Archive for August 1st, 2012

Today on July 30th we celebrate the feast day of St Leopold Mandic, a holy Capuchin friar who lived out most of his life ministering to souls in the confessional at Padua, Italy. His body was weak, but his faith had the strength of a burning flame. Beneath his frail, slight and suffering body lived a heart very similar to the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Its mercy, desire for unity and zeal for souls. God Bless his service to our Lord.

Today on July 29th, we remember our faithful Catholic musicians that have emerged over the last few years who have a similar feel through their melody, voice and overall sound. The difference is in the lyrics. While not every song is explicitly Catholic, it is a beautiful addition for Catholics who enjoy contemporary Christian music but would appreciate a Catholic touch. God Bless their work and art!

Today on July 28th we celebrate the life and the memorial of St. Clelia Barbieri. St. Clelia Barbieri was a young single woman through whom many people came closer to God in her hometown. She is a patron Saint for all those who get ridiculed for their piety and meekness. Dying young, at age 23, she is a reminder of what can be accomplished if we put God’s interests first and ours second. God Bless her sacrifice.

Today on July 27th we, as a community, remember and preserve the anniversary of death of Blessed Anne Mary Javouhey, who was the foundress of the Congregation of St Joseph of Cluny. Growing up during the French revolution this courageous woman learned how precious the gift of faith is, and decided to dedicate her whole life to God and his teaching and workings. The path upon which God led her had many obstacles, but with his help she conquered them and emerged a shining beacon of hope for the world. God Bless!

Today on July 26th we celebrate the life and works of St Declan of Ardmore. St Declan of Ardmore was a fifth century Bishop of Ireland. Some years ago one of the boys in my Confirmation class chose the name of Declan. This meant that his devotion would almost consume his entire life. May we all embrace the gift of being introduced to St Declan of Ardmore and for being inspired by the signs and wonders God worked through him. God Bless!