Sts. Perpetua and Felicity
Feastday:March 7
With the lives of so many early martyrs shrouded in legend, we are fortunate to have the record of the courage of Perpetua and Felicity from the hand of Perpetua herself, her teacher Saturus, and others who knew them. This account, known as "The Martyrdom of Perpetua and Felicity," was so popular in the early centuries that it was read during liturgies.
In the year 203, Vibia Perpetua made the decision to become a Christian, although she knew it could mean her death during Septimus' persecution. Her surviving brother (another brother had died when he was seven) followed her leadership and became a catechumen as well.
Her father was frantic with worry and tried to talk her out of her decision. We can easily understand his concern. At 22 years old, this well-educated, high-spirited woman had every reason to want to live -- including a baby son who was still nursing. We know she was married, but since her husband is never mentioned, many historians assume she was a widow.
Perpetua's answer was simple and clear. Pointing to a water jug, she asked her father, "See that pot lying there? Can you call it by any other name than what it is?"
Her father answered, "Of course not." Perpetua responded, "Neither can I call myself by any other name than what I am -- a Christian."
This answer so upset her father that he attacked her. Perpetua reports that after that incident she was glad to be separated from him for a few days -- even though that separation was the result of her arrest and imprisonment.
Perpetua was arrested with four other catechumens including two slaves Felicity and Revocatus, and Saturninus and Secundulus. Their catechist, Saturus, had already been imprisoned before them.
She was baptized before taken to prison. Perpetua was known for her gift of "the Lord's speech" and receiving messages from God. She tells us that at the time of her baptism she was told to pray for nothing but endurance in the face of her trials.
The prison was so crowded with people that the heat was suffocating. There was no light anywhere and Perpetua "had never known such darkness." The soldiers who arrested and guarded them pushed and shoved them without any concern. Perpetua had no trouble admitting she was very afraid, but in the midst of all this horror her most excruciating pain came from being separated from her baby.
The young slave, Felicity was even worse off for Felicity suffered the stifling heat, overcrowding, and rough handling while being eight months pregnant.
Two deacons who ministered to the prisoners paid the guards so that the martyrs would be put in a better part of the prison. There her mother and brother were able to visit Perpetua and bring her baby to her. When she received permission for her baby to stay with her "my prison suddenly became a palace for me." Once more her father came to her, begging her to give in, kissing her hands, and throwing himself at her feet. She told him, "We lie not in our own power but in the power of God."
When she and the others were taken to be examined and sentenced, her father followed, pleading with her and the judge. The judge, out of pity, also tried to get Perpetua to change her mind, but when she stood fast, she was sentenced with the others to be thrown to the wild beasts in the arena. Her father was so furious that he refused to send her baby back to Perpetua. Perpetua considered it a miracle that her breasts did not become inflamed from lack of nursing.
While praying in prison, she suddenly felt "gifted with the Lord's speech" and called out the name of her brother Dinocrates who had died at seven of gangrene of the face, a disease so disfiguring that those who should have comforted him left him alone. Now she saw a vision that he was even more alone, in a dark place, hot and thirsty -- not in the eternal joy she hoped for him. She began to pray for Dinocrates and though she was put in stocks every day, her thoughts were not on her own suffering but on her prayers to help her brother. Finally she had another vision in which she saw Dinocrates healed and clean, drinking from a golden bowl that never emptied.
Meanwhile Felicity was also in torment. It was against the law for pregnant women to be executed. To kill a child in the womb was shedding innocent and sacred blood. Felicity was afraid that she would not give birth before the day set for their martyrdom and her companions would go on their journey without her. Her friends also didn't want to leave so "good a comrade" behind.
Two days before the execution, Felicity went into a painful labor. The guards made fun of her, insulting her by saying, "If you think you suffer now, how will stand it when you face the wild beasts?" Felicity answered them calmly, "Now I'm the one who is suffering, but in the arena Another will be in me suffering for me because I will be suffering for him." She gave birth to a healthy girl who was adopted and raised by one of the Christian women of Carthage.
The officers of the prison began to recognize the power of the Christians and the strength and leadership of Perpetua. In some cases this helped the Christians: the warden let them have visitors -- and later became a believer. But in other cases it caused superstitious terror, as when one officer refused to let them get cleaned up on the day they were going to die for fear they'd try some sort of spell. Perpetua immediately spoke up, "We're supposed to die in honor of Ceasar's birthday. Wouldn't it look better for you if we looked better?" The officer blushed with shame at her reproach and started to treat them better.
There was a feast the day before the games so that the crowd could see the martyrs and make fun of them. But the martyrs turned this all around by laughing at the crowd for not being Christians and exhorting them to follow their example.
The four new Christians and their teacher went to the arena (the fifth, Secundulus, had died in prison) with joy and calm. Perpetua in usual high spirits met the eyes of everyone along the way. We are told she walked with "shining steps as the true wife of Christ, the darling of God."
When those at the arena tried to force Perpetua and the rest to dress in robes dedicated to their gods, Perpetua challenged her executioners. "We came to die out of our own free will so we wouldn't lose our freedom to worship our God. We gave you our lives so that we wouldn't have to worship your gods." She and the others were allowed to keep their clothes.
The men were attacked by bears, leopards, and wild boars. The women were stripped to face a rabid heifer. When the crowd, however, saw the two young women, one of whom had obviously just given birth, they were horrified and the women were removed and clothed again. Perpetua and Felicity were thrown back into the arena so roughly that they were bruised and hurt. Perpetua, though confused and distracted, still was thinking of others and went to help Felicity up. The two of them stood side by side as all five martyrs had their throats cut.
Perpetua's last words were to her brother: "Stand fast in the faith and love one another."
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Catholics Come Home New Orleans
Starting on March 9th, Ash Wednesday, the Archdiocese of New Orleans will be airing thousands of powerful ads on TV in English designed by the non-profit charity: Catholics Come Home. These will appear daily in local network and cable stations throughout Lent. There is also a series of Spanish radio ads that will air during the same time period. Each ad points English-speaking viewers to CatholicsComeHome.org and Spanish speaking viewers to CatolicosRegresen.org. All parishioners are encouraged to visit the website where the ads may be viewed online. This initiative means that many inactive Catholics will be returning home to the Church, and many non-Catholics will be inquiring into the Catholic faith. This promises to be an exciting time of evangelization for our parish family, and we encourage you to help us welcome returnees and new parishioners with enthusiasm, love and joy.
This Lent, as we prepare to strengthen our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, we remember our call to share our faith with one another. We remember the words of St. Peter who tells us "to always be ready to give witness to the reason for our hope" (1Peter 3:15). Sharing our love for Jesus Christ and spreading the Good News is a necessary part of our life in Christ. Through the Catholics Come Home campaign we encorage each of you to invite those who may not be practicing their faith or may have never encountered Christ to join us for the Holy Season of Easter.
This Lent, as we prepare to strengthen our relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ, we remember our call to share our faith with one another. We remember the words of St. Peter who tells us "to always be ready to give witness to the reason for our hope" (1Peter 3:15). Sharing our love for Jesus Christ and spreading the Good News is a necessary part of our life in Christ. Through the Catholics Come Home campaign we encorage each of you to invite those who may not be practicing their faith or may have never encountered Christ to join us for the Holy Season of Easter.
No more booty in the Bible; a new translation
Bishops boot 'booty' from revised Bible
By Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
America's Catholic bishops have authorized a freshly translated and updated edition of their 1970 text. "The New American Bible" 2011 edition goes on sale Ash Wednesday, March 9.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has ordered up a new translation of the Bible, one it says is more accurate, more accessible and more poetic.
Now "booty," a word that sets off snickers in Sunday school, will be replaced by the "spoils" of war when the newest edition of the New American Bible, the English-language Catholic Bible, comes out on Ash Wednesday, March 9.
"We needed a new translation because English is a living language," says retired auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee Richard Sklba, part of the review and editing team.
Fifty scholars and translators, linguistics experts, theologians and five bishops spent 17 years on the project. They were immersed in original manuscripts, the Dead Sea Scrolls and archaelogy findings unearthed since research behind the current text, published in 1970.
While Catholics may read from any of two dozen English translations, the New American Bible is the one owned by U.S. bishops for prayer and study.
Some of the changes:
• The word "holocaust," now associated with World War II genocide, has been replaced by "burnt offering."
• The 1970s version of the 23rd Psalm — "even when I walk through a dark valley" — becomes a "walk though the valley of the shadow of death."
Leviticus 2:1
1970: When anyone wishes to bring a cereal offering to the Lord, his offering must consist of fine flour.
2011: When anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, the offering must consist of bran flour.
Psalm 1:1
1970: Happy the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked.
2011: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.
Source: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Proverbs 31:10, the ode to "The Ideal Wife," is now a "Poem on the Woman of Worth."
"Women will like this: being measured by their own accomplishments, not in terms of a husband's perspective," says Mary Elizabeth Sperry of the Bishops Conference.
One change may set off alarms with traditionalists, in a passage many Christians believe foreshadows the coming of Christ and his birth to a virgin. The 1970 version of Isaiah 7:14 says "the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel."
The 2011 text refers to "the young woman" instead. It elaborates that the original Hebrew word, almah, may, or may not, signify a virgin.
Sklba expects no change in Catholic teaching. And Sperry predicts, "Some people will be gravely distressed and others will be absolutely ecstatic and some will just say, 'I liked it the old way.' "
For young readers, however, there is no "old way," says John Kutsko of the Society of Biblical Literature. "Young people are accustomed to change."
By Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
America's Catholic bishops have authorized a freshly translated and updated edition of their 1970 text. "The New American Bible" 2011 edition goes on sale Ash Wednesday, March 9.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has ordered up a new translation of the Bible, one it says is more accurate, more accessible and more poetic.
Now "booty," a word that sets off snickers in Sunday school, will be replaced by the "spoils" of war when the newest edition of the New American Bible, the English-language Catholic Bible, comes out on Ash Wednesday, March 9.
"We needed a new translation because English is a living language," says retired auxiliary bishop of Milwaukee Richard Sklba, part of the review and editing team.
Fifty scholars and translators, linguistics experts, theologians and five bishops spent 17 years on the project. They were immersed in original manuscripts, the Dead Sea Scrolls and archaelogy findings unearthed since research behind the current text, published in 1970.
While Catholics may read from any of two dozen English translations, the New American Bible is the one owned by U.S. bishops for prayer and study.
Some of the changes:
• The word "holocaust," now associated with World War II genocide, has been replaced by "burnt offering."
• The 1970s version of the 23rd Psalm — "even when I walk through a dark valley" — becomes a "walk though the valley of the shadow of death."
Leviticus 2:1
1970: When anyone wishes to bring a cereal offering to the Lord, his offering must consist of fine flour.
2011: When anyone brings a grain offering to the Lord, the offering must consist of bran flour.
Psalm 1:1
1970: Happy the man who follows not the counsel of the wicked.
2011: Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked.
Source: U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops
• Proverbs 31:10, the ode to "The Ideal Wife," is now a "Poem on the Woman of Worth."
"Women will like this: being measured by their own accomplishments, not in terms of a husband's perspective," says Mary Elizabeth Sperry of the Bishops Conference.
One change may set off alarms with traditionalists, in a passage many Christians believe foreshadows the coming of Christ and his birth to a virgin. The 1970 version of Isaiah 7:14 says "the virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel."
The 2011 text refers to "the young woman" instead. It elaborates that the original Hebrew word, almah, may, or may not, signify a virgin.
Sklba expects no change in Catholic teaching. And Sperry predicts, "Some people will be gravely distressed and others will be absolutely ecstatic and some will just say, 'I liked it the old way.' "
For young readers, however, there is no "old way," says John Kutsko of the Society of Biblical Literature. "Young people are accustomed to change."
The New Battle of New Orleans
That's what Archbishop Gregory Aymond is calling it; the New Battle of New Orleans. The enemy: the out of control cycle of violence and the spiraling murder rate in the city. Responding as a good shepherd, concerned for all peoples, the Archbishop merely could not stomach the early 2011 results reflecting a doubling of the murder rate from 2010. Archbishop Aymond, as outlined in the Archdiocesan newspaper the Clarion Herald, has instructed all Catholic churches to recite a prayer at every Mass; called simply Our Family Prayer. The Archbishop also plans to offer parenting skills classes as well as programs for at-risk youth.
Here is the prayer composed by Archbishop Aymond:
Loving and faithful God,
Through the years the people of our archdiocese have appreciated the prayers and love of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in times of war, disaster, epidemic and illness. We come to you, Father, with Mary our Mother, and ask you to help us in the battle of today against violence, murder and racism.
We implore you to give us your wisdom that we may build a community founded on the values of Jesus, which gives respect to the life and dignity of all people.
Bless parents that they may form their children in faith. Bless and protect our youth that they may be peacemakers of our time. Give consolation to those who have lost loved ones through violence.
Hear our prayer and give us the perseverance to be a voice for life and human dignity in our community.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us.
Mother Henriette Delille, pray for us that we may be a holy family.
Here is the prayer composed by Archbishop Aymond:
Loving and faithful God,
Through the years the people of our archdiocese have appreciated the prayers and love of Our Lady of Prompt Succor in times of war, disaster, epidemic and illness. We come to you, Father, with Mary our Mother, and ask you to help us in the battle of today against violence, murder and racism.
We implore you to give us your wisdom that we may build a community founded on the values of Jesus, which gives respect to the life and dignity of all people.
Bless parents that they may form their children in faith. Bless and protect our youth that they may be peacemakers of our time. Give consolation to those who have lost loved ones through violence.
Hear our prayer and give us the perseverance to be a voice for life and human dignity in our community.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Our Lady of Prompt Succor, hasten to help us.
Mother Henriette Delille, pray for us that we may be a holy family.
Homily for 9th Sunday Ordinary time, A, March 6, 2011
It started with Elvis when he sang a little less conversation. The Bee Gees lamented that it’s only words. Toby Keith told us we need a little less talk and a lot more action.
All of us have experienced that person in our lives who is all talk and no action. Perhaps we may even challenge them to put their money where their mouth is. And we also know those people in our lives we can count on. For some, words may not even be necessary as they let their actions do all the talking.
As people of faith, are we all talk and no action or do we put our money where our mouth is?
Jesus could not be clearer in today’s Gospel. Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven. We could say today that not all who profess to love Jesus and loudly proclaim Him will enter the kingdom of Heaven. Why? In this Gospel and in the totality of Jesus’ teachings He insists on a consistency between what a disciple hears and how a disciple lives. Look closely at the words Jesus chooses: I never knew you; I never knew you. And these are the words he directs at those who claim to prophesy in His name, to drive out demons in His name and to do mighty deeds in His name. Mere words and no action! Mere words and no relationship! Jesus is challenging His disciples; and that means you and me, to know him. Jesus invites us to a deep and intimate relationship with Him. Just don’t know Him from our head, from our intellect. Don’t believe in Jesus from a “just the facts ma’am” mentality. Believe in Jesus from the relationship we have with Him; from our heart and soul.
Jesus demands of us our all; both in word and deed. From our belief In Him and our willingness to declare Him Lord, do our everyday actions give consistent witness to these words? Are we always a disciple? In this intimate relationship we are not immune from suffering or disappointment. Will our words and actions show the blessings of our relationship with Him during these difficulties? Totally depending on Him Jesus shows us and teaches us how to align our words and our actions with His as he prepares us for eternal life.
To really drive home His teaching, Jesus introduces the story of the house built on rock and the house built on sand. Both houses are subject to storms. Jesus tells us that the one built on rock is built by a wise man. And why is he wise? Jesus says it clearly: he listens to these words of mine and acts on them. He acts on them. There are only two requirements then to have a deep intimate relationship with Christ: listen to Him in faith and act accordingly with our lives.
Let’s return to those houses for a minute. The storms indeed do come. You and I are not immune from the storms. The rain falls, the wind blows. The house built on rock survives. The house on sand is completely ruined. This is a teaching from Jesus that is called eschatological. Now there is one big word. Eschatological refers to end times. All too often, we want to avoid the discussion of end times. But Jesus cares enough for us to remind us that this life indeed one day will end and eternal life awaits all who will listen to His words and act on them. And his teachings, his preparing us for the end times, is real rock and not mere sand.
I believe it is more than coincidence that we read this Gospel this year as we prepare to begin our annual Lenten observance. We all can pause and reflect in the week ahead on both this life and the life He promises. In our prayer time, as we reflect in the days ahead, can we ask Jesus to show us if our words and actions indeed proclaim our intimate relationship with Him.
We will be presented some awesome opportunities to exhibit a little less talk and a lot more action this week. Make every effort to attend Mass on Ash Wednesday. As you receive the blessed ashes, reflect on their meaning. Wear them throughout the day as an outward sign of an inward reality that there is an intimate relationship with Jesus. Attend Stations of the Cross this Friday. Prayerfully travel the road to Calvary with Jesus in this awesome devotion. Lent is an appropriate time to return to Reconciliation, whether we last visited the confessional last week, or last year or longer. As we prepare for that sincere confession, prepare an examination of conscience as we answer the question: do my words and actions align with those of Jesus and prepare us for eternal life?
A little less conversation, only words, a little less talk and more action! You bet. And our house will be built on rock, not sand!
All of us have experienced that person in our lives who is all talk and no action. Perhaps we may even challenge them to put their money where their mouth is. And we also know those people in our lives we can count on. For some, words may not even be necessary as they let their actions do all the talking.
As people of faith, are we all talk and no action or do we put our money where our mouth is?
Jesus could not be clearer in today’s Gospel. Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of Heaven. We could say today that not all who profess to love Jesus and loudly proclaim Him will enter the kingdom of Heaven. Why? In this Gospel and in the totality of Jesus’ teachings He insists on a consistency between what a disciple hears and how a disciple lives. Look closely at the words Jesus chooses: I never knew you; I never knew you. And these are the words he directs at those who claim to prophesy in His name, to drive out demons in His name and to do mighty deeds in His name. Mere words and no action! Mere words and no relationship! Jesus is challenging His disciples; and that means you and me, to know him. Jesus invites us to a deep and intimate relationship with Him. Just don’t know Him from our head, from our intellect. Don’t believe in Jesus from a “just the facts ma’am” mentality. Believe in Jesus from the relationship we have with Him; from our heart and soul.
Jesus demands of us our all; both in word and deed. From our belief In Him and our willingness to declare Him Lord, do our everyday actions give consistent witness to these words? Are we always a disciple? In this intimate relationship we are not immune from suffering or disappointment. Will our words and actions show the blessings of our relationship with Him during these difficulties? Totally depending on Him Jesus shows us and teaches us how to align our words and our actions with His as he prepares us for eternal life.
To really drive home His teaching, Jesus introduces the story of the house built on rock and the house built on sand. Both houses are subject to storms. Jesus tells us that the one built on rock is built by a wise man. And why is he wise? Jesus says it clearly: he listens to these words of mine and acts on them. He acts on them. There are only two requirements then to have a deep intimate relationship with Christ: listen to Him in faith and act accordingly with our lives.
Let’s return to those houses for a minute. The storms indeed do come. You and I are not immune from the storms. The rain falls, the wind blows. The house built on rock survives. The house on sand is completely ruined. This is a teaching from Jesus that is called eschatological. Now there is one big word. Eschatological refers to end times. All too often, we want to avoid the discussion of end times. But Jesus cares enough for us to remind us that this life indeed one day will end and eternal life awaits all who will listen to His words and act on them. And his teachings, his preparing us for the end times, is real rock and not mere sand.
I believe it is more than coincidence that we read this Gospel this year as we prepare to begin our annual Lenten observance. We all can pause and reflect in the week ahead on both this life and the life He promises. In our prayer time, as we reflect in the days ahead, can we ask Jesus to show us if our words and actions indeed proclaim our intimate relationship with Him.
We will be presented some awesome opportunities to exhibit a little less talk and a lot more action this week. Make every effort to attend Mass on Ash Wednesday. As you receive the blessed ashes, reflect on their meaning. Wear them throughout the day as an outward sign of an inward reality that there is an intimate relationship with Jesus. Attend Stations of the Cross this Friday. Prayerfully travel the road to Calvary with Jesus in this awesome devotion. Lent is an appropriate time to return to Reconciliation, whether we last visited the confessional last week, or last year or longer. As we prepare for that sincere confession, prepare an examination of conscience as we answer the question: do my words and actions align with those of Jesus and prepare us for eternal life?
A little less conversation, only words, a little less talk and more action! You bet. And our house will be built on rock, not sand!
Friday, March 4, 2011
They say it's your birthday
What a way to spend a birthday! Yep, today was #54. They just keep on coming. My birthday this year falls smack in the middle of our Mardi Gras mayhem. But even more important to me, it falls on 1st Friday. As posted last month, at Most Holy Trinity we began expanded hours for Eucharistic Adoration including an evening Benediction at 7 p.m. Naturally, I've been looking forward to this second opportunity to preside at Benediction. And on a rainy stormy night, with Mardi Gras parades still rolling, we had a much stronger turnout than our initial effort last month. This was a special way to end my birthday, worshipping Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament.
And the day started off right there in church too. Our pastor had an unfortunate fall, breaking his wrist. With Father out of commission I was called upon to conduct a communion service. Making clear to all present that the Deacon was not celebrating Mass but conducting a communion service, it was an extra special way to start my birthday.
Along the way today was wonderful expressions of good wishes from those at work and my family. Somehow my daughter fought through the inclement weather to come spend the evening with us as we all enjoyed dinner. And great friends made sure I had a wonderful lunch today.
But the highlight of my 54th birthday was time spent in Church with God, celebrating Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, both morning and night.
And the day started off right there in church too. Our pastor had an unfortunate fall, breaking his wrist. With Father out of commission I was called upon to conduct a communion service. Making clear to all present that the Deacon was not celebrating Mass but conducting a communion service, it was an extra special way to start my birthday.
Along the way today was wonderful expressions of good wishes from those at work and my family. Somehow my daughter fought through the inclement weather to come spend the evening with us as we all enjoyed dinner. And great friends made sure I had a wonderful lunch today.
But the highlight of my 54th birthday was time spent in Church with God, celebrating Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, both morning and night.
St Casimir
St. Casimir
Feastday: March 4
Patron of Poland and Lithuania
b: 1461 d: 1484
Casimir grew up in a world where his life was not his own. As a prince of Poland, the second son of King Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Austria, his life was scheduled to cement his father's authority and increase Poland's power.
Casimir realized from an early age that his life belonged to someone else, but to a much higher King than his father. Despite pressure, humiliation, and rejection, he stood by that loyalty through his whole life.
Born the third of thirteen children in 1461, Casimir was committed to God from childhood. Some of that commitment was the result of a tutor, John Dlugosz, whose holiness encouraged Casimir on his own journey.
It may be hard for us to imagine royal luxury as a pressure. But for Casimir, the riches around him were temptations to forget his true loyalties. Rebelling against the rich, fashionable clothes he was expected to enjoy, he wore the plainest of clothes.
Rejecting even ordinary comforts, he slept little, spending his nights in prayer. And when he did sleep, he lay on the floor not on a royal bed. Even though he was a prince, many of those around him must have laughed and joked at his choices. Yet, in the face of any pressure, Casimir was always friendly and calm.
Though his father must have wondered about him, he must have seen and admired Casimir's strength. He showed that he misunderstood this strength when he sent Casimir as head of an army to take over the throne of Hungary at the request of some nobles there. Casimir felt the whole expedition was wrong but was convinced to go out of obedience to his father. He could not help but feel at every step that it was disobedient to his other Father. So when soldiers started deserting, he was only too glad to listen to the advice of his officers and turn back home. His feelings were confirmed when he discovered that Pope Sixtus IV had opposed the move.
His father, however, was furious at being deterred from his plans and banished Casimir to a castle in Dobzki, hoping that imprisonment would change Casimir's mind. Casimir's commitment to what he believed was right only grew stronger in his exile and he refused to cooperate with his father's plans any more despite the pressure to give in. He even rejected a marriage alliance his father tried to form. He participated in his true King's plans wholeheartedly by praying, studying, and helping the poor.
He died at the age of 23 in 1484 from lung disease. He was buried with his favorite song, a Latin hymn to Mary called "Omni die dic Mariae" which we know as "Daily, Daily Sing to Mary." Because of his love for the song, it is known as the Hymn of St. Casimir though he didn't write it.
Casimir is patron saint of Poland and Lithuania.
Feastday: March 4
Patron of Poland and Lithuania
b: 1461 d: 1484
Casimir grew up in a world where his life was not his own. As a prince of Poland, the second son of King Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Austria, his life was scheduled to cement his father's authority and increase Poland's power.
Casimir realized from an early age that his life belonged to someone else, but to a much higher King than his father. Despite pressure, humiliation, and rejection, he stood by that loyalty through his whole life.
Born the third of thirteen children in 1461, Casimir was committed to God from childhood. Some of that commitment was the result of a tutor, John Dlugosz, whose holiness encouraged Casimir on his own journey.
It may be hard for us to imagine royal luxury as a pressure. But for Casimir, the riches around him were temptations to forget his true loyalties. Rebelling against the rich, fashionable clothes he was expected to enjoy, he wore the plainest of clothes.
Rejecting even ordinary comforts, he slept little, spending his nights in prayer. And when he did sleep, he lay on the floor not on a royal bed. Even though he was a prince, many of those around him must have laughed and joked at his choices. Yet, in the face of any pressure, Casimir was always friendly and calm.
Though his father must have wondered about him, he must have seen and admired Casimir's strength. He showed that he misunderstood this strength when he sent Casimir as head of an army to take over the throne of Hungary at the request of some nobles there. Casimir felt the whole expedition was wrong but was convinced to go out of obedience to his father. He could not help but feel at every step that it was disobedient to his other Father. So when soldiers started deserting, he was only too glad to listen to the advice of his officers and turn back home. His feelings were confirmed when he discovered that Pope Sixtus IV had opposed the move.
His father, however, was furious at being deterred from his plans and banished Casimir to a castle in Dobzki, hoping that imprisonment would change Casimir's mind. Casimir's commitment to what he believed was right only grew stronger in his exile and he refused to cooperate with his father's plans any more despite the pressure to give in. He even rejected a marriage alliance his father tried to form. He participated in his true King's plans wholeheartedly by praying, studying, and helping the poor.
He died at the age of 23 in 1484 from lung disease. He was buried with his favorite song, a Latin hymn to Mary called "Omni die dic Mariae" which we know as "Daily, Daily Sing to Mary." Because of his love for the song, it is known as the Hymn of St. Casimir though he didn't write it.
Casimir is patron saint of Poland and Lithuania.
Thursday, March 3, 2011
An American Saint with a New Orleans connection
St. Katharine Drexel
Feastday: March 3
1955
Saint Katharine Drexel, Religious (Feast Day-March 3)
Born in 1858, into a prominent Philadelphia family, Katharine became imbued with love for God and neighbor. She took an avid interest in the material and spiritual well-being of black and native Americans. She began by donating money but soon concluded that more was needed - the lacking ingredient was people. Katharine founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Black and Native American peoples, whose members would work for the betterment of those they were called to serve. From the age of 33 until her death in 1955, she dedicated her life and a fortune of 20 million dollars to this work. In 1894, Mother Drexel took part in opening the first mission school for Indians, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Other schools quickly followed - for Native Americans west of the Mississippi River, and for the blacks in the southern part of the United States. In 1915 she also founded Xavier University in New Orleans. At her death there were more than 500 Sisters teaching in 63 schools throughout the country. Katharine was beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 20, 1988.
Because of her lifelong dedication to her faith and her selfless service to the oppressed, Pope John Paul II canonized her on October 1, 2000 to become only the second recognized American-born saint.
Feastday: March 3
1955
Saint Katharine Drexel, Religious (Feast Day-March 3)
Born in 1858, into a prominent Philadelphia family, Katharine became imbued with love for God and neighbor. She took an avid interest in the material and spiritual well-being of black and native Americans. She began by donating money but soon concluded that more was needed - the lacking ingredient was people. Katharine founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament for Black and Native American peoples, whose members would work for the betterment of those they were called to serve. From the age of 33 until her death in 1955, she dedicated her life and a fortune of 20 million dollars to this work. In 1894, Mother Drexel took part in opening the first mission school for Indians, in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Other schools quickly followed - for Native Americans west of the Mississippi River, and for the blacks in the southern part of the United States. In 1915 she also founded Xavier University in New Orleans. At her death there were more than 500 Sisters teaching in 63 schools throughout the country. Katharine was beatified by Pope John Paul II on November 20, 1988.
Because of her lifelong dedication to her faith and her selfless service to the oppressed, Pope John Paul II canonized her on October 1, 2000 to become only the second recognized American-born saint.
A Week with the Children
This has been a rich week for me in ministry as I've spent a lot of time with our children. I always enjoy the opportunity to give witness to the faith and share the love of Jesus with young people. On Tuesday night I was invited to return to St. Jane de Chantal Church and speak to the confirmation students and their parents on the meaning of Lent and how to properly observe the season of prayer, fasting and almsgiving. It was a graced opportunity to remind all present of the opportunity to grow closer to God, through the Church, in the Lenten season before the Sacrament of Confirmation. I explained the meaning behind Ash Wednesday, Stations of the Cross, Holy Week and fasting and almsgiving. The pastor, Fr. Robert, did an excellent job of explaining the Chrism Mass of Holy Week when the very oils, including Sacred Chrism, will be used in their confirmation.
On Wednesday night I met with the 4th through 8th CCD students at Most Holy Trinity as we prepared for and conducted Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. The children, for the most part, had little knowledge of Adoration and Benediction so we explained every step along the way. The children all had a strong appreciation for Jesus' real presence in the Blessed Sacrament and seemed genuinely excited to grasp that He was really with us in a way that was physically evident to them. No shortcuts here; we used incense, sang the beautiful hymns of Benediction and recited the Divine Praises. After Benediction, I spent time visiting all the classrooms.
Tonight I am on the way back to St. Jane's to speak to the 1st Communion class and their moms & dads. We will again talk about Lent but in a way that hopefully will appeal to the age group.
So what an awesome and blesses week as I celebrate Jesus and our Catholic faith with our young people!
On Wednesday night I met with the 4th through 8th CCD students at Most Holy Trinity as we prepared for and conducted Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction. The children, for the most part, had little knowledge of Adoration and Benediction so we explained every step along the way. The children all had a strong appreciation for Jesus' real presence in the Blessed Sacrament and seemed genuinely excited to grasp that He was really with us in a way that was physically evident to them. No shortcuts here; we used incense, sang the beautiful hymns of Benediction and recited the Divine Praises. After Benediction, I spent time visiting all the classrooms.
Tonight I am on the way back to St. Jane's to speak to the 1st Communion class and their moms & dads. We will again talk about Lent but in a way that hopefully will appeal to the age group.
So what an awesome and blesses week as I celebrate Jesus and our Catholic faith with our young people!
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