VATICAN : WORLD DAY OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS
AMERICA : BISHOPS LAUD END OF DEATH PENALTY IN STATE
AFRICA : NIGERIA : ATTACK ON CHURCH LEAVES 18 DEAD
AUSTRALIA : EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE IN GOD'S HOUSE - MR. BERNARD
ASIA : CAMBODIA : MEMORY OF CAMBODIAN MARTYRS
EUROPE : URSULINES CELEBRATE 150 YEARS IN AREA
RADIO VATICANA REPORT: It
was day to remember for 9 deacons who were ordained on this World Day of Prayer
for Religious Vocations by Pope Benedict XVI in St Peter’s Basilica. Eight of
the deacons were from the diocese of Rome, one a former pilot, another a
chemistry graduate. Also ordained on Sunday was a deacon from Vietnam who had
previously been a lawyer.
Speaking to the congregation on Sunday which included the family and friends of the new priests, the Holy Father said, the Priest like the Shepherd is called to lead the faithful entrusted to him to true life, “a life in abundance”
The new priests listened as the Pope told them that the value of their priestly life was not just about social works, it was also about living a life in the vital presence of God.
That presence, continued Pope Benedict was made all the more intense when the weight of the priest’s cross in life is heavier.
Referring to Sunday’s readings, Pope Benedict also noted, during his Homily, that Jesus had '' lived an experience of being rejected by the leaders of his people, yet helped by God he founded a new church.
The priest, said the Pope, is called to live the experience Jesus lived, to give himself fully to his work as preacher and healer.
Following Mass the Holy Father recited the Regina Caeli during which he prayed that more people would hear Christ’s call.
"Today’s Gospel highlights the figure of Christ the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his flock. Today we also pray for vocations to the priesthood: may more young men hear Christ’s call to follow him more closely, and offer their lives to serve their brothers and sisters. God’s peace be with you all!"
The Pope also added that the young priests he ordained on Sunday were not different from other young people, but they had been touched by a deep love of God.
SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA
Speaking to the congregation on Sunday which included the family and friends of the new priests, the Holy Father said, the Priest like the Shepherd is called to lead the faithful entrusted to him to true life, “a life in abundance”
The new priests listened as the Pope told them that the value of their priestly life was not just about social works, it was also about living a life in the vital presence of God.
That presence, continued Pope Benedict was made all the more intense when the weight of the priest’s cross in life is heavier.
Referring to Sunday’s readings, Pope Benedict also noted, during his Homily, that Jesus had '' lived an experience of being rejected by the leaders of his people, yet helped by God he founded a new church.
The priest, said the Pope, is called to live the experience Jesus lived, to give himself fully to his work as preacher and healer.
Following Mass the Holy Father recited the Regina Caeli during which he prayed that more people would hear Christ’s call.
"Today’s Gospel highlights the figure of Christ the Good Shepherd who lays down his life for his flock. Today we also pray for vocations to the priesthood: may more young men hear Christ’s call to follow him more closely, and offer their lives to serve their brothers and sisters. God’s peace be with you all!"
The Pope also added that the young priests he ordained on Sunday were not different from other young people, but they had been touched by a deep love of God.
SOURCE: RADIO VATICANA
AMERICA : BISHOPS LAUD END OF DEATH PENALTY IN STATE
USCCB REPORT-
April 26, 2012
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) congratulated the Connecticut bishops, the Connecticut Catholic Conference, Catholic Mobilizing Network, and all dedicated advocates against the death penalty for their work to bring about the repeal of the death penalty in Connecticut. Governor Dan Malloy enacted the legislation April 25, making Connecticut the 17th state to repeal the death penalty.
“As Catholics we are dedicated to promoting a consistent ethic of life, which values all human life as full of dignity and inherent worth – even those convicted of the worst crimes,” said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. “We welcome the courageous decision by the governor and the legislature to abolish the use of the death penalty in Connecticut. We stand in solidarity with all those who work for a just and safe society that protects its citizens and upholds the sanctity and dignity of all human life.”
Pope Benedict XVI, like his predecessor John Paul II, has called for the end of the use of the death penalty. In November 2011, Pope Benedict expressed support for efforts for“political and legislative initiatives being promoted in a growing number of countries to eliminate the death penalty.”
SOURCE USCCB
April 26, 2012
WASHINGTON—The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) congratulated the Connecticut bishops, the Connecticut Catholic Conference, Catholic Mobilizing Network, and all dedicated advocates against the death penalty for their work to bring about the repeal of the death penalty in Connecticut. Governor Dan Malloy enacted the legislation April 25, making Connecticut the 17th state to repeal the death penalty.
“As Catholics we are dedicated to promoting a consistent ethic of life, which values all human life as full of dignity and inherent worth – even those convicted of the worst crimes,” said Bishop Stephen E. Blaire, chairman of the USCCB Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development. “We welcome the courageous decision by the governor and the legislature to abolish the use of the death penalty in Connecticut. We stand in solidarity with all those who work for a just and safe society that protects its citizens and upholds the sanctity and dignity of all human life.”
Pope Benedict XVI, like his predecessor John Paul II, has called for the end of the use of the death penalty. In November 2011, Pope Benedict expressed support for efforts for“political and legislative initiatives being promoted in a growing number of countries to eliminate the death penalty.”
SOURCE USCCB
AFRICA : NIGERIA : ATTACK ON CHURCH LEAVES 18 DEAD
ALL AFRICA REPORT:
By Salisu Ibrahim, 29 April 2012
By Salisu Ibrahim, 29 April 2012
An early morning attack during catholic mass in the heart
of Bayero University Kano has left at least 18 people dead.
Among the victims of the attack are Professors Jerome Ayodele of the Chemistry Department and Andrew Leo of Library Science department respectably of the Bayero University Kano.
The attacks carried out by unidentified gunmen, happened at about 8.30am in the morning hours of Sunday as Christians faithful were conducting their service at the Theater hall of the university.
Although the University spokesperson, Alhaji Mustapha Zahradeen told our correspondent that seven persons were killed, eyewitnesses said rescue operators removed at least 18 dead bodies.
But Mustapha Zahradeen explained that the gunmen who stormed the university premises on motorcycles took everybody unawares because it has never occurred to them that such an attack could happen.
He said that many students and other worshipers were critically injured and taken to Mallam Aminu Kano teaching hospital where there is heavy presence of security personnel guiding the entire place.
Spokesperson of the Joint Military Task Force, LT. Ikediha Iweha also confirmed the attack, explaining that at about 8.30 am in the morning of Sunday some gunmen stormed the BUK old site campus with heavy explosives and Machine Guns and launched attacks on innocent worshippers, adding that the attack was highly sophisticated.
He said before his men arrived the scene the gun men fled the area as the entire area that including Dorayi, Karshen Wire, and BUK road was cordoned off. Iweha said the measure was part of security measure to get on the suspects.
SOURCE: ALLAFRICA.COM
Among the victims of the attack are Professors Jerome Ayodele of the Chemistry Department and Andrew Leo of Library Science department respectably of the Bayero University Kano.
The attacks carried out by unidentified gunmen, happened at about 8.30am in the morning hours of Sunday as Christians faithful were conducting their service at the Theater hall of the university.
Although the University spokesperson, Alhaji Mustapha Zahradeen told our correspondent that seven persons were killed, eyewitnesses said rescue operators removed at least 18 dead bodies.
But Mustapha Zahradeen explained that the gunmen who stormed the university premises on motorcycles took everybody unawares because it has never occurred to them that such an attack could happen.
He said that many students and other worshipers were critically injured and taken to Mallam Aminu Kano teaching hospital where there is heavy presence of security personnel guiding the entire place.
Spokesperson of the Joint Military Task Force, LT. Ikediha Iweha also confirmed the attack, explaining that at about 8.30 am in the morning of Sunday some gunmen stormed the BUK old site campus with heavy explosives and Machine Guns and launched attacks on innocent worshippers, adding that the attack was highly sophisticated.
He said before his men arrived the scene the gun men fled the area as the entire area that including Dorayi, Karshen Wire, and BUK road was cordoned off. Iweha said the measure was part of security measure to get on the suspects.
SOURCE: ALLAFRICA.COM
AUSTRALIA : EXCEPTIONAL SERVICE IN GOD'S HOUSE - MR. BERNARD
ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE REPORT:
| Recognising exceptional service to the Church |  |
| Thursday 26 April 2012 On Sunday 15 April, Archbishop Denis Hart awarded Mr Gustaw Bernard with the Benemerenti medal, a Papal medal that recognises long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church By Fr Tony Slowik SJ Gustaw is a man of peace and unity. His love, dedication and respect shown in very practical ways to all people, regardless of their nationality, financial means, creed or social status is truly exemplary.  After the blessing of the newly renovated chapel of Our Lady of Czestochowa, at the Polish Marian Shrine in Essendon, Archbishop Denis Hart awarded Mr Gustaw Bernard with the Benemerenti medal. This Papal medal, which recognises persons for their long and exceptional service to the Catholic Church, gives fitting recognition to the service which Gustaw has dedicated to the Polish Catholic community in Melbourne and to the wider Church. View gallery For the past 13 years, Gustaw has been an extraordinary member of our Catholic community. He has used all his equipment, talents, time and expertise in helping church communities and generously attending to people's needs. Acknowledging this achievement is greatly appreciated by many Polish people of Melbourne who know and admire Gustaw' s dedication to the Church. As a carpenter, Gustaw has donated his considerable artistic talents and professional skills to building projects for the church. For over two years he volunteered his labour in building the Polish Shrine of Divine Mercy in Keysborough, where he continues to help out. He directed the extensive and complex renovations at the Polish Jesuit Centre in Richmond for 18 months, again without accepting payment. Over the last few months, he has been entrusted with the major project of renovating Our Lady's Chapel in the Polish Marian Shrine, Essendon during which he organized the voluntary assistance of a number of Polish tradesmen.  The award that Gustaw received was fittingly presented at
the Marian Shrine in Essendon for the blessing of the chapel of Our Lady of
Czestochowa, which Gustaw donated so much of his time to restore. This shrine is
of particular significance to the Polish Community and has deep spiritual and
cultural connections with their homeland.The heart of this Shrine is Our Lady's Chapel in which is displayed a copy of the icon of the Black Madonna of Czestochowa, is a gift from the Polish Primate, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, blessed by Pope Paul VI and received by the Polish Community at St Patrick's Cathedral on 15 August 1971 in the presence of Archbishop James Knox. The magnificent new altarpiece now framing the icon of the Black Madonna incorporates an ebony section of the original altarpiece in Czestochowa and houses several treasured relics of Blessed John Paul II who, as Cardinal Karol Wojtyla, blessed this Shrine in 1973. Pope John Paul II himself donated his rosary and zuchetto and a reliquary also contains droplets of his blood. Gustaw has dedicated many years of service to the Polish community in Melbourne. He also identifies strongly with his German heritage. Gustaw was born on 26 January 1939 in the village Posniez/Poszucice in the region of Opole (then Germany, now Poland) into a Catholic family to his German parents, Gustaw Bernard and Maria nee Wolf. After 7 years of primary education, he started his apprenticeship in 1953 and became a qualified carpenter. When he was 18, Gustaw moved with his mother and sister to West Germany and after further studies in carpentry and additional exams and qualifications, his application for migration to Australia was accepted. In 1960, Gustaw arrived at the Bonegilla migrant camp near Wodonga. After only a few days he was employed as a carpenter by the Peter Damby Company and was involved in building Monash University in Clayton. Gustaw met his wife Wladyslawa Tatarczuk while attending evening English classes and they were married 1st September, 1962 at St. Ignatius Church, Richmond by Fr. Jozef Janus SJ, Polish chaplain. They were blessed with two children: Roger, born in 1963, a medical practitioner, married with two children, and Krystyna, born in 1971, a scientist and bank manager, married with two children. Gustaw and Wladzia Barnard are exemplary members of the local Catholic parish of St. Christopher's in Syndal and also of the Polish Catholic Community in Richmond. Gustaw has been always very generous to people and various community groups asking for his assistance, and his dedication to the Church has been enormous. In so many ways, the generosity that Gustaw has shown goes far beyond his contribution to the building and renovation projects. Always smiling and joyful, extremely polite and humble he touches the hearts and minds of people around him with his deep faith and extraordinary care. He often goes to law courts or hospitals to assist people; he spends day and night with people struggling with alcoholism; he uses all his equipment, talent, time and expertise in helping church communities. As so often happens, such extreme dedication and time-consuming service has not been sufficiently recognized or gratefully acknowledged. The Benemerenti Medal recognises the love, dedication and respect that Gustaw has shown in very practical ways to all people, regardless of their nationality, financial means, creed or social status SOURCE: http://www.cam.org.au/melbourne-news/recognising-exceptional-service-to-the-church.html |
ASIA : CAMBODIA : MEMORY OF CAMBODIAN MARTYRS
Agenzia Fides REPORT - The memory of the Cambodian
martyrs is a legacy and a precious heritage of faith that the faithful
Cambodians are called to cherish: "Proud and honored to be disciples of Jesus
Christ": So says His Exc. Mgr. Olivier Schmitthaeusler, MEP, Apostolic Vicar of
Phnom Penh, inviting the faithful to celebrate the memory of the Cambodian
martyrs in a solemn prayer vigil to be held on 5 May in Tangkok.
In a pastoral Letter, sent by the Bishop to Fides, Mgr. Schmitthaeusler, recalling the proclamation of the Resurrection, exhorts the faithful to "be witnesses of this hope that changed the face of the earth", and insists: "We must be proud and honored because we are sons and daughters of God, because God made a covenant with each of us, because God made Jesus come back from the dead, and gave us eternal life "
"Jesus taught us to serve, to occupy the last place and bear our cross," notes the Bishop, focusing on the condition of the Church in Cambodia, remembering the contribution of the martyrs: "The events of the genocide in Pol Pot showed how the seeds of faith sown by our ancestors were alive. The Church was decimated: the blood of our bishops, our priests, our brothers and sisters, hundreds of baptized persons was shed to fertilize our fields of rice. The Church lives thanks to those who gave their lives for love."
For this reason, notes Mgr. Schmitthaeusler, the faithful can be "proud and honored" to be members of the Church in Cambodia, "because the blood of our martyrs enlivens our communities." The Vicar invites the faithful to participate actively in the celebrations and activities of the parishes, giving "testimony of love and mercy of God for all men."
About two million Cambodians were killed between 1975 and 1979, under the reign of terror imposed by the Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot. Many Christian communities living in thriving villages, organized with churches, schools and dispensaries, were displaced and decimated. Among the Cambodian martyrs there is the Bishop Paul Tep Im Sotha, the first apostolic Prefect of Battambang, and Father Jean Badre, brutally murdered in 1975. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/4/2012)
In a pastoral Letter, sent by the Bishop to Fides, Mgr. Schmitthaeusler, recalling the proclamation of the Resurrection, exhorts the faithful to "be witnesses of this hope that changed the face of the earth", and insists: "We must be proud and honored because we are sons and daughters of God, because God made a covenant with each of us, because God made Jesus come back from the dead, and gave us eternal life "
"Jesus taught us to serve, to occupy the last place and bear our cross," notes the Bishop, focusing on the condition of the Church in Cambodia, remembering the contribution of the martyrs: "The events of the genocide in Pol Pot showed how the seeds of faith sown by our ancestors were alive. The Church was decimated: the blood of our bishops, our priests, our brothers and sisters, hundreds of baptized persons was shed to fertilize our fields of rice. The Church lives thanks to those who gave their lives for love."
For this reason, notes Mgr. Schmitthaeusler, the faithful can be "proud and honored" to be members of the Church in Cambodia, "because the blood of our martyrs enlivens our communities." The Vicar invites the faithful to participate actively in the celebrations and activities of the parishes, giving "testimony of love and mercy of God for all men."
About two million Cambodians were killed between 1975 and 1979, under the reign of terror imposed by the Khmer Rouge of Pol Pot. Many Christian communities living in thriving villages, organized with churches, schools and dispensaries, were displaced and decimated. Among the Cambodian martyrs there is the Bishop Paul Tep Im Sotha, the first apostolic Prefect of Battambang, and Father Jean Badre, brutally murdered in 1975. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 27/4/2012)
EUROPE : URSULINES CELEBRATE 150 YEARS IN AREA
IND, CATH. NEWS REPORT:
|
TODAY'S MASS ONLINE : 4TH SUNDAY EASTER APRIL 29, 2012
| Acts
4: 8 - 12
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| 8 | Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, "Rulers of the people and elders, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a cripple, by what means this man has been healed, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10 | be it known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by him this man is standing before you well. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11 | This is the stone which was rejected by you builders, but which has become the head of the corner. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12 | And there
is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among
men by which we must be saved."
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TODAY'S SAINT : APRIL 29 : ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA
St. Catherine of Siena
DOCTOR OF THE CHURCH, DOMINICAN MYSTIC, AND
PAPAL ADVISER
Feast: April 29
 Information:
|
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St. Catherine was born at Sienna, in 1347. Her father, James
Benincasa, by trade a dyer, was a virtuous man; and though blessed with temporal
prosperity, always chiefly solicitous to leave to his children a solid
inheritance of virtue, by his example, and by deeply instilling into them
lessons of piety. Her mother, Lapa, had a particular affection for this daughter
above her other children; and the accomplishments of mind and body with which
she was adorned made her the darling and delight of all that knew her, and
procured her the name of Euphrosyna. She was favored by God with extraordinary
graces as soon as she was capable of knowing him. She withdrew very young to a
solitude a little out of the town, to imitate the lives of the fathers of the
desert. Returning after some time to her father's house, she continued to be
guided by the same spirit. In her childhood she consecrated her virginity to God
by a private vow. Her love of mortification and prayer, and her sentiments of
virtue, were such as are not usually found in so tender an age. But God was
pleased to put her resolution to a great trial. At twelve years of age, her
parents thought of engaging her in a married state. Catherine found them deaf to
her entreaties that she might live single; and therefore redoubled her prayers,
watching, and austerities, knowing her protection must be from God alone. Her
parents, regarding her inclination to solitude as unsuitable to the life for
which they designed her, endeavored to divert her from it, and began to thwart
her devotions, depriving her in this view of the little chamber or cell they had
till then allowed her. They loaded her with the most distracting employments,
and laid on her all the drudgery of the house, as if she had been a person hired
into the family for that purpose. The hardest labor, humiliations, contempt, and
the insults of her sisters, were to the saint a subject of joy; and such was her
ardent love of crosses, that she embraced them in all shapes with a holy
eagerness, and received all railleries with an admirable sweetness and heroic
patience. If any thing grieved her, it was the loss of her dear solitude. But
the Holy Ghost, that interior faithful master, to whom she listened, taught her
to make herself another solitude in her heart; where, amidst all her
occupations, she considered herself always as alone with God; to whose presence
she kept herself no less attentive than if she had no exterior employment to
distract her. In that admirable Treatise of God's Providence, which she wrote,
she saith, "that our Lord had taught her to build in her soul a private closet,
strongly vaulted with the divine providence, and to keep herself always close
and retired there; he assured her that by this means she should find peace and
perpetual repose in her soul, which no storm or tribulation could disturb or
interrupt." Her sisters and other friends persuaded her to join with them in the
diversions of the world, alleging, that virtue is not an enemy to neatness in
dress, or to cheerfulness; under which soft names they endeavored to recommend
the dangerous liberties of worldly pastimes and vanities. Catherine was
accordingly prevailed upon by her sister to dress in a manner something more
genteel; but she soon repented of her compliance, and wept for it during the
remainder of her life, as the greatest infidelity she had ever been guilty of to
her heavenly spouse. The death of her eldest sister, Bonaventura, soon after
confirmed her in those sentiments. Her father, edified at her patience and
virtue, at length approved and seconded her devotion, and all her pious desires.
She liberally assisted the poor, served the sick, and comforted the afflicted
and prisoners. Her chief subsistence was on boiled herbs, without either sauce
or bread, which last she seldom tasted. She wore a very rough hair-cloth, and a
large iron girdle armed with sharp points, lay on the ground, and watched much.
Humility, obedience, and a denial of her own will, even in her penitential
austerities, gave them their true value. She began this course of life when
under fifteen years of age. She was moreover visited with many painful
distempers, which she underwent with incredible patience; she had also suffered
much from the use of hot baths prescribed her by physicians. Amidst her pains,
it was her constant prayer that they might serve for the expiation of her
offences, and the purifying her heart. She long desired, and in 1365, the
eighteenth year of her age, (but two years later, according to some writers,)
she received the habit of the third order of St. Dominic, in a nunnery
contiguous to the Dominicans' convent. From that time her cell became her
paradise, prayer her element, and her mortifications had no longer any
restraint. For three years she never spoke to any one but to God and her
confessor. Her days and nights were employed in the delightful exercises of
contemplation: the fruits whereof were supernatural lights, a most ardent love
of God, and zeal for the conversion of sinners. The old serpent, seeing her
angelical life, set all his engines at work to assault her virtue. He first
filled her imagination with the most filthy representations, and assailed her
heart with the basest and most humbling temptations. Afterwards, he spread in
her soul such a cloud and darkness that it was the severest trial imaginable.
She saw herself a hundred times on the brink of the precipice, but was always
supported by an invisible hand. Her arms were fervent prayer, humility,
resignation, and confidence in God. By these she persevered victorious, and was
at last delivered from those trials which had only served to purify her heart.
Our Saviour visiting her after this bitter conflict, she said to him: "Where
west thou, my divine Spouse, while I lay in such an abandoned, frightful
condition." "I was with thee," he seemed to reply. "What!" said she, "amidst the
filthy abominations with which my soul was infested!" He answered: "They were
displeasing and most painful to thee. This conflict therefore was thy merit, and
the victory over them was owing to my presence." Her ghostly enemy also
solicited her to pride, omitting neither violence nor stratagem to seduce her
into this vice; but invincible humility was a buckler to cover her from all his
fiery darts. God recompensed her charity to the poor by many miracles, often
multiplying provisions in her hands, and enabling her to carry loads of corn,
oil, and other necessaries to the poor, which her natural strength could not
otherwise have borne. The greatest miracle seemed her patience in bearing the
murmurs, and even the reproaches, of these ungrateful and importunate people.
Catherine dressed, and served an old woman named Tocca. infected to that degree
with a leprosy, that the magistrates had ordered her to be removed out of the
city, and separated from all others. This poor wretch nevertheless made no other
return to the tender charity of the saint, but continual bitter complaints and
reproaches; which, instead of wearying out her constancy, only moved the saint
to show her still greater marks of sweetness and humility. Another, whose
infectious cancer the saint for a long time sucked and dressed, published
against her the most infamous calumnies; in which she was seconded by a sister
of the convent. Catherine bore in silence the violent persecution they brought
upon her, and continued her affectionate services till, by her patience and
prayers, she had obtained of God the conversion of both these enemies, which was
followed by a retraction of their slanders.
The ardent charity of this holy virgin made her
indefatigable in laboring for the conversion of sinners, offering for that end
continual tears, prayers, fasts, and other austerities, and thinking nothing
difficult or above her strength. All her discourses, actions, and her very
silence, powerfully induced men to the love of virtue, so that no one, according
to pope Pius II., ever approached her who went not away better. Nannes, a
powerful turbulent citizen, being brought to our saint to be reclaimed, all she
could say to him to bring him to a right sense of his duty was of no effect;
upon which she made a sudden pause in her discourse, to offer up her prayers for
him: they were heard that very instant, and an entire change was wrought in the
man, to which his tears and other tokens bore evidence. He accordingly
reconciled himself to all his enemies, and embraced a most penitential life.
When he afterwards fell into many temporal calamities, the saint rejoiced at his
spiritual advantage under them, saying, God purged his heart from the poison
with which it was infected by its inveterate attachment to creatures. Nannes
gave to the saint a stately house which he possessed within two miles of the
city. This, by the pope's authority, she converted into a nunnery. We omit the
miraculous conversion of James Tholomei and his sisters, of Nicholas Tuldo, and
many others; particularly of two famous assassins going to die with blasphemies
in their mouths, and in transports of rage and despair, who were suddenly
converted in their last moments, on the saint's praying for them, confessed
their crimes to a priest with great signs of repentance, and appeared thoroughly
resigned to the punishment about to be inflicted on them. A pestilence laying
waste the country in 1374, Catherine devoted herself to serve the infected, and
obtained of God the cure of several; amongst others, of two holy Dominicans,
Raymund of Capua, and Bartholomew of Sienna. The most hardened sinners could not
withstand the force of her exhortations to a change of life. Thousands flocked
from places at a distance in the country to hear or only to see her, and were
brought over by her words or example to the true dispositions of sincere
repentance. She undertook a journey to Monte Pulciano to consecrate to God two
of her nieces, who there took the religious veil of Saint Dominic: and another
journey to Pisa, by order of her superiors, at the earnest suit of the citizens.
She there restored health to many in body, but to a far greater number in soul.
Raymund of Capua and two other Dominicans were commissioned by pope Gregory XI.,
then residing at Avignon, to hear the confessions at Sienna, of those who were
induced by the saint to enter upon a change of life; these priests were
occupied, day and night, in hearing the confessions of many who had never
confessed before; besides those of others who had acquitted themselves but
superficially of that duty. While she was at Pisa, in 1375, the people of
Florence and Perugia, with a great part of Tuscany, and even of the
Ecclesiastical State, entered into a league against the holy see. The news of
this disturbance was delivered to Catherine by Raymund of Capua, and her heart
was pierced with the most bitter sorrow on account of those evils, which she had
foretold three years before they came to their height. The two furious factions
of the Guelphs and Ghibellines, who had so disturbed and divided the state of
Florence, then a powerful commonwealth, united at last against the pope, to
strip the holy see of the lands it possessed in Italy. The disturbance was begun
in June, 1373, and a numerous army was set on foot: the word Libertas, written
on the banner of the league, was the signal. Perugia, Bologna, Viterbo, Ancona,
and other strongholds, soon declared for them. The inhabitants of Arezzo, Lucca.
Sienna, and other places, were kept within the bounds of duty by the prayers,
letters, and exhortations of St. Catherine, and generously contemned the threats
of the Florentines. Pope Gregory XI., residing at Avignon, wrote to the city of
Florence, but without success. He therefore sent the cardinal Robert of Geneva,
his legate, with an army, and laid the diocese of Florence under an interdict.
Internal divisions, murders, and all other domestic miseries amongst the
Florentines, joined with the conspiracy of the neighboring states, concurred to
open their eyes, and made them sue for pardon. The magistrates sent to Sienna to
beg St. Catherine would become their mediatrix. She could not resist their
pressing entreaties. Before she arrived at Florence, she was met by the priors
or chiefs of the magistrates; and the city left the management of the whole
affair to her discretion, with a promise that she should be followed to Avignon
by their ambassadors, who should sign and ratify the conditions of
reconciliation between the parties at variance, and confirm every thing she had
done. The saint arrived at Avignon on the 18th of June, 1376, and was received
by the pope and cardinals with great marks of distinction His holiness, after a
conference with her, in admiration of her prudence and sanctity, said to her: "I
desire nothing but peace. I put the affair entirely into your hands; only I
recommend to you the honor of the church." But the Florentines sought not peace
sincerely, and they continued to carry on secret intrigues to draw all Italy
from its obedience to the holy see. Their ambassadors arrived very late at
Avignon, and spoke with so great insolence, that they showed peace was far from
being the subject of their errand. God suffered the conclusion of this work to
be deferred in punishment of the sins of the Florentines. by which means St.
Catherine sanctified herself still more by suffering longer amidst a seditious
people.
The saint had another point no less at heart in her journey
to Avignon. Pope John XXII., a Frenchman, born at Cahors, bishop, first of
Frejus, then of Avignon, lastly of Porto, being made pope in 1314, fixed his
residence at Avignon, where John's successors, Benedict XII., Clement VI..
Innocent VI., and Urban V., also resided. The then pope Gregory XI., elected in
1370, continued also there. The Romans complained that their bishops had for
seventy-four years past forsaken their church, and threatened a schism. Gregory
XI. had made a secret vow to return to Rome; but not finding this design
agreeable to his court, he consulted the holy virgin on this subject, who
answered: "Fulfil what you have promised to God." The pope, surprised she should
know by revelation what he had never discovered to any person on earth, was
immediately determined to carry his good design into execution. The saint soon
after left Avignon. We have several letters written by her to him, to press him
to hasten his return; and he shortly after followed her, leaving Avignon on the
13th of September, in 1376. He overtook the saint at Genoa, where she made a
short stay. At Sienna, she continued her former way of life, serving and often
curing the sick, converting the most obstinate sinners, and reconciling the most
inveterate enemies, more still by her prayers than by her words. Such was her
knowledge of heavenly things, that certain Italian doctors, out of envy, and
with the intent to expose her ignorance, being come to hold a conference with
her, departed in confusion and admiration at her interior lights. The same had
happened at Avignon, some time before, where three prelates, envying her credit
with the pope, put to her the most intricate questions on an interior life, and
many other subjects; but admiring her answers to all their difficulties,
confessed to the pope they had never seen a soul so enlightened, and so
profoundly humble as Catherine. She had many disciples: among others, Stephen,
son of Conrad, a senator of Sienna. This nobleman was reduced by enemies to the
last extremity. Seeing himself on the brink of ruin, he addressed himself to the
saint, who, having first made a thorough convert of him from the world and its
vanities, by her prayers miraculously, on a sudden, pacified all his
persecutors, and calmed their fury. Stephen, from that time, looked upon as dust
all that he had formerly most passionately loved and pursued; and he testified
of himself, that by her presence, and much more by her zealous discourses, he
always found the divine love vehemently kindled in his breast, and his contempt
of all earthly things increased. He became the most fervent among her disciples,
made a collection of all her words as oracles, would be her secretary to write
her letters, and her companion in her journeys to Avignon, Florence, and Rome;
and at length, by her advice, professed himself a Carthusian monk. He assisted
at her death, and wrote her life at the request of several princes; having been
witness of her great miracles and virtues, and having experienced often in
himself her spirit of prophecy, her knowledge of the consciences of others, and
her extraordinary light in spiritual things.
St. Catherine wrote to pope Gregory XI., at Rome, strongly
exhorting him to contribute by all means possible to the general peace of Italy.
His holiness commissioned her to go to Florence, still divided and obstinate in
its disobedience. She lived some time in that factious place, amidst daily
murders and confiscations, in frequent dangers of her own life many ways; in
which she always showed herself most undaunted, even when swords were drawn
against her. At length she overcame that obstinate people, and brought them to
submission, obedience, and peace, though not under Gregory XI., as Baillet
mistakes, but his successor, Urban VI., as her contemporary historian informs
us. This memorable reconciliation was effected in 1378; after which Catherine
hastened to her solitary abode at Sienna, where her occupation, and, we may say,
her very nourishment, was holy prayer: in which intercourse with the Almighty,
he discovered to her very wonderful mysteries, and bestowed on her a spirit
which delivered the truths of salvation in a manner that astonished her hearers.
Some of her discourses were collected, and compose the treatise On Providence,
under her name. Her whole life seemed one continual miracle; but what the
servants of God admired most in her, was the perpetual strict union of her soul
with God. For, though obliged often to converse with different persons on so
many different affairs, and transact business of the greatest moment, she was
always occupied on God, and absorbed in him. For many years she had accustomed
herself to so rigorous an abstinence, that the blessed eucharist might be said
to be almost the only nourishment which supported her. Once she fasted from Ash
Wednesday till Ascension-day, receiving only the blessed eucharist during that
whole time. Many treated her as a hypocrite, and invented all manner of
calumnies against her; but she rejoiced at humiliations, and gloried in the
cross of Christ as much as she dreaded and abhorred praise and applause. In a
vision, our Saviour is said one day to have presented her with two crowns, one
of gold and the other of thorns, bidding her choose which of the two she
pleased. She answered: "I desire, O Lord, to live here always conformed to your
passion, and to find pain and suffering my repose and delight." Then eagerly
taking up the crown of thorns, she forcibly pressed it upon her bead. The
earnest desire and love of humiliations and crosses was nourished in her soul by
assiduous meditation on the sufferings of our divine Redeemer. What, above all
things, pierced her heart was scandal, chiefly that of the unhappy great schism
which followed the death of Gregory XI. in 1378, when Urban VI. was chosen at
Rome, and acknowledged there by all the cardinals, though his election was in
the beginning overawed by the Roman people, who demanded an Italian pope.
Urban's harsh and austere temper alienated from him the affections of the
cardinals, several of whom withdrew; and having declared the late election null,
chose Clement VII., with whom they retired out of Italy, and resided at Avignon.
Our saint, not content to spend herself in floods of tears, weeping before God
for these evils of his church, wrote the strongest and most pathetic letters to
those cardinals who had first acknowledged Urban, and afterwards elected
another; pressing them to return to their lawful pastor, and acknowledge Urban's
title. She wrote also to several countries and princes in his favor, and to
Urban himself, exhorting him to bear up cheerfully under the troubles he found
himself involved in, and to abate somewhat of a temper that had made him so many
enemies, and mollify that rigidness of disposition which had driven the world
from him, and still kept a very considerable part of Christendom from
acknowledging him. The pope listened to her, sent for her to Rome, followed her
directions, and designed to send her, with St. Catherine of Sweden, to Joan,
queen of Sicily, who had sided with Clement. Our saint grieved to see this
occasion of martyrdom snatched from her, when the journey was laid aside on
account of the dangers that were foreseen to attend It. She wrote however to
queen Joan: likewise two letters full of holy fire to the king of France, also
to the king of Hungary, and others, to exhort them to renounce the
schism.
We pass over the ecstasies and other wonderful favors this
virgin received from heaven, and the innumerable miracles God wrought by her
means. She has loft us, besides the example of her life, six Treatises in form
of a dialogue, a Discourse on the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, and three
hundred and sixty-four Letters, which show that she had a superior genius, and
wrote perfectly well. While she was laboring to extend the obedience of the true
pope, Urban VI., her infirmities and pains increasing, she died at Rome on the
29th of April, in 1380, being thirty-three years old. She was buried in the
church of the Minerva, where her body is still kept under an altar. Her skull is
in the Dominicans' church at Sienna, in which city are shown her house, her
instruments of penance, and other relics. She was canonized by pope Pius II. in
1461. Urban VIII. transferred her festival to the 30th of this month.
When we read the lives of the saints, and consider the
wonderful graces with which God enriched them, we admire their happiness in
being so highly favored by him, and say to ourselves that their labors and
sufferings bore no proportion to the sweetness of heavenly peace and love with
which their souls were replenished, and the spiritual joy and consolations which
were a present superabundant recompense and support. But it was in the victory
over their passions, in the fervor of their charity, and in the perfection of
their humility, patience, and meekness, that their virtue and their happiness
chiefly consisted. Nor are we to imagine that God raised them to these sublime
graces without their assiduous application to the practice both of exterior and
interior mortification, especially of the latter. Self-denial prepared them for
this state of perfect virtue, and supported them in it. What pity is it to hear
persons talk of sublime virtue, and to see them pretend to aspire after it,
without having studied in earnest to die to themselves. Without this condition,
all their fine discourses are mere speculation, and their endeavors
fruitless.
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source: http://www.ewtn.com/saintsHoly/saints/C/stcatherineofsiena.asp#ixzz1tSKYtgrY
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