Podcasts about catholic mass

Fr. Michael Duesterhaus was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Arlington in 1991. He spent 27 years, Active and Reserves, as a Naval Chaplain, mostly serving with units of the U.S. Marine Corps. Father has presented over 125 formal cases before Tribunals of seven dioceses of the United States. He currently serves as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Baptist Parish in Front Royal, Virginia. In Today's Show: Do you have to love everyone to get to heaven?   Why is God more wrathful in the Old Testament? To what extent do we defend our faith? Is it OK for a Catholic layman to attend a Bar Mitzvah / Bat Mitzvah? What should a eucharistic minister do when they drop the consecrated host? Can you please help me with a complicated family situation? Is it ever licit for a non-service animal to be in the sanctuary during a Catholic Mass? If not, what can be done about it? ​​If someone has autism or ADHD, and they feel rejected by others within their church community because of their struggles and for being different, how can they see God in this? ​​​​What do you think is causing young people to be more and more interested in the Church?   Visit the show page at thestationofthecross.com/askapriest to listen live, check out the weekly lineup, listen to podcasts of past episodes, watch live video, find show resources, sign up for our mailing list of upcoming shows, and submit your question for Father!

Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 366 The Saint of the day is Saint John Francis Regis Saint John Francis Regis' Story Born into a family of some wealth, John Francis Regis was so impressed by his Jesuit educators that he himself wished to enter the Society of Jesus. He did so at age 18. Despite his rigorous academic schedule, he spent many hours in chapel, often to the dismay of fellow seminarians who were concerned about his health. Following his ordination to the priesthood, John Francis undertook missionary work in various French towns. While the formal sermons of the day tended toward the poetic, his discourses were plain. But they revealed the fervor within him and attracted people of all classes. Father Regis especially made himself available to the poor. Many mornings were spent in the confessional or at the altar celebrating Mass; afternoons were reserved for visits to prisons and hospitals. The bishop of Viviers, observing the success of John Francis Regis in communicating with people, sought to draw on his many gifts, especially needed during the prolonged civil and religious strife then rampant throughout France. With many prelates absent and priests negligent, the people had been deprived of the sacraments for 20 years or more. Various forms of Protestantism were thriving in some cases while a general indifference toward religion was evident in other instances. For three years, Father Regis traveled throughout the diocese, conducting missions in advance of a visit by the bishop. He succeeded in converting many people and in bringing many others back to religious observances. Though John Francis Regis longed to work as a missionary among the Native Americans in Canada, he was to live out his days working for the Lord in the wildest and most desolate part of his native France. There he encountered rigorous winters, snowdrifts and other deprivations. Meanwhile he continued preaching missions and earned a reputation as a saint. Upon entering the town of Saint-Andé, one man came upon a large crowd in front of a church and was told that people were waiting for “the saint” who was coming to preach a mission. The last four years of John Francis Regis' life were spent preaching and organizing social services, especially for prisoners, the sick and the poor. In the autumn of 1640, Father Regis sensed that his days were coming to a conclusion. He settled some of his affairs and prepared for the end by continuing to do what he did so well: speaking to the people about the God who loved them. On December 31, he spent most of the day with his eyes on the crucifix. That evening, he died. His final words were: “Into thy hands I commend my spirit.” John Francis Regis was canonized in 1737. Reflection John Francis Regis longed to travel to the New World and become a missionary to the Native Americans, but he was called instead to work among his own compatriots. Unlike many famous preachers, he isn't remembered for golden-tongued oratory. What people who listened to him heard was his own fervent faith, and it had a powerful effect on them. We can recall homilists who impressed us for the same reason. More importantly for us, we can also remember ordinary people, neighbors and friends, whose faith and goodness touched us and brought us to deeper faith. That is the calling most of us must follow. Let us take a moment to thank luminaries like John Francis Regis who show us the way to grace,Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

 Welcome to Catholic Apologetics, led by Dr. Jim Dobbins, Author of Take My Hand: A Personal Retreat Companion.  Just finished an RCIA program?  This is the next stop on your faith journey.    In these classes, we look at the different truths of Catholic doctrine and why we know they are true. We also discuss apologetics, spiritual growth, examine the liturgy of the Catholic Mass, and do scripture studies.  Please encourage your friends to listen. I also encourage you to leave a comment about our podcasts.  If you want the slides or any other documents for any class, just e-mail me at jhdphd@gmail.com and I will reply with the documents attached.  If you wish, I will also add you to the class materials distribution list so that each time I send anything out for the class you will get it.  If you are getting the podcast files from iTunes and would like to see the full set of available classes for download, you can see and download them all at http://yorked.podomatic.com.  Older podcasts are now stored at a free podcast site at Podcast.com.  The link to the podcasts there is: http://poddirectory.com/podcast/86506/dr-james-dobbins-catholic-apologetics We ask you to also consider going to http://yorked.podomatic.com and becoming a subscriber. It is free, helps our ratings, and thus helps us reach and help more people.  This session is part of our second discussion series of the Gospel of Matthew.  Please also let me know if there is a particular topic you would like to see addressed.  skvEapm1rLLW8foJsII1 

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings The Saint of the day is Saint Marguerite d'Youville Saint Marguerite d'Youville's Story We learn compassion from allowing our lives to be influenced by compassionate people, by seeing life from their perspectives, and reconsidering our own values. Born in Varennes, Canada, Marie Marguerite Dufrost de Lajemmerais had to interrupt her schooling at the age of 12 to help her widowed mother. Eight years later she married François d'Youville; they had six children, four of whom died young. Despite the fact that her husband gambled, sold liquor illegally to Native Americans, and treated her indifferently, she cared for him compassionately until his death in 1730. Even though she was caring for two small children and running a store to help pay off her husband's debts, Marguerite d'Youville still helped the poor. Once her children were grown, she and several companions rescued a Quebec hospital that was in danger of failing. She called her community the Institute of the Sisters of Charity of Montreal; the people called them the “Grey Nuns” because of the color of their habits. In time, a proverb arose among the poor people of Montreal, “Go to the Grey Nuns; they never refuse to serve.” In time, five other religious communities traced their roots to the Grey Nuns. The General Hospital in Montreal became known as the Hôtel Dieu (House of God) and set a standard for medical care and Christian compassion. When the hospital was destroyed by fire in 1766, Mère Marguerite knelt in the ashes, led the Te Deum—a hymn to God's providence in all circumstances—and began the rebuilding process. She fought the attempts of government officials to restrain her charity, and established the first foundling home in North America. Pope Saint John XXIII, who beatified Mère Marguerite d'Youville in 1959, called her the “Mother of Universal Charity.” She was canonized in 1990, and her liturgical feast is celebrated on October 16. Reflection Saints deal with plenty of discouragement, plenty of reasons to say, “Life isn't fair” and wonder where God is in the rubble of their lives. We honor saints like Marguerite d'Youville because they show us that with God's grace and our cooperation, suffering can lead to compassion rather than bitterness.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 91 The Saint of the day is Saint Albert Chmielowski Saint Albert Chmielowski's Story Born in Igolomia near Kraków as the eldest of four children in a wealthy family, Albert Chmielowski was christened Adam. During the 1864 revolt against Czar Alexander III, Adam's wounds forced the amputation of his left leg. His great talent for painting led to studies in Warsaw, Munich, and Paris. Adam returned to Kraków and became a Secular Franciscan. In 1888, when he founded the Brothers of the Third Order of Saint Francis, Servants to the Poor, he took the name Albert. They worked primarily with the homeless, depending completely on alms while serving the needy regardless of age, religion, or politics. A community of Albertine sisters was established later. Pope John Paul II beatified Albert Chmielowski in 1983, and canonized him six years later. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 17. Reflection Reflecting on his own priestly vocation, Pope John Paul II wrote in 1996 that Albert Chmielowski had played a role in its formation “because I found in him a real spiritual support and example in leaving behind the world of art, literature, and the theater, and in making the radical choice of a vocation to the priesthood” (Gift and Mystery: On the Fiftieth Anniversary of My Priestly Ordination). As a young priest, Karol Wojtyla repaid his debt of gratitude by writing The Brother of Our God, a play about Brother Albert's life.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 364 The Saint of the day is Saint Anthony of Padua Saint Anthony of Padua's Story The gospel call to leave everything and follow Christ was the rule of Saint Anthony of Padua's life. Over and over again, God called him to something new in his plan. Every time Anthony responded with renewed zeal and self-sacrificing to serve his Lord Jesus more completely. His journey as the servant of God began as a very young man when he decided to join the Augustinians in Lisbon, giving up a future of wealth and power to be a servant of God. Later when the bodies of the first Franciscan martyrs went through the Portuguese city where he was stationed, he was again filled with an intense longing to be one of those closest to Jesus himself: those who die for the Good News. So, Saint Anthony of Padua entered the Franciscan Order and set out to preach to the Moors. But an illness prevented him from achieving that goal. He went to Italy and was stationed in a small hermitage where he spent most of his time praying, reading the Scriptures and doing menial tasks. The call of God came again at an ordination where no one was prepared to speak. The humble and obedient Anthony hesitantly accepted the task. The years of searching for Jesus in prayer, of reading sacred Scripture and of serving him in poverty, chastity, and obedience had prepared Saint Anthony of Padua to allow the Spirit to use his talents. Anthony's sermon was astounding to those who expected an unprepared speech and knew not the Spirit's power to give people words. Recognized as a great man of prayer and a great Scripture and theology scholar, Saint Anthony of Padua became the first friar to teach theology to the other friars. Soon he was called from that post to preach to the Albigensians in France, using his profound knowledge of Scripture and theology to convert and reassure those who had been misled by their denial of Christ's divinity and of the sacraments. After he led the friars in northern Italy for three years, he made his headquarters in the city of Padua. He resumed his preaching and began writing sermon notes to help other preachers. In the spring of 1231 Saint Anthony of Padua withdrew to a friary at Camposampiero where he had a sort of treehouse built as a hermitage. There he prayed and prepared for death. On June 13, he became very ill and asked to be taken back to Padua, where he died after receiving the last sacraments. Saint Anthony of Padua was canonized less than a year later and named a Doctor of the Church in 1946. Reflection Saint Anthony of Padua should be the patron of those who find their lives completely uprooted and set in a new and unexpected direction. Like all saints, he is a perfect example of turning one's life completely over to Christ. God did with Anthony as God pleased—and what God pleased was a life of spiritual power and brilliance that still attracts admiration today. He whom popular devotion has nominated as finder of lost objects found himself by losing himself totally to the providence of God. May Saint Anthony's holy life help us see with renewed faith God's forgiveness and unconditional love for each of us! If we as believers understood as clearly as Anthony the depth of God's love for each of us, surely our love for Christ would grow stronger.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Solemnity of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus Lectionary: 170 The Saint of the day is Blessed Jolenta of Poland Blessed Jolenta of Poland's Story Blessed Jolenta was the daughter of Bela IV, King of Hungary. Her sister, St. Kunigunde, was married to the Duke of Poland. Jolenta was sent to Poland where her sister was to supervise her education. Eventually married to Boleslaus, the Duke of Greater Poland, Jolenta was able to use her material means to assist the poor, the sick, widows, and orphans. Her husband joined her in building hospitals, convents, and churches so that he was surnamed “the Pious.” Upon the death of her husband and the marriage of two of her daughters, Jolenta and her third daughter entered the convent of the Poor Clares. War forced Jolenta to move to another convent where despite her reluctance, she was made abbess. So well did Jolenta serve her Franciscan sisters by word and example, that her fame and good works continued to spread beyond the walls of the cloister. Her favorite devotion was the Passion of Christ. Indeed, Jesus appeared to her, telling her of her coming death. Many miracles, down to our own day, are said to have occurred at her grave. Reflection Blessed Jolenta's story begins like a fairy tale. But fairy tales seldom include the death of the prince and never end with the princess living out her days in a convent. Nonetheless, Jolenta's story has a happy ending. Her life of charity toward the poor and devotion to her Franciscan sisters indeed brought her to a “happily ever after.” Our lives may be short on fairy tale elements, but our generosity and our willingness to serve well the people we live with lead us toward an ending happier than we can imagine.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle Lectionary: 580/362 The Saint of the day is Saint Barnabas Saint Barnabas' Story Saint Barnabas, a Jew of Cyprus, comes as close as anyone outside the Twelve to being a full-fledged apostle. He was closely associated with Saint Paul—he introduced Paul to Peter and the other apostles—and served as a kind of mediator between the former persecutor and the still suspicious Jewish Christians. When a Christian community developed at Antioch, Barnabas was sent as the official representative of the church of Jerusalem to incorporate them into the fold. He and Paul instructed in Antioch for a year, after which they took relief contributions to Jerusalem. Later Paul and Barnabas, now clearly seen as charismatic leaders, were sent by Antioch officials to preach to the gentiles. Enormous success crowned their efforts. After a miracle at Lystra, the people wanted to offer sacrifice to them as gods—Barnabas being Zeus, and Paul, Hermes—but the two said, “We are of the same nature as you, human beings. We proclaim to you good news that you should turn from these idols to the living God” (see Acts 14:8-18). But all was not peaceful. They were expelled from one town, they had to go to Jerusalem to clear up the ever-recurring controversy about circumcision, and even the best of friends can have differences. When Paul wanted to revisit the places they had evangelized, Saint Barnabas wanted to take along his cousin John Mark, author of the Gospel, but Paul insisted that since Mark had deserted them once, he was not fit to take along now. The disagreement that followed was so sharp that Barnabas and Paul separated: Barnabas taking Mark to Cyprus, Paul taking Silas to Syria. Later they were reconciled—Paul, Barnabas and Mark. When Paul stood up to Peter for not eating with gentiles for fear of his Jewish friends, we learn that “even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy” (see Galatians 2:1-13). Reflection Saint Barnabas is spoken of simply as one who dedicated his life to the Lord. He was a man “filled with the Holy Spirit and faith. Thereby, large numbers were added to the Lord.” Even when he and Paul were expelled from Antioch in Pisidia—modern-day Turkey—they were “filled with joy and the Holy Spirit.”Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 361 The Saint of the day is Saint Joachima Saint Joachima's Story Born into an aristocratic family in Barcelona, Spain, Saint Joachima was 12 when she expressed a desire to become a Carmelite nun. But her life took an altogether different turn at 16 with her marriage to a young lawyer, Theodore de Mas. Both deeply devout, they became Secular Franciscans. During their 17 years of married life they raised eight children. The normalcy of their family life was interrupted when Napoleon invaded Spain. Saint Joachima had to flee with the children; Theodore remained behind and died. Though Joachima re-experienced a desire to enter a religious community, she attended to her duties as a mother. At the same time, the young widow led a life of austerity and chose to wear the habit of the Third Order of St. Francis as her ordinary dress. She spent much time in prayer and visiting the sick. Four years later, with some of her children now married and younger ones under their care, Joachima confessed her desire to a priest to join a religious order. With his encouragement, she established the Carmelite Sisters of Charity. In the midst of the fratricidal wars occurring at the time, Joachima was briefly imprisoned and later exiled to France for several years. Sickness ultimately compelled her to resign as superior of her order. Over the next four years she slowly succumbed to paralysis, which caused her to die by inches. At her death in 1854 at the age of 71, Joachima was known and admired for her high degree of prayer, deep trust in God, and selfless charity. Saint Joachima was beatified by Pope Pius XII in 1940, and canonized by Pope John XXIII in 1959. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on August 28. Reflection Saint Joachima understands loss. She lost the home where her children grew up, her husband, and finally her health. As the power to move and care for her own needs slowly ebbed away, this woman who had all her life cared for others became wholly dependent; she required help with life's simplest tasks. When our own lives go spinning out of control, when illness and bereavement and financial hardship strike, all we can do is cling to the belief that sustained Joachima: God watches over us always.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 360 The Saint of the day is Saint Ephrem Saint Ephrem's Story Poet, teacher, orator, and defender of the faith, Saint Ephrem is the only Syriac Christian recognized as a doctor of the Church. He took upon himself the special task of opposing the many false doctrines rampant at his time, always remaining a true and forceful defender of the Catholic Church. Born in Nisibis, Mesopotamia, he was baptized as a young man and became famous as a teacher in his native city. When the Christian emperor had to cede Nisibis to the Persians, Ephrem fled as a refugee to Edessa, along with many other Christians. He is credited with attracting great glory to the biblical school there. He was ordained a deacon but declined becoming a priest. Ephrem was said to have avoided presbyteral consecration by feigning madness! Saint Ephrem had a prolific pen, and his writings best illumine his holiness. Although he was not a man of great scholarship, his works reflect deep insight and knowledge of the Scriptures. In writing about the mysteries of humanity's redemption, Ephrem reveals a realistic and humanly sympathetic spirit and a great devotion to the humanity of Jesus. It is said that his poetic account of the Last Judgment inspired Dante. It is surprising to read that he wrote hymns against the heretics of his day. He would take the popular songs of the heretical groups and using their melodies, compose beautiful hymns embodying orthodox doctrine. Saint Ephrem became one of the first to introduce song into the Church's public worship as a means of instruction for the faithful. His many hymns have earned him the title “Harp of the Holy Spirit.” Saint Ephrem preferred a simple, austere life, living in a small cave overlooking the city of Edessa. It was here that he died around 373. Reflection Many Catholics still find singing in church a problem, probably because of the rather individualistic piety that they inherited. Yet singing has been a tradition of both the Old and the New Testaments. It is an excellent way of expressing and creating a community spirit of unity as well as of joy. An ancient historian testifies that Saint Ephrem's hymns “lent luster to the Christian assemblies.” We need some modern Ephrems—and cooperating singers—to do the same for our Christian assemblies today.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

 Welcome to Catholic Apologetics, led by Dr. Jim Dobbins, Author of Take My Hand: A Personal Retreat Companion.  Just finished an RCIA program?  This is the next stop on your faith journey.    In these classes, we look at the different truths of Catholic doctrine and why we know they are true. We also discuss apologetics, spiritual growth, examine the liturgy of the Catholic Mass, and do scripture studies.  Please encourage your friends to listen. I also encourage you to leave a comment about our podcasts.  If you want the slides or any other documents for any class, just e-mail me at jhdphd@gmail.com and I will reply with the documents attached.  If you wish, I will also add you to the class materials distribution list so that each time I send anything out for the class you will get it.  If you are getting the podcast files from iTunes and would like to see the full set of available classes for download, you can see and download them all at http://yorked.podomatic.com.  Older podcasts are now stored at a free podcast site at Podcast.com.  The link to the podcasts there is: http://poddirectory.com/podcast/86506/dr-james-dobbins-catholic-apologetics We ask you to also consider going to http://yorked.podomatic.com and becoming a subscriber. It is free, helps our ratings, and thus helps us reach and help more people.  This session is part of our second discussion series of the Gospel of Matthew.  Please also let me know if there is a particular topic you would like to see addressed.  skvEapm1rLLW8foJsII1 

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Monday of the Tenth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 359 The Saint of the day is Saint William of York Saint William of York's Story A disputed election as archbishop of York and a mysterious death. Those are the headlines from the tragic life of today's saint. Born into a powerful family in 12th-century England, William of York seemed destined for great things. His uncle was next in line for the English throne—though a nasty dynastic struggle complicated things. William himself faced an internal Church feud. Despite these roadblocks, he was nominated as archbishop of York in 1140. Local clergymen were less enthusiastic, however, and the archbishop of Canterbury refused to consecrate William. Three years later a neighboring bishop performed the consecration, but it lacked the approval of Pope Innocent II, whose successors likewise withheld approval. William was deposed, and a new election was ordered. It was not until 1154—14 years after he was first nominated—that William of York became archbishop of York. When he entered the city that spring after years of exile, he received an enthusiastic welcome. Within two months he was dead, probably from poisoning. His administrative assistant was a suspect, though no formal ruling was ever made. Despite all that happened to him, William of York did not show resentment toward his opponents. Following his death, many miracles were attributed to him. He was canonized 73 years later. Reflection “Good things come to those who wait” might be the catch phrase for today's saint. We don't always get what we want when we want it. Sometimes we have to wait patiently, trusting that if it is for our good, God will bless us.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ Lectionary: 167 The Saint of the day is Blessed Franz Jägerstätter Blessed Franz Jägerstätter, an Austrian farmer executed for refusing to fight for Nazi Germany, is pictured in an undated photo. (CNS photo)  Saint of the Day for June 7 (May 20, 1907 – August 9, 1943) Blessed Franz Jägerstätter's Story Called to fight for his country as a Nazi soldier, Franz Jägerstätter eventually refused, and this husband and father of three daughters—Rosalie, Marie and Aloisia—was executed because of it. Born in St. Radegund in Upper Austria, Franz Jägerstätter lost his father during World War I and was adopted after Heinrich Jaegerstaetter married Rosalia Huber. As a young man, he loved to ride his motorcycle and was the natural leader of a gang whose members were arrested in 1934 for brawling. For three years he worked in the mines in another city and then returned to St. Radegund, where he became a farmer, married Franziska and lived his faith with quiet but intense conviction. In 1938, he publicly opposed the German Anschluss–annexation–of Austria. The next year he was drafted into the Austrian army, trained for seven months and then received a deferment. In 1940, Franz was called up again but allowed to return home at the request of the town's mayor. He was in active service between October 1940 and April 1941, but was again deferred. His pastor, other priests, and the bishop of Linz urged him not to refuse to serve if drafted. In February 1943, Franz was called up again and reported to army officials in Enns, Austria. When he refused to take the oath of loyalty to Hitler, he was imprisoned in Linz. Later he volunteered to serve in the medical corps but was not assigned there. During Holy Week Blessed Franz Jägerstätter wrote to his wife: “Easter is coming and, if it should be God's will that we can never again in this world celebrate Easter together in our intimate family circle, we can still look ahead in the happy confidence that, when the eternal Easter morning dawns, no one in our family circle shall be missing—so we can then be permitted to rejoice together forever.” He was transferred in May to a prison in Berlin. Challenged by his attorney that other Catholics were serving in the army, Franz responded, “I can only act on my own conscience. I do not judge anyone. I can only judge myself.” He continued, “I have considered my family. I have prayed and put myself and my family in God's hands. I know that, if I do what I think God wants me to do, he will take care of my family.” On August 8, 1943, Franz wrote to Fransizka: “Dear wife and mother, I thank you once more from my heart for everything that you have done for me in my lifetime, for all the sacrifices that you have borne for me. I beg you to forgive me if I have hurt or offended you, just as I have forgiven everything…My heartfelt greetings for my dear children. I will surely beg the dear God, if I am permitted to enter heaven soon, that he will set aside a little place in heaven for all of you.” Franz Jägerstätter was beheaded and cremated the following day. In 1946, his ashes were reburied in St. Radegund near a memorial inscribed with his name and the names of almost 60 village men who died during their military service. He was beatified in Linz on October 26, 2007. His “spiritual testament” is now in Rome's St. Bartholomew Church as part of a shrine to 20th-century martyrs for their faith. Blessed Franz's liturgical feast is celebrated on August 9. Want to learn more about Blessed Franz Jägerstätter? Click here! Facebook Twitter Pinterest Email Sign Up for Our Daily Newsletter Includes Saint of the Day, Minute Meditations, and Pause + Pray. Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 358 The Saint of the day is Saint Norbert Saint Norbert's Story In the 12th century in the French region of Premontre, Saint Norbert founded a religious Order known as the Praemonstratensians or the Norbertines. His founding of the Order was a monumental tasks: combating rampant heresies—particularly regarding the Blessed Sacrament, revitalizing many of the faithful who had grown indifferent and dissolute, plus effecting peace and reconciliation among enemies. Saint Norbert entertained no pretensions about his own ability to accomplish this multiple task. Even with the aid of a goodly number of men who joined his Order, he realized that nothing could be effectively done without God's power. Finding this help especially in devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, he and his Norbertines praised God for success in converting heretics, reconciling numerous enemies, and rebuilding faith in indifferent believers. Many of them lived in central houses during the week and served in parishes on weekends. Reluctantly, Saint Norbert became archbishop of Magdeburg in central Germany, a territory half pagan and half Christian. In this position he zealously and courageously continued his work for the Church until his death on June 6, 1134. Reflection A different world cannot be built by indifferent people. The same is true in regard to the Church. The indifference of vast numbers of nominal faithful to ecclesiastical authority and essential doctrines of the faith weakens the Church's witness. Unswerving loyalty to the Church and fervent devotion to the Eucharist, as practiced by Saint Norbert, will continue immeasurably toward maintaining the people of God in accord with the heart of Christ.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr Lectionary: 357 The Saint of the day is Saint Boniface Saint Boniface's Story Boniface, known as the apostle of the Germans, was an English Benedictine monk who gave up being elected abbot to devote his life to the conversion of the Germanic tribes. Two characteristics stand out: his Christian orthodoxy and his fidelity to the pope of Rome. How absolutely necessary this orthodoxy and fidelity were is borne out by the conditions Saint Boniface found on his first missionary journey in 719 at the request of Pope Gregory II. Paganism was a way of life. What Christianity he did find had either lapsed into paganism or was mixed with error. The clergy were mainly responsible for these latter conditions since they were in many instances uneducated, lax and questionably obedient to their bishops. In particular instances their very ordinations were questionable. These are the conditions that Saint Boniface was to report in 722 on his first return visit to Rome. The Holy Father instructed him to reform the German Church. The pope sent letters of recommendation to religious and civil leaders. Boniface later admitted that his work would have been unsuccessful, from a human viewpoint, without a letter of safe-conduct from Charles Martel, the powerful Frankish ruler, grandfather of Charlemagne. Boniface was finally made a regional bishop and authorized to organize the whole German Church. He was eminently successful. In the Frankish kingdom, he met great problems because of lay interference in bishops' elections, the worldliness of the clergy and lack of papal control. During a final mission to the Frisians, Boniface and 53 companions were massacred while he was preparing converts for confirmation. In order to restore the Germanic Church to its fidelity to Rome and to convert the pagans, Saint Boniface had been guided by two principles. The first was to restore the obedience of the clergy to their bishops in union with the pope of Rome. The second was the establishment of many houses of prayer which took the form of Benedictine monasteries. A great number of Anglo-Saxon monks and nuns followed him to the continent, where he introduced the Benedictine nuns to the active apostolate of education. Reflection Saint Boniface bears out the Christian rule: To follow Christ is to follow the way of the cross. For Boniface, it was not only physical suffering or death, but the painful, thankless, bewildering task of Church reform. Missionary glory is often thought of in terms of bringing new persons to Christ. It seems—but is not—less glorious to heal the household of the faith.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

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Full Text of Readings Thursday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 356 The Saint of the day is Blessed Angelina of Marsciano Blessed Angelina of Marsciano's Story Blessed Angelina of Marsciano founded the first community of Franciscan women other than Poor Clares to receive papal approval. Angelina of Marsciano was born to the Duke of Marsciano near Orvieto. She was 12 when her mother died. Three years later, the young woman made a vow of perpetual chastity. That same year, however, she yielded to her father's decision that she marry the Duke of Civitella. Her husband agreed to respect her previous vow. When he died two years later, Angelina of Marsciano joined the Secular Franciscans and with several other women dedicated herself to caring for the sick, the poor, widows and orphans. When many other young women were attracted to Angelina's community, some people accused her of condemning the married vocation. Legend has it that when she came before the King of Naples to answer these charges, she had burning coals hidden in the folds of her cloak. When she proclaimed her innocence and showed the king that these coals had not harmed her, he dropped the case. Angelina of Marsciano and her companions later went to Foligno, where her community of Third Order sisters received papal approval in 1397. She soon established 15 similar communities of women in other Italian cities. Angelina of Marsciano died on July 14, 1435, and was beatified in 1825. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on July 13. Reflection Priests, sisters and brothers cannot be signs of God's love for the human family if they belittle the vocation of marriage. Angelina respected marriage, but felt called to another way of living out the gospel. Her choice was life-giving in its own way.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Comedian Mike Figs returns to the Mad House this week, and what a great way to kick off fat boy summer!! While Mike admits he has a little darkness in his heart, he's grateful for his PS5, so that balances things out. Besides practicing gratitude, Maddy and Figs discuss Mamdani's team of blonde babes, cooking as therapy, Spanish mass versus white mass, Jersey Shore, and more! Follow Maddy:https://www.youtube.com/@maddysmithcomedyhttps://www.instagram.com/somaddysmith/?hl=enhttps://www.tiktok.com/@somaddysmithhttps://maddysmithcomedy.com/Follow Mike:https://www.instagram.com/comicmikefigs/?hl=enhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtcv9RHTMjaBWJ4j51kNlEQSubscribe/follow the Mad House Podcast:https://www.youtube.com/@madhouse_podcasthttps://www.instagram.com/mad_house_podcast/All tour dates: https://punchup.live/maddysmith/ticketsWant more ad-free and uncensored Mad House?!Go to https://gasdigital.com/ to subscribe!Use promo code MAD to save big on your membership :)Get early access to our weekly episodes on Tuesdays, along with EXCLUSIVE episodes on Thursdays.UPCOMING STAND UP DATES:6/11 NEW YORK, NY7/15-7/19 MONTREAL, QUEBEC7/30 NEW YORK, NYSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions, Martyrs Lectionary: 355 The Saint of the day is Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions Saint Charles Lwanga and Companions' Story One of 22 Ugandan martyrs, Saint Charles Lwanga is the patron of youth and Catholic action in most of tropical Africa. He protected his fellow pages, aged 13 to 30, from the sexual demands of the Bagandan ruler, Mwanga, and encouraged and instructed them in the Catholic faith during their imprisonment for refusing the ruler's demands. Saint Charles Lwanga first learned of Christ's teachings from two retainers in the court of Chief Mawulugungu. While a catechumen, he entered the royal household as assistant to Joseph Mukaso, head of the court pages. On the night of Mukaso's martyrdom for encouraging the African youths to resist Mwanga, Saint Charles Lwanga requested and received baptism. Imprisoned with his friends, Charles' courage and belief in God inspired them to remain chaste and faithful. For his own unwillingness to submit to the immoral acts and his efforts to safeguard the faith of his friends, Charles was burned to death at Namugongo on June 3, 1886, by Mwanga's order. When Pope Paul VI canonized these 22 martyrs on October 18, 1964, he also made reference to the Anglican pages martyred for the same reason. Reflection Like Saint Charles Lwanga, we are all teachers and witnesses to Christian living by the examples of our own lives. We are all called upon to spread the word of God, whether by word or deed. By remaining courageous and unshakable in our faith during times of great moral and physical temptation, we live as Christ lived.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Tuesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 354 The Saint of the day is Saints Marcellinus and Peter Saints Marcellinus and Peter's Story Marcellinus and Peter were prominent enough in the memory of the Church to be included among the saints of the Roman Canon. Mention of their names is optional in our present Eucharistic Prayer I. Marcellinus was a priest and Peter was an exorcist, that is, someone authorized by the Church to deal with cases of demonic possession. They were beheaded during the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. Pope Damasus wrote an epitaph apparently based on the report of their executioner, and Constantine erected a basilica over the crypt in which they were buried in Rome. Numerous legends sprang from an early account of their death. Reflection Why are these men included in our Eucharistic prayer, and given their own feast day, in spite of the fact that almost nothing is known about them? Probably because the Church respects its collective memory. They once sent an impulse of encouragement through the whole Church. They made the ultimate step of faith.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

 Welcome to Catholic Apologetics, led by Dr. Jim Dobbins, Author of Take My Hand: A Personal Retreat Companion.  Just finished an RCIA program?  This is the next stop on your faith journey.    In these classes, we look at the different truths of Catholic doctrine and why we know they are true. We also discuss apologetics, spiritual growth, examine the liturgy of the Catholic Mass, and do scripture studies.  Please encourage your friends to listen. I also encourage you to leave a comment about our podcasts.  If you want the slides or any other documents for any class, just e-mail me at jhdphd@gmail.com and I will reply with the documents attached.  If you wish, I will also add you to the class materials distribution list so that each time I send anything out for the class you will get it.  If you are getting the podcast files from iTunes and would like to see the full set of available classes for download, you can see and download them all at http://yorked.podomatic.com.  Older podcasts are now stored at a free podcast site at Podcast.com.  The link to the podcasts there is: http://poddirectory.com/podcast/86506/dr-james-dobbins-catholic-apologetics We ask you to also consider going to http://yorked.podomatic.com and becoming a subscriber. It is free, helps our ratings, and thus helps us reach and help more people.  This session is part of our second discussion series of the Gospel of Matthew.  Please also let me know if there is a particular topic you would like to see addressed.  skvEapm1rLLW8foJsII1 

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Justin, Martyr Lectionary: 353 The Saint of the day is Saint Justin Martyr Saint Justin Martyr's Story Saint Justin Martyr never ended his quest for religious truth even when he converted to Christianity after years of studying various pagan philosophies. As a young man, he was principally attracted to the school of Plato. However, he found that the Christian religion answered the great questions about life and existence better than the philosophers. Upon his conversion he continued to wear the philosopher's mantle, and became the first Christian philosopher. He combined the Christian religion with the best elements in Greek philosophy. In his view, philosophy was a pedagogue of Christ, an educator that was to lead one to Christ. Saint Justin Martyr is known as an apologist, one who defends in writing the Christian religion against the attacks and misunderstandings of the pagans. Two of his so-called apologies have come down to us; they are addressed to the Roman emperor and to the Senate. For his staunch adherence to the Christian religion, Justin was beheaded in Rome in 165. Reflection As patron of philosophers, Saint Justin Martyr may inspire us to use our natural powers—especially our power to know and understand—in the service of Christ, and to build up the Christian life within us. Since we are prone to error, especially in reference to the deep questions concerning life and existence, we should also be willing to correct and check our natural thinking in light of religious truth. Thus we will be able to say with the learned saints of the Church: I believe in order to understand, and I understand in order to believe.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings The Solemnity of the Most Holy Trinity Lectionary: 164 The Saint of the day is Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary The Story of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary This is a fairly late feast, going back only to the 13th or 14th century. It was established widely throughout the Church to pray for unity. The present date of celebration was set in 1969, in order to follow the Annunciation of the Lord and precede the Nativity of Saint John the Baptist. Like most feasts of Mary, it is closely connected with Jesus and his saving work. The more visible actors in the visitation drama (see Luke 1:39-45) are Mary and Elizabeth. However, Jesus and John the Baptist steal the scene in a hidden way. Jesus makes John leap with joy—the joy of messianic salvation. Elizabeth, in turn, is filled with the Holy Spirit and addresses words of praise to Mary—words that echo down through the ages. It is helpful to recall that we do not have a journalist's account of this meeting. Rather Luke, speaking for the Church, gives a prayerful poet's rendition of the scene. Elizabeth's praise of Mary as “the mother of my Lord” can be viewed as the earliest Church's devotion to Mary. As with all authentic devotion to Mary, Elizabeth's (the Church's) words first praise God for what God has done to Mary. Only secondly does she praise Mary for trusting God's words. Then comes the Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55). Here, Mary herself—like the Church—traces all her greatness to God. Reflection One of the invocations in Mary's litany is “Ark of the Covenant.” Like the Ark of the Covenant of old, Mary brings God's presence into the lives of other people. As David danced before the Ark, John the Baptist leaps for joy. As the Ark helped to unite the 12 tribes of Israel by being placed in David's capital, so Mary has the power to unite all Christians in her son. At times, devotion to Mary may have occasioned some divisiveness, but we can hope that authentic devotion will lead all to Christ and therefore, to one another.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 352 The Saint of the day is Saint Joan of Arc Saint Joan of Arc's Story Burned at the stake as a heretic after a politically-motivated trial, Joan was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920. Born of a fairly well-to-do peasant couple in Domremy-Greux southeast of Paris, Joan was only 12 when she experienced a vision and heard voices that she later identified as Saints Michael the Archangel, Catherine of Alexandria, and Margaret of Antioch. During the Hundred Years War, Joan led French troops against the English and recaptured the cities of Orléans and Troyes. This enabled Charles VII to be crowned as king in Reims in 1429. Captured near Compiegne the following year, Joan was sold to the English and placed on trial for heresy and witchcraft. Professors at the University of Paris supported Bishop Pierre Cauchon of Beauvis, the judge at her trial; Cardinal Henry Beaufort of Winchester, England, participated in the questioning of Joan in prison. In the end, she was condemned for wearing men's clothes. The English resented France's military success–to which Joan contributed. On this day in 1431, Joan was burned at the stake in Rouen, and her ashes were scattered in the Seine River. A second Church trial 25 years later nullified the earlier verdict, which was reached under political pressure. Remembered by most people for her military exploits, Joan had a great love for the sacraments, which strengthened her compassion toward the poor. Popular devotion to her increased greatly in 19th-century France and later among French soldiers during World War I. Theologian George Tavard writes that her life “offers a perfect example of the conjunction of contemplation and action” because her spiritual insight is that there should be a “unity of heaven and earth.” Joan of Arc has been the subject of many books, plays, operas and movies. Reflection “Joan of Arc is like a shooting star across the landscape of French and English history, amid the stories of the Church's saints and into our consciousness. Women identify with her; men admire her courage. She challenges us in fundamental ways. Despite the fact that more than 500 years have passed since she lived, her issues of mysticism, calling, identity, trust and betrayal, conflict and focus are our issues still.” (Joan of Arc: God's Warrior by Barbara Beckwith)Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Friday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 351 The Saint of the day is Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat Saint Madeleine Sophie Barat's Story The legacy of Madeleine Sophie Barat can be found in the more than 100 schools operated by her Society of the Sacred Heart, institutions known for the quality of the education made available to the young. Sophie herself received an extensive education, thanks to her brother Louis, 11 years older and her godfather at baptism. Himself a seminarian, Louis decided that his younger sister would likewise learn Latin, Greek, history, physics and mathematics—always without interruption and with a minimum of companionship. By age 15, she had received a thorough exposure to the Bible, the teachings of the Fathers of the Church and theology. Despite the oppressive regime Louis imposed, young Madeleine Sophie Barat thrived and developed a genuine love of learning. Meanwhile, this was the time of the French Revolution and of the suppression of Christian schools. The education of the young, particularly young girls, was in a troubled state. Sophie, who had discerned a call to the religious life, was persuaded to become a teacher. She founded the Society of the Sacred Heart, which focused on schools for the poor as well as boarding schools for young women of means. Today, co-ed Sacred Heart schools also can be found, along with schools exclusively for boys. In 1826, her Society of the Sacred Heart received formal papal approval. By then she had served as superior at a number of convents. In 1865, she was stricken with paralysis; she died that year on the feast of the Ascension. Madeleine Sophie Barat was canonized in 1925. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on May 25. Reflection Madeleine Sophie Barat lived in turbulent times. She was only 10 when the Reign of Terror began. In the wake of the French Revolution, rich and poor both suffered before some semblance of normality returned to France. Born to some degree of privilege, Sophie received a good education. It grieved her that the same opportunity was being denied to other young girls, and she devoted herself to educating them, whether poor or well-to-do. We who live in an affluent country can follow her example by helping to ensure to others the blessings we have enjoyed.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Start your day with God's Word by listening to the Catholic Mass readings. Sign up at Formed Daily to receive these daily reflections directly to your inbox.You can listen to this series and other great Catholic content at Formed.org.Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Formed.org.Help support this podcast and the Augustine Institute by becoming a member of the Mission Circle. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Full Text of Readings Thursday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 350 The Saint of the day is Venerable Pierre Toussaint Venerable Pierre Toussaint's Story Born in modern-day Haiti and brought to New York City as a slave, Pierre Toussaint died a free man, a renowned hairdresser, and one of New York City's most well-known Catholics. Plantation owner Pierre Bérard made Toussaint a house slave and allowed his grandmother to teach her grandson how to read and write. In his early 20s, Pierre, his younger sister, his aunt, and two other house slaves accompanied their master's son to New York City because of political unrest at home. Apprenticed to a local hairdresser, Pierre learned the trade quickly and eventually worked very successfully in the homes of rich women in New York City. When his master died, Pierre Toussaint was determined to support himself, his master's widow, and the other house slaves. He was freed shortly before the widow's death in 1807. Four years later, he married Marie Rose Juliette, whose freedom he had purchased. They later adopted Euphémie, his orphaned niece. Both preceded Pierre in death. He attended daily Mass at St. Peter's Church on Barclay Street, the same parish that Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton had attended. Pierre Toussaint donated to various charities, generously assisting blacks and whites in need. He and his wife opened their home to orphans and educated them. The couple also nursed abandoned people who were suffering from yellow fever. Urged to retire and enjoy the wealth he had accumulated, Pierre responded, “I have enough for myself, but if I stop working I have not enough for others.” Pierre originally was buried outside St. Patrick's Old Cathedral, where he was once refused entrance because of his race. His sanctity and the popular devotion to him caused his body to be moved to the present location of St. Patrick's Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. Pierre Toussaint was declared Venerable in 1996. Reflection Pierre was internally free long before he was legally free. Refusing to become bitter, he daily chose to cooperate with God's grace, eventually becoming a compelling sign of God's wildly generous love.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time Lectionary: 349 The Saint of the day is Saint Augustine of Canterbury Saint Augustine of Canterbury's Story In the year 596, some 40 monks set out from Rome to evangelize the Anglo-Saxons in England. Leading the group was Augustine, the prior of their monastery. Hardly had he and his men reached Gaul when they heard stories of the ferocity of the Anglo-Saxons and of the treacherous waters of the English Channel. Augustine returned to Rome and to Gregory the Great—the pope who had sent them—only to be assured by him that their fears were groundless. Augustine of Canterbury set out again. This time the group crossed the English Channel and landed in the territory of Kent, ruled by King Ethelbert, a pagan married to a Christian, Bertha. Ethelbert received them kindly, set up a residence for them in Canterbury and within the year, on Pentecost Sunday 597, was himself baptized. After being consecrated a bishop in France, Augustine returned to Canterbury, where he founded his see. He constructed a church and monastery near where the present cathedral, begun in 1070, now stands. As the faith spread, additional sees were established at London and Rochester. Work was sometimes slow and Augustine of Canterbury did not always meet with success. Attempts to reconcile the Anglo-Saxon Christians with the original Briton Christians—who had been driven into western England by Anglo-Saxon invaders—ended in dismal failure. Augustine failed to convince the Britons to give up certain Celtic customs at variance with Rome and to forget their bitterness, helping him evangelize their Anglo-Saxon conquerors. Laboring patiently, Augustine of Canterbury wisely heeded the missionary principles—quite enlightened for the times—suggested by Pope Gregory: purify rather than destroy pagan temples and customs; let pagan rites and festivals be transformed into Christian feasts; retain local customs as far as possible. The limited success Augustine achieved in England before his death in 605, a short eight years after his arrival, would eventually bear fruit long after in the conversion of England. Augustine of Canterbury can truly be called the “Apostle of England.” Reflection Augustine of Canterbury comes across today as a very human saint, one who could suffer like many of us from a failure of nerve. For example, his first venture to England ended in a big U-turn back to Rome. He made mistakes and met failure in his peacemaking attempts with the Briton Christians. He often wrote to Rome for decisions on matters he could have decided on his own had he been more self-assured. He even received mild warnings against pride from Pope Gregory, who cautioned him to “fear lest, amidst the wonders that are done, the weak mind be puffed up by self-esteem.” Augustine's perseverance amidst obstacles and only partial success teaches today's apostles and pioneers to struggle on despite frustrations and be satisfied with gradual advances.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Memorial of Saint Philip Neri, Priest Lectionary: 348 The Saint of the day is Saint Philip Neri Saint Philip Neri's Story Philip Neri was a sign of contradiction, combining popularity with piety against the background of a corrupt Rome and a disinterested clergy: the whole post-Renaissance malaise. At an early age, Philip abandoned the chance to become a businessman, moved to Rome from Florence, and devoted his life and individuality to God. After three years of philosophy and theology studies, he gave up any thought of ordination. The next 13 years were spent in a vocation unusual at the time—that of a layperson actively engaged in prayer and the apostolate. As the Council of Trent (1545-63) was reforming the Church on a doctrinal level, Philip Neri's appealing personality was winning him friends from all levels of society, from beggars to cardinals. He rapidly gathered around himself a group of laypersons won over by his audacious spirituality. Initially, they met as an informal prayer and discussion group, and also served poor people in Rome. At the urging of his confessor, Philip Neri was ordained a priest and soon became an outstanding confessor himself, gifted with the knack of piercing the pretenses and illusions of others, though always in a charitable manner and often with a joke. He arranged talks, discussions, and prayers for his penitents in a room above the church. He sometimes led “excursions” to other churches, often with music and a picnic on the way. Saint Christopher: Fact or Fiction? Some of Philip's followers became priests and lived together in community. This was the beginning of the Oratory, the religious institute he founded. A feature of their life was a daily afternoon service of four informal talks, with vernacular hymns and prayers. Giovanni Palestrina was one of Philip's followers, and composed music for the services. The Oratory was finally approved after suffering through a period of accusations of being an assembly of heretics, where laypersons preached and sang vernacular hymns! Philip's advice was sought by many of the prominent figures of his day. He is one of the influential figures of the Counter-Reformation, mainly for converting to personal holiness many of the influential people within the Church itself. His characteristic virtues were humility and gaiety. After spending a day hearing confessions and receiving visitors, Philip Neri suffered a hemorrhage and died on the feast of Corpus Christi in 1595. He was beatified in 1615 and canonized in 1622. Three centuries later, Cardinal John Henry Newman founded the first English-speaking house of the Oratory in London. Reflection Many people wrongly feel that such an attractive and jocular personality as Philip's cannot be combined with an intense spirituality. Philip's life melts our rigid, narrow views of piety. His approach to sanctity was truly catholic, all-embracing, and accompanied by a good laugh. Philip always wanted his followers to become not less but more human through their striving for holiness.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Memorial of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church Lectionary: 572A The Saint of the day is Saint Bede the Venerable Saint Bede the Venerable's Story Bede the Venerable is one of the few saints honored as such even during his lifetime. His writings were filled with such faith and learning that even while he was still alive, a Church council ordered them to be read publicly in the churches. At an early age, Bede was entrusted to the care of the abbot of the Monastery of St. Paul, Jarrow. The happy combination of genius and the instruction of scholarly, saintly monks, produced a saint and an extraordinary scholar, perhaps the most outstanding one of his day. He was deeply versed in all the sciences of his times: natural philosophy, the philosophical principles of Aristotle, astronomy, arithmetic, grammar, ecclesiastical history, the lives of the saints and especially, holy Scripture. From the time of his ordination to the priesthood at 30—he had been ordained a deacon at 19—till his death, Bede the Venerable was ever occupied with learning, writing, and teaching. Besides the many books that he copied, he composed 45 of his own, including 30 commentaries on books of the Bible. His Ecclesiastical History of the English People is commonly regarded as of decisive importance in the art and science of writing history. A unique era was coming to an end at the time of Bede's death: It had fulfilled its purpose of preparing Western Christianity to assimilate the non-Roman barbarian North. Bede recognized the opening to a new day in the life of the Church even as it was happening. Although eagerly sought by kings and other notables, even Pope Sergius, Bede the Venerable managed to remain in his own monastery until his death. Only once did he leave for a few months in order to teach in the school of the archbishop of York. Bede died in 735 praying his favorite prayer: “Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As in the beginning, so now, and forever.” Reflection Though his History is the greatest legacy Bede the Venerable has left us, his work in all the sciences, especially in Scripture, should not be overlooked. During his last Lent, Bede worked on a translation of the Gospel of Saint John into English, completing it the day he died. But of this work “to break the word to the poor and unlearned” nothing remains today.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Pentecost Sunday Lectionary: 62, 63 The Saint of the day is Saint Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi Saint Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi's Story Mystical ecstasy is the elevation of the spirit to God in such a way that the person is aware of this union with God while both internal and external senses are detached from the sensible world. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi was so generously given this special gift of God that she is called the “ecstatic saint.” Catherine de' Pazzi was born into a noble family in Florence in 1566. The normal course would have been for her to have married into wealth and enjoyed comfort, but Catherine chose to follow her own path. At 9, she learned to meditate from the family confessor. She made her first Communion at the then-early age of 10, and made a vow of virginity one month later. At 16, Catherine entered the Carmelite convent in Florence because she could receive Communion daily there. Catherine had taken the name Mary Magdalene and had been a novice for a year when she became critically ill. Death seemed near, so her superiors let her make her profession of vows in a private ceremony from a cot in the chapel. Immediately after, Mary Magdalene fell into an ecstasy that lasted about two hours. This was repeated after Communion on the following 40 mornings. These ecstasies were rich experiences of union with God and contained marvelous insights into divine truths. As a safeguard against deception and to preserve the revelations, her confessor asked Mary Magdalene to dictate her experiences to sister secretaries. Over the next six years, five large volumes were filled. The first three books record ecstasies from May of 1584 through Pentecost week the following year. This week was a preparation for a severe five-year trial. The fourth book records that trial and the fifth is a collection of letters concerning reform and renewal. Another book, Admonitions, is a collection of her sayings arising from her experiences in the formation of women religious. The extraordinary was ordinary for this saint. She read the thoughts of others and predicted future events. During her lifetime, Mary Magdalene appeared to several persons in distant places and cured a number of sick people. It would be easy to dwell on the ecstasies and pretend that Mary Magdalene only had spiritual highs. This is far from true. It seems that God permitted her this special closeness to prepare her for the five years of desolation that followed when she experienced spiritual dryness. She was plunged into a state of darkness in which she saw nothing but what was horrible in herself and all around her. She had violent temptations and endured great physical suffering. Mary Magdalene de' Pazzi died in 1607 at age 41, and was canonized in 1669. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on May 25. Reflection Intimate union, God's gift to mystics, is a reminder to all of us of the eternal happiness of union he wishes to give us. The cause of mystical ecstasy in this life is the Holy Spirit, working through spiritual gifts. The ecstasy occurs because of the weakness of the body and its powers to withstand the divine illumination, but as the body is purified and strengthened, ecstasy no longer occurs. See Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle, and John of the Cross' Dark Night of the Soul, for more about various aspects of ecstasies.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Saturday of the Seventh Week of Easter - Mass in the Morning Lectionary: 302 The Saint of the day is Saint Gregory VII Saint Gregory VII's Story The 10th century and the first half of the 11th were dark days for the Church, partly because the papacy was the pawn of various Roman families. In 1049, things began to change when Pope Leo IX, a reformer, was elected. He brought a young monk named Hildebrand to Rome as his counselor and special representative on important missions. Hildebrand was to become Gregory VII. Three evils plagued the Church then: simony–the buying and selling of sacred offices and things; the unlawful marriage of the clergy; and lay investiture—kings and nobles controlling the appointment of Church officials. To all of these Hildebrand directed his reformer's attention, first as counselor to the popes and later as pope himself. Gregory VII's papal letters stress the role of the bishop of Rome as the vicar of Christ and the visible center of unity in the Church. He is well known for his long dispute with Holy Roman Emperor Henry IV over who should control the selection of bishops and abbots. Gregory VII fiercely resisted any attack on the liberty of the Church. For this he suffered and finally died in exile. He said, “I have loved justice and hated iniquity; therefore, I die in exile.” Thirty years later the Church finally won its struggle against lay investiture. The liturgical feast of Saint Gregory VII is celebrated on May 25. Reflection The Gregorian Reform, a milestone in the history of Christ's Church, was named after this man who tried to extricate the papacy and the whole Church from undue control by civil rulers. Against an unhealthy Church nationalism in some areas, Gregory reasserted the unity of the whole Church based on Christ, and expressed in the bishop of Rome, the successor of Saint Peter.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media

Full Text of Readings Friday of the Seventh Week of Easter Lectionary: 301 The Saint of the day is Saint Rita of Cascia Saint Rita of Cascia's Story Like Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rita of Cascia was a wife, mother, widow, and member of a religious community. Her holiness was reflected in each phase of her life. Born at Roccaporena in central Italy, Rita wanted to become a nun but was pressured at a young age into marrying a harsh and cruel man. During her 18-year marriage, she bore and raised two sons. After her husband was killed in a brawl and her sons had died, Rita tried to join the Augustinian nuns in Cascia. Unsuccessful at first because she was a widow, Rita eventually succeeded. Over the years, her austerity, prayerfulness, and charity became legendary. When Rita of Cascia developed wounds on her forehead, people quickly associated them with the wounds from Christ's crown of thorns. She meditated frequently on Christ's passion. Her care for the sick nuns was especially loving. She also counseled lay people who came to her monastery. Beatified in 1626, Rita of Cascia was not canonized until 1900. She has acquired the reputation, together with Saint Jude, as a saint of impossible cases. Many people visit her tomb each year. Reflection Although we can easily imagine an ideal world in which to live out our baptismal vocation, such a world does not exist. An “If only ….” approach to holiness never quite gets underway, never produces the fruit that God has a right to expect. Rita became holy because she made choices that reflected her baptism and her growth as a disciple of Jesus. Her overarching, lifelong choice was to cooperate generously with God's grace, but many small choices were needed to make that happen. Few of those choices were made in ideal circumstances—not even when Rita became an Augustinian nun.Saint of the Day, Copyright Franciscan Media