Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of bicycles.

Calabrian Saint’s Path to God

We opened [the month of April] with the April 2nd celebration of the Feast of Saint Francis of Paola, the patron saint of the southern Italian region of Calabria and founder of the Order of Minims. He was born in Calabria in 1416 to poor parents who were childless until they prayed for the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi. Soon after, they had a son and named him Francis in honor of the intercession of Saint Francis of Assisi on their behalf.

When he was a teenager, Francis of Paola spent a year in a Franciscan friary where it is said that he outdid the friars in observing their Rule. However, after joining his parents on a pilgrimage, first to Assisi and then to Rome, he returned with them to Calabria, where he retreated to a life of prayer and solitude. By the age of 20, his holy and devout life attracted others to join him, and a fledgling community began, centered around a chapel built with help from the people of the area.

In 1467, Pope Paul II sent Baltasar de Spigno, a priest and jurist of the Church, to examine the community. Baltasar at first reproached Francis for excessive austerity because, in addition to the traditional mendicant disciplines of poverty, chastity, and obedience, Francis had added a fourth vow, which was to abstain from meat in the spirit of a Lenten observance - but to do so year-round. At the time, fasting during Lent was falling out of practice, and Baltasar saw this and other austerities practiced by Francis and his followers as backward and unbefitting the standards of educated people of the time.

But it did not take long for Baltasar to be won over by the fruits of Francis of Paola's approach because it was evident that so many people had been inspired by his humble way. For instance, when Francis set out to build a large monastery and church, people of the surrounding countryside responded with an outburst of enthusiasm. Even local nobility joined in carrying stones to erect the structure. Francis went on to became known in his lifetime for intercessory prayers that resulted in miracles.

Francis' community was recommended for acceptance within a year of Baltasar's visit, and by 1470 Baltasar had joined the community himself. They were initially given the name Congregation of Hermits of Saint Francis of Assisi, and they went on to found communities throughout Italy and beyond.

Francis of Paola's renown spread throughout Europe to the point where he was once summoned to the deathbed of King Louis XI of France. Though Francis resisted, the pope ordered him to go. On his way to minister to the dying king, Francis met with people suffering from a plague of the time. Many credited his intercession with their healing.

Francis of Paola's path from hermit to leader in the faith demonstrates how God is at work even in the quietest moments of our lives. In his retreat to a life of prayer, Francis was discovering a deeper, interior relationship with Christ. And though his efforts began in solitude, he was being prepared to lead others to God, and this became the foundation for his community to flourish. So, we can take a lesson from the life of Saint Francis of Paola and remember that a relationship with God is the starting point for all great things in life

This essay is a recent "Light One Candle" column by Father Ed Dougherty, M.M., The Christophers' Board of Directors ; it is one of a series of weekly columns that deal with a variety of topics and current events.

Background information:

The Christophers

Reflection Starter from Henry Burton

"Have you had a kindness shown? Pass it on; 'Twas not given for thee alone. Pass it on." - attributed to Henry Burton

Carl Maria von Weber: Symphony No. 2

It's time for some classical music. This is a presentation of Carl Maria von Weber's Symphony No. 2 in C major, as presented by the London Classical Players, conducted by Sir Roger Norrington:

 

National Electrical Safety Month

The month of May is being observed as National Electrical Safety Month, an observance designed to educate key audiences about the steps that can be taken in order to reduce the number of electrically-related fires, fatalities, injuries, and property loss. The this year’s focus is on lithium-ion battery safety, including educating the public on how to purchase, use, and recycle lithium-ion batteries safely.

For more information about the observance of National Electrical Safety Month, please visit:

Electrical Safety Foundation International: National Electrical Safety Month

Background information:

Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI)

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of good seminaries.

John Cuddleback on Making Stability in the Home

"Our lives today are marked by changeability. Where we live, where we work, and the cast of people with whom we share a life - even if we stay in the same place - change at an unprecedented rate. Other key things also change regularly, such as the basic tools of our work, leisure, and communication. We have gotten so used to variability that we assume it is normal, and so we can miss the great good of stability."

In a recent commentary, writer John Cuddleback, professor of Philosophy at Christendom College, reflected on the role of stability in our lives and and how we can increase its presence.

To access Mr. Cuddleback's complete post, please visit:

Life Craft: Making Stability in the Home (14 MAY 25)

Reflection Starter from Albert Schweitzer

"I don't know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have understood how to serve." - Dr. Albert Schweitzer

"Our God Reigns"

As we continue to live this week, I offer this version of "Our God Reigns":

 

National Police Week

This week, the week of 11-17 May, is being observed as National Police Week, which was established to recognize the service and sacrifice of U.S. law enforcement.

For information related to National Police Week and related activities, please visit:

National Police Week

National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial: National Police Week

Concerns of Police Survivors

Thank You, Lord

Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of children's laughter.

Fr. Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, on Pope Leo XIV and New Things

"A week ago, the world was introduced to Pope Leo XIV.   Many Catholics were surprised that the new Holy Father had chosen a name that had not been used in over 120 years. The last pope named 'Leo' had reigned from 1870 to 1903.  In some ways, the adoption of an older name suggested a traditional approach to the papacy and the world.  However, a day after his election, the former Cardinal Robert Prevost explained that he chose the name Leo to honor one of the first 'modern' leaders of the Church, Pope Leo XIII"

In a recent commentary, Father Jack Kolodziej, OSFS, reflected on why the name Leo is a good choice for a pope who wants to engage with the modern world.

To access Fr. Kolodziej's complete post, please visit:

De Sales Weekly: Provincial Reflection: Of New Things (15 MAY 25)