ST. NICHOLAS PICK AND COMPANIONS - GIFT OF FAITH

The book of Hebrew teaches us that faith is the assurance of things hoped for and conviction of things not seen. The catechism is not mistaken when it teaches that “Faith is a gift of God, a supernatural virtue infused by him” (C.C.C. 153). We can only begin to understand the reality of faith as a gift from God, when we begin to consider things that people have done because of their faith. The early Christian community sold what they had and submitted the money; what holy stupidity. The martyrs of old rejoiced at the face of martyrdom because of faith in the resurrection; what unreasonable way of acting. Vibrant men and pretty women abandon their wealth and normal life to embrace the strictness and austerity religious life; all because of faith. It is the same faith, a gift of God, that made the holy martyrs of God, who we celebrate today, to give up their lives for the sake of the future resurrection.

SAYINGS OF ST. THERESA OF THE CHILD JESUS

St Theresa of the Child Jesus, though she lived but only 24 years in this earth has, through her life of simplicity and holiness, gained a lot of admiration and love from many. Many delight in saying that the Little Flower lived her life doing little things with great love, and this gained her sanctity. Nevertheless, persistence in doing all for the love of God is not something easy. It takes a lot of sacrifice and strength of will to arrive at that level of self-denial and obedience.

One of the things that so much popularized the little saint was her autobiography, which she wrote out of Obedience. The book titled ‘Story of a Soul’, has been a source of light and inspiration to many. Thus, she merited the title of Doctor of the Church because of that simple but glorious writing.

Here are some of the extracts from the book and some other of her writings that shows the spirit and life of St. Theresa of the Child Jesus, who Pope St. Pius X described as the greatest saint of Modern time.

1.       “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, there by a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.”

-St. Theresa of the Child Jesus.

WHY SAY THE ROSARY?

          

             The prayer we know as the Rosary today, originally was called the Psalter of Mary because of the 150 hail Marys that corresponds to the number of psalms in the Bible. However, it gained its title of the Rosary due to a vision by a Monk, who saw our Lady collecting roses from his mouth to weave a garland or crown for herself. Thus, the title 'Rosary' from Latin Rosarium, etymologically means the Crown or Garland of Roses. The Rosary, however, through the centuries, has gained popularity as one of the surest ways of attracting God’s Mercy through our Lady.

St. Maria Goretti. My Chastity, My Glory.

“If the God, the one we serve, is able to save us from the burning fiery furnace and from your power, Your Majesty, He will save us; and even if He does not, then you must know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your god or worship the statue you have set up” (Daniel 3:17-18. NJB). This was the response of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to King Nebuchadnezzar. Such, also, was the reply of the pure virgin Maria Goretti to her murderer. The only difference is that, while God saved the three men of old from the fiery furnace, He saved Maria Goretti from the pains and worries of this life unto a life of endless peace and joy.

                Maria Goretti was Born on the 16^th October, 1890 in Corinaldo, in the Ancona Province in Italy. She was the third of the seven children of her parents. Her Father, a farmer, died when she was still nine. Consequently, the mother and some of Maria’s other siblings had to work harder in the farm, to sustain the family. Maria, in turn, would have to take care of the household chores which included cooking, sewing, taking care of her baby sister, Teresa and so on. The family, also, had to share a house with another family which included Giovanni Serenelli and his son, Alessandro. At a very tender age, Maria showed so much sense of devotion and virtue that her life was exemplary.

THIS IS TRUE FRIENDSHIP

           “The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hands, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with friendship.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson.

            Nothing but heaven itself”, says Plautus, “is better than a friend who is really a friend”. Friendship, even though not counted among the basic needs of man is almost an indispensable part of our existence. We all need and desire to love, be loved and relate with others. As Aristotle puts it “no one would choose the whole world on condition of being alone, since man is a political creature one whose nature is to live with others.” Friendship is nothing but a mutually recognized feeling of goodwill between two persons; if only one person has a feeling of goodwill then it is not friendship and even if the two have feelings of goodwill towards each other but it is left hidden in the heart and not expressed, it is also not friendship. Friendship implies intimacy and deep sharing. Thus, when Jesus tried to show how intimate He wants us to be with him, He said, “I no longer call you servants, … but friends.” True friends are considered gifts from the Most high.

Friendship, however, needful and common it is, is a controversial issue especially as regards what true friendship is. Following Aristotle’s line of thought, there are three types of friendship. Friendship of Utility, Friendship of Pleasure and Friendship of Virtue.