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Paul spoke of “endless genealogies.” Christ was their end point. Reject Him and they're endless. 

Thankfully, there weren't only kings and priests, but prophets, too, who kept on speaking for God.

Welcome to Wait and See. A podcast for sharing stories of families with amazing children with special powers. We will talk to families and professionals of special needs children. We hope you will be encouraged and find support within our community! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/amber-mustain/support

Événements - Conférence EuroHPC à la Cité des Sciences des 22 au 24 mars 2022 https://events.prace-ri.eu/event/1214/contributions/1740/attachments/1976/4255/D3-03_Kristel%20MICHIELSEN_Quantum%20Computing.pdfSlides d'Elham Kashefi : https://events.prace-ri.eu/event/1214/contributions/1655/attachments/2079/4232/D2-06_Elham%20KASHEFI_Keynote%203-Quantum%20Computing.pdfSlides de Marc Porcheron d'EDF : https://events.prace-ri.eu/event/1214/contributions/1681/attachments/2053/4260/D3-12.0_Marc%20PORCHERON_EDF.pdfSlides d'Elvira Shishenina de BMW : https://events.prace-ri.eu/event/1214/contributions/1682/attachments/2050/4261/D3-12.5_Elvira%20SHISHENINA_BMW.pdfSlides de Ali El Hamidi et Didier M'Tamon de Crédit Agricole CIB : https://events.prace-ri.eu/event/1214/contributions/1683/attachments/2095/4262/D3-13a%20%26%20D3-13b_Ali%20EL-HAMIDI%20%26%20Didier%20MTAMON_CA%20CIB.pdf - Forum Teratec TQCI chez Inria à Palaiseau le 31 mars 2022. https://teratec.eu/Seminaires/Seminaire_TQCI.html - Lancement de QuantAlps le 25 mars à Grenoble https://www.alpes.cnrs.fr/fr/cnrsinfo/quantalps-une-federation-de-recherche-grenobloise-pour-les-sciences-et-les-technologies - Rennes pour LePool le 5 avril. Actualité scientifique et entrepreneuriale - Quandela lançait Perceval, un émulateur de qubits photons. Perceval: A Software Platform for Discrete Variable Photonic Quantum Computing https://perceval.quandela.net/ - Alice & bob - EuRyQa : nouveau projet validé du flagship quantique européen associant la France dans les atomes froids et coordonné par l'Université de Strasbourg.APS March Meeting: Google, Intel and Others Highlight Quantum Progress Points https://research.ibm.com/publications/challenges-and-directions-of-quantum-computing-with-superconducting-qubits - Maybell Quantum, lancement d'une nouvelle startup US dans la cryogénie très basse température, https://www.taylordailypress.net/leo-kouwenhoven-dutch-pioneer-in-quantum-computer-leaving-microsoft/ - Création de Sandbox AQ par Alphabet. https://www.insidequantumtechnology.com/news-archive/bidens-cybersecurity-order-opens-our-post-quantum-era/ - Nvidiahttps://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2022/03/22/hybrid-quantum-computing-ecosystem/ New review papers See Quantum technologies need a Quantum Energy Initiative by Alexia Auffèves, April 2022 (11 pages).Nouvelle version du papier d'Alexia sur l'énergétique du calcul quantique. See Quantum computing at the quantum advantage threshold: a down-to-business review by A.K. Fedorov, Nicolas Gisin et al, March 2022 (55 pages).État de l'art du calcul quantique. See Introduction to Quantum Optics by Carlos Navarrete-Benlloch, March 2022 (162 pages).Un point sur le calcul quantique à base de photons. See Quantum Computing in the Cloud: Analyzing job and machine characteristics by Gokul Subramanian Ravi, March 2022 (13 pages).See Quantum Computers, Predictability, and Free Will by Gil Kalai, Apri 2022 (33 pages). 

Thursday, 31 March 2022   Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with Stephen. Acts 6:9   The previous verse referred to the faith and power of Stephen as he did great wonders and signs among the people. Now, another group is introduced. Luke states, “Then there arose some.”   Because of the wording, one can assume they either have arisen to join, or to argue against, Stephen. Stephen is the main character of the narrative, and these now to be mentioned are brought in to define the narrative further. Those who have arisen are said to be “from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen.”   A short explanation of who these men are is given by Vincent's Word Studies –   “In Jerusalem, and probably in other large cities, the several synagogues were arranged according to nationalities, and even crafts. Thus we have in this verse mention of the synagogues of the Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, and Asiatics. Libertines is a Latin word (libertini, freedmen), and means here Jews or their descendants who had been taken as slaves to Rome, and had there received their liberty; and who, in consequence of the decree of Tiberius, about 19 a.d., expelling them from Rome, had returned in great numbers to Jerusalem. They were likely to be the chief opponents of Stephen, because they supposed that by his preaching, their religion, for which they had suffered at Rome, was endangered in Jerusalem.”   However, Albert Barnes provides much more information on this designation –   ----------   The word is Latin, and means properly a ‘freedman,' a man who had been a slave and was set at liberty. Many have supposed that these persons were manumitted slaves of Roman origin, but who had become proselyted to the Jewish religion, and who had a synagogue in Jerusalem. This opinion is not very probable; though it is certain, from Tacitus (Ann., lib. 2:c. 85), that there were many persons of this description at Rome. He says that 4,000 Jewish proselytes of Roman slaves made free were sent at one time to Sardinia.   A second opinion is, that these persons were Jews by birth, and had been taken captives by the Romans, and then set at liberty, and were thus called ‘freedmen' or ‘liberties.' That there were many Jews of this description there can be no doubt. Pompey the Great, when he subjugated Judea, sent large numbers of the Jews to Rome (Philo, In Legat. a.d. Caium). These Jews were set at liberty at Rome, and assigned a place beyond the Tiber for a residence. See Introduction to the Epistle to the Romans. These persons are by Philo called "libertines," or ‘freedmen' (Kuinoel, in loco). Many Jews were also conveyed as captives by Ptolemy I. to Egypt, and obtained a residence in that country and the vicinity.   Another opinion is, that they took their name from some ‘place' which they occupied. This opinion is more probable from the fact that all the "other" persons mentioned here are named from the countries which they occupied. Suidas says that this is the name of a place. And in one of the fathers this passage occurs: ‘Victor, Bishop of the Catholic Church at Libertina, says, unity is there, etc.' from this passage it is plain that there was a place called ‘Libertina.' That place was in Africa, not far from ancient Carthage. See Dr. Pearce's Commentary on this place.   ----------   Whatever the exact meaning of the name, the group was comprised of “Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia”   The Cyrenians are those who dwelt in Cyrene in Africa, a location west of Egypt. This is where Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus' cross in Matthew 27:32 was from.   Alexandrians are those who dwelt in Alexandria in Egypt. A great deal of Jews lived there inhabiting large sections of the city. This is the location where the Greek translation of the Bible, the Septuagint or LXX, came from.   Cilicia was in Asia Minor, a province on the seacoast, located at Cyprus' north. Its capital, Tarsus, is where the Apostle Paul came from – as is recorded in Acts 9:11 (and as is noted elsewhere). As such, it makes it appear likely that Paul attended this synagogue and participated in what will be said in this verse.   Finally, Asia is noted. This is not Asia as we think of it today. Rather, it is the same as was referred to in Acts 2:9. It is a term that may refer to a jurisdiction according to the layout of the provinces of Rome. Of this location, Vincent's Word Studies says –   “Not the Asiatic continent nor Asia Minor. In the time of the apostles the term was commonly understood of the proconsular province of Asia, principally of the kingdom of Pergamus left by Attalus III. to the Romans, and including Lydia, Mysia, Caria, and at times parts of Phrygia. The name Asia Minor did not come into use until the fourth century of our era.”   It is from this synagogue, filled with people from these various locations, that men arose “disputing with Stephen.”   The word translated as “disputing” essentially means “to examine together.” It is rendered as “question,” “debate,” “discuss,” “argue,” and so on. It does not necessarily indicate any animosity, but it can. Or it can be a debate that eventually leads to an argument. It is probable that Stephen voiced his words concerning Jesus and they came back against him in a debate that will eventually lead to the forming of a charge against him. It is to be noted again (as stated in the previous verse) that Stephen was “full of faith and power,” and he “did great wonders and signs among the people.”   This is a key thought that certainly set in motion the debate.   Life application: In Christianity, there are Calvinists, there are Free Grace proponents, there are Baptists, Presbyterians, and Episcopalians. In fact, there are so many sects and divisions within the church that it is almost impossible to know them all, much less what they all believe.   Because of this, there are obviously disagreements between them concerning valid points of doctrine. In the end, there can only be one completely correct idea about any particular point. Is Jesus God? Yes or No. Is salvation eternal? Yes or No. Does man have free will to choose Christ? Yes or No. And so on.   The Bible is the source of our knowledge of who Jesus is. It is where we are to build our doctrine from. Anything that is said about our theology and doctrine must find its source there or be in accord with what is said there. If it isn't, then it is something that came out of the head of man.   The more one knows the Bible, the less likely it is that he will be duped into believing something incorrect. It is still possible, but it is less likely. For those who do not know Scripture, the probability is that they will be more easily led astray from what is sound.   Read your Bible. Think about what you have read. Study theology after you know your Bible. And set your doctrine in accord with the Bible. It is important.   Glorious God Almighty, You have provided us with a source of knowledge in order for us to know You, to know what You are doing, and to know why You have done those things. How can we neglect such a great and precious treasure? Help us, Lord, to make Your word our priority all the days of our lives. Amen.

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Welcome to The Tea On Birth! We are going to talk about pregnancy, birth and postpartum..... but mostly birth! Not only will this podcast educate you but also telling you birth stories in the point of view of a doula! My name is Lavondria let's sip and chat.

Ep. 2 of 4 on Herman Melville's Billy Budd, Sailor.  Evaluate how critical conversation on Billy Budd maps onto the structure of the plot with the shifting emphasis fom Billy to Claggart, and then Vere. Did Vere have to hold the drumhead court? See Introduction of Heyford and Sealts edition, see also Toni Morrison on book’s opening digression Join us on Goodreads goo.gl/T7Waw1. Contact @profomalley  

Letter 1 - Being Thankful to God wCremona, May 31, 1530To the Reverend Father, Fra Battista da Crema,1of the Order of Preachers of St. Dominic,my venerable father in Christ.In Milan REVEREND FATHER IN CHRIST,I give thanks to God, for in His mercy He does not treat me as I deserve, and He subjects me only to such small trials that I tend to be unaware of them because of some reproachable insensitivity of mine, as our Donna8 Francesca of Vicenza9 used to remark while we were riding on horseback. I say this because it would have been a great consolation to me to receive a letter from you. But I understand that either your poor health or, no doubt, other good reasons have prevented you from writing at all. May you, dear Father, conform to God’s will, for I myself intend to conform to it, in spite of everything, and come what may. From my incident with Mr. Gerolamo10 something resulted about which the carrier Mr. Benedetto Romani11 will tell you. I won’t mention it, for it is quite complicated to express and requires many explanations. Mr. Romani will explain it to you by word of mouth. In all truth, dear Father, my wish is that you yourself would give it a satisfactory solution. It is up to you, of course, to keep me informed about this or any other matter, which you may think useful for me to know. I think our illustrious Countess12 and Donna Francesca are fully excused for not writing to me since they must be busy; and they will in turn excuse me, for I, too, am hindered from doing so. Recommend me to their prayers. The present carrier has expressed to me some of his ideas and says that he is somewhat acquainted with you. I heartily recommend him to you as, in my judgment, he seems to be good and simple, an upright man who fears God;13 he will do everything for you, and you will not be disappointed because I found him to be obedient and one of those who are said (...)14 both in actions and words. You will get to know him better than I can describe him. For God’s sake, may he be dear to you, as I am sure he will. My affairs move slowly, and my negligence delays them even more. Yet I will keep attending to them. My mother15 recommends herself to the prayers of the Countess and of Donna Francesca, and, first of all, to your prayers; Fra Bono16 and Mr. Francesco’s son17 asks for the same favor. Please, dear Father, don’t forsake me, and be my patron saint before God. May He set me free from my imperfections, faint-heartedness, and pride.From Cremona, the last day of May, 1530. The Victory Over Oneself should be written by me with deeds, not with ink.18 Your son in Christ,Anthony M. Zaccaria, PriestREFLECTIONSGod is generous and merciful. He does not only respond to our prayers, he also anticipates them. He wants our own good more than we ourselves do.Often times our response to God’s love is indifference. We give priority to things, and even ourselves, rather than God.Those who love conform themselves to God’s will. They renounce love of self; they “die to themselves.”The journey toward perfection is often slow. It may stop and even slip back. So at times we need a shake-up. We do not get discouraged. With God’s help, all is possible.We must devote ourselves to help others walk in the Spirit and to spur them on to give the best they can.QUESTIONSHow much interest do I take in, and how much time do I devote to, God and the Church?Am I aware that one gauge of my being in God is the time I devote to him and the importance I give to spiritual matters in my daily activities?Am I willing to sacrifice my own convenience for love of God?As I examine my life, can I honestly say that I have become better over the years?Do I encourage and help others grow spiritually?FOOTNOTES1. See Introduction of this letter and also Letters IV, V, and VII.2. See Antonio M. Gentili, “S. Antonio M. Zaccaria. Appunti per una Lettura Spirituale degli Scritti,” Quaderni di Vita Barnabitica 4 (1980) Part I; 6 (1983) Part II.3. Via de aperta verità (Way of Open Truth, 1523); Cognitione et vittoria de se stesso (The Knowledge of, and Victory over, Oneself, 1531); Philosophia divina (Divine Philosophy, 1531); Specchio interiore (Interior Mirror, published posthumously by Ludovica Torelli in 1540); Sentenze spirituali (Spiritual Sayings, published posthumously in 1583 by Giovan Paolo Folperto with the title Detti notabili [Notable Sayings]). 4. These were the reports of the meetings of the St. Barnabas community, the only Barnabite community until 1557.5. See p. 17, par. 3.6. See Angelo Cortenovis, Lettere Familiari (Milan, 1862) 252–253.7. Information on the original autograph and its copies was kindly supplied by Fr. Giuseppe M. Cagni, archivist of the General Archives (February 1998).8. Title given a lady in Italy.9. A laywoman from Vicenza who was called “Marescalca” (blacksmith) after her father’s trade. She was a member of the first mission band in Vicenza (1537). She was one of the widows (like Porzia Negri and Giulia Sfondrati) associated with the Angelics.10. Unidentified.11. No further identification available.12. Ludovica (Paola) Torelli (1499–1569), Countess of Guastalla. See Letter V, Introduction; also Letters I, IV, VI, and IX.13. Job 2:314. In light of the context, the illegible words in the manuscript could mean: “to be trustworthy.”15. Antonia Pescaroli: she married Lazzaro Zaccaria on February 2, 1501, and gave birth to Anthony Mary during the first half of December 1502. She died in 1544. See also Letter V.16. Fra Bono Lizzari, a hermit from Cremona. Together with Anthony Mary he was one of the earliest promoters of the Forty Hours Devotion. Although he secured permission to hold this devotion as early as 1534, it was actually introduced only three years later, in Milan. See also Letters II, III, and VI.17. Father and son most likely from Cremona.18. Anthony Mary is alluding to one of the spiritual writings of Fra Battista da Crema - perhaps his masterpiece - The Knowledge of, and Victory over, Oneself, which was to be published in Milan, March 31, 1531. Apparently, Fra Battista invited Anthony Mary to help him write that book, but the latter preferred to decline, perhaps out of humility.

____________________________________________LETTER 7 Guastalla, November 3, 1538To the children of Paul the Apostle and ours too: Mr. Giacomo Antonio [Morigia],122 Mr. Battista [Soresina],123and all the others. At St. Ambrose’s.  In Milan   MY SWEETEST CHILDREN IN CHRIST,It seems that the devil is sowing doubts in me about what is going on among you.  Yes, he is suggesting to me that, since none of us is present in the community, among all other evils that he has sown and is still sowing in your hearts, there reigns confusion in our house.  In fact nothing there goes on in an orderly fashion.  I certainly do not want to believe this, but, just the same, I want to open my heart to you.  And do not believe that it is my habit, as it seems to you, to send you harsh letters.  No, they are prompted by my extreme love, which makes me worry about you.My suspicion, then, does not lead me to conclude, but at least to doubt very much, that the devil is telling me the truth.  In fact, it seems that some among you, as if dozing or sleeping, are not complying with the intentions of their Superiors.As you know, my dearly beloved, it would be a good thing indeed if our Superiors were to write down on paper all rules and regulations.  But what good would they be if they were not also written in our minds?  If, for instance, there were someone, not a disciple of ours, who nonetheless would take delight in interpreting our intentions carefully and in carrying them out faithfully, always keeping them before his eyes—this one, indeed, would be a far better and more genuine disciple of ours than the one who had our intentions written on paper, but not in his heart, even if he loved to call himself our disciple.Do not believe it to be a small evil to forget or to neglect our Superiors’ intentions.  For what else would that look like but lose interest in our initial resolutions, or having our Superiors clearly understand that, should they pass away or, for some reason, absent themselves, we would soon leave aside their directives?  Is it possible that those who possess greater fervor than their teachers may be inclined to dismantle the foundations established by the latter?  Does not just the opposite happen: that far from abolishing them, they would add some more, not, of course, to contradict the former, but to bring them to greater perfection and to consolidate them?Thanks be to God for blinding us so as to enable you to see better and to beget your own children as legitimate children, since your parents begot you as bastards!  If your eyes are blind and adulterous, can you imagine what the rest of your body will be?132I am not making these remarks to shame you,133 but only because I would like you to show your Superiors the same attachment that they show you.  But shouldn’t your virtuous hearts, because of the natural knowledge engraved in them, sustain you so that you may no longer need written laws?  And if you are generous, you will learn to conduct yourselves with the law engraved in your hearts, rather than with external laws.  Thus you will move forward to fulfill not so much the word of the law but its spirit.  If you then do not want to obey like slaves, but like family children, that is the way you should act.Thus, if you have a Superior, you will let him direct you, as if there were an angel for that task, without caring who the Superior is—this or that person. And whether the Superior is present or absent, you will always safeguard the union of the body with its head and never cause divisions.  You will be careful in the future not to stick rigidly to your Superiors’ words and guidelines, but you will learn to be flexible in each circumstance by interpreting their intentions for the best.And, again, you will not foolishly try to be equal to others by imitating their way of behaving and talking because, if it is all right for an immature person like a child to say “mommy” and “daddy”, it is not so for an adult.  It is quite the same in spiritual matters.Likewise, let us suppose that one meddles in things which somebody else is already concerned with; the latter should not take offense at that. What do you think our life is all about?  Do we, by chance, aim to become lords and masters of this world, rather than to help each other make progress and humble ourselves more and more?  If this is the case, as indeed it is, why do some tear down that which others build?Please, take care lest favors weaken your spirits, and praises cloud your minds; rather let us encourage ourselves and others in Christ.  Let none of you disobey orders, and if anyone would do that, you must instead observe them with greater fidelity.  In the absence of the Superior, be your own Superiors and work for victory over yourselves.Vie with one another to become humbler, simpler, and readier to seek not so much your own will but Christ’s in you.  In this way you will easily put on Christ.134  You will avoid doing things routinely, and will accomplish the will of our holy Father, who, as you may recall, wants us to be foundation and pillars135 in the renewal of Christian spirit.If you only knew how many promises of this blessed renewal have been made to several holy men and women, you would see that all of them are certainly to be fulfilled in the sons and daughters of our holy Father, unless Christ had wanted to deceive them, which is impossible because He faithfully keeps His promises.O dear Father, you have constantly toiled and suffered, and we enjoy the fruits of your zeal.  The cross was your dowry, and we will inherit abundant rest.  In other words, by always carrying and, as it were, eating up crosses, we will yield fruits, both yours and ours.I entreat you, children and offspring of Paul, to open wide your hearts.136  For those who have nurtured and still nurture you, have hearts larger than the ocean!  And be no less worthy of the vocation to which you have been called!137  If you really mean it, you will be here and now heirs and legitimate children of our holy Father and of the great saints; and Jesus Crucified will extend His arms over you.  I am not lying to you!  Who of us could do this?  See, then, that you please me, and keep in mind that, whether I am present or absent, you owe it to me to make me happy.  That’s all.May Christ Himself write our greetings in your hearts.From Guastalla, November 3, 1538. Yours in Christ, Anthony Mary, Priest,Priest of Paul the Apostle,and Angelic P[aola] A[ntonia Negri].138  REFLECTIONSIt is typical of the devil to raise doubts in us about somebody’s behavior, leading us to judge his attitude and conduct negatively. This should not keep us from offering fraternal correction. When somebody makes mistake, we should correct him, but without judging his intentions that are known only to God.Our conduct must always be consistent whether we are in the presence of superiors or alone. We must always act according to our conscience because God is always present, and He sees what we do.Since the virtue of obedience is a product of love, we obey not only the commands of our superiors but also their desires, not only what is written but also what is simply stated.Obedience to superiors implies not only execution of their orders to the letter but also acceptance of their will with an understanding of their intentions.When we notice that others perform better than we do, we should not be jealous, but rather we should give glory to God and strive to imitate them.To renew Christian fervor, we must humbly conform ourselves to God’s will, avoid doing things only out of habit, and learn to savor the cross in order to harvest its fruits.QUESTIONSDo I know the difference between criticism, rash judgment, and giving fraternal correction?Is my behavior determined by the presence or absence of superiors?Does love of God and superiors motivate me to obey not only externally but also internally?Does my obedience consist only in doing what I am commanded to do or also in meeting the superior’s intentions?Does the success of others arouse in me envy or imitation?When facing life’s difficulties, do I tend to complain, or do I endure these difficulties with faith and patience?FOOTNOTES 122. See Letter II, Introduction.123. See Introduction of this letter and also Letter X.124. They were acquired by Anthony Mary with the financial help of Bartolomeo Ferrari and Countess Torelli between the fall 1533 and summer of 1534.  For all practical purposes, the church of St. Catherine functioned as their chapel.  By 1533 this small complex housed nine religious.  See n. 25.125. See Premoli, Storia 39.  The formal donation occured on April 12, 1539 (Ibid. 17. N. 2).126. The county was sold on October 3, 1538 to Prince Ferrante Gonzaga for the sum of 22,180 gold coins.  See Premoli, Storia 42.  For Anthony Mary’s next and last involvement in Guastalla see Letter IX, Introduction.127. See n. 25.128. Battista Soresina (c. 1512–1601), one of Anthony Mary’s first eight companions, was ordained on December 16, 1538.  See n. 25 and Letter X, Introduction.129. See Gabuzio 42.130. Antonio M. Gentili, I Barnabiti (Rome: Padri Barnabiti, 1967) 93, no. 64.131. The writing of the Constitutions was authorized by the Brief of Clement VII, 1533, and the Bull of Paul III, 1535 and we know from a 1570 letter of Fr. Nicolo D’ Aviano (1509–1584) that “Father Anthony Mary of beloved memory” authored a set of Constitutions.  However, these Constitutions were only an outline, written in Lombard Italian, and were based on a previous Latin outline by Fra Battista da Crema.  They were never promulgated.  They were first published by Orazio Premoli in 1913.  It should be noted that Anthony Mary was in no rush to write any Constitutions because, first, his community was still small and, second and most importanly, he wanted to test their validity beforehand on the actual performance of his religious.  See Premoli, Storia 22–23.132. Cf. Matt 6:23.133. Cf. 1 Cor 4:14.134. Rom 13:14.135. 1 Tim 3:15.136. 2 Cor 6:11–13.137. Eph 4:1.138.See n. 59.

Letter 6 - Spiritual Progress and Christian Service Cremona, October 8, 1538To the Reverend Father and brother in Christ, Mr. Bartolomeo Ferrari.82 To the Reformed.  In VicenzaMY DEAR BROTHER IN CHRIST, Why do you entertain any doubt?  Haven’t you experienced in this undertaking that you never lacked the necessary means to help those in need?  Nothing is more certain and reliable than experience. Those who love you do not possess the wealth either of a Paul or of a Magdalene; they do, however, trust in the One who enriched them both.  Thus, as a result of both your faith and theirs, God will provide for any person under your care.You can be sure that, before you speak and in the very moment of speaking, Jesus Crucified will anticipate and accompany, not only every word of yours, but your every holy intention.  St. Paul said that he would push forward but stay within the limits of the work that Christ had set for him.92  As for you, Jesus Crucified has also set a limit when he promised that you would get enough strength to pierce to their marrow the hearts of people.93  Don’t you see that He Himself has opened the doors for you with His own hands?  Who, then, will hinder you from entering those hearts and from changing them so completely as to renew them and beautify them with holy virtues?  Nobody, of course—neither the devil nor any other creature.94 And don’t let any weakening that you may experience in your preaching and in your pastoral work stop you; for just as through constant school exercises, ignorance is dispelled and iron is kept shiny the more it is used, so it is with Christian asceticism.  At the beginning, Paul was not what he became afterward.  So it is with everybody else.  You can be assured then that on the foundation of Paul, you are going to build not structures made of hay or wood but of gold and precious stones;95 and the heavens with their treasures will be opened to you and to the souls entrusted to you.96Sweet hearts of my heart, I embrace you, as I am certain you will grow perfect according to your interior dispositions.  Oh!  Were you only here with me, nothing in the world could prevent me from embracing and covering you with endless signs of affection.  But You, dear Jesus, embrace them on my behalf.Dear saintly son, the project in which you are now engaged is also my responsibility, as you probably have noticed.  I could not help but be with you, for nowhere else is my heart than with yours.  Therefore, may the ample freedom, which I have always given you, be for you a sure guarantee that your undertakings will conclude happily with profit to all.Good Mother Prioress, don’t waste your time in personal trifles.  Even if you might consider yourself a devil, worthy of being submerged not only in muddy water but also in a cesspool, and you were utterly convinced of it, don’t worry about it.  Instead, give yourself totally to serving those people who have already been entrusted to your care, and who will continue to be entrusted to you by Jesus Crucified in the future.Oh, you who are the very mirror of my life, remember that you are generous and that Jesus Crucified has always been abundantly generous with you; how then can they who love you as they love themselves fail to be at your side to help you?And you, Franceschina,97 if you acknowledge that you have derived benefit from evil—not, of course, through your own efforts but through the efforts of those who strive to give you life in Christ—be convinced that you owe them, in sheer gratitude, what you are already giving them: I mean your diligence in pleasing them by undertaking the works which they have entrusted to you.  Do make progress, and help the others make progress as well.And all of you do the same.I do not recommend our Sylvestrines to you because they are indeed very much recommended as they are already yours.  Please, tell them on my behalf, when and how you think it convenient, generally and in particular, whatever you wish.As to those who are outside our community, if you think it fit to write something to them on my behalf, it is up to you, for you know better than I do what is to be said to them.  Besides, overburdened as I am with other cares, I am quite limited; so much so that I am unable to respond to the needs of those to whom I am bound to attend and for whom indeed I feel obligated.Now I would like to write to my sweet Paolina,98 but I do not find the time.  Likewise, it would be a pleasure to write to my faithful Donna Lucrezia,99 but I can’t.  Please, tell her that I would like her to be like me by trying not only to progress in her own life—a small achievement after all—but also to help the others on the same road.Again, tell my Doyenne100 that I think of her and her sister as well.  Tell my sweet Donna Faustina101 that I do not forget her—how could I?—and that she can count on my promise.Finally, you can assure them all that I am theirs, and that Jesus Crucified makes me love them very much indeed, because they are generous.To our amiable Fra Bono102 and Master Castellino,103 priest, lots of greetings in Christ; kiss them for me.  To them too, I would have liked to write, but as I really can’t, present them with my apology.  Particularly let our worthy Father Abbot104 be assured that he is among brothers, and that it is a temptation from the evil one to have him withdraw from them.  The devil is afraid lest what he dislikes should come true, and, in fact, he knows by experience that our friend’s simplicity has always borne fruit, and that every time he has cast the net, he has always caught large and good fish.As for my saintly priest Castellino, I wish to see him, and I would like him not to deprive me of his presence, for I am about to begin negotiations for St. Barnabas,105 and I do not want him to miss the inaugural benediction.  I would never do this without his presence.  Besides, I want you to send him as your delegate to the conclusion of the transaction.  I know that you will miss his presence, but, as I am aware of your being always ready to satisfy the wishes of others before your own, I beg you to endure his absence and to send him to me.  Be so kind as to remember me to him and entreat him to come soon, so that we may be together for this enterprise.Remember me to our beloved ones: Mr. Lodovico,106 Mr. Antonio,107 my faithful Franceschi’s,108 my host Mr. Andrea,109 and all the others.  A kiss to all from me.Greetings also to Count Brunoro,110 Giulio,111 the barber and his wife, the Reverend Fathers Alessandro, Luigi, and Antonio.112  I would like everyone to know the self-sacrificing devotion of our Fra Bono113 because then the Forty Hours Devotion and the other apostolic works would indeed make progress.  Suggest to Madonna Maddalena114 that she get acquainted with him.  Remember me to her.  If you dismiss Donna Giovanna,115 let me know.  As for Gerolamo,116 I really do not know what to say; it is not my concern.My dearly beloved one, if I have left out anyone or anything, since I am quite tired, you take care of it.  May Christ bless you one by one in the depth of your hearts, and give you His own Spirit.From Cremona, October 8, 1538.If Madonna117 has not yet taken care of your brother,118 have no misgiving because today or tomorrow I will be going to Guastalla, and I will take care of the matter, along with Paola Antonia119 who has already written to her about it.May Christ make you holy.Yours in Christ, Father Anthony Mary, Priest and Mother A[ngelic] P[aola] A[ntonia Negri]120If you like the letters which I had Mr. Camillo [Negri]121 write, give them to the addressees.REFLECTIONSChrist crucified provides for all the needs of his disciples, even before they ask, anticipating their intentions.Christ crucified invigorates our feeble energies so that we can reach out to the hearts of those who are entrusted to us. Therefore, we should not let our inadequacies discourage us.Not even unreasonable scruples should stop us from doing good to our neighbor.We must be grateful to those who help us in our weakness with hard work and sacrifice.QUESTIONSHave I so much familiarity with Jesus that I can talk to him as if he were visibly present, fully confident that he listens to me and will take care of me at the proper time?Have I ever tried with confidence to entrust others to God, certain that he will do more than I, a poor fellow, can do?Do I know that perfectionism, an exaggerated analysis of my behavior, and consequently rejection of my human and spiritual giftedness can hinder me from doing the good that I can do?Do I already get into the habit of thanking those who help me in my difficulties?FOOTNOTES  82. See Letter II, Introduction.83. See Letter V, Introduction.84. See Giuseppe M. Cagni, “In missione col S. Fondatore.” Quaderni di Vita Barnabitica 8 (1989) 122–123. 85See n. 103.86. See n. 16.87. See Letter V, Introduction.88 See n. 63.89. See Cagni “In missione col. S. Fondatore,” 124.90. See Battista Soresina, Appendix I. P. Anacleto Secco, De Clericorum Regularium S. Pauli Congregatione et Parentibus Synopsis (Milan: Francesco Vigono, 1862).  “In missione col. S. Fondatore,” 126.91. See Cagni “In missione col. S. Fondatore,” 12792. 2 Cor 10:13.93. Heb 4:12.94. Rom 8:39.95. 1 Cor 3:12.96. Acts 7:55.97. Franceschina Conforti Adriani.  See Introduction of this letter.98. Paolina Muzzani: a Sylvestrine in Vicenza.99. Lucrezia Angariani: a Sylvestrine in Vicenza.100. Probably Felicita Muzzani, sister of Paolina, or of Fosca, all Sylvestrines in Vicenza.101. From Cologne, Germany.  A Sylvestrine in Vicenza.102. See n. 16103. Lorenzo (Paolo) Davidico, called Castellino (1523–1574), talented but quixotic character, who was a member of the mission band in Vicenza and Verona (1536–1545), and was dismissed from the Congregation in 1547 by Fr. Besozzi (see n. 181) because he finally proved to be unsuitable for community life.  However, he remained in excellent relationship with the Barnabites.  He had a degree in Civil and Canon Law, and published many ascetical works.104. See n. 16.105. The acquisition and furnishing of the historical mother house of the Barnabites (1545), a house and the church of St. Barnabas.  Originally called Sons of St. Paul by their Founder, they became known as Barnabites after they moved to St. Barnabas. This popular name, Barnabites,  later acquired official status in addition to the name of Clerics Regular of St. Paul, an appellation first used in the Bull of Julius III (August 11, 1550) which, among other things, authorized the solemn profession of vows (see Premoli, Storia 500).106. A member of the Third Family, the Laity of St. Paul, from Vicenza.107. A member of the Third Family, from Vicenza.108.  A member of the Third Family, from Vicenza.109. Possibly fromVerona.  He lodged Anthony Mary and his missionaries in Vicenza.110. Brunoro Da Porto, a member of a noble and influential family of Vicenza, and a military leader at the service of the republic of Venice. 111. Giulio Da Porto, Brunoro’s brother.112. Priests from Vicenza.113. See n. 16.114. Maddalena Valmarana (d. 1569).  See Introduction of this letter.115. A Sylvestrine.116. Unidentified.117. Countess Ludovica Paola Torelli.  See n . 12.118. Basilio Ferrari (1493–1574) Bartolomeo’s brother, who resided in Rome since 1521, as papal secretary of Clement VII and Paul III.  As such he was able to secure the approval of the Barnabites (see n. 25)  and the Angelics (see Letter V, Introduction). In the church of St. Barnabas in Milan, he commissioned the chapel of Sts. Bartholomew and Francis.  Basilio’s name is the eighth on a list of forty-five early benefactors, or rather de facto affiliates, of the Barnabite Congregation.  In the words of Fr. Geralamo Marta, fourth Superior General (1551–1554, 1556–1558, 1559–1566), Basilio’s soul was “through Divine Providence glued, as it were, to our souls as Jonathan’s soul to David’s.”119. See n. 59.120. See n. 59.121. Camillo Negri (1509–1544): brother of Angela, Porzia, and Virginia (Paola Antonia) Negri.  One of Anthony Mary’s first eight companions (see n. 25).  See also Letter 10.  

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INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION