixture of herbs (which is why her body is dark today), they found it still flexible. So they tried to sit her down in a chair. At first it did not work, but then she began to bend. Her neck had been broken when they stuffed her into a too small coffin, but she raised her head in obedience to her nuns.

The Carmelite Monastery

Inside the Church

As early as 1677, 14 years after her death, her body was studied by physicians and professors at the Medical Faculty of Charles University . And, according to the surviving protocol of that time, the body of Marie Electa was found to be "perfectly intact, having skin completely preserved, brown or chestnut, and all limbs bendable and spouting a liquid of jasmine scent." The integrity of the body unanimously declared "totally miraculous and all natural forces beyond".

A similar conclusion was reached by a panel of leading experts from the same faculty more than 300 years later when they wrote in their 2003 report: "The Commission regards the survival of the intact body as remarkable and extremely rare.”

Her Hands

Venerable Marie Electa miraculously survived during the period of Communism, when the nuns had to leave their monastery in 1950, being sent to either factories or internment camps. At first they did not want to leave without the abbess, but the the Archbishop of Prague told them: "Leave her here if she is holy, she will take care of herself and her monastery."

And so she stayed all through the years the Communist regime, while the monastery was converted into a hotel, sitting in her niche waiting the return of the Carmelites in 1992. When I saw her in 1998 she was behind the glass and grate in the niche to the right of the altar of the church. She has slightly open eyes and she looks as if like she is still smiling, letting us know she has seen things we can only dream of.

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HE DIES NOT

October 22, 2017, 10:54 am

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When our world seems so close to a great war, it is good to remember some who not only gave their life for our country, but to God as well.

JOSEPH VERBIS LAFLEURwas born into a large Cajun family in Ville Platte Louisiana in 1912. From early childhood his desire was to be a priest. Entering Saint Joseph’s Minor Seminary in Saint Benedict, Louisianahe quickly became noted for his good humor, quick wit and athletic prowess. He also had a marked interest in French military history and would recite the last words of Marshal Michel Ney before his execution by the restored Bourbons after the Hundred Days: “Come see how a soldier dies in battle, but he dies not.”

After ordination in 1938 he was assigned as assistant pastor at Saint Mary Magdalene in Abbeville, Louisiana. In the depression era Louisianaknew poverty that people today would find hard to believe. Father Lafleur supplied balls, bats and gloves to the boys in his parish and helped organize baseball games. After his death some of the boys learned that Father Lafleur had purchased the equipment by pawning his wristwatch.

Father LaFleur joined the Army Air Corps in 1941 six months before Pearl Harbor. Four months later Lieutenant LaFleur was sent with the 19th Bombardment Group to Clark Field in the Philippines. The new chaplain was popular with the men: he helped organize a baseball team, founded a discussion group and his door was always open to them.

On December 8, 1941 the Japanese attacked Clark Field and Chaplain LaFleur sprang into action. Ignoring exploding bombs and flying shrapnel he helped treat the wounded and administered the Last Rites to those beyond human help. For his actions that day he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross.

As the Philippineswere conquered by the Japanese Father LaFleur passed up an opportunity for evacuation, stating that his place was with the men.

Over one-third of all Allied POWs in Japanese hands died. Death from starvation, at the hands of the brutal guards or disease was a constant fact of life for every prisoner of the Rising Sun. Into this hell on earth Father Lafleur brought Christ. So long as he had a little bread and wine he said Mass for his fellow prisoners. While in captivity Father Lafleur built a makeshift chapel which he called Saint Peter in Chairs. His fellow POWs flocked to his services, Catholic and non-Catholic alike.

As best he could Father LaFleur also ministered to the physical needs of his flock. He would continually visit and assist the many sick. He would often exchange his clothes for those worn by another prisoner and he would give away some of his own food to help out men who seemed to need it. Moved by this charity, other prisoners began to give to Father LaFleur pieces of their own clothing and scraps of their own food for him to distribute.

As the war progressively turned against Japan, orders came out from the Japanese High Command to begin shipping POWs back to Japan to serve as slave labor. Father LaFleur and 749 other prisoners were on board the ship the Shiniyo Maru when the USS Paddlefish torpedoed it off the coast of Mindanaoon September 7, 1944. The sinking occurred because the Japanese adamantly refused throughout the war to indicate when a ship was carrying POWs. Father LaFleur, despite the urgings of his fellow captives, refused to leave the ship’s hold, instead holding the ladder so that other men could attempt to climb out of the hold and escape. That was the last anyone ever saw on this Earth of Father LaFleur.

There is a plaque to Father LaFleur at the Notre Dame seminary in New Orleans: It is inscribed:

“Venez voir comment meurt un pretre en bataille …mais il ne meurt pas.” – “Come, see how a priest dies in battle, but he dies not.”

Painting in Our Lady of the Saints, Ville Platte by David Andrews

Pictured: St. Katherine Drexel, King St. Louis IX, Father Joseph Verbis,

Ven. Henriette De Lille, Bl. Francis X. Seelos & Ven Cornelia Connolly

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ROMANO GUARDINI, UPDATE

October 24, 2017, 11:11 am

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In this month dedicated to Our Lady of the Rosary, the news just came that the cause of FATHER ROMANO GUARDINI (See BLOG 8/2/2016) will begin officially with Mass at the Cathedral of Our Lady in Munich on December 16, alongside that of Nazi resistance fighter Fritz Michael Gerlich (See ff BLOG_)..

Father Guardini, who died in 1968, is considered one of the most important theologians of the 20th Century. His work ‘The Spirit of the Liturgy’ was a major influence on the Liturgical Movement, and he became a key thinker for the council fathers at the Second Vatican Council.

Pope Francis has previously said he is “convinced that Guardini is a thinker who has much to say to the people of our time, and not only to Christians”.

In the 1980s the future Pope began a doctoral dissertation on Guardini in Germany, but later abandoned it.

Benedict XVI has referred to Guardini as “a great figure, a Christian interpreter of the world and of his own time”. In 2000, he wrote his own book entitled The Spirit of the Liturgy, inspired by the theologian.

Father Guardini was born in Veronain 1885. After the war, he was appointed to a chair in Philosophy of Religion at the University of Berlin. But he was forced to resign in 1939 after clashing with the Nazis. His first major work, The Spirit of the Liturgy, was published during World War I.

Following the World War II, he became first a professor in the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Tübingen and then a professor at the University of Munich. He died in Munich on October 1, 1968.

Many of Father Guardini's major works have been translated into other languages, including The Lord..

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I AM A CATHOLIC- MODERN MARTYR FOR THE FAITH

October 25, 2017, 10:22 am

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The martyr who will have his cause for canonization introduced along with Father Guardini is FRITZ MICHAEL GERLICH , a German convert to Catholicism, who systematically denounced the Nazi barbarism and Hitler for over 13 years. After his arrest, he was sent to the concentration camp of Dachau where he was killed.

Fritz was born in Stettin, Pomerania, and grew up as the eldest of the three sons of a wholesale and retail fishmonger. In 1902 he began his studies at the University of Munich, first majored in mathematics and natural sciences before switching to history. At the university, he was an active member of the Free Student Union. He wrote his doctoral dissertation "The Testament of Henry VI" and completed it in 1907.

On 9 October 1920, he married Sophie Botzenhart in Munich.

In 1923 while working for a newspaper , Fritz Gerlich denounced “one of the most serious betrayals in German history,” referring to Hitler’s failed attempt to take power on November 8 of that year.

Fritz said Hitler was an “idiot,” but a dangerous one, because he knew how to manipulate others into doing what he wanted them to do. In 1927, his life took an unexpected turn. Used to living as an agnostic, he met Therese Neumann, who died in 1962 and whose cause for beatification is in process.

She was known for bearing the stigmata and for having survived for 35 years without food or water, living only on the Eucharist. Initially, he wanted to expose her stigmatism as a fraud, but Fritz came back a changed man. Through his encounter with her, Fritz embraced the faith and was baptized on September 29, 1931, taking the name of Michael. From that year until his death, his resistance became inspired by the social teachings of the Catholic Church

Therese Neumann

Fritz was not allowed to express his opinions in his articles and so he decided to found a new publication, in which he continued to criticize Hitler and warned of the coming barbarism of Hitler.

In one of his more outspoken editorials he described Hitler as full of hatred and surrounded by a group of people “who all share one common objective: the desire to destroy.”

He also warned of the Nazi’s anti-Semitic plans to proclaim “a new religion on the basis of the myth of race.” As the elections were held which put Hitler in power, Gerlich wrote: “Those who don’t vote today assume a grave responsibility before God, their children and their children. And moreover we say: it is the duty of every Catholic to vote for the parties that defend the eternal principles of the Church.”

After the Nazis seized power on 30 January 1933, Fritz was arrested in March despite his plan to flee to

Switzerland

. and held at the Dachau concentration camp, where he died on 30 June 1934 during the Night of the Long Knives. I am ready to respond with my life for what I have written. I will not retract. I am a Catholic,” he proclaimed.

Artist- Andreas Pruck

His killing was officially announced days after his murder, and the announcement was published in the international press at the time.

Fritz Michael Gerlich was portrayed in the TV movie Hitler: The Rise of Evil by actor Matthew Modine.

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ANOTHER HOLY COUPLE

October 30, 2017, 10:55 am

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It is interesting to note that the Opus Dei movement has perhaps more people up for canonization than the Benedictines- 14 at latest count. In August we did Blogs on a family of three- husband and wife Eduardo& Laura de Landazuri and his sister Guadalupe. Another very loving couple has come to attention who were faithful to the spirit of Opus Dei. They passed on to their children and to many other people their example of Christian life and marriage, of a “bright and cheerful home,” as St. Josemariaused to say.

SERVANT OF GOD TOMAS ALVIRA was born in Villanueva de Gallego, near Saragossa, on January 17, 1906, and died in Madridon May 7, 1992. After earning a doctorate in chemistry, he taught at the Natural Science Institute in Madrid.

In 1937 he met Josemaría Escrivá , the founder of Opus Dei, where he heard for the first time the possibility of being holy in daily life, in professional work, both in celibacy and in marriage.

In 1939 he married Paquita in Zaragoza and teaching at Ramiro de Maeztu , where he met an exceptional faculty, including future Nobel laureate Vicente Aleixandre.

Tomas was famous for his pedagogy principle in which the teacher tries to awaken in the student the love of learning, considering it as a good in itself. He felt teachers should not encourage students to study for the prize or for the punishment, but rather for the pursuit of knowledge. He managed to combine a demand for learning yet respect and genuine affection for his students. Strength and tenderness; exigency and affection: possibly this was his secret.

In 1957 he was appointed National Councilor for Education. He subsequently participated in the creation of Development of Teaching Centers . From 1973 to 1976 he was Vice-director of the ExperimentalCenter of the Instituteof Education Sciences and then Director of the UniversitySchoolfor the Promotion of Teaching Centers. Its greatest innovation was the creation of the Living Classroom .

With Pope (St. ) John Paul II

He started the COUCenter for the Promotion of Teaching Centers and the University School of Teachers of the same Institution, where he was director until 1986.

SERVANT OF GOD PAQUITA ALVIRA was born in Borau, near Huesca, in 1912. She worked as a high school teacher during the Spanish Civil War years

She and Tomas had nine children, the first of whom, Jose Maria, died at five years of age. The young family moved to Madridin November 1941, where Tomás took up his teaching position at the Natural Science Institute. Both were Supernumeraries of Opus Dei: Tomás since February 1947, and Paquita 1952.

They strove for sanctity through the heroic and persevering exercise of the Christian virtues. The Holy Mass was the center and root of their interior life. Assisted by divine grace and living in God's presence, they imbued their ordinary daily activities with supernatural meaning.

Both suffered painful illnesses towards the end of their lives, and offered up their suffering with a deeply supernatural outlook. She died in 1994 and Tomas in 1992.

Their daughter, Maria Isabel, who currently lives in France, when asked about her parents relied:

Their being members of Opus Dei was a source of happiness which they radiated to those around them, starting with the family. Ever since I was a child, I saw that Opus Dei was first and foremost in the life of my parents; it made us desire to be like them. They transmitted to us a deep love for God, for the Church, for the Work and its founder in a very natural way and in an atmosphere of freedom, through their example and their everyday lives. I have always considered their vocation to Opus Dei as a great gift from God to the whole family.

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MANY ARE CALLED- FEW ARE CHOSEN

October 31, 2017, 2:32 pm

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National Vocation Awareness Week is an annual week-long celebration of the Catholic Church in the United Statesdedicated to promote vocations to the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life through prayer and education, and to renew our prayers and support for those who are considering one of these particular vocations.

At this time all Catholics are encouraged to take time to pray for vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. Today with the loss of so many Catholic schools, it is up to parents and other lay people to educate our young people about the importance of silent prayer, taking the time to truly listen to God's voice in their hearts. Only then can they develop a readiness to give themselves to a life of sacrifice, following in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.

We have spoken in past Blogs of the youth who come each summer to spend a week here in work and prayer. They come through a local SERRA CLUB, an organization to promote and foster vocations to the priesthood and consecrated religious life

Serra USA was formed in 1935 when a small group of lay people in Seattle decided to form. They chose Father Junipero Serra, the great missionary, as their patron and named the organization SERRA Club of Seattle.

Now Serrans are found around the world. They are men and women of all ages and from all walks of life. Members range from lawyers, doctors, and business people, to nurses, clerks, stay at home workers, and retirees. All are dedicated to promote and foster vocations to the priesthood in the Catholic Church as well as encourage and affirm vocations to consecrated religious life.

Whatever is the need to support Priests and Religious, members of Serra are ready to move ahead and follow the words of St. Junipero Serra. His motto was “Always forward, never back.”

Archdiocese of Seattle Vocation Prayer

God our Father, You call each of us to use our gifts in the Body of Christ. We ask that you inspire those whom you call to priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life to courageously follow Your will. Send workers into your great harvest so that the Gospel is preached, the poor are served with love, the suffering are comforted, and Your people are strengthened by the sacraments. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.

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A LIFE FOR PRIESTS

November 3, 2017, 9:15 am

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In this month before Advent, I thought it a good idea to focus on saints who dedicated their lives to the salvation of priests. Knowing of my prayers for our priests, I was recently givenTHE SACRED HEART AND THE PRIESTHOOD, written by VENERABLE LOUISE MARGARET CLARET de la TOUCHEa Visitation nun who was commissioned first by Our Lord, then by her religious superiors to write of her conversations with the Lord.

She had to overcome many and great obstacles all through her life to do God's will. She suffered to a heroic degree in many ways and was truly a victim soul. Our Lord revealed to her His plan of infinite love for the world for which He needs the help of His chosen souls, the priests of the world.

The purpose of this work is to strengthen the souls of priests in the love of their sublime vocation and unite them more than ever to Jesus Christ, the eternal Priest. The Holy See has declared her writings to be in conformity with the teachings of the Church and has sanctioned the organization of priests, which she had drawn up under the name of The Priests Universal Union of the Friends of the Sacred Heart.

Margaret Claret de la Touche was born in 1868, at Saint Germain-en-Laye, where he father was Customs' Officer. Her parents wanted a son, especially her mother, who had prayed so fervently to the Blessed Virgin and lit so many candles at her altar that she believed she would certainly obtain her petition. Her disappointment was so great that it was feared that she would die.

Margaret at 4

Careless treatment by an incompetent nursery-maid ruined her health for life and nearly killed her. Her mother made a spontaneous vow to Our Lady and Our Lady saved her. This illness subsided but was to return again. Margaret's childhood was full of love from both parents but in 1875 her doting father died at the young age of 47 from inflammation of the lungs. Her mother hired a governess to look after Margaret at home while she traveled bringing her older sister with her. A year later her mother declared her intention of getting married again.

The family was wealthy having a winter home in Valence and a summer home in the country, often spending spring and autumn in Paris or travelling abroad. Her home was a social meeting point for family friends who would take turns to put on some musical entertainment or hold a dancing party or some little comedy.

Margaret though living in the world kept herself from the world to a large degree because deep down she had not given up an idea of religious life. Around the age of 15 she experienced a hunger in her heart that nothing seemed to satisfy until she was to later enter religious life. During the summer when they stayed in the Castle of Arbods the family would read, take long walks, have discussions but always attended Sunday Mass. Over the next few years Margaret struggled to pray and hold on to her hopes of a vocation. Meeting the author of a scandalous novel gave her a new conversion and in 1886 a severe illness required the help of a nursing Sister who encouraged Margaret to persevere in her desire for religious life and taught her how to pray better.

Margaret at 17

Margaret knew that she had a vocation but realized that her mother would not consent and that she would have to wait until she reached her 21st birthday. The thought of continuing on in the worldly life she was living was daunting. She asked her mother to let her attend college to get a diploma in the hope of escaping from the life she was living but her mother refused. Disheartened she returned again to the same old lifestyle but did not give up her hopes.

She entered the Visitation convent in 1890 at Romans. Her motto would now be “Let nothing of me remain, but a humble servant of Jesus Christ always ready to obey His divine will”. Many felt she would not last, due to her upbringing and to her health.

In 1902 she asked: My Jesus, tell me what are the desires of Thy Heart? He replied to her: ‘The world is becoming frozen; egoism is contracting men’s hearts; they have turned away from the source of Love, and they think they are very far from God; nevertheless, I, Infinite Love, am quite near, and the bosom of divine Charity, all swollen with love, must needs open. Allow Me to love you and, through you, to descend to the world.’”

Sr. Louise Margaret replied: “My Jesus, what can I do for the world, since I am separated from it?” And Jesus said: “I will explain to you this mystery which is beyond your power to comprehend. I became incarnate in order to unite Myself to men; I died to save men; My sacrifice was of sufficient efficacy to redeem the whole human race, and infinitely more; but because man is endowed with free will, he must co-operate in the work of his own salvation. The superabundance of My merits obtains for him sufficient grace for that; however, there are many who reject My graces. Then, I take souls, I invest them with myself; I continue My passion in them, I separate them from others for My work I unveil to them the mysteries of My Love and Mercy, and making them like purified channels, I pour out on the world a new abundance of grace and pardons.”

Sr. Margaret 2nd from righ

Sr. Louise Margaret replied her consent: “My Savior, I belong to Thee, do with me according to Thy will.”

In 1902 of the Feast of the Sacred Heart Jesus made His presence felt to Margaret and she asked Him to send some new novices that she could train for Him but Jesus said to her:

“I will give you souls of men.” She was astonished at these words which she could not understand and Jesus said: “I will give you souls of priests.”

Still not understanding Jesus said to her: “No, It is for My clergy that you will immolate yourself.”

She wrote her Autobiography from 1904-1905 as ordered by Father Alfred Charrier, her spiritual director. She was named superior of her convent two years later and retained the position until 1913. In July 1914 Mother Louise wrote to Fr Charrier to tell him about the attack of the very painful illness known as Bright's disease and which proved to be fatal. She endured this illness from July 1914 until her death in May 1915. For several months before she died she was unable to either stand up or to lie down and spent all her time confined to an armchair. Only her confidante and successor had knowledge of some of the agony she was going through every day and night and also understood something of her heroic virtue in continuing her daily duties of Reverend Mother, Novice Mistress and Spiritual guide to the community right up to three hours before she died.

From her appearance during the nights her superior recognized that there was a supernatural aspect to her illness and that she had the appearance of one crucified. After a life full of suffering she passed away peacefully after pronouncing the Sacred Name of Jesus at three o'clock in the afternoon on Friday the 14th of May which was the day after Ascension Thursday in 1915.

The message of Venerable Louise Margaret is the infinite love of God for us and His desire to renew a world full of hate with His outpouring of love and specifically to entrust this mission to His priests by inviting them to enter His Heart and to draw love from there (same message as in In SInu Jesu). Only after having had the experience of being loved by Christ can priests change the world by sowing His love. Entrusting themselves to this love, priests can fulfill a mission of love in the world.

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WHEN WILL IT EVER END?

November 6, 2017, 12:07 pm

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Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller of San Antoniosaid Nov. 5 after the massacre in

(Ivanka Krypyakcvych-Ukraine)

in Sutherland Springs, Texas

“Disbelief and shock are the overwhelming feelings; there are no adequate words. There can be no explanation or motive for such a scene of horror at a small country church for families gathered to praise Jesus Christ.”

“These Baptist brethren are our family, friends and neighbors who live among us in the archdiocese … We are committed to work in unity with all our brothers and sisters to build peace in our communities; to connect in a more direct and substantial way. The Catholic Church in Texasand across the United Statesis with you.”

“Let’s help these brothers and sisters with prayers; they need us. Also, pray fervently for peace amidst all of the violence which seems to be overwhelming our society. We must be lights in the darkness. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May God have mercy!”

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A NEW SAINT FOR INDIA

November 7, 2017, 11:29 am

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Now that we have two young men from Indiaas Chaplains, we are interested in news of the Church in their homeland. And the new Blessed comes from the state of our last Indian chaplain, Father Mathew.

While India

is a land of diversity of religions, languages, and cultures, it is important to note that the vast majority are Hindus (82%), while only 2% are Christians.

Martyred Indian BLESSED RANI MARIA VATTALIL, who was slain by an assassin 22 years ago in central Indiawas proclaimed a Blessed at a beatification ceremony in Indore, Madhya Pradesh state on Nov. 4, 2017.

She was born in Kerala in 1954 as the second of seven children to Paily and Eliswa Vattalil.

The nun belonging to the Franciscan Clarist Congregation was 41 when Samandar Singh, hired by some landlords, stabbed her inside a bus on February 25, 1995. She was traveling to Indore, the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh state, on her way to her native state, Kerala, southern

India

The attacker followed her when she ran out of the crowded bus and continued stabbing her. The passengers were too wrought with fear to intervene with some fleeing the scene in panic. The police at 10:45am contacted the nuns to inform them of what had happened and to tell them that their slain sister's remains were still on the side of the road. The distraught nuns contacted the Bishop of Indore, George Anathil, to inform him of what had happened. The Bishop and some priests reached the spot at 2:00pm to find her bloodied corpse still lying on the side of the road. She was taken to the episcopal residence to be cleaned and laid in state. Her body bore 45 stab wounds.

Bl. Rani Maria was targeted for empowering the poor and downtrodden from being exploited by money lenders and unscrupulous businessmen. Bl. Rani Maria dedicated herself to the catechetical formation and educational instruction during her time as a religious as she moved place to place teaching in different areas. She was vocal in matters of social justice and in social activism which led to her death at the hands of those who were opposed to her efforts in aiding the poor and downtrodden.

Eight days before her death, during her last visit to the Provincial House, on the occasion of the Canonical Visit of Mother General Henry Suso, Bl. Rani said, “We should not seek safety and comfort in our mission work. With courage and trust in God more and more sisters should get ready to risk themselves in serving the poor and needy in the undeveloped villages of the missions. I would desire to die a martyr for the love of Jesus and for my poor downtrodden brethren.”

Her Parents

Samandar Singh was convicted of Bl. Rani Maria’s murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment. One of the nuns visited Singh in 2002 in prison where she expressed her forgiveness. Singh was overcome after witnessing such a gesture and begged for forgiveness for what he had done while expressing repentance. The Blessed’s own mother visited Singh in 2003 and kissed his hands as a sign of forgiveness.

Singh was released from prison in 2006 after the Blessed’s family pleaded for him to be released and he is considered one of their own. He was moved to tears when he learned of her impending beatification in March 2017 and expressed his enthusiasm for being able to attend the beatification.

He said: “I accept full responsibility for my heinous murder of Sr. Rani Maria. I cannot say that I was instigated, because my own hands stabbed her repeatedly and for this, I will regret my actions till the day I die. In my own small way, I try to follow her example, helping those who are less fortunate than me, like Tribal Christians and all those who are marginalized.”

A documentary was made regarding this amazing act of forgiveness, titled The Heart of a Murderer, which won an award at the World Interfaith Harmony Film Festival in 2013

Bl. Rani Maria's Mother with Sing

Bl. Rani Maria is a model of sacrifice and selfless witness. As the Bishop of Indore, Bishop Chacko Thottumarickal expressed it so beautifully: “Blessed Rani Maria is a model for us as she was ready to shed her blood for the sake of the poor and downtrodden”.

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"I FORGIVE" - A NEW VENERABLE

November 11, 2017, 12:19 pm

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Another recently named as Venerable is SISTER LEONELLA SGORBATI, an Italian sister who was murdered in Somalia.

Sister Leonella was born in 1940 in Gazzola, Italy. As a teenager she wished to become a missionary sister, but her mother did not approve the choice and asked her to wait until she was twenty. She then joined the Consolata Missionary Sisters in San Fre, Cuneo in 1963, making her perpetual vows in 1972.

During this time she took nursing studies in England (1966–1968), and in 1970 was appointed to Kenya where she was until 1983.

In mid-1983, Venerable Leonella started advanced studies in nursing and in 1985 became the principal tutor at the school of nursing attached to NkubuHospital, Meru, Kenya.

In November 1993 she was elected regional superior of the Sisters in

Kenya

, a duty she performed for six years. After a sabbatical year, in 2001 she spent several months in Mogadishu, looking at the possibility of setting up a nursing school in the hospital run by the SOS Children's Village organization. Hermann Gmeiner School of Registered Community Nursing opened in 2002, with Sister Leonella in charge. The first 34 nurses graduated from the school that year, awarded certificates and diplomas by the World Health Organization because Somalia had no government since 1991.

Venerable Leonella was keen to train tutors for the nursing school. She returned to Kenya with three of her newly graduated nurses, to register them for further training at a medical training college. She faced difficulties in obtaining her own re-entry visa to Mogadishu, due to the new rules of the Islamic courts that now controlled the city and its environs. She managed to return to Mogadishu on 13 September 2006.

Four days later she was gunned down outside her children's hospital. Her bodyguard, Mohamed Osman Mahamud, was also killed. Two gunmen emerged from behind nearby taxis and kiosks and shot her in the back after about 30 years of aid work in Africa. She was rushed to the SOSHospital but died shortly after. Her last words apparently were Italian: "Perdono; perdono." (“I forgive; I forgive.”)

This is the most authentic Christian testimony, a peaceful sign of contradiction which shows the victory of love over hatred..

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I CAN'T KEEP TRACK OF HOLY AMERICANS

November 12, 2017, 11:38 am

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It seems every time I research the life of one holy person, I find the life of another. We live in a world where most of the news focuses on the negative and yet there are so many holy people who live among us- many will never be known in our lifetime.

One such woman, who died not 35 years ago was VENERABLE MOTHER MARY ANGELINE TERESA, who pioneered a different approach to the care of the elderly and infirm. In addition to fulfilling physical and spiritual needs, she stressed the importance of a home-like atmosphere that encouraged residents to maintain their personal sense of dignity and independence. To that end Mother Angeline founded a new religious community - the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm. With six other Sisters she set about making her vision a reality.

Venerable Angeline Teresa McCrory was born in 1893 in Mountjoy, County Tyrone, Ireland. When she was seven years of age her family migrated to Scotlandand at the age of nineteen she left home to become a Little Sister of the Poor, a Congregation engaged in the care of the destitute aged. She made her Novitiate in La Tour, France and after Profession she was sent to the United States.

In 1926, Mother Angeline was appointed Superior of a Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in the Bronx, New York. During an annual retreat in 1927, she felt an urge to reach out to do more for the aged for whom she cared. She felt that the European way and many of the customs in France did not meet the needs or customs of America. She also felt that old age strikes all classes of people, leaving them alone and frightened.

Being unable to effect any necessary changes in her present situation, Mother Angeline sought advice and counsel from Patrick Cardinal Hayes of New York. Not only did he encourage her, but he likewise felt more could be done for the aged people in the New Yorkarea.

Eventually, this need was recognized in the United States. In order to accomplish what she felt called to do, and with the blessing of the Cardinal, Mother Angeline and six other Sisters withdrew from the Congregation of the Little Sisters of the Poor and were granted permission from Rome to begin a new Community for the care of the aged incorporating Mother Angeline's ideals. On September 3, 1929, the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm was founded.

In 1931 the new Community became affiliated with the great Order of Carmel and became known as "Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm."

Mother Angeline Teresa’s philosophy of care was to serve each guest as if serving Christ Himself. From this relatively new beginning the work of the Congregation flourished and the Community was invited to work in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and as far west as Iowa. Currently there are 20 Homes in the United Statesand Ireland.

In 1984, Mother Angeline Teresa died, having the consolation of seeing the Congregation beyond her expectations. She once said: If you have to fail, let it be on the side of kindness. Be kinder than kindness itself to the old people.

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NEW AMERICAN SAINT- UPDATE

November 15, 2017, 12:59 pm

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Venerable SOLANUS CASEY (See Blog May 21, 2017) an American-born Capuchin priest who died in 1957, will be beatified at a Nov. 18 Mass in Detroit at Ford Field, which can accommodate as many as 60,000.

Known for his great faith, attention to the sick, and ability as a spiritual counselor, he will be the second American-born male to be beatified.

Born Bernard Casey on Nov. 25, 1870, he was the sixth child of 16 born to Irish immigrants in Wisconsin. At age 17 he left home to work at various jobs, including as a lumberjack, a hospital orderly, and a prison guard.

Re-evaluating his life after witnessing a drunken sailor brutally stab a woman to death, he decided to act on a call he felt to enter the priesthood. Because of his lack of formal education, however, he struggled in the minor seminary, and was eventually encouraged to become a priest through a religious order rather than through the diocese.

In 1898, he joined the Capuchin Franciscans in Detroitand after struggling through his studies, in 1904 was ordained a “sacerdos simplex” – a priest who can say Mass, but not publicly preach or hear confessions.

He was very close to the sick and was highly sought-after throughout his life, in part because of the many physical healings attributed to his blessings and intercession. He was also a co-founder of Detroit's Capuchin Soup Kitchen in 1929. For 21 years he was porter at St. Bonaventure Monastery in Detroit.

He is also known for his fondness for playing the violin and singing, although he had a bad singing voice because of a childhood illness which damaged his vocal chords.

Even in his 70s, Fr. Solanus Casey remained very active, and would even join the younger religious men in a game of tennis or volleyball. He died from erysipelas, a skin disease, on July 31, 1957, at the age of 87.

The beatification of Father Solanus is a great blessing for all Catholics in his example of the love of Jesus Christ. We have a friend in Seattle who believes he was cured by Bl. Solanus after an accident, when another friend placed a second class relic on his head.

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SANCTITY CANNOT BE STOPPED

November 17, 2017, 10:05 am

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On Nov. 8, 2017, Pope Francis declared the martyrdom of SERVANT of GOD JANOS BRENNER, thus clearing the way for his beatification.Janos was born in 1931 in Szombathely, Hungary. Full of life and joy, he attended Catholic schools run by the Cistercian order, until the nationalization of schools by the communist government which came to power after World War II as part of the Eastern Bloc.

He felt called to the Cistercian order and after applying to enter, and was accepted as a novice in Zirc in 1950, and took the name Br. Anastasius. However, only a few months after he began formation, the communist government began suppressing religious houses. To protect the men in formation, the novice master moved the young brothers from the abbey to private apartments, where they hoped to continue formation in secret.

It was around this time that Janos, along with a few other novices, moved to the local seminary to begin studying to become a priest, while continuing with his Cistercian formation through correspondence.

Despite the dangers and religious oppression going on around him, journal entries at the time display a deep trust in God and a strong desire to do his will.

He took his vows with the Cistercian order and then was ordained a priest in 1955.

Throughout his ministry, he was known for his willingness and readiness to serve and to sacrifice. Father Janos was especially talented at working with youth, which all the more made him a target of the communist government.

Even when he was made aware of personal threats against his life, and his bishop offered to transfer him elsewhere for his own safety, Father Janos responded: "I'm not afraid, I'm happy to stay."

On the night of Dec. 14, 1957, he was falsely called to give last rites to a sick person in a neighboring town, amid the reprisals for the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

He left his home, carrying his anointing oils and the Eucharist, but was ambushed in the woods outside Rabakethely and stabbed 32 times. He was found dead the next day, still clutching the Eucharist in his hands, which has earned him the title of the “Hungarian Tarcisius.” (St. Tarcisius was a young third century martyr who was also killed while carrying and protecting the Eucharist.)

While the communists had hoped that Father Janos’s death would intimidate the faithful in the area, they could not stop devotion to the young priest’s memory. The Chapel of the Good Pastor was built in 1989 on the spot where he died, and is a popular place of pilgrimage for people throughout the country. The dirty and bloodied surplice he wore when he was killed has been preserved as a relic.

Like Bl. Jerzy Popieluszko (see Blog 11/2/16) of Poland, who the communists also tried to silence, the death of these young priests only heightened the people’s awareness of their own Faith! Where are the communists today? and where are these young saints?

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ANOTHER MODERN POPE SAINT

November 20, 2017, 11:57 am

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It has been a big month for the Holy Father as he furthers the steps for more holy people to canonization.

The Vatican last week announced that Albino Luciani – better know as POPE JOHN PAUL I – has moved forward on the path to sainthood, and can now officially be called “Venerable” by faithful around the world.

The first Pope to born in the 20th century, he is also the most recent Italian-born Pontiff and is often referred to as “the Smiling Pope” by those who knew him or remember his election.

He sent shock waves around the world when he died unexpectedly just 33 days later, making his one of the shortest pontificates in the history of the Church. He had hardly given four general audiences when he died. The late Pope suffered a brief, unknown cardiac episode the night before he died, which was likely linked to a previous heart problem he thought had been resolved, but was most likely the cause of his death.

Born Oct. 17, 1912, in

Italy

’s northern Veneto region, Albino Luciani made history when he was elected Pope Aug. 26, 1978, and took a double name after his two immediate predecessors, St. John XXIII and Bl. Paul VI.

Despite living in relative poverty, he entered the minor seminary in Feltre in 1923, when he was just 11 years old, and entered the Gregorian Seminary at Belluno five years later, in 1928. He was ordained a priest July 7, 1935, and after serving in a parish for a few months, in December of that year he was named instructor of religion at the Technical Institute for Miners in Agordo. He became vice-rector of the Belluno seminary just two years later, in 1937 – a position he would hold for the next 10 years.

Literature also played a key role in the future Pope's formation. He had a library full of books in different languages and a special fondness for Anglo-American literature. Though he knew English, French, German and Russian, his favorite authors were from the Anglo world, and included authors such as G.K. Chesterton, Willa Cather, and Mark Twain. (no wonder he smiled a lot!) Later as cardinal, he even wrote his own book called “Illustrissimi,” which is a series of letters penned to a variety of historical and fictional persons, including Jesus, King David, Figaro the Barber, Austrian Empress Maria Theresa Habsburg, Pinocchio, Mark Twain, Charles Dickens, and Christopher Marlowe.

At the same time, he also became an instructor at the seminary and continued to pursue his own studies in theology. When his time as vice-rector was complete in 1947, he obtained a docorate degree in Sacred Theology from the PontificalGregorianUniversityin Rome.

At just 36 years of age, he was named chancellor of the diocese of Belluno and given the title “Monsignor.” That year he was also nominated secretary for the diocesan synod of bishops. A year later, in 1948, he was named Pro Vicar General of the Belluno diocese and director of their office for catechesis and was named Vicar General of Belluno six years later, in 1954.

In 1958, he was named Bishop of the Vittorio Veneto diocese by St. John XXIII, and was consecrated by the Pope himself in St. Peter's Basilica.

Bishop Luciani was among the bishops present from around the world for the opening of the Second Vatican Council in 1962, and he attended each of the four sessions before the Council's close in 1965.

In 1969 he was named Patriarch of Venice by Bl. Pope Paul VI, one of the few patriarchates in the Latin Church. The Archbishop of Venice is typically made a cardinal, and Luciani received his red hat from Paul VI in 1973.

He participated in the 1971 Synod of Bishops on “The Ministerial Priesthood and Justice in the World” in 1971, and in 1972 was elected Vice President of the Italian Bishops' Conference, a position he held until 1975.

The last year of his life was a whirlwind in which he participated in the Sept. 30-Oct. 29 1977, Synod of Bishops on “Catechesis in Our Time” and voted in the August 1978 conclave that elected him as Pope after the death of Paul VI.

John Paul I has been hailed as a man of heroic humility and extraordinary simplicity, with a firm commitment to carrying forward the reforms of the Second Vatican Council and a knack for explaining complicated Church concepts in a way everyone can understand. Pope Paul VI considered him to be “one of the most advanced theologians” of the time.

So far hundreds of graces and favors have been recorded for those who pray to Pope JohnPaul I, and there are already two miracles being studied and considered for his beatification and eventual canonization. Currently the Vatican is trying to decide which to present first.

Now the dilemma, if and when, he is canonized, what do we call him? Since we have a St. Pope John Paul?

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SAINT TO SANTEROS

November 21, 2017, 10:49 am

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I paint saints because they embody the great desire to be one, united with the great source of life and love - our true purpose for being... BROTHER ARTURO OLIVAS, OFS

Self Portrait

My dear friend, renowned santero ARTURO OLIVASpassed to the Father, on Saturday, November 18 after an almost 7 year battle with cancer. Everyone who came into contact with him, from his students to fellow artists were better for knowing him.

Arturo painted Catholic images after the style of New Mexican religious folk artists of the 18th and 19th centuries. These images are commonly known as retablos. Early Santeros, who painted Retablos, used wooden panels and water-soluble paints colored with natural pigments and sealed their paintings with pinesap varnish. Arturo painted his original Retablos using these same materials.

The iconography of the Retablos is based on a centuries old canon governing the depiction of Catholic saints. The Church relied heavily upon the standard use of symbols and motifs to help illiterate faithful in Europe and the Americasidentify and learn the stories of the saints. Hence one could travel from the churches and chapels in New Mexico to those of Peruand identify the same saints rendered in distinct regional styles.

The Christmas Card

St Martin de Porres

New Mexican Retablos are distinctive in the bold use of simple lines and colors. The primitive materials dictated the style and training available to artists who were generally self-taught, a distinction Arturo shares with his forebears. The tradition of New Mexican Retablo painting reached its peak during the mid-nineteenth century. Arturo's work incorporates elements of his Spanish and Native American ancestry in order to preserve and teach the faith and customs of his forebears.

Arturo’s family originated in Spainfrom whence it migrated to Mexico, Texas, New Mexicoand California. The Olivas family entered New Mexico in 1695 as part of the so-called reconquest of the region after the 1680 Pueblo Indian revolt which expelled the Spanish-Mexicans to El Paso. About ninety years later another branch of the Olivas family guarded the founding settlers of Los Angeles, California and was later granted the Rancho San Miguel in Venturawhich still stands as a public museum.

"My family heritage strongly influences my work. In my youth my father danced the Matachines, an ancient folk dance introduced by the Spanish conquistadors, on the major feast days of the saints. My mother is descended in part from the Tarahumara people of northern Mexico and valued the folk traditions of her people. In my work I incorporate elements of my Spanish and Native American ancestry in order to preserve and teach the faith and customs of my forebears." (Br. Arturo Olivas, OFS)

OL of Guadalupe

Arturo became a Secular Franciscan Order in 2007, making his final profession in 2010. He served as servant minster from 2012 to 2015. His Franciscan vocation meant a lot to him and he was in the process of petitioning for permission for lay religious to wear the habit of the Order ( a custom in later times).

Several years ago Arturo gave us permission to use one of his pieces for our Christmas card. We chose "The Soul of Mary". Arturo had told me he wanted to present us with one of his works, and knowing my birthday was the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, he would give us that work. Later however knowing of my love of the Sacred Heart, he made for me that piece, giving it to us last year. I am sure it was one of his last pieces, and one which we treasure.

Arturo's faith, in his work and health and in his illness are an example to all of us and while he will be greatly missed, his life lives on through his art and his example.

OLRs Sacred Heart of Jesus

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SPIRITUAL MOTHER FOR PRIESTS

November 24, 2017, 4:24 pm

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In history many holy people had visions of Jesus, who encouraged them to pray for priests and renewal of the clergy. They are spiritual mothers, who take special spiritual care of priests.

One such saint who gave her life for priests was BL. MARIE de JEAUS DELUIL-MARTINY born in 1841 in Marseilles, France. She was the oldest child in family of five. Among her mother’s family members there were nuns, who through their devoutness and perseverance impressive the family. Marie’s father was a lawyer and in this profession he earned money to maintain his family.

Marie was educated in a school conducted by sisters. After graduating, she wanted to visit Ars to listen to (St.) Jean Marie Vianney’s homilies. Many pilgrims came to Ars to meet this priest. While she eventually got to Ars, she didn’t meet the saintly man.

When Marie returned home, she found that her younger sister, age 10, had died following her First Communion. It was a huge shock for Marie (she wrote in her diary that she felt like a part of her soul was dying then).

She was invited in 1865 to make a spiritual retreat on the occasion of Pope Pius IX celebrating the beatification of Marguerite-Marie Alacoque. In December 1866 she heard the Jesuit priest Jean Calage preach on the topic of the Sacred Heart and so revealed to him her desire to enter the religious life - he became her spiritual director.

In 1873 she decided to found the Congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. From childhood she was very devoted to Sacred Heart of Jesus, so naturally it became a Center of spiritual life in founded Congregation. Sisters tried to execute their charism not only by acts – the main aim was to unite spiritually with Jesus Heart. Marie understood Jesus’ calling to find “lost sheep”. She wrote:

“One more heart, which loves Jesus, one more soul, which adores Him and devote oneself Him, one more mouth, which profess and worship Him; one more spirit to contemplate Him and to be filled with His presence. And after that – one more seraph to be feverish with His love. For all these things it’s worth to spill your blood for it. Others may say it is an act of folly – the first example is Jesus: this is the same folly, for which a Word came to world as a man, the same folly that humbled Him in Nazareth and covered Him with blood in Gethsemane. It was the same folly that made Him an offer on Calvary and after His death – hurt His heart to let His Holly Blood flow and to spread His Love.”

Bl. Marie was aware how important was having saint shepherds in Church. She knew that priests were of great importance in leading people to God – by sacraments and preaching the Gospel. Because of it, she felt big responsibility of them and decided to pray and suffer in their intention. She said: “Offering for souls is really valuable thing! But offering for priests’ souls… it is so beautiful and responsible challenge that thousand lives and hearts wouldn’t be enough… I would willingly sacrifice my life for priests – just to make them be up to Jesus’ expectations. I would offer my life in the intention of any priest – hoping that he would perfectly realize God’s plan in his priestly service.”

In February 1884, she was shot by the crazed gardener, who was also an anarchist. He waited in ambush as she and the religious passed during their recreation. He sprang out as she spoke kind words to him. He grabbed her and shot her twice at point-blank range with a revolver. Before she died, she murmured "I forgive him ... for the Institute".

After death her body was moved from place to place and eventually – it was placed in Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Antwerp. On 22nd October 1989 she was beatified by pope John Paul II. Her remains were later moved to Rome on 28 September 2013.

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CHRIST THE KING IN A SUFFERING WORLD

November 25, 2017, 10:19 am

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The Conference of Catholic Bishops has announced Sunday, Nov. 26 as a Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians.

“On the solemnity of CHRIST THE KING, I ask that the entire church in the United States come together in a special way for a day of prayer for persecuted Christians to express our solidarity with those who are suffering,” says Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S.bishops’ conference.

“To focus attention on the plight of Christians and other minorities is not to ignore the suffering of others,” he said. “Rather by focusing on the most vulnerable members of society, we strengthen the entire fabric of society to protect the rights of all.”

The bishops’ conference made the announcement in collaboration with Aid to the Church in Need, Catholic Relief Services, the Knights of Columbus, and the Catholic Near East Welfare Association .

(Church of Holy Martyrs of Japan- Missouri)

The “Solemnity of Christ the King is a fitting time to reflect on religious freedom and Christians around the world who are being persecuted in unheard of numbers.

The day of prayer also begins a week ( Nov. 26-Dec. 3.) of awareness and education, entitled “Solidarity in Suffering.”

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