Archive for January, 2012

By Marianne Buzzelli

Today, January 31, is the feast of St. John Bosco. John (Giovanni) Bosco lived 1815-1888. He was born in a little town in Becchi, Italy to poor parents. His father died when he was only 2 years old, so his mother was left to support John and his 2 older brothers. The Bosco family were farmers, and John was expected to work in the fields to help support his family. However, John Bosco loved reading, and was not interested in working as a farmer. He loved to read and was excited to receive instruction from the local parish priest.

He had a call to the priesthood and thought of becoming a priest from a very early age. According to his own personal writings, John Bosco had a series of dreams, beginning at the age of  9,  in which he saw a man, who “appeared, nobly attired, with a manly and imposing bearing. The man said to him: You will have to win these friends of yours not with blows, but with gentleness and kindness. So begin right now to show them that sin is ugly and virtue beautiful.”

John left the family farm to join the seminary at the age of 12. However, with no money, he was unable to continue his studies. Two years later he met an elderly priest, Fr. Joseph Calosso, who took young John under his wing, tutored him, and provided support which allowed him to pursue his studies at the seminary.

(life story continued in Part 2)

Reflection: Gentleness, kindness, and virtue – the words John Bosco heard in his childhood dream were the very essence of his being. He devoted his life to the service of young poor, sick, homeless boys.

You can learn more about the life of this marvelous saint as you read A Story of Saint  John Bosco.

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By Marianne Buzzelli

At the heart of the life of St. Thomas Aquinas was his time of prayer and adoration of The Blessed Sacrament. As is true of all of the saints who displayed the greatest devotion to Christ and His mother, St. Thomas Aquinas was devoted to Jesus, body, blood, soul and divinity within the Blessed Sacrament. In fact, in his marvelous writing, Summa Theologica, he did not only wonderfully describes the sacrament of The Eucharist, but, was the first to identify the word we now utilize to describe this mystery and miracle in which the bread and wine are transformed at Mass into the real presence of Jesus as “transubstantiation”.

St. Thomas Aquinas explains “The Blessed Sacrament and The Mass” in Summa, part III in which he describes the effects produced in the souls of those who receive Jesus in the sacrament of Eucharist, and the importance of frequent reception of the sacrament.

Reflection: God calls each of us to partake in the life of His Son as we live in service of others and follow His Will. We are all called to be saints. We find one of the most perfect examples of a holy life lived for love of Jesus in the life of St. Thomas Aquinas.

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St. Thomas Aquinas was one of the greatest, if not the greatest philosopher, scholar, and theologian of the Catholic Church. He lived in the 13^th century in Italy. He was a Dominican priest and one of 33 doctors of The Church. He was a great teacher and wrote more than 60 books. His popular theological work, Summa Theologica contains all of the main theological teachings of the Catholic Church.

 St. Thomas Aquinas was recognized by popes for his the greatness of his soul as well as the greatness of his mind. He was proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by St. Pope Pius V and recognized as “the prince and master of all scholastic doctors” by Pope Leo XIII who also designated him as patron of Catholic universities, colleges, and schools world-wide.

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Today, January 26, the Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. Timothy with Saint Titus. Saint Timothy was a disciple who was a friend and companion of St. Paul and traveled with Paul on his journey across Europe and Asia. In the second letter of St. Paul to Timothy, St. Paul refers to him as “his dear child” as he recalls the sincere faith of Timothy, and encourages him to continue to bring the spirit of God to the disciples. Paul also recognized Timothy for his knowledge of the Scriptures. St. Timothy was consecrated as bishop of Ephesus by St. Paul in 65 AD and served as a bishop for 15 years. St Timothy died as a martyr defending his faith and preaching the gospel of Christ. He was stoned to death when he attempted to stop the pagans from processing in worship of idols.

Reflection: St. Timothy exemplifies the response of God’s call to service and to spread the Gospel. He was a witness of the Christian faith who gave his life for Christ and The  Church. He knew God through his study of Scriptures and proclaimed the Gospel and the Holy Spirit. As St. Paul states in 2 Tm 1:7 “for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power and love and self control.” Let us also live the Gospel proclaiming God’s Word in power and love and self control. It is fitting that we remember this wonderful saint in prayer and seek his intercession as we wear a lovely St Timothy saint medal

Bio: Marianne Buzzelli is a Catholic writer and owner of Holy Cross Necklaces which sells fine cross necklaces, saint medals, rosaries, Christian rings, religious statuary, Catholic books, and more.

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By Marianne Buzzelli

Our Lady of Lourdes appeared to Bernadette Soubirous on February 11, 1858 in the Grotto of Massabielle, in France. Bernadette was on her way to fetch fire wood and came to a narrow stream. As she approached the stream she heard the sound of wind, but when she looked around she saw that the trees and bushes were not moving. When she looked up to the grotto she saw a bright light and a beautiful Lady in white above the rock in the grotto. She fell to her knees, reached into her pocket, took out her rosary and began to pray. Looking up Bernadette saw the Lady with yellow roses at her feet and holding a rosary which she was praying. The Lady, Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes, asked Bernadette to continue to come to the grotto, and she did. Each time more people followed her there. On February 25 the Lady instructed Bernadette Soubirous to dig a hole and drink the water that came from it. Hundreds of people watched as she drank the muddy water from the hole. By the next day water flowed from the hole that she had dug. And, on March 1, a woman drank water from the new spring and was cured of paralysis. Multiple miracles occurred as people continued to drink water from the new spring where the Lady had Bernadette dig the hole. Our Lady continued to appear to Bernadette at the grotto for a total of 18 times and numerous miraculous healings were reported. The request of Our Lady of Lourdes to Bernadette and all the pilgrims was to offer penance and   pray the rosary.  A shrine and a basilica have been constructed at the grotto and millions of pilgrims visit this shrine in France; many in search of the miracle of Lourdes. Thousands of miraculous spiritual and physical healings have been reported. Lourdes is the most visited shrine in the world.

Reflection: It is fitting that we celebrate this special feast and honor Mary’s love and grace under this marvelous title of Our Lady of Lourdes. Let us follow the request of Mary, Our Lady of Lourdes and offer penance and pray the rosary for increased holiness and the salvation of souls.

Bio: Marianne Buzzelli is a Catholic writer and owner of Holy Cross Necklaces which sells fine cross necklaces, saint medals, rosaries, Christian rings, religious statuary, Catholic books, and more.

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by Marianne Buzzelli

In the Rule of the Secular Franciscan Order St. Francis exhorts his Franciscan brothers and sisters to have “prayer and contemplation be the soul of all we are and all we do”.

So how do we accomplish this? St. Thomas of Celano and St. Bonaventure describe Francis’ great zeal for prayer and how Francis would go off to be alone in his prayer, just as Jesus often did during his ministry.

St. Thomas of Celano said “… The man of God, who was already holy because of his holy intention, was accustomed to enter the cave, while his companion waited outside, and inspired by a new and extraordinary spirit he would pray to his Father in secret. He acted in such a way that no one would know what was happening within. Wisely taking the occasion of the good to conceal the better, he consulted God alone about his holy purpose. He prayed with all his heart that the eternal and true God guide his way and teach him to do His will. He endured great suffering in his soul, and he was not able to rest until he accomplished in action what he had conceived in his heart. …”

St. Bonaventure, presented this description of the constant, deep prayer of St Francis,
“The servant of Christ knowing that he was in his body a pilgrim and an exile from the lord, had already become, for the charity of Christ wholly insensible to the desire of earthly or exterior things, lest he should remain without the consolation of true love; and so praying without intermission he endeavored to keep his spirit in the continual presence of God. And great, assuredly, was his consolation in prayer, while he contemplated the whole circle of the mansions of the angels, with whom he was already a fellow citizen, and with fervent desires sought his Beloved, from whom he was only divided by the wall of the flesh. And this prayer was also a great help to him in all his works, wherein he distrusted his own endeavors; and trusting wholly in prayer, rested all his thoughts upon the Lord.” We hear in these words also how Francis desired so much to know and live totally within the Divine Providence of God, how he prayed without intermission, and of his union with Christ, his beloved.

Of all of the writings by the friends of St Francis describing his method of prayer the one that is most indicative of his life was written by Thomas of Celano, the first biographer of St. Francis. He said this about Francis and his life of prayer: “He does not so much pray, as he becomes himself a prayer”.

Reflection: St Francis was a saint known to be closest to union with Jesus and His cross. He even carried the stigmata, the wounds of Christ on his body which he offered for souls. He was united to Jesus in his work for the poor, his life devoted in imitation of Christ, and his constant prayer. He truly radiated Christ to all who encountered him. How wonderful that it seems that St Francis not only accomplished the mission we are all given on earth – to know, love, and serve God totally, accepting the Divine Will of God. But, he also seemed to have accomplished our eternal goal of union with God. For St Francis united every action and thought to the will of God in imitation of His Divine Son, Jesus. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to follow the example of St. Francis in conforming ourselves to Jesus in such a way that we too may not only have a life of deep prayer, but become a living prayer. You can learn more about the life and prayer of St. Francis as you listen to The Little Flowers of St Francis. This wonderful collection of stories on 4 CDs will truly inspire your prayer life.

Bio:  Marianne Buzzelli is a Catholic writer and owner of Holy Cross Necklaces which sells fine cross necklaces, saint medals, rosaries, Christian rings, religious statuary, Catholic books, and more.

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We come to Mary, the Mother of Our Dear Lord Jesus to lead us to her son.

Saints and holy people consecrate their lives to Mary.

Here is a simple, yet beautiful Prayer to say to Mary as you begin each day:

Mary asks us to do penance and pray, especially the rosary, daily.

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by Marianne Buzzelli

Redemptive suffering is our participation in and union with the passion of Christ through our physical or mental suffering. It is a participation in the cross of Christ. As we carry our cross of suffering we are united to the cross of Christ. And, it is, of course, the cross of Christ that brought us redemption, through His suffering, and salvation from original sin which provided the means for us to join God in his heavenly kingdom.  As the Catechism of The Catholic Church (par 1521) states, “suffering, a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning; it becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus.”

What a wonderful privilege we are given to participate in the saving work of Jesus. It is not, of course, that our redemption was not accomplished by the death of Jesus. But, we can unite ourselves to Jesus on the cross during our suffering. And, as we participate in the suffering of Jesus, we offer God our suffering to be united to the suffering of His beloved Son.

The apostle, St. Paul reaffirms the power of redemptive suffering, when he says, “In my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the Church” (Col 1:24). Pope John Paul II wrote extensively on redemptive suffering in Apostolic Letter, “Salvifici Doloris”. He reminds us that that the Gospel speaks in multiple places of “suffering for the sake of Christ”. And, it is just as Jesus shared in that aspect of our humanity when He experienced suffering, we are blessed to be able to share in the most wonderful redemptive value gained by His suffering as we carry our crosses.

During His life Christ endured suffering, pain, and death. And, his ministry focused on helping and healing those suffering from pain, illness, and disease. Another aspect identified in the redemptive value of suffering is the result of suffering on those around the suffering individual. For it is when we witness a loved one in pain are we not called to express our love in trying to comfort and assist him in both words and actions. And, is it not during the time of the illness of a friend, loved one, or even a stranger, that we turn to God in our prayer of petition to Him. And, we are brought closer to God in our response to the suffering of another. This is, thus, an example of redemptive suffering.

Reflection: Pain, illness, disease, and suffering are a part of our lives. Whether we experience suffering ourselves or as we witness a friend or loved one in pain we nonetheless endure the cross of suffering throughout our lives on earth. It is God’s Will that we unite our suffering to His suffering of His cross. Let us pray for the strength to endure whatever cross we have been given and offer the suffering for the salvation of souls as we “suffer for the sake of Christ”. And, we can then join St. Paul in saying, “ I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”. (Gal 2:20).  As we pray to Jesus we can show our devotion and love for His cross as we display and wear a cross necklace crucifix.

Bio: Marianne Buzzelli is a Catholic writer and owner of Holy Cross Necklaces which sells fine cross necklaces, saint medals, rosaries, religious statuary, Catholic books, and more.

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One of the most frequent questions people have in times of difficulty in their lives deals with suffering. The question is: “Why is there suffering? Why do good people suffer? If God loves me why does He allow my loved one to suffer?” The simple answer is that God does not give us suffering but, allows it if it accomplishes a better good. And, what could possibly be a better good than to experience good health? The answer is clear when one considers the greatest value of an individual’s life. It is not one’s physical body but one’s soul.

What do most of us do when we fear being helpless? And, what is the most common response when we fear physical disability, mental disability, or death? Where do we go when the condition of our lives or our bodies are not within are control? Is it not then that we acknowledge our own limitations and weakness, and realize that we need God?

So it is that as we experience pain or suffering that we turn away from ourselves and look to God, seek a closer relationship with God, and turn to God for His help. It is at this time when we recognize our vulnerability that we realize that we are nothing without God, and that without God we have no life – physical or spiritual. We realize that the things we valued in our lives: money, title, power, and occupation mean nothing when we are facing the possibility of death. And, this death can be mortal death of the body or spiritual death of the soul.

So what good is accomplished when we turn to God in our suffering? As we spend more time seeking God, praying for his help, and listening to His voice within us, we slowly improve our relationship with Him. Our act of going to God in our time of desperation is in essence our response to His call to us. Our heart becomes open to the voice of God that had been calling us since our baptism when we were first united to Him. With each moment we spend in conversation with God we come to know Him better. And, as we begin to know God better we also gain a better understanding of ourselves. We begin to see our own soul as God sees it. And, we have a greater desire to spend even more time in prayer to God. With each encounter with God we come to know Him more and love Him more. And, with ongoing devotion to our prayer with God, we find ourselves with a great desire to serve others. We begin to pray for others, not just ourselves. And, our prayers extend beyond petition to thanksgiving and adoration.

In our quest to find relief in our suffering by turning to God in prayer we inevitably improve the state of our soul. With each prayer of petition for a loved one or stranger, prayer of thanksgiving, prayer of adoration, or act of charity, we have become more united with God.

And, so how is suffering a good thing? If suffering brings us closer to God so that we spend more time with Him, develop a relationship with Him, know Him and love Him, and even choose to serve Him, what have we accomplished? Isn’t that exactly why God created us? It is indeed so that we may know Him, love, and serve Him here on earth, and be happy with Him forever in heaven.

Let us not, therefore complain in time of suffering. But, rejoice in the opportunity to share in The Cross of Christ, carry the cross He gave us, and prepare our souls for eternal happiness with Him now and in eternity. What a wonderful way to express your love and devotion to Christ and His cross as you wear a beautiful gold cross crucifix.

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