Saint February 7 : St. Colette of Corbie : Foundress of #Colettine Poor Clares
Born: 13 January 1381, at Corbie in Picardy, France
Died: 6 March 1447, Ghent Canonized: 24 May 1807(Diminutive of NICOLETTA, COLETTA). Founder of Colettine Poor Clares (Clarisses), born 13 January 1381, at Corbie in Picardy, France; died at Ghent, 6 March, 1447. Her father, Robert Boellet, was the carpenter of the famous Benedictine Abbey of Corbie; her mother's name was Marguerite Moyon. Colette joined successively the Bequines, the Benedictines, and the Urbanist Poor Clares. Later she lived for a while as a recluse. Having resolved to reform the Poor Clares, she turned to the antipope, Benedict XIII (Pedro de Luna), then recognized by France as the rightful pope. Benedict allowed her to enter to the order of Poor Clares and empowered her by several Bulls, dated 1406, 1407, 1408, and 1412 to found new convents and complete the reform of the order. With the approval of the Countess of Geneva and the Franciscan Henri de la Beaume, her confessor and spiritual guide, Colette began her work at Beaume, in the Diocese of Geneva. She remained there but a short time and soon opened at Besançon her first convent in an almost abandoned house of Urbanist Poor Clares. Thence her reform spread to Auxonne (1410), to Poligny, to Ghent (1412), to Heidelberg (1444), to Amiens, etc. To the seventeen convents founded during her lifetime must be added another begun by her at Pont-à-Mousson in Lorraine. She also inaugurated a reform among the Franciscan friars (the Coletani), not to be confounded with the Observants. These Coletani remained obedient to the authority of the provincial of the Franciscan convents, and never attained much importance even in France. In 1448 they had only thirteen convents, and together with other small branches of the Franciscan Order were suppressed in 1517 by Leo X. In addition to the strict rules of the Poor Clares, the Colettines follow their special constitutions sanctioned in 1434 by the General of the Franciscans, William of Casale, approved in 1448 by Nicholas V, in 1458 by Pius II, and in 1482 by Sixtus IV.
St. Colette was beatified 23 January, 1740, and canonized 24 May, 1807. She was not only a woman of sincere piety, but also intelligent and energetic, and exercised a remarkable moral power over all her associates. She was very austere and mortified in her life, for which God rewarded her by supernatural favours and the gift of miracles. For the convents reformed by her she prescribed extreme poverty, to go barefooted, and the observance of perpetual fast and abstinence. The Colettine Sisters are found today, outside of France, in Belgium, Germany, Spain, England, and the United States. (Text from the Catholic Encyclopedia)
Free Catholic Movie : Saint Vincent Pallotti - FULL Film - 1985 - #UAC
St. Vincent Pallotti - Faithful Radical - Film produced by the Province of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary on the 150th anniversary of the Union of Catholic Apostolate in 1985.
Glorious "Hymn of the Cherubim" by Tchaikovsky - Hauntingly Beautiful will Touch you Soul!
~Listen to this Beautiful Cherubic Hymn which is the primary cherubikon (Gr: χερουβικόν), or song of the angels, sung during every Divine Liturgy of the year. The Cherubic Hymn was added to the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom near the end of the sixth century.
SHARE this Beautiful Hymn to Touch a Soul!
Translation in English:
"We, who mystically represent the Cherubim, And chant the thrice-holy hymn to the Life-giving Trinity, Let us set aside the cares of life That we may receive the King of all, Who comes invisibly escorted by the Divine Hosts."
Lyrics in Greek:
Οἱ τὰ Χερουβεὶμ μυστικῶς εἰκονίζοντες,
καὶ τῇ ζωοποιῷ Τριάδι τὸν Τρισάγιον ὕμνον προσάδοντες,
πᾶσαν τὴν βιοτικὴν ἀποθώμεθα μέριμναν.
Ὡς τὸν Βασιλέα τῶν ὅλων ὑποδεξόμενοι,
ταῖς ἀγγελικαῖς ἀοράτως δορυφορούμενον τάξεσιν.
Ἀλληλούϊα, Ἀλληλούϊα, Ἀλληλούϊα.
Image Source : Google : 1854 Louis Janmot (French; 1814-92)
Pope Francis "For the first time, a Pope went to the Arabian peninsula...800 years after the visit of St. Francis of Assisi to the Sultan..." FULL TEXT + Video at Audiencee
Paul VI Hall
Apostolic Journey to the United Arab Emirates
Dear brothers and sisters, good morning!
In recent days I made a short Apostolic Journey to the United Arab Emirates. A short but very important journey that, linking up to the 2017 meeting in Al-Azhar, Egypt, wrote a new page in the history of dialogue between Christianity and Islam and in the commitment to promote peace in the world on the basis of human brotherhood .
For the first time, a Pope went to the Arabian peninsula. And Providence wanted it to be a Pope by the name of Francis, 800 years after the visit of St. Francis of Assisi to the sultan al-Malik al-Kamil. I often thought of Saint Francis during this journey: he helped me to keep the Gospel, the love of Jesus Christ in my heart, while I was living the various moments of the visit; in my heart there was the Gospel of Christ, prayer to the Father for all his children, especially for the poorest, for the victims of injustices, wars, misery ...; prayer because the dialogue between Christianity and Islam is a decisive factor for peace in today's world.
I sincerely thank the Hereditary Prince, the President, the Vice President and all the Authorities of the United Arab Emirates, who welcomed me with great courtesy. That country has grown a lot in recent decades: it has become a crossroads between East and West, a multiethnic and multi-religious "oasis", and therefore a suitable place to promote the culture of encounter. I express my gratitude to Bishop Paul Hinder, Vicar Apostolic of South Arabia, who prepared and organized the event for the Catholic community, and my "thank you" extends with affection to the priests, religious and laity who animate the Christian presence in that land.
I had the opportunity to greet the first priest - ninety - who had gone there to found so many communities. He is in the wheelchair, blind, but the smile does not fall from his lips, the smile of having served the Lord and of having done so well. I also said hello to another ninety-year-old priest - but that was walking and continuing to work. Good boy! - and many priests who are there at the service of the Christian communities of the Latin rite, of the Syro-Malabar, Syro-Malankara rituals, of the Maronite rite that come from Lebanon, India, the Philippines and other countries.
In addition to the speeches, in Abu Dhabi one step was taken: the Great Imam of Al-Azhar and I signed the document on the Human Brotherhood, in which together we affirm the common vocation of all men and women to be brothers in As God's sons and daughters, we condemn all forms of violence, especially those with religious motivation, and we commit ourselves to spreading authentic values ​​and peace throughout the world. This document will be studied in schools and universities in several countries. But I also recommend that you read it, know it, because it gives so much pressure to move forward in the dialogue on human brotherhood.
In an era like ours, in which the temptation to see a clash between Christian and Islamic civilizations is strong, and also to consider religions as sources of conflict, we wanted to give a further, clear and decisive sign, that instead it is possible to meet, it is possible to respect and dialogue, and that, despite the diversity of cultures and traditions, the Christian and Islamic world appreciate and protect common values: life, family, religious sense, honor for the elderly, the education of young people, and others.
About a million Christians live in the United Arab Emirates: workers from various Asian countries. Yesterday morning I met a representation of the Catholic community in St. Joseph's Cathedral in Abu Dhabi - a very simple temple - and then, after this meeting, I celebrated for everyone. They were so many! They say that among those inside the stadium, which has capacity for 40 thousand, and those who were in front of the screens outside the stadium, it was 150 thousand! I celebrated the Eucharist in the city stadium, announcing the Gospel of the Beatitudes. In the Mass, concelebrated with the Patriarchs, the Major Archbishops and the Bishops present, we prayed in a special way for peace and justice, with special intention in the Middle East and Yemen.
Dear brothers and sisters, this Journey belongs to the "surprises" of God. We therefore praise him and his providence, and pray that the scattered seeds bear fruit according to his holy will.
Greetings in Various Languages:
Je suis heureux de saluer les pèlerins venus de France et de divers pays francophones, en particulier les séminaristes et les professeurs du Séminaire de Nantes, ainsi que les jeunes de Marseille et de Paris. Demandons à l'Esprit Saint de nous aider à promouvoir une véritable culture de la rencontre, et, en tant qu'enfants de Dieu, à faire grandir la fraternité entre les hommes, grâce au respect, au dialogue et à la prière. Que Dieu vous bénisse!
I greet the English-speaking pilgrims and visitors taking part in today's Audience, especially those from England and the United States of America. Upon all of you, and your families, I invoke the Lord's blessings of joy and peace. God bless you!
Herzlich grüße ich die Pilger deutscher Sprache. Bitten wir den Vater der Menschheit, dass er der Welt Frieden schenke und uns alle im Bewusstsein der Brüderlichkeit unter den Menschen wachsen lasse.
Saúdo cordialmente os peregrinos de língua portuguesa, em particular os fiéis de São José dos Campos, com votos de que tragais sempre no coração o amor de Jesus, como Francisco de Assis, e a oração ao Pai celeste por todos os seus filhos, especialmente por quantos não têm paz. Sobre vós e vossas famílias desça a bênção de Deus!
Saludo cordialmente a los peregrinos de lengua española, en modo particular a los grupos provenientes de España y América Latina. Cuando entraba vi que había muchos andaluces, que saben hacer ruido. Agradezcamos al Señor este momento de gracia que ha sido el viaje a los Emiratos Árabes Unidos y recemos para que crezca la fraternidad entre todos los creyentes en Dios, incluso entre estos y los no creyentes, y todas las personas de buena voluntad. Muchas gracias.
بالقادمين من الشرق الأوسط. على الثرى الطيب للإمارات العربية المتحدة زرعت بذرة الأخوة الإنسانية. نسأل الله أن يجعلها تنمو، وثمر وتصبح شجرة تحتضن الجميع. ليبارك الرب جميع الأشخاص الذين جعلوا هذه الزيارة الرسولية ممكنة.
Pozdrawiam serdecznie pielgrzymów polskich. Bracia i siostry, spotkania z ludźmi różnych kontynentów, kultur i religii, podobnie jak to w Zjednoczonych Emiratach Arabskich, uświadamiają nam jak ważną sprawą dla świata jest pokój, dialog i braterstwo ludzi. Wymiarem tych aspektów życia w każdym z nas jest pokój z samym sobą, z bliźnimi, ze światem stworzonym. W duchu hasła tej minionej wizyty prośmy Boga w naszej codziennej modlitwie: "Uczyń mnie narzędziem pokoju". Niech będzie pochwalony Jezus Chrystus.
Last Saturday, near the archipelago of the Bahamas, a boat has sunk with dozens of migrants coming from Haiti and looking for hope and a future of peace. My affectionate thought goes to the families suffering from the pain, as well as to the Haitian people struck by this new tragedy. I invite you to join my prayer for those who have disappeared dramatically and for the injured.
I extend a cordial welcome to the Italian-speaking faithful.
I am pleased to welcome the Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Basilicata, accompanied by the Metropolitan, Monsignor Salvatore Ligorio and the Chinese Priests and Religious in Rome for a refresher course.
I greet the group of the Union of Italian scientific journalists and educational institutions, in particular the San Giovanni Battista School of Rome - and the class of students of the "Pier Paolo Pasolini" High School of Potenza.
I greet the delegation of the Banco Farmaceutico Foundation that on Saturday 9 February, in Italian pharmacies, will collect drugs for economically disadvantaged people.
I address a special thought to the young, the sick, the newlyweds and the elderly. I wish everyone to visit the Eternal City to encourage them to deepen the Word of God in order to announce that Jesus is our Savior and our true peace.
#BreakingNews 16 Child Care Institutions Closed by Government including Orphanage of Missionaries of Charity
ASIA/INDIA - The government shuts down 16 child care institutions: including the orphanage of the Missionaries of Charity
Ranchi (Agenzia Fides) - The Government of India has cancelled the license of 16 child care institutions including "Nirmal Hriday" run by the Missionaries of Charity of Mother Teresa in Ranchi. The provision follows a report submittted by the Jharkhand State Commission for protection of children's rights, with a recommendation to take action against 31 institutions. As Fides learns, the provision comes as a result of the case of baby selling in "Nirmal Hriday" in July last year. The Prime Minister of Jharkhand, Raghubar Das, had ordered the Commission to present a report on the situation, monitoring 126 homes throughout the state. The 16 child care institutions were closed due to "reported violations of various provisions of the law on juvenile justice", said the Director of the Commission D.K. Saxena.
The "Nirmal Hriday" in Ranchi, run by the nuns of Mother Teresa, is on the list of the 16 closed orphanages. Another 24 institutions have three months to improve conditions. Among the irregularities detected, the lack of complete documentation on children or the lack of basic services such as accommodation, food and safety provisions.
The case of "Nirmal Hriday" came to light in July 2018, when the institute was involved in an alleged baby selling. The case was a shock to the nation and raised questions about the functioning of child centers in the state of Jharkhand. Sister Koshleniea and Anima Indwar, a woman employed in Nirmal Hriday, were arrested on 3 July for their alleged involvement in the illegal trafficking of children. (SD) (FULL TEXT Release from Agenzia Fides, 6/2/2019
Today's Mass Readings and Video : Wednesday February 6, 2019 - #Eucharist
Memorial of Saint Paul Miki and Companions, Martyrs
Reading 1HEB 12:4-7, 11-15
Brothers and sisters:
In your struggle against sin
you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.
You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children:
My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord
or lose heart when reproved by him;
for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines;
he scourges every son he acknowledges.
Endure your trials as "discipline";
God treats you as his sons.
For what "son" is there whom his father does not discipline?
At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain,
yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness
to those who are trained by it.
So strengthen your drooping hands and your weak knees.
Make straight paths for your feet,
that what is lame may not be dislocated but healed.
Strive for peace with everyone,
and for that holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
See to it that no one be deprived of the grace of God,
that no bitter root spring up and cause trouble,
through which many may become defiled.
Responsorial PsalmPS 103:1-2, 13-14, 17-18A
R. (see 17) The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
and all my being, bless his holy name.
Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
R. The Lord's kindness is everlasting to those who fear him.
As a father has compassion on his children,
so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him,
For he knows how we are formed;
he remembers that we are dust.
But the kindness of the LORD is from eternity
to eternity toward those who fear him,
And his justice toward children's children
among those who keep his covenant.
My sheep hear my voice, says the Lord;
I know them, and they follow me.
GospelMK 6:1-6
Jesus departed from there and came to his native place, accompanied by his disciples.
When the sabbath came he began to teach in the synagogue,
and many who heard him were astonished.
They said, "Where did this man get all this?
What kind of wisdom has been given him?
What mighty deeds are wrought by his hands!
Is he not the carpenter, the son of Mary,
and the brother of James and Joseph and Judas and Simon?
And are not his sisters here with us?"
And they took offense at him.
Jesus said to them,
"A prophet is not without honor except in his native place
and among his own kin and in his own house."
So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there,
apart from curing a few sick people by laying his hands on them.
He was amazed at their lack of faith.
Saint February 6 : St. Paul Miki & Companions : Martyrs of Japan
1562, Tsunokuni, Japan
5 February 1597, Nagasaki, Japana
8 June 1862 by Pope Pius IX
Christianity spread like wildfire in sixteenth-century Japan. By the 1580s, less than forty years after Francis Xavier introduced the faith, the church counted two hundred thousand converts. The growth had proceeded despite the opposition of Buddhist priests and many petty rulers. However, in 1587, Emperor Hideyoshi ordered the banishment of all Catholics, forcing the Jesuit missionaries to operate from hiding. But outright persecution did not break out until late 1596, when Hideyoshi rounded up twenty-six Jesuits, Franciscans, and laypeople and prepared to martyr them.
Among the victims was St. Paul Miki, a Jesuit novice who had just completed eleven years of training. Paul's noble family was converted when he was a child and at age five he was baptized. Educated by Jesuits, the gifted youth joined their novitiate at age twenty-two. He had studied intensively the teachings of the Buddhists so as to be able to debate their priests. He welcomed his chance at martyrdom, but may have wished just a little that it would be delayed long enough for him to be ordained a priest.
Hideyoshi had the left ears of the twenty-six martyrs severed as a sign of disrespect and paraded them through Kyoto. Dressed in his simple black cassock, Paul stood out among them. Most onlookers realized that this noble young man could have worn the samurai's costume with two swords on his belt. The whole display had the unexpected effect of evoking compassion from the crowd, some of whom later became converts.
The martyrs were then taken to Nagasaki. They were tied to crosses with their necks held in place by iron rings. Beside each was an executioner with his spear ready to strike. An eyewitness gave this account:
When the crosses were set up it was a wonderful thing to see the constancy of all of them. Our brother Paul Miki, seeing himself raised to the most honorable position that he had ever occupied, openly proclaimed that he was a Japanese and a member of the Society of Jesus. And that he was being put to death for having preached the gospel. He gave thanks to God for such a precious favor.
He then added these words: "Having arrived at this moment of my existence, I believe that no one of you thinks I want to hide the truth. That is why I declare to you that there is no other way of salvation than the one followed by Christians. Since this way teaches me to forgive my enemies and all who have offended me, I willingly forgive the king and all those who have desired my death. And I pray that they will obtain the desire of Christian baptism."
At this point, he turned his eyes toward his companions and began to encourage them in their final struggle. The faces of them all shone with great gladness. Another Christian shouted to him that he would soon be in paradise. "Like my Master," murmured Paul, "I shall die upon the cross. Like him, a lance will pierce my heart so that my blood and my love can flow out upon the land and sanctify it to his name."
As they awaited death the entire group sang the canticle of Zachary (see Luke 1:67-79). The executioners stood by respectfully until they had intoned the last verse. Then at a given signal they thrust their spears into the victims' sides. On that day, February 5, 1597, the church of Japan welcomed its first martyrs.
Excerpt from Voices of the Saints by Bert Ghezzi.
Saint February 7 : St. Colette of Corbie : Foundre...
Free Catholic Movie : Saint Vincent Pallotti - FUL...
Glorious "Hymn of the Cherubim" by Tchaikovsky - H...
Pope Francis "For the first time, a Pope went to t...
#BreakingNews 16 Child Care Institutions Closed by...
Today's Mass Readings and Video : Wednesday Februa...
Saint February 6 : St. Paul Miki & Companions : Ma...