Author Archives: DWLPco

8/ The Spiritual Work of Mercy: Counsel the doubtful

Posted on by

“Counsel the doubtful”

Leading an easier life is the ideal to which all aim, a more direct life without difficulties, without having to opt for choices. Instead, we are continuously subjected to evaluate situations and make decisions, some of which are easier, others more difficult, others literally throw us into state of crisis. This could depend, not only, on a complicated situation, but above all  on our mood or on the fact that we are people strongly uncertain.

In those cases, the support of someone who can help us to open a gate in the darkness that we have before us becomes really providential and this also for a natural need of human beings to live and share with others their own existence, to be able to ask, give or receive help when the need arises.

A need that is totally spiritual, whereas with the corporal works of mercy, although a material need is satisfied we are reborn, however, also in  spirit.

The hardest task belongs to the spirit both when we have to ask for, to disclose our needs, both when there is a need for action. The spiritual  needs as they are less clear than the corporal ones, can also be concealed, but sooner or later they arise  and a help request comes out.

The spiritual works of mercy themselves are more difficult to practice, they requires relationships of true brotherhood, respect and listening from the heart and above all humility and mutual trust.

To have doubts, if this is not a pathological condition, is natural in life, it is part of our limitations, of our growth. The novelty, what we do not know always scares us a little, fear is a primordial feeling that is innate in man, and makes us experience some initial indecision, but it does not have a negative meaning, it can help to protect us from unpleasant situations.

The act of doubting also means that we must not content ourselves, but we must go beyond our securities for a natural instinct of man to know and experience, enriching us with some advice that can be really valuable.

You must be careful to not depend on others to make your own choices, but you should accept the advice through a critical examination, considering the wisdom of one who advises, so that you do not lack your responsibility and freedom, ” Take the advice of sensible people, and never treat any useful advice lightly.”(Tobit 4:18).

Also the act of advising has a double meaning: an advice can be good, if it is given with selflessness and spirit of compassion for the other’s situation, that is when you empathize with the other; but it could also be a bad advice, when you do not know enough about a  subject to be able to assert your opinion or when, some personal interests, both material and spiritual are concealed behind the advice, “Don’t ask  a buyer for advice about selling and a stingy person about gratitude” ( Sir 37:7 to 11).

The Scriptures in fact warn against those who give advice to avoid the risk of being manipulated. Before asking advice it is good that we wander about the person that we have to address  and on what we should receive advice . Not everyone can advise on everything. The text of Sirach is very clear: “Anyone can give advice, but some people do so only in their own interest. Be careful when somebody offers you advice. Find out first what his interest in the matter is. “(Sirach 37:7  8).

The text seems willing to dissuade us from seeking help or moral support, but the advice is to be wary of those who want to give advice, apparently they want to encourage the needy, but essentially they want to consider themselves. We might be tempted to want to affirm our decision on the other, being convinced that ours is the appropriate advice. The intention may be good, but the advice may also be a gaffe. We often give some suggestions as we lived the same experience, but we do not consider the factors that determine it and the other’s feelings. The very strong certainties or being overconfident are two negative aspects of the act of advising.

This also happens to those who live faith as a kind of totalitarian regime, but it is not so. The Christian faith does not impose itself, but it is indulgent and respectful of freedom, it is offered to the man who freely makes his choices. Therefore, in order to be good, the advice must be an extract of the Christian faith which is based on humility, trust and certainties that can be demonstrated only through Jesus’ humanity. In fact we can be experts and teachers of the Christian Law, but this does not imply that we are excellent advisors, if we are not connected to each other in a relationship of empathy.

The greatest example to practice this work of mercy is given to us by Jesus. He helped all the people that turned to Him by showing their doubts. For all He found words of consolation and explanation. He encouraged people to solve their doubts and to believe in God, all with gentleness and humility, for His trust in the Father was very great.

To help the doubtful is therefore necessary that we first believe in God and in the teaching of the Church, or, as Jesus teaches us, we will become like a blind man who leads a blind man, and we both will fall into a pit (Luke 6,39- 42). As the Blessed Virgin Mary also did, it is necessary for the fulfillment of this works of mercy that we follow Jesus, become His true followers and put into practice His teachings on the basis of His greatest attribute: Love.

Luisa, too, was not free from doubting. Certainly, the constant presence of Jesus at her side did not make her arrogant nor she was spared from asking herself questions and from fearing that she was mistaken about her state. In her humility the doubt that often assailed her was that it wasn’t always Jesus who appeared to her. However she, aware of her nothingness, remedied her torment, by asking the figure she had before her, and that she could recognize as Jesus, a sign cross and a prayer, and in this way she regained peace.

Jesus Himself taught her that the most effective means for the soul to be freed of every doubt was to protest before Heaven and earth that she does not want to offend God and that she does not want to consent to any temptation.

Another of Luisa’s constant doubts concerned the fact that her state was not God’s will, but it was her own fantasy.

Jesus reassures her by telling her that the surest sign in order to know whether a state is His Will is when one feels the strength to sustain that state  and it is also His Will for her to be caught by the fear that her state may not be His Will; this fear and doubt purifies her of every slightest defect.

As Jesus dispels her many doubts, He teaches her, conforms her to the Divine Will through her training and education to trust, simplicity, which Luisa passed down, in turn, to those who went to her for advice. “Many people went to her to express their needs of the spirit and body…. .And everyone had,as an answer to their problems, the loving conformity to the Divine Will, which not only easy the pain and makes it praiseworthy, it also sheds light on what to do“ [1].

Knowing how to counsel is, therefore, a gift that we should use first with ourselves, through a self-examination in front of God, so that He may help us to judge our humility and our faith in Him and our ability to wait the divine light before acting wisely. And as in giving drink to the thirsty, water satisfies thirst  removing it so the advice from a wise man, becomes a source of life that responds to the doubters, dissolving their doubts about faith.

Counseling the doubters is a condition to approach life together, walking side by side, recognizing and learning from those who have the gifts to do that: wisdom, age, the priestly ministry. And since counsel is a gift of the Holy Spirit, of operating in harmony with God, let’s pray to the Holy Spirit to pour forth it on all humanity

 

[1] MARIA ROSARIA DEL GENIO, The Sun of My Will, Vatican City State, Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 2014, pag. 64

Riccardina

8/4 Eve of the Feast of the Dedication of the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome

Posted on by

M_StMaryMajor The Confessio believed to contain relics of the Crib of Bethlehem
The Confessio believed to contain relics of the Crib of Bethlehem
St. Mary Major Basilica 

1/10/03 – Vol. 4

The most pleasing and consoling words for the sweet Mama: ‘Dominus Tecum’.

This morning, after I struggled very much, the Queen Mother came with the Baby in Her arms, and She gave Him to me, telling me to keep Him courted with continuous acts of love. I did as much as I could, and while I was doing this, Jesus told me: “My beloved, the most pleasing and most consoling words for my Mother are: ‘Dominus Tecum’ [‘The Lord is with Thee’]. In fact, as soon as they were pronounced by the Archangel, She felt the whole of the Divine Being being communicated to Her, and therefore She felt invested with Divine Power, in such a way that, in the face of the Divine Power, Her own dissolved; and so my Mother remained with the Divine Power in Her hands.”

***

Vatican Website:

The Patriarchal Basilica of St. Mary Major reigns as an authentic jewel in the crown of Roman churches. Its beautiful treasures are of inestimable value, and represent the Church’s role as the cradle of Christian artistic civilization in Rome. For nearly sixteen centuries, St. Mary Major has held its position as a Marian shrine par excellence and has been a magnet for pilgrims from all over the world who have come to the Eternal City to experience the beauty, grandeur and holiness of the basilica.

Among the Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome, St. Mary Major is the only one to have kept its original structure, though it has been enhanced over the course of years. Special details within the church render it unique including the fifth century mosaics of the central nave, the triumphal arch dating back to the pontificate of Pope Sixtus III (432-440) and the apsidal mosaic executed by the Franciscan friar Jacopo Torriti at the order of Pope Nicholas IV (1288-1292). Other gems of the church include the Cosmatesque pavement donated by the Roman nobleman Scoto Paparone and his son in 1288, Arnolfo di Cambio’s Nativity scene from the thirteenth century and the coffered ceiling in gilt wood designed by Giuliano Sangallo in 1450. The numerous chapels, from the most ornate to the most humble, constructed by popes, cardinals and pious confraternities, the high altar begun by Ferdinando Fuga and later enriched by the genius of Valadier, the Baptistery and finally the relic of the Holy Crib complete the array of splendors contained within these walls. Every column, painting, sculpture and ornament of this basilica resonates with history and pious sentiment.

From the devout pilgrim absorbed in prayer to the studious art-lover, every visitor to St. Mary Major finds both spiritual and visual fulfillment in this holy place. A visit to the Liberian basilica, as it is also called in honor of Pope Liberius, enriches both the mind and soul. Indeed, it is not uncommon to see visitors rapt in admiration before the spellbinding beauty of the artwork nor, at the same time, to observe the devotion of all those engrossed in prayer in search of comfort and assistance before the image of Mary, who is venerated here under the beloved title of Salus Populi Romani.

Every August 5th, a solemn celebration recalls the Miracle of the Snows. Before the amazed eyes of the congregation, a cascade of white petals descends from the coffered ceiling, blanketing the hypogeum. From the very beginning of his pontificate, Pope (Now Saint) John Paul II requested that an oil lamp burn day and night under the icon of the Salus Populi Romani, as witness to his great devotion to the Madonna.

This same Pope, on the eighth of December 2001, inaugurated another precious jewel of the basilica – the museum, where a modern structure would house ancient masterpieces offering visitors a unique perspective of the history of the Basilica.

The numerous treasures contained in the museum render St. Mary Major a place where art and spirituality combine in a perfect union, offering visitors a unique experience in contemplating the great works of man inspired by God.

7/31 Portiuncula Indulgence begins at Vespters (Noon) on August 1st and ends at Midnight on August 2nd

Posted on by

THE PORTIUNCULA INDULGENCE

The conditions to obtain the Plenary Indulgence of the Forgiveness of Assisi is (for oneself or for a departed soul) is as follows: 

          The Portiuncula Indulgence is a grace not to be missed—not only for yourself but for the many suffering souls in Purgatory. … 

          Sacramental Confession to be in God’s grace (during eight days before or after.) … 

          Participation in the Holy Mass and Eucharist … 

          Recitation of The Apostles Creed, Our Father and also a prayer for the Pope’s Intention (such as an Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.). 

Mark your calendar for the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels beginning at Vespers (Noon) on the First of August to August 2nd at Midnight.

Tell everyone of the magnitude of this gift. 

Once again, we see the unfathomable Divine Mercy of God!

 

 

 

7/30 The Portiuncula Indulgence (that we can gain every year from vespers ( noon) of the first of August until midnight on the second of August, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels. )

Posted on by

THE PORTIUNCULA INDULGENCE

(THE PARDON PRAYER OF SAINT FRANCIS)

FROM VESPERS (NOON) OF AUGUST 1st
UNTIL MIDNIGHT OF AUGUST 2nd,
THE FEAST OF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS 

In the words of Saint Francis:

“O my brothers and sisters, I want you all to go to Heaven!”

 

The Portiuncula Indulgence is a grace not to be missed – not only for yourself but for the many suffering souls in Purgatory.

The conditions to obtain the Plenary Indulgence of the Forgiveness of Assisi (for oneself or for a departed soul) is as follows:

  1. Sacramental Confession: to be in God’s Grace (the Sacramental Confession can be done during the eight days before or after).
  2. Participation in the Holy Mass and Eucharist.
  3. Recitation of the Apostles Creed, Our Father and also a prayer for the Pope’s Intention (such as an Our Father, Hail Mary, etc.).

Mark your calendar for the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels beginning at Vespers (Noon) on the First of August to August 2nd at Midnight.

Tell everyone of the magnitude of this gift. Once again, we see the unfathomable Divine Mercy of God.

DISTINGUISHING THIS INDULGENCE FROM OTHERS:

*On the day (August 2nd) on which it is granted, it can be gained not only once, but oftener. You can gain other indulgences only once on the same day, but the Portiuncula
Indulgence you can gain on the first Sunday of August, and that, too, as often
as on that day you visit a church of the Franciscans, or the parish church,
(you may go out of the church and re-enter as many times as you wish) and there
pray according to the intention of the Holy Father. The Congregation of the
Council has twice confirmed the Indulgence on July 17, 1700 and again on
December 4, 1723.

Again, the Sacred Congregation of Indulgences on February 22, 1847 reaffirmed the Indulgence and noted that Communion did not have to be received only in a Franciscan Church. Pope Pius IX confirmed these decisions by a decree dated July 12, 1849. It is indeed true that on one day we can gain a plenary indulgence for ourselves only once,
but this does not interfere with the doctrine that the Portiuncula Indulgence
can be gained more than once on the same day, for we may apply it to the souls
in purgatory, if we gain in the second and the third time, etc. A question
arose if a visit was made on the second Sunday if the indulgence still applies,
and the visit repeated the answer by the Congregation of Indulgences on Feb.
22, 1847 was in the affirmative.

*(excerpted from: http://friarsminor.org/sermons/portiuncula.html)

NOTE: A review of the meaning of the above with a retired provincial of the Holy Name Province, of the Franciscan Order, and in consultation with the Franciscan Ordo, states that this indulgence may only be transferred to Sunday as a special concession to
remote areas of the world where Mission Chapels are not usually open during the
week. Otherwise, the normal rules for August 2nd apply.

 

As we honor Our Lady of the Angels, may we find inspiration for our own growth and development  in the Gospel way of life that Saint Francis embraced and lived so completely.

 

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI AND THE PORTIUNCULA INDULGENCE

(THE GREAT PARDON)

by Susan Tassone

 

The Portiuncula (small portion) refers to the land in Assisi, Italy, that belonged to the
Benedictines. On this land was an old church dedicated to the Virgin Mother of
God but abandoned.

The great St. Francis had great devotion to the Queen of the world and when he saw that the church was deserted, he began to live there constantly and repair it. He heard that the angels often visited it, so that it was called St. Mary of the Angels.

The Benedictines wanted to give Francis the church but in order to remain faithful to lady Poverty, Francis rented it from them with the annual compensation of a basket of fish from the Tescio River. Here is where Francis began his service to Christ and
His Church.

Here Francis founded his Order, received Clare as his spiritual daughter, and where he died commending this spot above all others to the friars.

St. Francis had great love and compassion for everyone.

On a night in July, 1216, Francis was praying in the little church of the Portiuncula devoured by love for God and a thirst to save souls. He prayed for the forgiveness of sins of mankind.

Suddenly a brilliant light shone all around. In great splendor Jesus and Mary appeared in the midst of a dazzling cloud surrounded by a multitude of radiant angels.

Out of fear and reverence, St. Francis adored Our Lord prostrate upon the ground.

Then Jesus said to him: Francis you are very zealous for the good of souls. Ask me what you want for their salvation. St. Francis was rapt in ecstasy before Jesus.

When he regained his courage he said: “Lord, I a miserable sinner beg You to concede an indulgence to all those who enter this church, who are truly contrite and have confessed their sins. And I beg Blessed Mary, Your Mother, intercessor of man, that She intercede on behalf of this grace.”

Our Lady at once began to beseech Her Son on behalf of Francis. Jesus answered: “It is a very great thing that which you ask Me, but you are worthy of even greater things, Friar Francis, and greater things you will have. So I accept your request, but I want you to go to My Vicar, to whom I have given the power to bind and loose in Heaven and on earth, to ask him on My behalf for this indulgence.” (ed. Note: Matthew 16:19).

With one of his companions, Francis hastened to Pope Honorius III and prostrate implored him to proclaim that every one visiting the church and confessing their sins with a contrite heart would be as pure from all sin and punishments as he was immediately after baptism. The Pope granted this petition. This indulgence has been extended to all parish churches throughout the world.

The date was set from vespers (noon) of the first of August until midnight on the second of August, the Feast of Our Lady of the Angels. It is said that St. Francis was given this day by Our Lord because the Feast of the Chains of St. Peter celebrated on August first is the day Peter was released from prison and his chains removed.

This is an extraordinary demonstration of God’s Mercy in removing the chains of sin from those whodevoutly and faithfully seek to gain the indulgence by completing its requirements.

 

7/30 Feast Day of St. Peter Chrysologus

Posted on by

S_Peter Chrysologus
St. Peter Chrysologus
Click here for website

In the fifth century, Ravenna, not Rome, was the capital of the Roman Empire in the West, and Ravenna itself became a metropolitan see. St. Peter Chrysologus was one of the most distinguished archbishops of that see.

Peter was born in Imola about the year 400 and studied under Cornelius, bishop of that city, who ordained him deacon. In 433, the archbishop of Ravenna died, and when a successor had been chosen by the clergy and people of Ravenna, they asked Bishop Cornelius to obtain confirmation of their choice from Pope Sixtus III. On his trip to Rome, Cornelius took his deacon, Peter, as his companion; upon seeing Peter, the pope chose him for the see of Ravenna instead of the one selected by the clergy and people of Ravenna.

Peter was consecrated and was accepted somewhat grudgingly at first by both the clergy and the people. Peter, however, soon became the favorite of Emperor Valentinian III, who resided at Ravenna and was also highly regarded by Pope St. Leo the Great, the successor of Pope Sixtus.

There were still traces of paganism in Peter’s diocese, and his first effort was to establish the Catholic faith everywhere, rooting out abuses and carrying on a campaign of preaching and special care of the poor. Many of his sermons still survive, and it is on the basis of these that he came to be known as “the golden word.”

In his concern for the unity of the Church, Peter Chrysologus opposed the teaching of Eutyches, condemned in the East, who asked for his support. Peter also received St. Germanus of Auxerre to his diocese and officiated at his funeral.

Knowing that his own death was near, Peter returned to his own city of Imola and after urging great care in the choice of his successor he died at Imola about the year 450 and was buried in the church of St. Cassian. In 1729, Pope Benedict XIII declared him a Doctor of the Church. — The One Year Book of Saints by Rev. Clifford Stevens

Familiar is his dictum: “If you jest with the devil, you cannot rejoice with Christ.” Some of his sermons are read in the Breviary. Ravenna, his episcopal city, still harbors treasures of ancient Christian liturgical art dating to his day.a

7/17 Our Spiritual Father, Padre Bucci

Posted on by


“See you again soon in the Kingdom!”

 

Our Spiritual Father in the Most Holy Divine Will, Padre Bernardino Bucci, OFM, passed into Eternity July 17, 2020.

Born in Corato June 15, 1935

He grew to know Luisa from a young boy and saw many Miracles around her and was prophesied to become a priest by Luisa.

Ordained March 14, 1964 in the Capuchin Church of Triggiano, Italy by his Excellency Mgr. Nicodemo, Archbishop of Bari

Padre Bucci’s beloved Aunt Rosaria Bucci (1898-1978), for most of her life personally cared for the Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta. She instrumentally and tirelessly promoted the beginnings of the Cause of Luisa at the Spiritual Direction of St. Padre Pio.  Rosaria personally gave to Padre Bucci Volumes 35 and 36 from the book of Heaven, original Volumes that did not go to the Vatican at the time of confiscation. Fr. Bucci was the first priest to read and study and put into practice the Truths given to Luisa from Jesus.

Our Lady, Santa Maria Greca, The Protectress of Corato, has shown a GREAT LIGHT to us, as he passed on the eve of the Feast of Santa Maria Greca, with his Funeral Mass being offered in Bari on her Feast day.  


Santa Maria Greca Pray for Padre Bucci, for the Church and all souls!

Servant of God Luisa Piccarreta Pray for Padre Bucci, the Church and all souls! 

Rosaria Bucci and all Saints and Angels Pray for the Church and all souls!

Padre Bucci pray for us! We love you in the Fiat!

 

BEAUTIFUL SUFFRAGE THROUGH LUISA…

V12 – 3.14.19 – “Once you did for me a beautiful suffrage.  If you knew the Good you did to me, the Refreshment that I felt, the years that I paid off….”  And I:  ‘I Luisa, don’t remember.  Tell me what it was, and I will repeat it for you.’  And he:  “You Immersed yourself in the Divine Volition, and took Its Power, the Immensity of Its Love, the Immense Value of the Pains of the Son of God and of All the Divine Qualities.  You came over me and Poured them upon me; and as you Poured them, I received the Bath of the Love that the Divine Power contains, the Bath of the Beauty, the Bath of the Blood of Jesus, and of All the Divine Qualities.  Who can tell you the Good you did to me?  They were all Baths which contained a Divine Power and Immensity.  Repeat it for me – repeat it for me.”

V19 – 6.21.26 – This morning, having received Holy Communion, I received It as usual in the Most Holy Will of God, offering It to my dear Saint Aloysius (Fr. Bucci) – not only the Communion, but all the Goods contained in the Most Holy Will of God, for his accidental glory.  Now, while doing this, I saw that all the Goods contained in the Supreme Volition, like many Rays of Light, Rays of Beauty and of multiple Colors, Inundated the dear Saint (Fr. Bucci), giving him an Infinite glory. 

 V26 – 6.27.29 – Having received Holy Communion, I was offering It for the glory of Saint Aloysius (Fr. Bucci), and I offered, as a present for him, everything that Our Lord had done in His Divine Will with His Mind, with His Words, Works and Steps, for the accidental glory of Saint Aloysius (Fr. Bucci) on his feast day.  Now, while I was doing this, my Sweet Jesus, Moving in my interior, told me:  “My daughter, a more Beautiful Present you could not give to dear Saint Aloysius (Fr. Bucci) on the day of his feast.  As you were offering your Communion and all My Acts done in My Divine Will, So Many SUNS were Formed for as many Acts as I did in It while being on earth; and these SUNS Invested Saint Aloysius (Fr. Bucci), in such a way that he received so much accidental glory from the earth, that he could not receive more.  Only the Offerings of Acts done In My Divine Will have the Virtue of Forming their SUNS, because, containing the Fullness of Light, it is no wonder that It Converts into SUNS the human acts done in It.”

Fiat!