Saint Rita of Cascia, Religious (Optional Memorial) ~ 22 May

Saint Rita was born at Rocca Porrena, in the diocese of Spoleto near Cascia in Umbria, Italy, in 1381. She begged her parents to allow her to enter a convent as she had great desire was to become a nun but in obedience to her parents she agreed to be married at the age of twelve to Paolo Mancini, a minor official in the town. After eighteen years of married life and at her lost by death, her husband murdered and her twin sons died of natural causes. Saint Rita, 36 was called into the religious life where she professed the Rule of St. Augustine at Cascia her native town, in central Italy. Saint Rita's hidden, simple life in religion was distinguished by obedience and charity; she performed many extreme penances. After hearing a sermon on the Passion of Christ she returned to her cell; kneeling before her crucifix, she implored: "Let me, my Jesus share in Thy suffering, at least of one of Thy thorns" and as she prayed before a Crucifix, a wound appeared on her forehead like that of a thorn piercing Christ’s forehead. For the next 15 years she was to bear the pain of that wound with great love and patience, never complaining even though the pain was intense. During the last four years of her life, after experiencing a vision of Our Lord and the indescribable joy of heaven, she was confined to bed and ate so little that she practically existed on the Eucharist alone.Saint Rita is often depicted holding roses, or roses and figs, and the interesting story behind it is that as Saint Rita was dying, she requested her fellow sister to bring her a rose from her old home at Rocca Porrena. Although it was not the season for roses, the sister went and found a rose in full bloom. It was as if God was rewarding Rita for all the thorns in her life with the miracle of the rose. For this reason roses are blessed in the Saint's honour.

Saint Rita's died on 22 May 1457, her face became beautifully radiant, while the odor from her wound was as fragrant as that of the roses she loved so much. Pope Leo XIII canonized Saint Rita on the Feast of the Ascension 24 May, 1900. Saint RITA is universally called the ‘Saint of the Impossible’, because her intercession has been found effectual with God in most desperate and hopeless cases and is often regarded, like Saint Jude. Saint Rita of Cascia is the patron saint for abuse victims, against loneliness, against sterility, bodily ills; desperate causes, difficult marriages, forgotten causes, impossible causes, infertility, lost causes, parenthood, sick people, victims of physical spouse abuse, and widows. Saint Rita’s example reminds us to put our faith in God, who raised his only Son, Jesus from the dead and promises us that we, too, will share everlasting life with him in heaven.

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Prayer to Saint Rita of Cascia 

Holy patroness of those in need, Saint Rita of Cascia, 

so humble, pure and patient, 

whose pleadings with thy divine Spouse are irresistible, obtain for me from our Crucified Lord my request. 

(Mention it.) 

Be propitious towards me

for the greater glory of God, 

and I promise to honour thee 

and to sing thy praises forever. 

Amen. 

Saint Rita of Cascia, advocate of the impossible, 

pray for us. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be to the Father . . . (3x). 

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Bestow on us, we pray, O Lord, the wisdom and strength of the Cross, with which you were pleased to endow Saint Rita, so that, suffering in every tribulation with Christ, we may participate ever more deeply in his Paschal Mystery. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

Thursday, 22 May, 2014
St. Rita of Cascia, Religious (Optional Memorial)

Reading

Acts 15: 7 - 21
7	And after there had been much debate, Peter rose and said to them, "Brethren, you know that in the early days God made choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe.
8	And God who knows the heart bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us;
9	and he made no distinction between us and them, but cleansed their hearts by faith.
10	Now therefore why do you make trial of God by putting a yoke upon the neck of the disciples which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?
11	But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will."
12	And all the assembly kept silence; and they listened to Barnabas and Paul as they related what signs and wonders God had done through them among the Gentiles.
13	After they finished speaking, James replied, "Brethren, listen to me.
14	Simeon has related how God first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.
15	And with this the words of the prophets agree, as it is written,
16	`After this I will return, and I will rebuild the dwelling of David, which has fallen; I will rebuild its ruins, and I will set it up,
17	that the rest of men may seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by my name,
18	says the Lord, who has made these things known from of old.'
19	Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those of the Gentiles who turn to God,
20	but should write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols and from unchastity and from what is strangled and from blood.
21	For from early generations Moses has had in every city those who preach him, for he is read every sabbath in the synagogues."

Psalm

Psalms 96: 1 - 3, 10
1	O sing to the LORD a new song; sing to the LORD, all the earth!
2	Sing to the LORD, bless his name; tell of his salvation from day to day.
3	Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!
10	Say among the nations, "The LORD reigns! Yea, the world is established, it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity."

Gospel

John 15: 9 - 11
9	As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love.
10	If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love.
11	These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

Saint Paschal Baylon, OFM, Religious (Memorial) ~ 17 May

Paschal was born on 16 May, 1540 which was the feast of Pentecost in the town of Torre Hermosa, Aragon, Spain. He was named Paschal in honour of Pascua de Pentecosta (the Paschal or Easter Feast of Pentecost). His father Martin Baylon and mother Elizabeth Jubera were poor in worldly goods but rich in piety and Christian virtue. The child appeared to be endowed with all the gifts of the Holy Spirit in an eminent degree. He was joyfully attentive and obedient to the good lessons his parents taught him, and he so excelled other children of his age in understanding of the divine truths and zeal for virtue that everybody marveled at it. His mother was a deeply religious woman, she took him to Mass in the parish church, and from then on Paschal fell in love with the Blessed Sacrament.

In his early life, Paschal laboured as a shepherd for his father, performed miracles, and was distinguished for his austerity. He also taught himself to read by asking passersby to teach him the alphabet and to read, and as he toiled in the fields as a shepherd, he would read religious books. Receiving a vision which told him to enter a nearby Franciscan community, he became a Franciscan lay brother of the Alcantrine reform in 1564. On the road, while gathering alms, Paschal of Baylon always had his rosary in his hand and God in his heart. Paschal fostered special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom he called his Mother, and to the Blessed Sacrament, and it proved a constant means to rekindle his zeal. God showed how pleased He was with his devotion. One day while out-of-doors, Paschal of Baylon devoutly knelt down to adore the Blessed Sacrament when the bell announced the Consecration. At that moment the Blessed Sacrament was presented to him in a monstrance supported by angels hovering in the air. Paschal of Baylon was frequently found before the tabernacle prostrate or with his arms outstretched, or even rapt in ecstasy. Paschal of Baylon was known for his administrations to the poor and for his many miraculous cures.

Paschal died on 17 May, 1592 at a friary in Villareal, people flocked to his tomb immediately after his burial and miracles were reported promptly. Pascal was beatified in 1618 by Pope Paul V and was canonized in 16 October, 1690 by Pope Alexander VIII. In 1897 Pope Leo XIII declared Saint Paschal of Baylon patron of all eucharistic confratemities and congresses. He is also the patron of shepherds and cooks. Saint Paschal of Baylon is usually depicted in adoration before a vision of the Eucharist.

"Seek God above all things. It is right for you to seek God before and above everything else, because the majesty of God wishes you to receive what you ask for. This will also make you more ready to serve God and will enable you to love him more perfectly" 

~ * ~ Saint Paschal of Baylon ~ * ~

Saturday, 17 May, 2014
St. Paschal Baylon, OFM, Religious (Memorial)

Reading

Acts 13: 44 - 52
44	The next sabbath almost the whole city gathered together to hear the word of God.
45	But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy, and contradicted what was spoken by Paul, and reviled him.
46	And Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the word of God should be spoken first to you. Since you thrust it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
47	For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, `I have set you to be a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.'"
48	And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of God; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
49	And the word of the Lord spread throughout all the region.
50	But the Jews incited the devout women of high standing and the leading men of the city, and stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and drove them out of their district.
51	But they shook off the dust from their feet against them, and went to Ico'nium.
52	And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Psalm

Psalms 98: 1 - 4
1	O sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have gotten him victory.
2	The LORD has made known his victory, he has revealed his vindication in the sight of the nations.
3	He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the victory of our God.
4	Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!

Gospel

John 14: 7 - 14
7	If you had known me, you would have known my Father also; henceforth you know him and have seen him."
8	Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and we shall be satisfied."
9	Jesus said to him, "Have I been with you so long, and yet you do not know me, Philip? He who has seen me has seen the Father; how can you say, `Show us the Father'?
10	Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority; but the Father who dwells in me does his works.
11	Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me; or else believe me for the sake of the works themselves.
12	"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I go to the Father.
13	Whatever you ask in my name, I will do it, that the Father may be glorified in the Son;
14	if you ask anything in my name, I will do it.

St. Seraphin of Montegranaro, Religious (Memorial)

St. Seraphin of Montegranaro

(1540-1604)

O God, who didst inflame the heart 

of St. Seraphin with the fire of Thy love, 

grant, we beseech Thee, 

that at his intercession we may walk in his footsteps 

and be inflamed with the same fire of love. 

Through Christ our Lord. 

Amen.

At 16, Seraphin entered the Capuchin Franciscan Order by his desire to consecrate himself to the service of God. He was edified for his high degree of perfection, humility, charity, mortification, and self-sacrifice. Seraphin was devoted to the night prayer (the midnight office) and in the evenings he visited the Blessed Sacrament, being there for hours absorbed in prayer and contemplation. Seraphin emulated the life of Saint Francis by fasting, dressing simply, and showing consideration for all.

The miraculous power with which God rewarded the charity of His servant continued to manifest itself. Countless sick were restored to health when he made the Sign of the Cross over them.

Inflamed with the love of God, Seraphin retuned to the kingdom of the Lord on 12 October, 1604, and after which where many miracles occurred at his grave. Seraphin attained his sainthood from Pope Clement XIII who canonized him in 1767.

Saturday, 12 October, 2013
St. Seraphin of Montegranaro, Religious (Memorial)

Reading

Joel 4:12-21

Thus says the LORD:

Let the nations bestir themselves and come up

to the Valley of Jehoshaphat;

For there will I sit in judgment

upon all the neighboring nations.

Apply the sickle,

for the harvest is ripe;

Come and tread,

for the wine press is full;

The vats overflow,

for great is their malice.

Crowd upon crowd

in the valley of decision;

For near is the day of the LORD

in the valley of decision.

Sun and moon are darkened,

and the stars withhold their brightness.

The LORD roars from Zion,

and from Jerusalem raises his voice;

The heavens and the earth quake,

but the LORD is a refuge to his people,

a stronghold to the children of Israel.

Then shall you know that I, the LORD, am your God,

dwelling on Zion, my holy mountain;

Jerusalem shall be holy,

and strangers shall pass through her no more.

And then, on that day,

the mountains shall drip new wine,

and the hills shall flow with milk;

And the channels of Judah

shall flow with water:

A fountain shall issue from the house of the LORD,

to water the Valley of Shittim.

Egypt shall be a waste,

and Edom a desert waste,

Because of violence done to the people of Judah,

because they shed innocent blood in their land.

But Judah shall abide forever,

and Jerusalem for all generations.

I will avenge their blood,

and not leave it unpunished.

The LORD dwells in Zion.

Psalm

Psalm 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12

R. (12a) Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;

let the many isles be glad.

Clouds and darkness are round about him,

justice and judgment are the foundation of his throne.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

The mountains melt like wax before the LORD,

before the LORD of all the earth.

The heavens proclaim his justice,

and all peoples see his glory.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Light dawns for the just;

and gladness, for the upright of heart.

Be glad in the LORD, you just,

and give thanks to his holy name.

R. Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Gospel

Luke 11:27-28

While Jesus was speaking,

a woman from the crowd called out and said to him,

“Blessed is the womb that carried you

and the breasts at which you nursed.”

He replied, “Rather, blessed are those

who hear the word of God and observe it.”

If you commit any sin, 

repent of it at once and resolve to amend. 

If it is a grievous sin, confess it as soon as possible.

~ St. Alphonsus Liguori ~

St. Francis of Assisi, Deacon, Religious, Founder of the Three Orders (Solemnity)

Founder of the Franciscan Order

Born: 26 November, 1182, Assisi, Italy

Died: 3 October, 1226, Marche, Italy

“The peace of Saint Francis 

is the peace of Christ, 

and it is found by those 

who ‘take up’ their ‘yoke,’ 

namely, Christ’s commandment: 

Love one another as I have loved you. 

It is the peace of Christ, 

which is born of the greatest love of all, 

the love of the cross.”

Francis was the son of a rich merchant, Bernardone, received a good education and began his early life as a confirmed sinner. Later on in his life Francis who was part in a battle between Assisi and Perugia, he was captured and imprisoned. During his life in captive Francis began receiving visions from God and upon his release from prison, Francis was instructed by voice of Christ, who told him to care for the his church and live a life of poverty. Francis set out on a mission to restore Jesus Christ's own, original values to the Church. With his incredible charisma, thousands of followers were soon drawn to him, listening to his sermons and joining in his way of life; his followers became known as Franciscan friars.

Francis received a vision that left him with the stigmata of Christ, markings resembling the crucifixion wounds Jesus Christ. Francis the first religious to receive the holy wounds of the stigmata. He was canonized as a saint on 16 July, 1228.

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Father Almighty, 

Your ways and purpose 

are often hidden from us. 

Guide me now and through 

the intercession of 

Saint Francis of Assisi, 

I beg You, in my sorrow, 

and by Your power, 

to let me know Your will 

regarding my special need 

(mention your request). 

Amen.

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O God, by whose gift Saint Francis was conformed to Christ in poverty and humility, grant that, by walking in Francis' footsteps, we may follow your Son, and, through joyful charity, come to be united with you. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. AMEN.

Friday, 4 October, 2013
St. Francis of Assisi, Deacon, Religious, Founder of the Three Orders (Solemnity)

Reading 1

Sirach 50: 1, 3 - 4, 6 - 7
1	The leader of his brethren and the pride of his people was Simon the high priest, son of Onias, who in his life repaired the house, and in his time fortified the temple.
3	In his days a cistern for water was quarried out, a reservoir like the sea in circumference.
4	He considered how to save his people from ruin, and fortified the city to withstand a seige.
6	Like the morning star among the clouds, like the moon when it is full;
7	like the sun shining upon the temple of the Most High, and like the rainbow gleaming in glorious clouds;

Psalm

Psalms 16: 1 - 2, 5, 7 - 8, 11
1	Preserve me, O God, for in thee I take refuge.
2	I say to the LORD, "Thou art my Lord; I have no good apart from thee."
5	The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup; thou holdest my lot.
7	I bless the LORD who gives me counsel; in the night also my heart instructs me.
8	I keep the LORD always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.
11	Thou dost show me the path of life; in thy presence there is fulness of joy, in thy right hand are pleasures for evermore.

Reading 2

Galatians 6: 14 - 18
14	But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.
15	For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.
16	Peace and mercy be upon all who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.
17	Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.
18	The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren. Amen.

Gospel

Matthew 11: 25 - 30
25	At that time Jesus declared, "I thank thee, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to babes;
26	yea, Father, for such was thy gracious will.
27	All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.
28	Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29	Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
30	For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Let us be part of the army 

of the humble and poor in spirit 

so as to receive the wisdom 

given by the Father 

and bring joy 

to the Heart of Christ!

Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi

Assisi, Umbria, Italy