SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC

DAUGHTERS OF CHARITY

Louise de Marillac
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Saint Louise de Marillac, D.C., (August 12, 1591 - March 15, 1660) was the co-founder, with St. Vincent de Paul, of the Daughters of Charity. She is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church.

PARENTS

The faults of children are not always imputed to the parents, especially when they have instructed them and given good example. Our Lord, in His wonderous Providence, allows children to break the hearts of devout fathers and mothers.

Thus the decisions your children have made 

don't make you a failure as a parent in God's eyes. 

You are entitled to feel sorrow, but not necessarily guilt. Do not cease praying for your children; God's grace can touch a hardened heart. Commend your children to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. When parents pray the Rosary,at the end of each decade they should hold the Rosary aloft and say to her,"With these beads bind my children to your Immaculate Heart", she will attend to their souls. (Published from EWTN: 2/19/13-6:49AM; 3/19/13-6:12AM; 4/19/13-6:25AM)

SAINT LOUISE DE MARILLAC

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 
Louise was fortunate to have a wise and sympathetic counselor, St. Francis de Sales, and his friend, the Bishop of Belley, France.  Louise realized she needed guidance and a tempering of her intensity and drive. This was to come from her relationship with Vincent de Paul.

In 1629, Vincent invited Louise to get involved in his work with the Confraternities of Charity. She found great success in these endeavors. By the end of 1633, he too had received the guidance needed for them to bring the Daughters of Charity into existence.

"Love the poor and honor them as you would honor Christ Himself," Louise explained. This was the foundation of the Company of the Daughters of Charity, who received official approbation in 1655.

"What would Jesus do in this situation?" The key for Louise was letting go of her personal plan and surrendering to God's will. She wrote near the end of her life, "Certainly it is the great secret of the spiritual life to abandon to God all that we love by abandoning ourselves to all that He wills."

Nearing her death, she wrote to her Sisters: “Take good care of the service of the poor. Above all, live together in great union and cordiality, loving one another in imitation of the union and life of our Lord. Pray earnestly to the Blessed Virgin, that she might be your only Mother.”

Today, she continues to live in her spiritual followers: the Daughters of Charity, Sisters of Charity, Ladies of Charity, and many collaborators serving throughout the world.

Louise de Marillac was beatified by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and, on March 11, 1934, she was canonized by Pope Pius XI. Her feast day is March 15. To this day, her remains are enshrined in the chapel of the motherhouse of the Daughters of Charity in Paris. She was declared Patroness of Christian Social Workers by Pope John XXIII in 1960.

CYRIL OF JERUSALEM

DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH

Cyril of Jerusalem was a distinguished theologian of the early Church (ca. 313 – 386). He is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. In 1883, Cyril was declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Leo XIII. He is highly respected in the Palestinian Christian Community.

St. Cyril was ordained a deacon by Bishop St. Macarius of Jerusalem in about 335 and a priest some eight years later by Bishop St. Maximus. About the end of 350 he succeeded St. Maximus in the See of Jerusalem.

Soon after his appointment, Cyril in his Letter to Constantius[6] of 351 recorded the appearance of a cross of light in the sky above Golgotha, witnessed by the whole population of Jerusalem. Cyril regards this as proof that Constantius' piety towards God ensures imperial victory. The Greek church commemorates this miracle on the 7th of May. Though in modern times the authenticity of the Letter has been questioned, on the grounds that the word homoousios occurs in the final blessing, many scholars believe this may be a later interpolation, and accept the letter's authenticity on the grounds of other pieces of internal evidence.

To him sin is the consequence of freedom, not a natural condition. The body is not the cause, but the instrument of sin. The remedy for it is repentance, on which he insists. Like many of the Eastern Fathers, he has an essentially moralistic conception of Christianity. His doctrine of the Resurrection is not quite so realistic as that of other Fathers; but his conception of the Church is decidedly empirical: the existing catholic Church form is the true one, intended by Christ, the completion of the Church of the Old Testament.

Since Christ Himself has said, 

"This is My Body" 

who shall dare to doubt that It is His Body?

St Cyril of Jerusalem

His interpretation of the Eucharist is disputed. If he sometimes seems to approach the symbolic view, at other times he comes very close to a strong realistic doctrine. The bread and wine are not mere elements, but the body and blood of Christ.

Cyril of Jerusalem is often renowned for his beliefs in the nature of Jesus and God. His writings are filled with the loving and forgiving nature of God which was somewhat uncommon during his time period.

Many religious leaders focusing on the wrath of God instilling a fear in their members. Cyril fills his writings with great lines of the healing power of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit like “The Spirit comes gently and makes himself known by his fragrance. He is not felt as a burden for God is light, very light. Rays of light and knowledge stream before him as the Spirit approaches. The Spirit comes with the tenderness of a true friend to save, to heal, to teach, to counsel, to strengthen and to console”.

Cyril truly believes in the forgiving aspect of Christianity and knows the power it holds to turn those in pain towards the light of God. Cyril himself followed God's message of forgiveness himself many times throughout his life. Most clearly seen in his two major exiles where Cyril was disgraced and forced to leave his position and his people behind. He never wrote or showed any ill will towards those who wronged him.

This synthesis of faith was not made to accord with human opinions, 

but rather what was of the greatest importance was gathered from all the Scriptures, 

to present the one teaching of the faith in its entirety. 

And just as the mustard seed contains a great number of branches in a tiny grain, 

so too this summary of faith encompassed in a few words 

the whole knowledge of the true religion 

contained in the Old and the New Testaments.
St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Cyril’s central messages also contain the primary principle of faith. Cyril new religion wasn’t about proving the existence of God or proving the divinity of Christ but rather instilling a faith in people. Cyril knew the power and importance of faith and tried at every opportunity to pass his faith onto others, allowing them to feel the presence of the Holy Spirit. Through his simple message Cyril became recognized as one of the most profound and admired Bishops in church history, which ultimately led to his canonization by the Christian church. 

Published: Jan. 27, 2013-8:02AM ; Mar. 13, 2013-6:28AM
from Wikipedia, EWTN

POPE JOHN PAUL

John Paul II (Latin: Ioannes Paulus PP. II, Italian: Giovanni Paolo II), sometimes called Blessed John Paul or John Paul the Great, born Karol Józef Wojtyła (Polish: [ˈkarɔl ˈjuzɛf vɔjˈtɨwa]; 18 May 1920 – 2 April 2005), reigned as Pope of the Catholic Church from 1978 until his death in 2005. He was the second-longest serving Pope in history and the first non-Italian since 1523.

A very charismatic figure, John Paul II was acclaimed as one of the most influential leaders of the 20th century. He was instrumental in ending communism in his native Poland and eventually all of Europe.[1] John Paul II significantly improved the Catholic Church's relations with Judaism, Islam, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the Anglican Communion. Though criticised by progressives for upholding the Church's teachings against artificial contraception and the ordination of women, and by traditionalists for his support of the Church's Second Vatican Council and its reform, he was also widely praised for his firm, orthodox Catholic stances.

He was one of the most-travelled world leaders in history, visiting 129 countries during his pontificate. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he beatified 1,340 people and canonised 483 saints, more than the combined tally of his predecessors during the preceding five centuries. He named most of the present College of Cardinals, consecrated or co-consecrated a large number of the world's past and current bishops, and ordained many priests.[2] A key goal of his papacy was to transform and reposition the Catholic Church. His wish was "to place his Church at the heart of a new religious alliance that would bring together Jews, Muslims and Christians in a great [religious] armada".[3][4] On 19 December 2009, John Paul II was proclaimed venerable by his successor Pope Benedict XVI and was beatified on 1 May 2011. (Wikipedia)


NEED FOR TRUE PRIESTS

The more Christian and conscious people are of their dignity and of their vital role in the Church, the more they urgently feel the need for priests who are truly priests. (2/2/13-5:03AM, 3/2/13-6:59AM)

SAINT AUGUSTINE

TRAVEL

We know we are traveling together. If our pace is slow, go on ahead of us. We won't envy you but rather will seek to catch up with you. However, if you consider us capable of a quicker pace, run along with us. There is only one goal, and we are all anxious to reach it....some at a slow pace and others at a fast pace. Let everyone's sighs be uttered in longing for Christ. Let us run to Him and cry out for Him. -- St Augustine

The road of life in the world begins and ends with Christ. 

His Spirit that dwells within us keeps us one with Him as a child of God. 

Author 

Lord Jesus, I long for you who is king and savior! I travel the road of life with you by my side each day. In times of troubles, I cry out to you knowing and believing that it is only you who can save me and no one else. In you, I have found peace, joy and love. As you have promised, may this journey of mine always be full and complete.


ANSWERED PRAYER

When I am completely united to you, there will be no more sorrow or trials; entirely full of you, my life will be complete. -- St. Augustine

Entries: 11/27/11-5:46AM; 12/26/12-7:44AM

ST. CLAIRE OF ASISI

Love God, serve God: everything is in that.

Clare of Assisi (sometimes spelled Clair, Claire, etc.) (July 16, 1194 – August 11, 1253), born Chiara Offreduccio, is an Italian saint and one of the first followers of Saint Francis of Assisi. She founded the Order of Poor Ladies, a monastic religious order for women in the Franciscan tradition, and wrote their Rule of Life—the first monastic rule known to have been written by a woman. Following her death, the order she founded was renamed in her honor as the Order of Saint Clare, commonly referred to today as the Poor Clares. -- Wikipedia




GO FORTH IN PEACE AND WITHOUT FEAR
 
Go forth in peace, for you have followed the good road. Go forth without fear, for he who created you has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. 10/4/11-7:30 AM


PRAYER OF ST. CLAIRE OF ASSISI

Blessed be you, my God, for having created me.

ST. HYACINTHA MARISCOTTI (MEMORIAL)

Hyacintha Mariscotti
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Born     16 March 1585 - Vignanello, Viterbo, Italy
Died     30 January 1640 (aged 54) - Viterbo, Italy
Beatified     1726 by Pope Benedict XIII
Canonized     14 May 1807 by Pope Pius VII
Feast     30 January (6 February in Rom)

She went on to establish two confraternities, whose members were called Oblates of Mary or "Sacconi". One of these, similar to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, gathered alms for the convalescent, for the poor who were ashamed to beg, and for the care of prisoners; the other procured homes for the aged.

By the time of her death her reputation for holiness was so great, that, at her wake, her religious habit had to be replaced three times. This was due to pieces of it being snipped off by the people to keep as a relic.

MARY MAZARELLO

Born     May 9, 1837 - Mornese, Alessandria, Italy
Died     May 14, 1881 (aged 44) - Mornese
Beatified     November 20, 1938
Canonized     June 24, 1951
Feast     May 3

At age thirty-five, donned in a habit which she herself had designed, she was now Sister Mary Mazzarello. She and the fourteen other newly professed religious sisters made up the fledgling order.

The Daughters of Mary Help of Christians were officially founded.

Mary was asked by Don Bosco to temporarily fulfill the role of superior until he could call together a council of the sisters to for an election.

As the feminine branch of the Salesian religious family, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians sought to do for girls what the priests and brothers were doing in Turin for boys. They brought to their ministry the particular feminine genius which lends itself so well to nurturing, teaching, and encouraging the young along the way of salvation and personal growth; they became well loved by the townsfolk.

BECOME A SAINT

Make up your mind to become a saint. -- St. Mary Mazarello

BISHOP FULTON SHEEN

DO NOT FEAR

Our Lord warns us not to fear because there are three false fears that keep us from God: We want to be saved, but not from our sins; we want to be saved, but not at too great a cost; we want to be saved in our way not His.


FIGHT YOUR EVIL TENDENCIES
The denial of personal guilt makes men ready to surrender their liberty. Better it is for a man to realize he has evil tendencies which must be fought and combated in order that his higher self may emerge. (9/19/10-5:11AM)

WORK HARD FOR THE KINGDOM OF GOD
Burning the candle at both ends for God's sake may be foolishness to the world, but it is a profitable Christian exercise-for so much better the light. Only one thing in life matters. Being found worthy of the Light of the World in the hour of His visitation. We need have no undue fear for our health if we work hard for the kingdom of God; God will take care of our health if we take care of His cause. In any case it is better to burn out than to rust out. (12/6/12-8:05AM)

TIME TO MEDITATE
It is never true that we have no time to meditate; the less one thinks of God, the less time there will always be for Him. The time one has for anything depends on how much we value it. Thinking determines the use of time; time does not rule over thinking! The problem of spirituality is never, then, a question of time; it is a problem of thought. For it does not require much time to make us saints; it requires only much love. (12/12/12-6:48AM)

ST. PETER CANISIUS

GOD'S HELP
If you have too much to do, with God's help you will find time to do it all. -- St Peter Canisius

RECALL THAT JESUS IS LORD!

Recall to yourself that our Lord is the beloved Son of the living God; that He is Himself the God of all consolation, the sight of whom forms the beatitude of the angels and elect. And yet, what does He not suffer! -- St Ignatius Loyola

Be Like Christ

Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion, make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose.

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.

Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.

For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. -- Philippians 2:1-11

I confess that Jesus Christ is my Lord to the glory of God the Father!