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We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin September 1, 2024

by Terrie Evans

On this 22^nd Sunday of Ordinary Time, we celebrate The World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation annually on September 1^st.  It is a call to Christians of all denominations to join together to pray and work for the care of our common home.  Creation is the activity of God by which He brought all things into existence.  Creation is said to be ex nihilo (out of noting) because there was no pre-existing material from which things are made.  This day introduces us to the Season of Creation that will conclude on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Friday, October 4, 2024.  The Theme for the World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation is “Hope and Act with Creation” from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans (8:19-25).  The theme is for us to focus on the hope of Salvation that is born of Faith as we renew ourselves in the life of Christ.  In 2010, Pope Benedict XVI stated: “The harmony between the Creator, mankind, and the created world, as described by Sacred Scripture, was disrupted by the sin of Adam and Eve, by man and woman, who wanted to take the place of God and refused to acknowledge that they were his creatures.  As a result, the work of ‘exercising dominion’ over the earth, ‘tilling and keeping it’ was also disrupted, and conflict arose within and between mankind and the rest of creation.  Human beings let themselves be mastered by selfishness; they misunderstand the meaning of God’s command and exploited creation out of a desire to exercise absolute domination over it.”

On this day, families can make a Pledge of Commitment to Protect and Heal God’s Creation be realized: “We have come to renew our covenant with God and with one another in Christ Jesus, our Lord.  We have come to help protect God’s creation.  We have come as followers of Jesus to commit ourselves anew to one another and to heal injustice and poverty.  We have come to stand together against all threats to life.  We have come to discover some new beauty every day in God’s creation: The sunrise and sunset, birds, flowers and trees, rainbows in the sky, the stars, the many forms of life in the forest.  We have come to listen to the ‘Music of the Universe’ water flowing over rocks, the wind, trees bending in the wind, raindrops patterning the roof.  We will remember always that God speaks to us through the beauty of His creation, and we will try our best to answer God’s call to reverence all that He has created.”  In Pope Francis’ Message, he said, “United in Faith and Action, we can make a difference.  Caring for creation is not only an ethical responsibility, but a theological commitment that involves the whole of creation.  Together we can witness to God’s love through concrete gestures and help build a world where humanity and nature live in harmony.  It is special time for us to reflect on our role as stewards of the natural world.”

On Monday, September 2^, Labor Day, we honor and recognize the American Labor movement and the contributions of those early laborers who helped in the development of the United States.   Also called the Workingman’s Holiday, this day was created by the labor movement in the late 19^th Century for a day set aside to celebrate labor.  In 1887, Oregon became the first state in the U.S. to make Labor Day an official public holiday. By 1894, there were 30 states throughout the U. S. who were officially celebrating Labor Day and, in that year, Congress passed a bill recognizing the 1^st Monday in September Labor Day and an official Federal Holiday.  On June 28, 1894, President Grover Cleveland signed the bill into law but, only making it a holiday for federal workers.  Years later, by the 1930’s unions encouraged workers to strike to make sure they would get the day off.  It was not until the Pullman Strike that it became a Federal Holiday.  Many events are organized in major cities and small towns for Labor Day.  In New York, the Labor Day Carnival and fireworks are held at Coney Island and in Washington, D.C. the United States Capital will hold the Labor Day Concert that features the well-known National Symphony Orchestra.  Here is a Blessing for the Products of Human Labor: “Almighty and ever-living God, You have made us stewards over the created world, so that in all things we might honor the demands of charity.  Graciously hear our prayers, that Your blessing may come upon all those who use these objects for their needs.  Let them always see You as the good surpassing every good and love their neighbor with upright hearts.  We ask this through Christ our Lord.  AMEN.”  

On Tuesday, September 3^rd we celebrate the life of St. Gregory the Great (540-604) known as a reformer, excellent administrator and founder of the medieval papacy that exercised both secular and spiritual power during his reign from 590 until his death in 604.  He is the personal patron of the popes although 15 other Gregorys followed him.  Gregory was born in Italy during a time when commerce had declined, famine, the plague and war he would witness during his lifetime.  He came from an aristocratic Roman family who owned properties throughout Rome and held estates in Sicily. Gregory was well educated, having legal training before entering public service as a magistrate in Rome.  In 574, at the age of 34 he converted to a monastic life and established a Monastery on Caelian Hill, on family property in Rome, with his own money.  He founded 6 more monasteries on family estates in Sicily while making sufficient property endowments for the Church.  Pope Pelagius II made Gregory a Deacon in 579 and in 590, he unwillingly became Pope when he was elected after Pope Pelagius died from the plague that was rampant throughout Rome.  During the plague, Pope Gregory the Great led a Penitential Procession to Sanat Maria Maggiore for the protection of Rome.  When a vison of the Michael Archangel appeared to him, Pope Gregory was convinced Roem would be spared.  A statue depicting Michael the Archangel was placed in the Castel Sant’ Angelo, the place where he saw the vison.  Gregory’s 14 years as Pope were filled with many diplomatic triumphs.  He strengthened the Church, sent missionaries to England, wrote about pastoral care and morality, encouraged monasticism, and transformed the liturgy.  Without Gregory, Europe would have emerged more slowly from the Dark Ages that were caused by the barbarian invasion.  He was a tirelessly energetic pope who believed that the Gospel was meant to be “Preached to all parts of the world.”  Gregory was known as a charitable pope who abolished fees for burials and looked after those suffering from famine who would not allow injustice toward Jews.  He reformed the Church’s worship, introduced the Gregorian Chant, wrote Hymns and was given the title, “Father of Christian Worship.”  He was influenced by St. Augustine of Hippo, St. John Cassian, The Dessert Fathers, and St. Jerome.   He wrote the rules for the life of a Bishop, a commentary on the Book of Job, and on the lives of many Italian Saints.  Gregory is the only Pope between the 5^th and 11^th Centuries whose correspondence, writings and over 830 letters have survived.    His writings offered practical wisdom for the Christians of his day saying: “Compassion should be shown first to the faithful and afterwords to the enemies of the Church.”  Pope Gregory’s major worries and concerns during his reign were the city of Rome, the Roman See and Southern Italy.  In Pope Gregorys’ official documents, he made extensive use of the term “Servants of the Servants of God” when describing the office of a Pope to be “The Servants of the Servants of God.”  Pope Gregory the Great was declared a saint by popular acclaim immediately after his death in 604 with his relics enshrined in the Altar of St. Gregory housed at St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.  At the Church San Gregorio Magno al Celio in Rome, an ancient marble chair, the throne of Pope Gregory has been placed near the altar for the many visitors who honor the patron saint of musicians, singers, students, and teachers on his feast day.  A Prayer to St. Gregory the Great: “O God, You look upon Your people with compassion and rule them with love.  Through the intercession of Pope St. Gregory, give wisdom of the leaders of Your Church that the growth of Your people in holiness may be the everlasting joy of our pastors.  Amen.”

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin August 18, 2024

by Terrie Evans

Onthis 20^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, our parishioners send many thanks to the Men’s and Ladies Sodality for supplying the main dish, fried chicken, and organizing and sponsoring the annual San Antonio Church picnic held on August 11^th at Kuliga Park.  Everyone had a wonderful time, sharing dishes and making new church friends.  Thanks to all who worked to make this event special.

On Monday, August 19^th, we honor and celebrate St. John Eudes, the farmer’s son from Normandy who became a Jesuit and conceived the desire to care for women who have fallen into dire situations while on the streets.  Born in 1601 into a Catholic family, John made his 18^th Communion in 1613 on Pentecost.  He went to study under the Jesuits, joining the Oratorian’s on March 1623, ordained in 1625, celebrating his first Mass on Christmas.  During the severe plagues that took place in 1627 and 1631, he cared for the stricken throughout his diocese while dedicating himself to the promotion of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Blessed Virgin Mary.  When he was 32, he became a parish missionary, preaching throughout France in over 100 parish missions.  While working to promote his Catholic Faith, John realized that seminaries were needed. The new General Superior would not approve of his plan, so John decided it was best for everyone if he left the religious community, resigning as a Jesuit.  He founded another order of priests, the Congregation of Jesus and Mary, called the Eudists; but was attacked on all sides even though it was approved by some Bishops.  The approval he needed came on his third try from Rome.  During this time, John Eudes never ceased to preach powerful sermons, especially to those outside the churches.  While doing mission work, he became very disturbed about the conditions for those prostitutes who wanted to escape the life on the streets.  John founded the “Order of Our Lady of Charity of the Refuge;” with three Visitation Nuns who came to help him find a refuge for those seeking penance and in 1644, a house for these women was opened at Caen.  In his 79^th year, he preached in the open air every day for nine weeks.  He died on August 19, 1680, with his cause for canonization commencing on August 19, 1868; with the formal introduction on his way to Sainthood on February 7, 1874, under Pope Pius IX who titled him as Servant of God.  In 1903, Pope Leo XIII named him as Venerable and he was Beatified on April 25, 1909, in Saint Peter’s Basilica.  St. John Eudes was canonized on May 31, 1925, by Pope Pius XI, 245 years after his death.  In Saint Peter’s Basilica there is a statue portraying St. John Eudes located on the right side of the central nave constructed by Silvio Silva in 1932.  On August 19, 2009, Pope Benedict praised St. John Eudes as a “Tireless apostle of the devotion of the Sacred Hearts”, during the celebration during the Year of Priests.  Pope Benedict XVI described him as having “Apostolic zeal” in the formation of seminaries for priests as well as the fact the Eudes was a model for evangelization and witness to the “Love for Christ’s heart and Mary’s Heart”. St. John Eudes is credited with authoring the famous book, “The Devotion of the Adorable Heart of Jesus.”

On Tuesday, August 20^th, we honor the feast of St. Bernard Clairvaux, (1091-1153), an Abbot, Confessor, and Doctor of the Church.  Born in 1090 near Dijon, France he developed an interest in literature and had a special bond with the Virgin Mary, writing about the Queen Of Heaven.  He studied theology and the holy scripture before becoming a Monk in the Cistercian Order.  So impressive was the young Bernard’s commitment to the reformed monastic ideals that after two years, the Abbot of Citeaux sent him to establish another house at Clairvaux in Champagne where he was appointed Abbot.  Bernard always emphasized the importance of a contemplative life for monks with the life of praying and sacrificing for oneself and for the world.  Every day Bernard asked this question of himself: “Why have I come here?”  He never wanted to forget that his main duty in this world was to lead a holy life and to save his soul.  Bernard had the power and influence on more matters than many could ever anticipate and had the authority to decide between rival popes and persuade the wayward rulers to support the Church.  He inspired countless Europeans to follow Emperor Konrad III and King Louis to join the 2^nd Crusade.  Bernard of Clairvaux took no joy or pride in his successes, he was doing God’s work.  He helped found 163 monasteries in different parts of Europe before his death in 1153; and is venerated in the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran Churches.  He was canonized on January 18, 1174, in Rome by Pope Alexander III.  His Major Shrine is Troyes Cathedral and the Convent et Basilique Saint-Bernard that is dedicated to him located in St. Bernard, Clairvaux’s birthplace, Fontaine-Les-Dijon.  He stated in his writings, “Take away free will, and there is nothing left to be saved.  Take away grace, and there is no way of saving.  Salvation can only be accomplished when both cooperate.”  St. Bernard of Clairvaux is the Patron Saint of Candle Makers.

On Wednesday, August 21^st, we honor the life of Pope Pius X on his feast day.  He was born Jospeh Sarto in 1835 and was elected Pope from 1903 until his death in 1914.  By the age of 10, he was attending his village school after mass every morning before breakfast.  A local priest helped him to study Latin and other advanced classes, with him walking four miles to the gymnasium located in Castelfranco Veneto, for his studies.  Joseph would often carry his shoes so they would last longer as he came from a family with three brothers and six sisters.  He wanted to become a priest at an early age and with the help of two parish priests, he entered the Seminary in Padua with a scholarship, where he finished his classical, philosophical, and theological studies with distinction.  After his ordination, in 1858, he was made an Assistant to the Pastor in a small Italian town in the mountains where he said: “Holy Communion is the shortest and safest way to Heaven”.  He spent the next 17 years in faithful parish work before being appointed Chancellor of the Diocese of Treviso in 1875.  As Chancellor of the Diocese of Treviso, he made it possible for public school students to receive religious instruction and worked to bring religious instruction to rural children who had no opportunity to attend Catholic School.  In 1880, he was teaching dogmatic and moral theology at the Seminary in Treviso and a few years later he was offered the dilapidated Diocese of Mantua as the Bishop of Mantua by Pope Leo XIII when he said, “I shall spare myself neither care, nor labor, nor earnest prayers for the salvation of souls.  My hope is in Christ”.  His devotion and work in the diocese revived its spiritual and pastoral life.  In 1891, Joseph Sarto was appointed to the honorary position as an Assistant at the Pontifical Throne and on June 12, 1893, Pope Leo XIII made him a Cardinal, receiving his red galero on June 15^th, assigning him to the Church of San Bernardo alle Terme, and appointing him as the Patriarch of Venice.  After being named a Cardinal, and before going to his new post in Venice, Sarto paid a visit to his mother who was overcome with joy and sadness when she asked, “My son, give your mother a last blessing” as she sensed this might be the last time they would see each other.  With this position, Sarto avoided politics with time spent on social works and strengthening parochial credit unions.  In his 18^th Pastoral letter to the Venetians, Sarto argued matters regarding the Pope saying, “There should be no questions, no subtleties, no opposing personal right to his rights, but only obedience”.  He was elected Pope and began his Papacy on August 4, 1903, after the death of Pope Leo XIII on July 20, 1903.  He was considered by the time of his Papal election as one of the most prominent preachers in the Church despite his lesser fame globally.  He chose his Papal name Pius X after respect for Pope Pius IX (1846-1878) who during his tenure, had fought against theological liberals and for the papal supremacy, saying: “As I suffer, I shall take the name of those Popes who also suffered.”        

Pope Pius X said in 1903: “The primary and indispensable source of the true Christian Spirit is participation in the most Holy Mysteries and in the public, official prayer of the Church”.  He sought to modify papal ceremonies and in November 1903, when he entered for his first public consistory for the creation of cardinals, the Pope chose to arrive on foot instead of being carried above the crowds.  He was devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Marian image of Our Lady of Confidence.  Pope Pius X encouraged the frequent reception of Holy Communion and lowered the age for First Communion from age 12 to 7.  He was known for his sense of personal poverty that was reflected in his membership of the Third order of Saint Frances once saying: “I was born poor, I have lived poor, and I want to die poor”.  When he was criticized by the social leaders of Rome by refusing to make his peasant sisters papal countesses, Pope Pius X responded, “I have made them sisters of the Pope, what more can I do for them?”  He became the Pope who loved children; and during his papal audiences, would invite children to gather around him and would also teach Catechism to the street urchins in Venice.  As a Pope, he beatified 131 individuals and in 1908, made St. John Chrysostom a Patron Saint of Preachers.  He also created 50 Cardinals in seven consistories and in 1911, Pope Pius X increased the American representation in the Cardinalate as the Catholic Church in the United States was expanding.  Pope Plus X suffered a heart attack in 1913 and in 1914, he fell ill on the Feast of The Assumption as his condition worsened with the events leading to World War I (1914-1918).  He died on August 20, 1914, the day when German Forces marched into Belgium and just a few hours after the death of the leader of the Jesuits, Franz Xavier Wernz.  His sister Anna was praying by his bedside when Pope Pius X said: “Now I begin to think the end is approaching. The Almighty in His inexhaustible goodness wishes to spare me the horrors which Europe is undergoing”.  His body was buried in the unadorned tomb in the crypt below St. Peter’s Basilica after his coffin laid in state in the Sistine Chapel.  The original inscription on his tombstone read: “Pope Pius X, poor and yet rich, gentle and humble of heart, unconquerable champion of the Catholic Faith, whose constant endeavor it was to renew all things in Christ”.  In 1944, his body was exhumed for the start of the Beatification which took place on June 3, 1951, at St. Peters Basilica by Pope Pius XII.  He was Canonized on May 29, 1954, by Pope Pius XII in Vatican City.  In 1959, his remains were sent to Venice via train for the veneration of the faithful at St. Marks Basilica for one month before being returned to the late Pope’s original resting place.  After his death, the Society of St. Pius X, the traditional Catholic Fraternity, formed years after his passing, was named in his honor.  He has been celebrated as the “Pope of the Blessed Sacrament” with Pius X also named as the Patron Saint of emigrants from Treviso and is honored at parishes in Italy, Germany, Belgium, Canada, and the United States.  In 2003, Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger was asked if the 100-year-old Catechism of Saint Pius X was still relevant, he said: “The faith as such is always the same.  Hence, the Catechism of Saint Pius X always preserves its value. Whereas ways of transmitting the contents of the faith can change instead.  And hence one may wonder whether the Catechism of Sain Pius X can in that sense still be considered valid today”.

On Thursday, August 22^nd, we honor the Queenship of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a feast instituted by Pope Pius XII on October 11, 1954.  In the 4^th Century, Saint Ephrem referred to Mary with the titles of Lady and Queen.  She is seen as the Queen of All saints because her Son is the Second Person of the Blessed Trinity and as a man, He is King and the Lord of all creation. Jesus is our King because He redeemed us. The Blessed Virgin is our Queen because she played a special part in our redemption, in our Lord’s struggle with his enemies and in His victory over them; she therefore has a share in His royal dignity.  As Mary took part in the Incarnation and Redemption by her Divine Motherhood and her sorrows on Calvary, she now helps in giving to people the graces merited by her Son.  St. Bernard said: “It is the will of God that we should have all things through Mary.”  The saints have also received the graces they would need to become saints through the prayers of Mary.  All the virtues they practiced are to be found in her wonderous way.  A Prayer to Our Lady Queen of All Saints:  “O God, You have given us the Mother of Your Son to be our Mother and Queen. Through her intercession, grant that we may attain the glory destined for Your adopted children in Your heavenly Kingdom. AMEN.”

On Friday, August 23^rd, we celebrate the Feast Day of St. Rose of Lima (1586-1617) a member of the Third Order of Saint Dominic in Lima, Peru.  She was born Isabel Flores de Olivia one of 11 children whose father, Gaspar Flores, originally from Spain a Harquebusier (Cavalry) in the Imperial Spanish Army and mother, Maria de Oliva y Herrera, was a Criolla native of Peru.  As a young girl, Isabel developed a devotion to Catherine of Siena, of the Dominican Order as she sought to live in Christian perfection in accordance with the spirit of a religious order.  She was nicknamed Rose because of her beauty and formally took the name Rose at that time.  She spent many days contemplating the Blessed Sacrament and was determined to take a vow of virginity; opposed by her parents as they wished she would marry and have a family.  When a rich young man wanted to marry her and offered Isabel a large home with servants, she only wanted to love and serve God.  Rose became focused on the way her life should be.  Her father built a room just for prayer and reflection.  She would also help the sick and hungry of her community.  To supplement funds for her work, Rose sold lace, embroidery, and sewing for the care of those in need.  She became a recluse, only leaving her room to attend church.  The next step would be for her to take solemn vows and become a nun; her father strongly forbade it, so she chose instead to enter the Third Order of St. Dominic as a lay member of the Dominican Order while still living in her family’s home.  At the age of 20, she was devoting her day to prayer while wearing a crown with small spikes to emulate the Crown of Thorns.  Rose visited homes of the poor and brought them food while offering all her sufferings and good works to God for the sinners.  After a long illness, Rose died on August 24, 1617, at the age of 31, with her funeral held in the cathedral with many dignitaries and those from her good works in attendance.  Her remains are placed at the Basilica and Convent of Santo Domingo in Lima, Peru.  Rose of Lima was Beatified by Pope Clement IX on May 10, 1667, and Canonized by him on April 12,1671; as the first person born in the Americas to be Canonized a Saint.  There are 95 parishes throughout the world dedicated to St. Rose of Lima with the largest parish located in Maywood, California.  St. Rose of Lima is the Patroness of Peru and the people of Latin America with her image displayed on the highest denomination banknote in Peru.  A Prayer to Saint Rose of Lima: “0 God, You filled St. Rose with love for You enabled her to Leave the world and be free for You through the austerity of penance. Through her intercession, help us to follow her footsteps on earth and enjoy the torrent of Your delights in Heaven. AMEN.”

On Saturday, August 24^th, we honor the life of St. Bartholomew on his feast day, born in the 1^st Century AD in Galilee and died 71 A.D. in the Kingdom of Armenia.  He was one of the 12 Apostles of Jesus, identified as Nathanael and mentioned in the Gospel of John.  Jesus said that Bartholomew was a man without deceit.  The future disciple asked, “How do you know me?” and Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, when you were sitting under a fig tree, I knew you”.  Bartholomew and Philip were friends who came upon John the Baptist who told that the Messiah, the Redeemer, the Lamb of God is the one who takes away the sins of the world.  When Jesus saw Bartholomew, he spoke to him saying, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no evil”.  Bartholomew made an act of faith saying, “Master, You are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel”.  The Lord considered him noble, pure “without evil”, honest, simple, and strong in his faith.  Bartholomew persevered as an apostle and was granted a vision of the Risen Lord.  After the Ascension, Bartholomew journeyed to India on a missionary tour preaching the Gospel where he left behind a copy of the Gospel of Matthew before going to Armenia.  Bartholomew and his fellow Apostle Jude “Thaddus” are credited for bring Christianity to Armenia in the 1^st Century with both considered Patron Saints of the Armenian Apostolic Church.  The Saint is said to have been martyred in Armenia for having converted the local king to Christianity with the king’s brother ordering Bartholomew’s torture and execution.  The Saint Bartholomew’s Monastery, a prominent Armenian Monastery from the 13th Century was constructed at the presumed site of his martyrdom in Vaspurakann, Greater Armenian, present-day Turkey.  In 1892, St. Bartholomew’s Church was built from donations from the local Christian population near the place where Apostle Bartholomew was crucified and killed by pagans around 71 AD. The church continued to operate for 44 years until it was demolished in 1936 as part of the Soviet campaign against religion.  On his feast, August 24^th, St. Bartholomew the Apostle is remembered in the Church of England with a Festival.  His relics were eventually transported to Benevento, Italy.  A Prayer to St. Bartholomew: “Lord, strengthen in us that Faith by which Your Apostle St. Bartholomew adhered to Your Son with sincerity c mind. Through his intercession, grant that Your Church may become a sacrament of saltation for all nations. AMEN.”

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin August 11, 2024

by Terrie Evans

   On this 19^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we welcome the Minella Family to San Antonio Church for the Christening of Andrew Christian Minella.  He is the son of Andrea (Alkire) and Christian Minella and the Grandson of Melissa (Morressey) and Dan Minella.  Deacon John Gerke will Baptize Andrew after our 9:00 AM Mass. 

Our San Antonio Church Community sends condolences and prayers to the Sisters of Charity Community on the passing of Sr. Barbara Padilla, S.C. who died on July 27^th, 2024, at the age of 95.  Barbara was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, one of 12 children, graduated from St. Mary high School and went on to earn her R.N. Certificate while working at St. Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico.  Joining the Sister of Charity, Sr. Barbara earned her Bachelor of Science Degree at the College of Mt. St. Joseph in 1964 and became a Nurse Supervisor at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Ohio, and then transferred back to St, Vincent Hospital in Santa Fe, New Mexico from 1963-1968 as a Supervisor.  She then worked at Mount San Rafael Hospital in Trinidad, Colorado 1968-1969, at St. Joseph Hospital in Albuquerque, from 1969-1971, and then back to Cincinnati, for her work at the St. Joseph Infant Home from 1971-1975.  In 1975, Sr. Barbara relocated back to New Mexico where she was a School Nurse at the Tierra Amarilla Elementary for 3 years and then as a Parish Nurse at St. Joseph Parish in Los Ojos, New Mexico until 1980.  Sr Barbara always longed to be a missionary and in 1980, she started working in the clinic, the Dispensary Elizabeth Seton for the next 10 years serving the health needs of the poor in Duran, Ecuador before taking a much-needed year off for renewal in Spokane, Washington.  When she returned to continue her work in Ecuador, Sr. Barbara was able to use her nursing skills while teaching English to high school juniors, seniors and in the evenings to adults.  In 2003, she was working at St, Michael Parish in Tybee Island, Georgia, before returning back to the Motherhouse to volunteer at St. James White Oak, the Women’s Connection in Price Hill and as a translator for track employees at River Downs Racetrack.  She was preceded in death by sisters, Francis Padilla, Eliza Duncan, Dolores Inge, Leonilla Padilla, Juanita Jaramillo, Guadalupe Revalcava and brothers, Ted, Simon 1^st and Simon 2^nd Padilla.  Sr. Barbara is survived by Elena Duncan Pauline Duran and the Sisters of Charity Community at Mount Saint Joseph.  As we remember the life work of Sr. Barbara Padilla (66 years as a nun), remember the works of our beloved Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God also a Sister of Charity, who founded convents, school, and hospitals throughout the Southwest.

On Monday, August 12^th we honor the life of St. Jane Frances de Chantal (1572-1641) a wife, mother, nun, and founder of a religious community.  Losing her mother, Margaret de Berbisey, at 18 months old, Jane’s father became the main influence in her life and her future.  Her father, Benigne Fremyot played a prominent role in politics as the head of Parliament at Dijon, France and instilled in Jane the importance of education.  After completing her studies, Jane married Baron de Chantal at the age of 21, welcoming six children with three dying in infancy.   During the difficult times in their marriage, they restored the custom of having a daily Mass at the Castle of Bourbilly and engaging in various charitable works.  When the Baron was killed after they celebrated seven years of marriage, Jane sank into a deep state of depression for many months.  Her vision and her outlook changed when at the age of 32, she met the Bishop of Geneva, Francis de Sales and knew she wanted to become a nun.  He soon became her Spiritual Advisor and asked her to take a vow and remain unmarried.  A few years later, Francis de Sales confided to Jane about his plan to establish an institute for women.  It would be set up for those whose health, age or the many circumstances that would prevent them from entering those already established religious communities.  The Order would be free to undertake spiritual and corporal works of mercy and were to exemplify the virtues of Mary of the Visitation. 

During the first eight years, the new order of Visitation Nuns was unusual in its public outreach in contrast to other female religious orders who remained cloistered while following strict rules and practices.  Although later she was obliged to follow the Rule of St. Augustine making it a cloistered community after he wrote his Treatise on the Love of God for them.  Jane continued to accept women of all ages or with health issues with many criticizing her decisions she said “What do you want me to do?  I like sick people myself; I am on their side.”  Jane Frances de Chantal had many donations and much support from aristocratic women with the Order founding 13 houses by Frances de Sales before his death and 86 houses established before the passing of Jane Frances de Chantal.  After the death of Frances de Sales, the Spiritual Director became Vincent de Paul who was with her until her passing in 1641.  Her favorite devotions were to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Sacred Heart of Mary.  Francis de Sales and Jane Frances, de Chantal are buried next to each other in the Annecy Convent.  She was Beatified on November 21, 1751, in Rome by Pope Benedict XIV and Canonized on July 16, 1767, by Pope Clement XIV.  In 1767, the year of the Canonization of St. Frances de Chantal, there were 164 houses for the Visitation Order.  She is the patron of forgotten people, loss of parents and widows and in 1867, a medal was produced with the likeness of St. Francis de Sales and St. Jane Frances de Chantal. 

On Tuesday, August 13^th we honor the Saints, Pontian – Patron Saint of Carbonia Italy and Montaldo – Patron Saint of Scarampi, Italy and Hippolytus – Patron Saint of Horses.  St. Pontian, a Roman Christian who was the Pope, Bishop of Rome from 230-235.  Sts. Pontian and Hippolytus were alive during a tumultuous time the history of the Church, they defended the true nature of the Holy Trinity and died for their faith.  St. Hippolytus accused Pope Zephyrinus of being too lenient concerning heretics that denied the distinct persons of the Trinity.  He also saw Pope Callixtus as too lax concerning adulterers, murderers, and legitimizing invalid marriages.  He also accused the Pope of Modalism, a 3^rd Century heresy concerning the Holy Trinity regarding the Three persons as three modes or functions of the one God, so making the Godhead a single Person.  Pope Hippolytus thought the Church’s practices were forgiving sinners and he came into conflict with Pope St. Zephyrinus, Pope St. Callistus, and Pope St. Pontian about these issues.  At this time, Hippolytus elected himself as the leader of a separate church becoming the 1^st anti-pope.  In 235, Maximus Thrax became the Roman Emperor seizing power with the help of his army and then ordering the arrest and imprisonment of all Christian leaders.  In 235 Pope Pontian and Antipope Hippolytus were banished to the island of Sardinia by the Roman Emperor to toil in the harsh conditions of the mines.  The conditions were so severe, both men became martyrs dying as a result of their fate.  While in exile Pope Hippolytus’ last words “Lord, they break my body; receive my soul.”   Pope Fabian who would lead the Church for the next 14 years, he returned their bodies to Rome a year after their deaths.  St. Hippolytus’ is buried in a cemetery on the Via Tiburtina and in 1551, a headless statue of Hippolytus was found just outside Rome during excavations of the Via Tiburtina.  Inscribed on either side of the chair are tables for working out the dates of Easter.  The statue, showing the saint as a teacher, was carved during his lifetime.  St. Pontian was laid to rest in the Papal Crypt in the Catacomb of Callixtus.  St Hippolytus left a detailed description of the early ordination rites, Apostolic Traditions, which includes the reception of catechumens into the Church and the celebration of the Eucharist.  He also left a commentary on the Prophet Daniel, the Song of Songs, a treatise on Christ and the antichrist found in the books of Daniel, Revelations, and various sermons.  They were Canonized pre-congregation.   A Prayer: “Saint Pontian and Hippolytus, you both served the Church during a difficult period in which the nature of the Most Holy Trinity was called into question.  You defended the truth and taught it tirelessly.  As a result of your fidelity, you both died for the faith, reconciled to God and to each other.  Please pray for me, that I will always seek reconciliation, especially with other Christians, and will always remain faithful to the one true faith.  Saints Pontain and Hippolytus, pray for me.  Jesus, I trust in You.  AMEN.”

On Wednesday, August 14^th, the Catholic Church honors the life of martyr, Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1940) Polish catholic priest, Franciscan Friar who volunteered to die in the death camp of Auschwitz during World War II.  He was born in the Kingdom of Poland, at that time part of the Russian Empire on January 8,1894.  His life became strongly influenced by the Virgin Mary when he had a vision at the age of 12 in 1906.  He would describe the incident: “That night, I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me.  Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red.  She asked me if I was willing to accept either of these crowns.  The white one meant that I should persevere in purity and the red one meant that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.”  In 1907 along with older brother Francis, he joined the Conventual Franciscan Monir Friary and in 1910, Kolbe entered the novitiate taking the name, Maximilian.  In 1911, he professed his first vows and in 1014 he took his final vows, adding the name Maria.  In 1912, he attended the Pontifical University in Rome earning a Doctorate in Philosophy in 1915, continuing his studies, he earned a Doctorate in Theology between the years 1919-1922 all taking place during World War I.  During his studies, his father Julius Kolbe was actively fighting against the Russians for the independence of Poland was caught and hanged as a traitor by the Russians at the age of 43.  While Maximilian was a student, he witnessed demonstrations against the Popes, Pius X and Benedict in Rome saying: “They placed the black standard of the “Giordano Brunisti” under the windows of the Vatican.  On this standard the Archangel, Michael, was depicted lying under the feet of the triumphant Lucifer.  At the same time, countless pamphlets were distributed to the people in which the Holy Father (the Pope) was shamefully attacked.”  Kolbe organized the Army of the Immaculate One in 1917 to work for the conversion of sinners and enemies of the Catholic Church through the Intercession of the Virgin Mary adding to the Miraculous Medal Prayer: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.  And for all those who do not have recourse to thee; and all those recommended to thee.”  He was ordained in 1918 and in 1919, he returned to Poland promoting the veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary while opposing leftist and communist movements while teaching at the Krakow Seminary until 1922.  Kolbe went on to start the monthly periodical, “Knight of the Immaculata” and operated a religious publishing press until 1926.  He founded a new Conventual Franciscan Monastery near Warsaw in 1927 which became a major religious publishing center.  During the years 1930-1936, Kolbe journeyed to China, Japan, and India to establish missions.  He first arrived in Shanghai, China but his work was not successful and then journeyed to Japan founding a Franciscan Monastery on the outskirts of Nagasaki.  He had the monastery built on a mountainside that survived when the United States dropped the atomic bomb on Nagasaki.  In 1932, he left Japan for India where he founded another monastery that has since closed.  He would return to Poland in 1933, travel to Japan and finally return in 1936 as guardian of Niepokalanow monastery in Poland.  There he started a radio station with his amateur radio license call sign SP3RN.  When World War II broke out, Kolbe remained in the monastery organizing a temporary hospital before the town was captured by the Germans.  In 1939, he was arrested then released three months later refusing to sign the Deutsche Volkliste giving him the rights similar to those of German citizens in exchange for recognizing his ethnic German ancestry.  After his release, Kolbe and the other friars continued to shelter refugees along with 2,000 Jews whom they hid from German persecution in the Niepokalanow Friary all while publishing anti-nazi publications.  On February 17, 1941, Kolbe and four others were arrested, and the Monastery was shut down by the Gestapo.  They were imprisoned in Pawiak prison.  Kolbe was transferred to Auschwitz on May 28^th, 1941as prisoner number 16670.  Kolbe continued to practice his faith as a priest even though he was beaten and suffered harassment in his cell in Block 11.  When a prisoner escaped from the camp in July 1941, the deputy commander ordered that 10 men would be chosen to starve to death to deter other escape attempts.  One of the selected men Franciszek Gajowniczek cried out, “My wife! My children!” Kolbe volunteered to take his place saying: “I am old and useless.”  While in his cell, Kolbe led the 10 other prisoners into prayer as they battled starvation and dehydration for two weeks with only three others and Kolbe surviving.  The guards then gave the four remaining prisoners lethal injections of carbolic acid as Kolbe comforted each one as they died.   Kolbe raised his left arm composed as he was the last one to die on August 14, 1941, with his remains cremated on the Feast of the Assumption on August 15^th.  His Beatification was opened on June 3, 1952, and he was recognized as a Servant of God on May 12, 1955.  Pope Paul VI declared Kolbe Venerable on January 30, 1969, and Beatified as a Confessor of the Faith in 1971 by Pope Paul VI.  He was Canonized as a Saint by Pope John Paul II on October 10, 1982, and declared as a confessor and martyr of charity.  The man Kolbe saved at Auschwitz, Franciszek Gajowniczek survived the Holocaust and was present at the Beatification and Canonization ceremonies.  Maximilian Kolbe is also remembered in the Church of England with a commemoration of August 14^th.  Kolbe is one of ten 20^th century martyrs who are depicted in statues above the great West Door of Anglican Westminster Abbey in London.  In 1963, a play influenced by Kolbe’s life, “The Deputy”, was published by Rolf Hochhuth and dedicated to St. Maximillian Kolbe.  In 1998, a Museum of St. Maximilian “There was a Man” opened in Niepokalanow and in 2000, the National Shrine of St. Maximillian Kolbe designated the community of Conventual Franciscan Friars, Marytown – the National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe located in Libertyville, Illinois.  In Western Australia, Kolbe Catholic College was founded in 1989 with the motto “Courage, Faith, and Excellence.  On the 25^th Anniversary of the College in 2014, the staff and students went on a pilgrimage to Poland and Italy to follow the footsteps of the saint.  The trip included Auschwitz to connect with “Courage,” Niepokalanow to connect with “Faith” and Rome to connect with “Excellence.”  The college made the pilgrimage again in 2016 for World Youth Day in Krakow and made the journey again in 2018.  A Prayer to St. Maximilian Kolbe: “Heavenly Father, You inflamed Blessed Maximilian the Priest with love for the Immaculate Virgin and filled him with zeal for souls and love for neighbor.  Through his prayers rant us to work strenuously for Your glory in the service of others, and so be made conformable to Your Son until death.  AMEN.”

On Thursday, August 15^th we honor the Feast Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary which is defined as a Doctrine of the Faith, regarding faith and morals given by her founder, Jesus Christ to the Apostles for the salvation for all.  On November 1, 1950, Pope Pius XII stated that Mary was taken up body and soul into heaven after the completion of her earthly life (In theological terminology, her dormition, or falling asleep in the Lord) since, by reason of her Immaculate Conception, she should not suffer the consequences of Original Sin.  Pope Pius XII stated: “We pronounce, declare and define it to be a divinely revealed dogma: The Immaculate Mother of God, the ever-Virgin Mary, having completed the course of her earthly life, was assumed body and soul into heavenly glory.”   The Feast of the Assumption has been celebrated by Christians as early as the 7^Th Century and at present is considered a Holy Day of Obligation.  The Solemnity of the Assumption has been celebrated in the Eastern Church since the 6^th Century and Orthodox Christians fast for 14 days prior to the feast.  Religious Parades and popular festivals will be held to celebrate the Assumption and in Canada, The Fete Nationale of the Arcadians is an annual festival.  In Malta, the Basilica of the Assumption also known as Mosta Rotunda will be decorated on this day. 

On Friday, August 16^th we honor the life of Stephen I of Hunga, also known as King St. Stephen, the last Grand Prince of the Hungarians, and the 1^st King of Hungary until his death in 1038.  He has been considered one of the most important persons in the history of Hungary.  He was the first member of his family who became a devout Christian before marrying Gisele of Bavaria, a marriage that established the first family link between a Hungarian Ruler and a Western Ruling House.  Their ceremony officiated by St. Adalbert took place at the Scheyern Castle.  King Stephen was credited with the establishment of a Christian state that ensured that the Hungarian population survived in the Carpathian Basin, the large sedimentary basin situated in southeast central Europe during the 9^th and 10^th Century.  The Hungarians strengthened their control over the Carpathian Basin by defeating the Bavarian Army on July 4, 907, then launched campaigns between 899-and 955 and also targeting the Byzantine Empire during the years 943-971.  Due to their success, the Hungarians settled in the Basin establishing the Christian Monarchy, the Kingdom of Hungary around 1000.  King Stephen went on to establish an Archbishopric, the territory under an Archbishop, six Bishoprics, under authority of each Bishops diocese, and the Benedictine Monastery.  His work led the Church in Hungary to develop as an independent entity away from the Archbishops of the Holy Roman Empire while he worked to encourage the spread of Christianity.  King Stephen changed the rules about concerning severe punishment for not obeying Christian customs.   He was considered as one of the most important statesmen in the History of Hungary during his reign.  When he led the country, Hungary enjoyed a long era of peace with the country becoming a preferred route for pilgrims and merchants who traveled between Western Europe, the Holy Land and Constantinople.  He died on August 15, 1038, at the age of 63, surviving all his children who passed before him.  King Stephen was buried in his new Basilica dedicated to the Holy Virgin and was Canonized by Pope Gregory VII along with his son, Emeric, and Bishop Gerard of Csanad Hungary.  He is venerated in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches with his Major Shrine, St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest, Hungary.   Since the 13^th Century, King St. Stephen has become a popular theme in Hungarian Poetry, described by poets as the symbol of National Identify and Independence.   He is also seen as the Apostle of the Hungarians in religious hymns especially in the choral piece, Hymn to King Stephen written in 1938 by Zoltan Kodaly.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 21, 2024

by Terrie Evans

Our parishioners convey their thanks and appreciation to all of our volunteers for the wonderful meal served on Sunday, July 14^th for the annual Feast of San Francesco de Paola Mass and Breakfast.  Our San Antonio Church Community looks forward to annual visit of the ladies and their families from La Societa Fuscaldese to celebrate their much-loved saint from the region of Italy that many of their members immigrated from.  Thanks to everyone who came to church early to set up the Hall, help to prepare breakfast and graciously take care of all our guests for this memorable event.   Our San Antonio Church Community sends condolences and prayer to the Nieman, Comarata, Weigand and Sammons Families on the sudden passing of George W. Nieman (1974-2024) who passed away on July 9, 2024, at the age of 49.  He was the devoted son of the late William P. Nieman and Patricia (Bain) Nieman and the much-loved husband of Amy (Comarata) Nieman for 7 years.  George was a loving father to Parker, Evan, Cooper, Jack, and Ben who will forever remember him for being a great dad and gifted coach while they were on teams at Our Lady of Lourdes.  George was the son-in-law of Gloria and the late Anthony J. Comarata, dear brother of Andrew Nieman, and brother-in-law of   Doug and Lisa (Comarata)Sammons, Tony Comarata, and Steve and Melissa Comarata.  He also leaves many Nieces, Nephews, and good friends who he remained loyal to throughout his life.  Please keep our parishioners, Gloria Comarata, Doug, and Lisa (Comarata) Sammons in your prayers.  George W. Nieman’s funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at Our Lady of Visitation Church. 

On Monday, July 22^nd, we honor St. Mary Magdalene, known as the Apostle to the Apostles.  She was born in the seaport town of Magdala on the Sea of Gailee, a Jewish woman living among Gentiles with a life story as one of redemption.  Jesus is said to have cast out the demons that plagued her mind, appearance, healing her infirmities, who went on to become a legendary example of God’s mercy and grace.  Originally a sinner, Mary Magdalene became a follower of Jesus as part of   his ministry along with His Apostles and was present during His death and Resurrection.   From a distance, she observed His Crucifixion and had planned to return the next day to perform the anointing ritual to prepare the body for burial.  Mary Magdalene was the first to see and speak with the risen Christ when He tells her to tell the Apostles.  In the Gospel of St. John, Jesus said to her: “Woman, why are you weeping?   Whom do you seek?  May Magdalene thought he was the groundskeeper when she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”  Jesus said to her, “Mary.”  She turned and said to Him in Hebrew, “Rabboni” (Teacher).  (john 20:15-16). He told her to go and tell these things to the disciples, and Mary Magdalene obeyed his wishes. 

On Tuesday, July 23^rd we celebrate the life of St. Bridget of Sweden, born into a royal family in 1304, she entered into a marriage arranged by her father who was a knight and Governor of Upland to Prince Ulf of Sweden.  Bridget and Ulf had eight children before separating so both could live a more austere holy life.  He entered the Cistercian Order where he died in 1344 at the Alvastra Abbey in Ostergotland with Bridget going on to establish the Order of St. Savior also called the Brigittines of Sweden.  She had a deep devotion to the Passion of Christ and encouraged the nuns in her convent to practice the same devotion, forming joint communities for both man and women, living in separate cloisters and giving most of their incomes to the poor.   In 1350, Bridget traveled to Rome with her daughter Catherine (later St. Catherine of Sweden 1331-1381) for the authorization of the Pope to establish a new order.  Bridget   also went with a small group of pilgrims to visit a few Italian Shrines near Naples as she spent time praying for guidance and the intercession of Mother Mary.  She was hoping to meet with the Pope even though the plague was running rampant throughout Europe, hoping to confirm the Rule of the new Order.  The Pope was in Avignon at the time, and it was not until 1370 when Pope Urban V finally gave his blessing and confirmed the Rule of the Order.  While staying in Rome, Bridget sent precise instructions to Vadstena for the construction of the Monastery, with an Abbess elected to signify the Virgin Mary, to preside over both Nuns and Monks.  Bridget counseled Kings and Popes saying, “The world would have peace if only men of politics would follow the Gospels.”  She never returned to Sweden working on ecclesiastical reform and performing many charitable acts serving the poor throughout the city until her death on July 23, 1373.  Bridget was buried at San Lorenzo in Panisperna with her remains later returning to the country of her birth, Sweden. The Vadstena Abbey, also known as the Blue Church, contains relics of St. Bridget, venerated in the Catholic and Lutheran Churches.  For the next 18 years after her death, Queen Margaret of Scandinavia petitioned Pope Urban VI and his successor, Pope Boniface IX for the canonization of Bridget of Sweden.  On October 7, 1391, Pope Boniface IX agreed, and it was confirmed by the Council of Constance in 1415.  The Brigitta Chapel, erected in Vienna in 1651, and in 1930, on her family’s land, a memorial stone was erected adjacent to the Skederid Church built by her father, all in honor of St. Bridget of Sweden.  In 1991, on the 600^th Anniversary of St. Bridget’s Canonization, Pope John Paul II and two Lutheran Bishops met and prayed at the burial place of St. Peter the Apostle, the first time a joint prayer service was held by members of two religious communities.  In 1999, Pope John Paul II named St. Bridget of Sweden a Patron Saint of Europe.   St Bridget of Sweden said: “True wisdom, then, consists in works, not in great talents which the world admires; for the wise in the world’s estimation are the foolish who set at naught the will of God, and know not how to control their passions.” 

On Wednesday July 24^th we honor the feast of Saint Sharbel (Charbel) Makhluf, born Jousef Antoun Maklouf to peasant farmers on the highest mountain village in Lebanon. He was Baptized into the Maronite Eastern Catholic Church and after the death of his father, his mother married a priest from the Maronite Church.  His stepfather became a big influence as did his two uncles who were hermits and inspired him to live a devout life.  Jousef became devoted to the Blessed Mother, and he knew God was calling him to enter the priesthood.  When he reached the age of 23, he entered the Monastery of Our Lady in Mayfouq in the Maronite Church becoming a professed Monk.  Jousef took the name Sharbel, after St. Charbel the Martyr who was a 2^nd Century Military Officer martyred during the persecutions in Antioch by the Roman Emperor, Marcus Aurelias.   After living in the community with other monks, he transferred to the Monastery of St.  Maroun professing his vows, and then sent to the Monastery of Saints Cyprian and Justina to study theology and philosophy.   He was Ordained a Priest at the age of 31, returning to the Monastery of Saint Maroun where he remained for the next 16 years. He desired to live the rest of his life as a hermit, a vocation that was for those who proved capable of living with solitude and ascetism to deny oneself pleasures and to strive to follow Jesus perfectly.  In 1875 at the age of 47, Father Sharbel was permitted to enter the Hermitage of Saints Peter and Paul to live as a hermit where he spent the next 23 years in solitude with a strict regime of daily prayer, manual work, controlling desires and doing penance for past sins.  In 1898, Brother Sharbel suffered a stroke while offering Mass and died eight days later at the age of 70 on Christmas Eve.  According to the custom of his order, he was buried in the ground without a coffin.  After his burial, a bright light was seen shining from his resting place and for the next four months, many villagers visited his grave.    Permission was then granted by the Church to exhume his body which was found to be completely incorrupt with his skin and joints soft and flexible.  Father Sharbel was cleaned and placed in a coffin in the monastery chapel when blood and sweat began to pour from his skin, soaking his habit, which had to change two times a week.  In 1927, his body was put in another coffin and sealed in a tomb in the monastery wall.  For the next two decades, blood-like liquid seeped from the corner of the wall behind where Father Sharbel was buried and in 1965, his body was exhumed and found incorrupt exuding the same blood and sweat.  In 1976, the year before his canonization, his body was exhumed and found to be decayed with only the bones remaining.  The decay of his body coincided with the early days of the devasting Civil War in Lebanon in 1975 and the Damour massacre in 1976 that took the lives of many residents.  Those who have visited his grave have attributed miracles to Father Sharbel’s intercession as monks compiled the list of 12,000 miracle cures.  Word of the cures drew many to honor the saint and devotion to him and a new evangelization spread rapidly across Lebanon. St. Sharbel was Canonized by Pope Paul Vi on October 9, 1977, with him being named the Patron Saint of Lebanon.  Prayer to Saint Sharbel: “Saint Sharbel, you were called into the solitary life of a monk and then a hermit, and you responded.  You kept your eyes upon Christ, and He transformed your humble soul into a glorious beacon of light for the world to see.  Please pray for me, that I will receive the grace I need to be faithful to the vocation God has given me and that I will respond with the same generosity and commitment that you manifested in your earthly life.  Saint Sharbel, pray for me. Jesus, I trust In You.

On Thursday, July 25^th we honor St. James, the son of Zebedee and Salome and brother of John the Evangelist.  He was one of Jesus’ 12 Apostles who was called James the Greater, chosen to be an Apostle before the other James.  He would follow his brother John into life a life of devotion as a follower of Jesus who referred to them as “Fishers of Men” when he asked them to accompany Him.   They threw their nets on the shore and left all their worldly possessions to follow our Lord.  James attended   the wedding feast at Cana and on the day of the Transfiguration, Peter, James, and John were there and followed Jesus into the Garden of Olives.  Peter, his brother Andrew, James and brother John were the four Apostles closest to Jesus.  James preached the Gospel in Samaria and Judea and also journeyed to Spain before he was martyred.  He was the first of the Apostles to give his life for Christ, having been killed with the sword by King Herod Agrippa in the year 43.  His burial site was lost for centuries and discovered in the 9^th Century when a hermit named Pelagus saw a cluster of stars in the sky that led him to the site.  With the discovery of his burial site, King Alfonso II ordered the construction of a Church over the grave of James the Apostle.  The site in now referred to as Santiago (St. James) of Compostela (Field of Stars) as pilgrims’ journey on the 100–500-mile route on the Camino de Santiago, or the Way of Saint James which starts in the countries of France, Spain or Portugal all leading to his burial site.  He was Canonized Pre-Congregation with St. James as the Patron Saint of Santiago de Compostela, Spain, hatmakers, veterinarians, and is invoked against arthritis and rheumatism.  St. James the Greater Prayer; “Jesus called you a Son of Thunder because of your zeal and temper, God infused those natural qualities with temperance and courage so that you could give supreme witness to your Lord.  Please pray that I will have your courage and zeal, laying down my life in witness to Jesus’ glory.  St. James pray for me.   Jesus, I trust You.  AMEN.” 

On Friday, July 26^th we celebrate the feast of St. Joachim and St.  Anne who were originally from Gailee,then lived in Nazareth where their daughter, the Blessed Mother was born and raised.  As a married couple, they longed for a child, and both said many prayers to become parents.  Joachim went into the desert fasting and praying when an angel appeared to Anne while she was praying under a laurel tree, telling her that God heard her prayers, and she would become a mother.  Ann replied: “As my God lives, if I conceive either a boy or girl, the child shall be a gift to my God, serving him in holiness throughout the whole of its life.”   The angel also appeared to Joachim giving him the news that his daughter, “would be honored by all the world” he then went to the Temple rejoicing and offered animals to God as a sacrifice.  St Anne gave birth to the Blessed Virgin Mary at the age of 40 and named her Miriam (Mary) and offered her child to God in the service of the Temple when she was incredibly young.  Anne’s name meaning Grace as the Patron of Houswives along with Joachim name meaning God prepares, is the Patron of Good Fathers both lived to see the birth of Mary’s child Jesus.   In the 4^th Century, a church was built by St. Helen on the site of the home of Joachim and Anne in Jerusalem, where they are buried.  A Prayer to St. Joachim: “O God, of all Your saints You willed St. Joachim to be father to the Mother of Your Son.  Grant that we who venerate him may evermore experience his patronage.  AMEN.”  A Prayer to St. Anne: “O God, You bestowed on St. Anne such grace that she was found worthy to become the mother of Mary, who brough forth Your Only begotten Son.  Grant that we may be helped by her intercession. AMEN.”

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 14, 2024

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday, we welcome the members of the La Femminile Fuscaldese Society to honor their Saint, San Francesco do Paola for a Mass and Breakfast provided by Pompillios and prepared by the Men of San Antonio Church.  Their Saint, Francesco Martolilla, was born in the town of Paola in the province of Cosenza, in the region of Calabria, located in southern Italy.  Born on March 22, 1416, to parents who desperately wanted children, they prayed and invoked the help of St. Francis of Assisi for a family.  After Francesco’s birth, he endured much sickness as a child with his parents praying to St. Francis for help with a cure.  As he entered his teen years, Francesco’s eyesight was restored by his parents praying to St. Francis of Assisi.  When he was well enough, Francesco entered the Franciscan order at the age of 13 and desired to pattern his life after his namesake, St. Francis.  He entered the convent of the Franciscan Friars at San Marco Argentano, 26 miles from his home.  He became a contemplative Monk, who were known for praying and sacrificing for oneself and for the world, with many followers who saw him as a leader within their Order.  After he entered the Franciscans, he founded a new Order of Monks with the news reaching the Archbishop of Cosenza who then permitted Francesco, who was 38 years old to erect a large Monastery and Church in 1454.  In 1492, the Order became known as the “Minims” as those in it were known to be the least in the household of God.  While doing the good works within the Franciscan Order, he served King Louis XI of France as his respected advisor helping to restore peace between France and Great Britain.  Also known as Francis the Fire Handler, Francesco died on April 2, 1507, at the age of 91 and was Canonized 12 years later in 1519.  He was never ordained a priest and in 1963, Pope John XXIII designated him the patron of Saint of Calabria, Paola, and Italian Sailors. 

There is a humble stone house located in Fuscaldo, Italy where Francesco’s parents resided when he was born and is still the homestead of the late Joseph “Pepe” Ramundo (1927-2021) Family, with a plaque on the front of the residence with information about San Francesco di Paola.  We are appreciative of Frank Perotta for being the caretaker of the beautiful likeness of St. Francesco on loan to us from the La Societa Femminile Fuscaldese to adorn our church.  Frank has volunteered every year to coat the wood carved statue with his special formula polish and also designed, produced, and donated the gold crown, Charitas (Charity) that rests on the head of the statue.  

On Monday, July 15^th we honor St. Bonaventure (1221-1274) well known in the Catholic Church as an Italian Catholic Franciscan Bishop, Cardinal, Scholastic, Theologian, and Philosopher.  Born Giovanni di Fidanza and entered the Franciscan Order in 1243 and by the age of 22 was studying at the University of Paris where he became close friends with Thomas Aquinas and received his Doctor of Theology Degree with him.  When he was 27, Bonaventure wrote the “Commentary of Sentences”, considered his major work and in 1253 was chosen the Franciscan Chair of Paris, the seat of authority to teach.  He was later elected Minister General of the Franciscan Order at the age of 35 and was instrumental in procuring the election of Pope Gregory X.   Bonaventure was rewarded with the title: “Cardinal Bishop of Albano” and he was present at the great Second Council of Lyon in 1274 where he worked successfully for the union of Greek and Latin Churches.  He worked to integrate faith, reason, and thought of Christ as the “One true Master,” who offers human knowledge which begins in faith and is developed through rational understanding, protected by the mystical union with God.  St Bonaventure is known as the Seraphic Doctor from the warmth of divine love that is found in his writings.  He believed that the created world gave us a sign of God.  Faith was needed by reason to lead us to the contemplative of the divine.  When his friend St. Thomas Aquinas asked him where he gained his own great knowledge, Bonaventure pointed to a Crucifix, and replied, “I study only the Crucified One, Jesus Christ.”  He died on July 15, 1274, is venerated in the Catholic and Church of England and was Canonized on April 14, 1482, in Rome by Pope Sixtus IV.  There are 20 places, churches and schools named in his honor in the United States,10 in Canada, 7 in the Philippines, 3 in the United Kingdom, 2 in Latin America, 2 in Southeast Asia and one Catholic High School in the Netherlands.    A Saint Bonaventure Prayer: “Almighty God, today we celebrate the heavenly birthday of St. Bonaventure, Your Bishop.  Let us benefit by his wonderful teaching and always be inspired by his burning charity.” 

Our church is honored to have the statue of St. Bonaventure wearing the robe of a Cardinal on the ramp side of San Antonio.  Many of our parishioners attended and graduated from their neighborhood school St. Bonnies and to have the statue still in the neighborhood brings back many good memories. 

On Tuesday, June 16^th we honor the feast day of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, also referred to as “Virgin of Carmel”, the title given to the Blessed Virgin Mary for her role as Patroness of the Carmelite Order.  The solemn liturgical feast was established as a thanksgiving to Mary for the benefits she had accorded to the Carmelite Order. Those first Carmelites were living as Christian Hermits on Mount Carmel in the Holy Land around the 12^th and 13^th Century.  The Carmelite Order consider the Blessed Virgin Mary as the perfect role model of virtue as she was the closest person in the life of Jesus Christ and look to the Virgin Mary as a Spiritual Mother.  The popular devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel has centered on the “Scapular of Our Lady of Mount Carmel,” known as the Brown Scapular, since Mary is said to have given the Scapular to an early Carmelite named Simon Stock (1165-1265), an early English Prior General of the Carmelite Order.  A Brother of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Simon had a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary when she gave him the Brown Scapular and promised him that those who wore it would be saved.  Wearing it signifies the person’s consecration to Mary and the special protection she bestows.  The Brothers of the “Most Blessed Virgin of Mount Carmel,” were given the Carmelite Rule of Life by St. Albert, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem between 1206-1214, later approved by Pope Honorus III in 1226.  In 1562, Spanish Carmelite nun, St. Teresa of Avila along with St. Joan of the Cross, another Carmelite nun established a new branch of the Order.  They chose the name, the “Discalced Carmelites,” taken from the Latin word “unshod” for wearing the rope sandals of the poor instead of shoes made of leather.  The “Discalced Carmelites,” consist of both nuns and friars who live the contemplative life as they did in the 13^th Century.  The spiritual headquarters of the Order is the Stella Maris Monastery (STAR OF THE SEA) located on Mount Carmel, named after the traditional title of the Blessed Virgin Mary.   The devotion to Our lady of Mount Carmel is celebrated around the world with Spain and Spanish Speaking countries holding annual festivals and in Acquafondata, Italy, there is a small sanctuary where the Virgin of Mount Carmel appeared on July 16, 1841.  In Brooklyn, New York, the feast is a 10-day event held in her honor and in the “Little Italy”, neighborhood of the Bronx, a procession will be held on 187^th Street around the parish church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.  The best-known Carmelite Saint is Therese of Lisieux, the Litle Flower who died in 1897.  A Prayer for the special intentions for the Devotees of the Blessed Mother of Mount Carmel: “O most beautiful flower of Mt. Carmel, fruitful vine, splendor of Heaven, Blessed Mother of the Son of God, Immaculate Virgin, assist me in my necessity.  O Star of the Sea, help me and show me you are my Mother.  O Holy Mary Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, and Earth, I humbly beseech you from the bottom of my heart to succor me in this necessity (MAKE YOUR REQUEST).  There are none that can withstand your power.  O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee.  Sweet Mother I place this cause in your hands, AMEN.” 

On July 18^th in the General Roman Calendar, we honor Camillus de Lellis born in Naples, Italy in 1550 and died in Rome in 1614.  He was a Roman Catholic Priest who founded the Camillians, the Order of Clerks Regular, Ministers of the Infirm, the religious order dedicated to care for the sick.  He is the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, physicians and all who care for the sick.   When he was a young man, Camillus led a wayward life with an addiction to gambling.  He took many menial jobs but was always dismissed for bad behavior.  Finally, he became a mercenary soldier for Venice fighting the Turks.  He became penniless and lost all he had due to his gambling.  He heard the Capuchin monks of Manfredona were putting up new buildings and secured a job as a labourer.  He heard one of the friars preaching and fell to his knees asking God for forgiveness.  Now only 25 and suffering from a diseased leg, he tried to join the Franciscan Order but was turned away.  Returning to Rome, to the hospital who cared for him previously, he became a caregiver.  During this time, St. Philip Neri became his confessor and while working at the San Giacoma Hospital, Camillius was promoted to Superintendent.  With his new title, he turned the hospital around with many reforms, mostly concerning patient care.  He studied for the priesthood and was ordained on Pentecost Sunday in 1584 at the age of 34.  Camillius isolated those with contagious diseases, instituted healthy diets and obtained Hospital Chaplains.  With two companions Camillius established the Society of Servants of the Sick caring for those suffering in the hospital or in their own homes.  He had many benefactors and was able to start a hospital in Naples and many other hospitals that were needed in nearby cities.  Pope Sixtus V gave the group formal recognition as a congregation in 1586 assigning them the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Rome.   The Servants of the Sick were called into service in 1588 when there was a plague in Naples Harbor aiding those who were ill aboard the ships.  His members were fearless and never worried about their own welfare and when there were wars in Hungary and Croatia, his followers assisted the wounded and dying.  Camillius said: “A good soldier is willing to die in battle and a good servant of the sick in the hospital.”  A large red cross on their cassock symbolizing service and charity is still worn on the habits of their congregation.   Camillius honored the living images of Christ, and by serving them in the spirit he did penance for the sins of his youth.  He died in 1614 and was Beatified in 1742 and Canonized in 1746, both by Pope Benedict XIV.  A Parish in Quebec, Canada, Saint-Camille-de-Lillis is named after him.  On the Canadian United States border has a population of around 800.  Ther are 20 hospitals, colleges, churches, schools, and charitable organizations named in his honor. A Prayer in honor of the Patron of Hospitals, St. Camillus of Lellis: “O, God, You adorned St. Camillus, Your Priest, with the singular grace of charity toward the sick.  By his merits, pour forth the spirit of Your love into us, so that by serving You in our brothers here on earth we may safely come to You at the hour of our death.  AMEN.” 

On July 20^th we remember St. Apollinaris who is celebrated in the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church.  He was born in Antioch, Syria now modern day Anitakya, Turkey.  He was a Disciple of St. Peter who consecrated and commissioned him as the first Bishop of Ravenna during the reign of the Emperor Claudius.  Apollinaris worked for the evangelization in Emilia-Romagna as a Bishop for 26 years while facing constant persecution.  His preaching brought many converts but also those who treated him cruelly, attacked him and drove him out of the city of Ravenna three times, always returning to continue his work.  Apollinaris and the Church would triumph with his movement spreading beyond the city limits.  Popes Simmachus and Honorius I were responsible for promoting his work through Rome and in Dijon, the Frankish King, Clovis, dedicated a church to Apollinaris.  The Benedictine and Camaldolese Monasteries also spread the veneration to his evangelization works of Apollinaris throughout Germany and in Bologna, with a church in the area of Palazzo de Podesta established in his honor.  After Apollinaris was Martyred, his relics were placed at the Basilica of Sant’ Apollinare in Classe at the place of his death.  Due to the threat of pirate raids along the Adriatic Coast, the relics were transferred to the Basilica of Sant Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna in 856.  There are also relics of St. Apollinaire at St. Lambertus in Dusseldorf and at the Apollinaris Church in Remagen, Germany with churches dedicated to the saint in the Czech Republic and in Prague.  There is a stained-glass window in the Cathedrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul de Troyes that tells the story of his ordination.  In 1957, in Napa, California, there is a church named in honor of St. Apollinaris who has been considered a miracle worker who is invoked for those suffering from gout and epilepsy.  The municipality of Saint-Apollinaire in Quebec, Canada on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, is named in honor of the Saint.  The municipality covers an area of 60 miles, with a population of 8,000, and is 12 miles from the bridges of Quebec City.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin July 7, 2024

by Terrie Evans

On this 14^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we continue to pray for the special intentions of our parishioners who maybe going through health challenges and our San Antonio Church Community also keeps in their prayers all those who have lost loved ones on the anniversary of their passing during the month of July.  Our parishioners send their condolences and prayers to the family of Sr. Esther Marie Humbert, Sister of Charity from the Order of our beloved Sr. Blandina Segale, Servant of God.  Sr. Esther Marie Humbert, S.C.  departed this life on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the age of 85, leaving sisters, Sr. Mary Ann Humbert, S.C., Monica Bonecutter, Judy Prius, Nieces, Nephews and all the Sisters of Charity Community.  Her Funeral Mass was held at the Motherhouse Chapel on July 2, 2024.   

On Tuesday, July 9^th we honor St. Augustine Zhao Rong (1746-1815) a Chinese priest and martyr from the 19^th Century.  Born in Wuchuan County of Guizhou, he joined the Imperial Army of the Qing Dynasty when he was 20.  During the 18^th Century, when many anti-Christian persecutions were taking place, he was in charge of guarding Christian prisoners.  In 1785, he was guarding Father Gabriel-Turin Dufresse at the time he was arrested and taken to Beijing and put in prison.   While in his company, Zhao Rong became a close ally and friend who was converted by Father Gabriel and upon his release from incarceration, Fr. Gabriel baptized Zhao and gave him the name Augustine.  After his conversion and Baptism, Augustine desired to become a priest and five years later, he was ordained by the Bishop of Sichuan, Francois Pottier.  Fr. Augustine Zhao Rong dedicated himself to the conversion of many to Christianity and to the Church in Yunnan, China.  A new wave of persecutions took place during the reign of Emperor Jiaqing with Fr. Augustine arrested, tortured and to save himself, denounce his faith.  Fr. Augustine never gave in to their demands and died from the beatings he endured in prison in the winter of 1815.  He was Beatified on May 27, 1893, by Pope Leo XIII and on October 1, 2000, was Canonized with the other Martyrs of China by Pope John Paul II, becoming the first Chinese priest in history to be martyred.  The group martyred with him are known as, “Augustine Zhao Rong and Companions.”   

On July 11^th we celebrate the feast day of St. Benedict of Nursia (480-547) born in Umbria, Italy to a noble family and educated in Rome.  At the age of 20 he journeyed to a mountain in the town Subiaco forty miles from Rome where he chose to live his life as a hermit.  Many men came to join him during this time and soon over 140 monks were living with him at the monastery in Subiaco.  The men were busy praying, clearing the land, planting crops, teaching, and feeding the poor.  With their Motto “Pray and Work,” Benedict set up twelve monastic communities with each one consisting of 12 monks.  Benedict and his monks would build a large monastery on top of the mountain and in 529, Benedict and a handful of Monks moved to Monte Cassino, halfway point between Rome and Naples, at one time, Monte Cassino was a pagan temple dedicated to Apollo.  Benedict established the most famous monastery in Western Christianity that became the home to thousands of monks whose mission was to go out and convert the world.  For centuries they were the teachers of Europe as Benedict went on to write his famous Monastic Rule for the monks that came to Monte Cassino. The Rule was for Monks living communally under the authority of an Abbot, comprised of 73 short chapters on how to live a spiritual life on earth and the how to run a monastery efficiently.  They were called the Benedictines, the religious order of both men and women, and their rule became the basis for all Western Monasteries, during the early Middle Ages called the Benedictine Centuries.  Benedict had a twin sister Scholastica, founder of the Benedictine Sisters.  Benedict died at Monte Cassino of a fever and was buried in the same tomb with his sister, Scholastica on March 21, 547 and in 1220, was Canonized in Rome by Pope Honorius III.  In 1964, St. Benedict was named patron Protector of Europe by Pope Paul VI and in 1980, Pope John Paul II named him co-patron of Europe along with Cyril and Methodius. 

The St. Benedict medal is revered by many to invoke God’s blessing while asking help through the intercession of the Saint as a Christian symbol for helping us through difficult times and to protect us from evil and diseases.  The medal has two sides and on one side of the medal, it displays the image of St. Benedict, a cross in his right hand with the Rule for Monasteries placed in the other hand, with The Center Text, “Crux Sancti Patris Benedicti “, (The Cross of the Holy Father).  On The Outside Edge, the medal displays the Text “Elius In Obitu Nostro Praesentia Muniamur,” (May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death), and below the image of Benedict, “EX S M Cassino MDCCCLXXX,” (From Holy Monte Cassino 1880).    On the top of the back side of the Medal “PAX,” (Peace), on the Left Side are the letters, “S M Q L I V B” (What you offer me is evil.  Drink the poison yourself), on the Right Side are the letters “V R S N S M V,” (Begone Satan!  Never tempt me with your vanities!).  The Vertical Cross on the medal displays the letters, “C S C M L”, (May the Holy Cross be my light!), The Horizontal Cross displays the letters, “N D S M D”, (May the dragon never be my leader), and the Four Quadrants around the Cross “C S P B”, (The Cross of the Holy Father Benedict).  The medal is used by Roman Catholics, Lutherans, Western Orthodox, Anglicans and Methodists and Lay Oblates of St. Benedict wear the St. Benedict medal instead of the small black cloth scapular.  Wearing the medal or placing it in your car, home, or place of business represents the power of prayer, faith and trust we offer up to St. Benedict in times of temptation and suffering.  Saint Benedict has also been depicted on collector’s coins around the world, especially the favorite, the Austrian 50 Euro issued in 2002: The Christian Religious Orders.  A Prayer to St. Benedict: “O God, You established St. Benedict the Abbot as an admirable teacher in the school of Divine servitude.  Teach us never to prefer anything to Your love and always to run the way of Your Commandments with most generous dispositions.  Amen.” 

On July 13^th, we honor St. Henry two days after the Solemnity of St. Benedict, an Oblate of the Order of St. Benedict and patron saint of Benedictine Oblates.  St. Henry is celebrated more for his holiness and generosity rather than for his military and political career even though he was successful in waging a holy war against Slavic invaders in the diocese of Meersburg.  He was born in the village of Regensburg, Bavaria, Germany and educated by St. Wolfgang, Bishop of Ratisbon who mentored him on duty and humility.  In 995, Henry served as the Duke of Bavaria and in 973, he was crowned as the Holy Roman Emperor by Pope Benedict VIII.  Henry II was deeply religious and at one time considered the priesthood.  As a man of faith, he went on to rebuild churches that had been destroyed; and built monasteries funding them with money and land.  He was concerned with the welfare of the Church and the discipline of the Bishops, restoring many bishoprics in Strasburg, Hildesheim, Magdeburg, and Meersburg.   He called synods throughout his territories to enforce canon law and inspire a greater devotion to the pastoral duties some of the priests seemed to neglect.  In 1002, Henry II established his greatest foundation, the See of Bamberg, as the Archdiocese, by building the Cathedral that was consecrated on his 39^th birthday.  The Cathedral was blessed as a place for the service of God by Pope Benedict on May 6, 1012.  The town of Bamberg, Germany and Cathedral were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.   Henry II died in 1024 in Germany with his body buried in the church of Apostles Peter and Paul at Bamberg and canonized by Pope Eugene III in 1147.  Henry II’s spouse, Cunigunde of Luxemburg (975-1033) was a close political advisor to Henry who gave away her money to charity after his death.  She retired to the convent of Benedictine nuns and Canonized on March 29, 1200, by Pope Innocent III.  A poem about Sts. Henry and Cunigunde, Here Lie Two People: “Here rest the benefactors, Here they lie close together, as Saints, Here is the foundation of the Diocese of Bamberg, Their names are inscribed In our history, their work is still felt today.  They are ahead of us, We follow in their footsteps, They have arrived, We are still traveling.”  A Prayer: “Lord, you filled St. Henry with your love and raised him from the cares of an earthly kingdom to eternal happiness in heaven.  In the midst of the changes of this world, may his prayers keep us free from sin and help us on our way toward you.  Grant this in the name of Jesus the Lord, Amen.”   

Next Sunday, July 14^th we will welcome the La Societa Femminile Fuscaldo for the feast day of San Francesco di Paola for our 9:00 AM Mass and Breakfast in our Hall. This annual event brings together the ladies and their families for a celebration to honor their revered Saint from southern Italy.  All of our San Antonio Parishioners are invited to the Breakfast held in the Hall after Mass.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin June 30, 2024

by Terrie Evans

On this Sunday, the 13^th Sunday of Ordinary Time, our San Antonio Church Community sends best wishes and congratulations to the Most Reverend Dennis M. Schnurr on his 50^th Anniversary in service to the Church.  Archbishop Dennis M. Schnurr was ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Sioux City Iowa on July 20, 1974, and in 1980 he went on to receive his Doctorate Degree in Cannon Law.  He served at the Apostolic Nunciature in Washington D.C. before being appointed an Associate General Secretary of the National Conference of Catholic Bishops/United States Catholic Conference NCCB/USCC in 1989.  In 1995, Msgr. Schnurr was elected the General Secretary of the NCCB/USCC supervising a staff of 350 with an annual budget of $50 million.  He was ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Duluth, Minnesota on April 2, 2001, and appointed Co-Adjutor Archbishop of Cincinnati by Pope Benedict XVI on October 17, 2008, and Archbishop of Cincinnati on December 21, 2009.  We also celebrate seven new priests who were ordained on May 18, 2024, by Archbishop Schnurr at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Peters in Chains.  They are Fr. Brice Burger, Fr. Adam Berning, Fr. John Grusenmeyer, Fr. Benjamin Mersch, Fr. Matthew Montag, Fr. Anthony Sanitato, and Fr. Jeremy Stubbs. Please keep Archbishop Schnurr and the newly ordained priests in your prayers as they continue to lead our communities of churches into the future.

            On Monday, July 1^st we honor the life and works of Saint Junipero Serra, Born Miguel Jose Serra Ferrer on November 24, 1713, on the Island of Mallorca off the coast of Spain, a Spanish Priest, and Missionary of the Franciscan Order.   As a child, he worked the fields with his parents, cultivating crops of wheat and beans and tending cattle.  He would visit the Franciscan Friary near his home and attended the primary school there.  In 1730, a few months before his 17^th birthday, Serra entered the Franciscan Order at Palma, a branch of the Friars Minor.  For the next year, Serra went through the novitiate period to become a member of the Franciscan Order, taking the name Juniper, in honor of Brother Juniper, a companion of Francis of Assisi.  Taking a vow of celibacy, giving up comforts, and all property, while practicing a daily routine of prayers, mediation, choir, manual chores, spiritual readings, and instruction.  His studies included logic, metaphysics, cosmology, and theology as he devoted his life for the next 7 years to become an ordained Catholic Priest.  In 1737, Serra was ordained and a few years later, received an ecclesiastical license to teach philosophy in San Francisco to 60 students for the next three years.  By the age of 35, Serra spent most of his time in the classroom as a professor and in 1743, Serra said to his students, “I desire nothing more from you than this, that when the news of my death shall have reached your ears, I ask you to say for the benefit of my soul, “May he rest in peace”.  Serra loved teaching but longed to do missionary work in South America and to convert native people in the New World.  In 1749, a team of Franciscan Missionaries landed in Veracruz on the Gulf Coast of Mexico.  They set out to journey on to Mexico City on the Camino Real (Royal Path) through tropical forests, high plains reaching an altitude of 7,400 feet.  They traveled with no one to guide them and no funds walking all the way to Mexico City with generous locals providing hospitality along the journey.   

Years later Serra and his Missionary team set sail out of San Blas off the Mexican Coast to travel up the Gulf of California.  Two hundred miles later they were welcomed at the Loreto Mission founded in 1697 by the Jesuits.  In 1768, the Inspector General of New Spain sent explorers to locate a Mission in northern California with Serra chosen to lead the Missionary team in the California expedition and welcomed the chance to save the large population of pagan souls.  The Franciscans saw the Native Americans as children of God who would make good Christians.   Seeing that the native Americans were barely surviving in dire conditions, the Friars became their legal guardians giving them shelter at their mission.   In 1769, Serra established his headquarters near the Presidio of Monterey and established the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, now Carmel California.  Also in 1769, under Serra’s direction, the Franciscan Missionaries planted California’s 1^st sustainable vineyard at Mission San Diego.  Serra has been called the “Father of California Wine” with the variety of grapes planted now known as the Mission Grape. 

On Pentecost in 1769, Serra founded his 1^st Mission, San Fernando Rey de Espana de Velicata with a mud hut serving as a church, then in 1770 Serra moved to Monterey and on Pentecost Sunday, Serra and his expedition founded the Mission San Carlos Borromeo a makeshift Chapel next to an oak tree by Monterey Bay.  He remained there as Father Presidente of the Alta California Missions.  Serra established the Franciscan Missions in the Sierra Gorda, a UNESCO World Heritage site, founded missions in Baja, California and in 1771, relocated to Mission Carmel that served as his headquarters.  Under his presidency he founded:  Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala, Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo, Mission San Antonio de Padua, Mission San Gabriel Arcangel, Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa and went on to establish 8 of the 21 Missions in California from San Diego to San Francisco.  The chapel at the Mission San Juan Capistrano that was built in 1782 is presumed to be the oldest standing building in the state of California.  The Chapel is referred to as “Father Serra’s Church” and the only remaining church where Fr. Junipero Serra celebrated the rites of the Catholic Church and on October 12^th&13^th, 1783, he presided over the Confirmations of 213 people.  Juneperio Serra died on August 28,1784, at the Mission San Carlos Borromeo de Carmelo where his remains are still a place of public veneration.  He was beatified by Pope Paul II on September 25, 1988, at St. Peter’s Square and was Canonized by Pope Francis on September 23, 2015, part of the Pope’s first visit to the United States.  It was the first Canonization to take place on American soil with Pope Francis stating: “Friar Junipero was one of the founding fathers of the United States, a saintly example of the Church’s universality and special patron of the Hispanic people of the country.”  Many cities throughout California have streets, schools and communities named after him and the United States and the country of Spain have honored him with postage stamps. 

On Wednesday, July 3^rd, we honor Jesus’s disciple, Thomas, called “Didymus” or the twin in the New Testament.  One of the twelve Apostles in the Christian World, he is known as “Doubting Thomas” because he was the Disciple who searched for the truth and found it difficult to accept or understand at first, but in the end, he believed.  In St. Johns Gospel, Jesus told his disciples, “I go to prepare a place for you.  And I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also, And you know the way where I am going.”  Thomas asked, “Lord we do not know where you are going, how can we know the way?  Jesus replied, “I am the way and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but by me.  If you had known me, you would have known my Father also.  Henceforth you know him and have seen him.”  Thomas was not with the other Apostles when Jesus first appeared to them after his death.  After the Resurrection, the Apostles said to Thomas, “We have seen the Lord.”  Thomas responded, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails and put my finger into the place of the nails, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”  When Thomas was with the Apostles eight days later, Jesus came and stood before Thomas saying: “Bring here your finger, and see My hands, and bring here your hand, and put it in my side; and be not unbelieving but believing.”  Because you have seen Me, Thomas, you have believed.  Blessed are they who have not seen, and yet have believed.”  Thomas went to India as a Missionary and a builder, erecting many church communities during his missionary journeys.  While in India, he established the tradition of Saint Thomas Christians with Indian Christians calling themselves Christians of St. Thomas with July 3^rd celebrated as, “Indian Christians Day.”  Also, churches in the Middle East and Asia mention Thomas the Apostle, the first evangelist to establish the Assyrian Church of the East and the early Church of Sri Lanka.   Thomas was Martyred in India around 27AD with his relics preserved in the crypt of St. Thomas Cathedral Basilica in India behind the altar.  St.  Thomas was canonized pre congregation and around the 6^th century, with the tradition of Saint Thomas Crosses found in churches in Kerala, Mylapore and Goa throughout India with the Cross referred to as the “Cross of Christians”.  St. Thomas is the Patron Saint of Architects.  A Prayer to St. Thomas: “Almighty God, let us proudly rejoice as we celebrate the feast of St. Thomas the Apostle.  May we be helped by his patronage and, believing, have life in the Name of Jesus Christ Your Son Whom he confessed to be the Lord.  AMEN.”

On July 4^th, Thursday our country will celebrate its 248^th Fourth of July. This day honors the day in 1776 when the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia, prepared by the Committee of Five who then asked Thomas Jefferson to authorize its first draft.  To honor the first anniversary in 1777, thirteen gunshots were fired in salute, once in the morning and again in the evening in Bristol, Rhode Island on July 4^th.  Newspapers reported many festivities held to mark this day such as speeches, parades, troop reviews and fireworks with an official dinner held for the Continental Congress.  On July 4, 1778, George Washington marked the day with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and from his headquarters at Ross Hall in New Jersey held an artillery salute.  In Paris, France, Ambassadors, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin held a special celebration dinner for their fellow Americans.  Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, the only two signatories of the Declaration of Independence, served as Presidents of the United States and died on the same day, July 4, 1826, the 50^th Anniversary of the Declaration.  Another President and Founding Father, James Monroe also died on the anniversary of the Declaration, on July 4^th, 1831.  Calvin Coolidge, born July 4, 1872, was the only U.S. President born on Independence Day.  On this day, we give thanks for the freedoms and liberties fought by those who came before us.  George Bernard Shaw said, “Liberty means responsibility.  That is why most men dread it.”  Brigham Young once said: “True independence and freedom can only exist in doing what is right.” 

On July 5^th we honor St.  Elizabeth of Hungary known for her commitment to helping those in need.  Born on January 4, 1271, at the Aljaferia Palace in Zaragoza, Spain into a royal family, Father, King Peter III, mother, Constance of Sicily and 3 brothers, who would later become, King Alfonso III, King James II of Aragon, and King Frederick III of Sicily.  When she was a young teen, Elizabeth was promised in an arranged marriage to Denis, King of Portugal.  The marriage took place in 1288 when Elizabeth was 17 and Denis 26 with a portion of her dowry, the towns of Obidos, Abrantes and Porto de Mos.  Denis was considered a statesman and poet and known throughout his country as a Farmer King for planting large pine forests to prevent soil degradation.  Even though her marriage was not a happy one, Denis never interfered with her good works as Elizabeth built lodging houses for travelers, a hospital, orphanage, and a home for wayward women.  When Denis died in 1325, Elizabeth devoted her life to the Franciscan Order and founded a nunnery in Coimbra, living nearby so she could serve the nuns who resided there. When there was a famine in Coimbra, she donated flour from her cellars to the starving residents.  She paid the dowries for poor girls, educated the local poor children, donated to hospitals and religious projects.  Elizabeth worked to seek peace and reconciliation among the monarchs in her family, when her son, King Alfonso IV set out to do battle with his son-in-law, she worked to bring peace between them.  Even though she was ill, the Dowager Queen journeyed to the site of the two armies who were prepared to do battle, Elizabeth stopped what would have been a bloody conflict.    She arranged the terms of a peace treaty but, the exertions were too much for her ailing body and died on July 4, 1336, at the age of 64.  Earning the title, Peacemaker, Elizabeth was Beatified in 1516 by Pope Leo X, and Canonized on June 24,1626, by Pope Urban VIII in the Papal States.  Saint Elizabeth is the co-patron of the Diocese of San Cristobal de La Laguna, Canary Islands, Spain and is usually depicted in royal garb with a dove and holding an olive branch.           

On July 5^th we also honor Anthony Zaccaria, the main founder of the Barnabite Order and referred to as a counter-reformer soldier.  He was born in 1502 in Cremona, Italy, and Baptized in the Cremona Cathedral by his uncle Don Tommaso Zaccaria, Canon of the Cathedral.  Canons were appointed by the Bishop, reside at the Cathedral, and celebrate liturgical functions at the Cathedral.  He came from a noble family and after the death of his father, his mother made Anthony her almoner, appointing him to oversee the distribution of alms to those in need.  He attended the school annexed to the Cathedral, studied philosophy at the University of Pavia and went on to study medicine at the University of Padua.  In 1524, he returned to Cremona as a practicing physician until 1527 when he moved to Bologna to continue his studies for his new calling, the priesthood.  He was ordained in 1529 at the Chapel of St. Jospeh in the Cremona Cathedral and he chose to work in hospitals and institutions to care for the poor.  He not only took care of the sick, dying, and the bereaved, but would help them spiritually.   During this time, he became a spiritual advisor to Countess Ludovica Torelli and in 1530, Anthony accompanied her to Milan.  He then became a member of the Oratory of Eternal Wisdom whose devotions were focused on the teachings of Paul of Tarsus, and a love for the Eucharist and the Crucifixion of Christ.  Their Society was formed to revive the love of Divine worship living a true Christian way of life by preaching and faithfully administering the Sacraments.  New members joined while instructing others about their faith, preaching in churches and on street corners, establishing missions in cities and parishes, and caring for the sick in hospitals.  Pope Clement VII gave the Society the title, the Clerks Regular of St. Paul.   Anthony purchased the Church of St. Barnabas in Milan for the Society he founded, at present called the Barnabites.  While in Milan, Anthony established three religious institutions, the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul, the Barnabites for men, The Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul, the female branch of uncloistered nuns, and the Laity of Saint Paul for married people.  In 1537, Anthony accompanied the first missionaries from the Barnabites, Angelic Sisters and the Laity of Saint Paul to Vicenza to open the second house of their congregation.  While on a mission to Guastalla, Anthony became terribly ill and wished to be brought back to Cremona, the home of his birth.  On Saturday, July 5, 1539, Anthony died where he was born with his mother by his side at the age of 36.  Bishop Luca di Seriate, who had ordained him presided over his funeral with many people from surrounding towns along with aristocrats in attendance.  He was Beatified on January 3,1890 by Pope Leo XIII and Canonized on May 27, 1897, in Rome by Pope Leo XIII with his Major Shrine at the San Paolo Convent in Milan, Italy.  From the writings of St. Anthony Zaccaria: “That which God commands seems difficult and a burden.  The way is rough; you draw back; you have no desire to follow it.  Yet you do so, and you will attain glory.”

On Saturday, July 6^th, we honor the short life of a beautiful young farm girl who was brutally attacked by a 19-year-old farm worker.  Maria Goretti (1890-1902) was nine years old when her father Luigi died of malaria leaving her mother with 7 children to take care of.  Maria became the little mother to her siblings doing the cooking, mending, and cleaning while her mother, Assunta, worked in the fields so the family would not starve.  In 1902, a young boy Alessandro was helping the Goretti family on the farm when he attacked Maria as she tried to fight him off.  While Maria cried out, “Do not touch me.  It is a sin Alessandro. You will go to hell!” He took a knife and stabbed her fourteen times in the throat, heart, lungs, and diaphragm.    Maria was taken to a hospital where she suffered and died two days later.  When the family priest asked if she would forgive her murderer, she said, “Yes, I forgive him for the love of Jesus, and I want him to be with me in heaven.  May God forgive him.”  Maria died kissing the Crucifix and holding the medal of the Blessed Mother.  Her attacker, Alessandro, was arrested, convicted, and imprisoned for 27 years.  While imprisoned, he repented when he saw a vision of Maria and when he was released from prison visited her mother to beg forgiveness and later became a lay brother in the Capuchin Monastery.  There were many devotions and miracles attributed to the young martyr with Maria Beatified on April 27, 1947, with her 82-year-old mother, two sisters and her brother appearing on the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica with Pope Pius XII.  On the evening of her Beatification, when Maria’s mother Assunta greeted the Pope, she later reported: “When I saw the Pope coming, I prayed, Madonna, please help me,” as I felt faint.  The Pope put his hand on my head and said, “Blessed mother, happy mother, mother of a Blessed!”  Three years later on June 24, 1950, St. Maria Goretti was canonized by Pope Pius XII with Assunta, her four of Maria’s siblings and 66-year-old Alessandro Serenelli kneeling among the 500,000 faithful with many sobbing tears of joy.  

Held in the Piazza San Pietro because of the large crowd, with many young people coming from around the world for the ceremony.   Pope Pius asked them, “Young people, pleasure of the eyes of Jesus, are you determined to resist any attack on your chastity with the help of the grace of God?”  A resounding “Yes” filled the air.  This was the first time the mother of a saint had ever attended her child’s canonization.   St. Maria Goretti’s remains are encased in the crypt of the Passionist basilica of Nostra Signoria delle Grazia e Santa Maria Goretti in Nettuno, south of Rome.  She is the patron of chastity, rape victims, teenage girls, poverty, purity, and forgiveness.  A prayer to St. Maria Goretti: “O God, Author of innocence and Lover of Chasity, You conferred on St. Maria, Your handmaid the grace of martyrdom at a youthful age.  Through her intercession, grant us constancy in Your commandments, You who gave the crown to a virgin who fought for You.  Amen.”  Assunta Goretti said to Alessandro Serenelli, “Alessandro, God has forgiven you. Maria has forgiven you.  How can I not forgive you?”  

On the West Side of Cincinnati, there is a Catholic Christian re-entry program, the “Serenelli Project,” for incarcerated or recently released adults to rebuild, repair, and restore their lives.   Archbishop Dennis Schnurr dedicated and blessed the St, Maria Goretti Chapel before their grand opening on June 29, 2024, to create Monastery Villages for returning citizens and to provide immediate housing, job placement, recovery, and management services.  The Archdiocese of Cincinnati along with many volunteers have been working for over three years to bring a monastic prison recovery program to one of the city’s most neglected neighborhoods.  Located at 725 Delhi Avenue their programs consist of weekday morning prayer calls, monthly community Mass and spiritual formation potlucks, breakfast, quarterly gatherings, Catholic in Recovery weekly 12 step program and a mentorship team.  The community for atonement for the worst sins, for the worst sinners is always seeking volunteers.  There are many ways to help with this project, for info@serenelliproject.org or call 513-240-3466.