Married Couple's Cause for Canonization Opens

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I read about this couple yesterday in Zenit, but did not have time to start a thread on it. May this couple encourage all of us, especially faithful husbands and wives facing so many obstacles in the world. What blessed me most about this couple was the simplicity of their holiness. Like the Holy Family, they did ordinary things, extraordinarily well. Here are their biographies:

INEZ CASOLANI

Inez Casolani (born Inez Vassallo) was born on Oct. 11, 1915, and baptized at the Immaculate Conception Parish, two days later. Inez married Henry Casolani on the 19th April 1944 … From a tender age she stood out for her love of prayer. She was diligent, obedient and also most sensitive to the needs of her family and the less fortunate. She was a qualified and prolific teacher. Yet, when she got married in 1944, she gave up her teaching profession in order to dedicate herself totally to her family. This, however, did not stop her from giving private lessons to the poor and the needy as she had oftentimes done before marriage…She was also an auxiliary member of the Legion of Mary and a member of the Ambassadors of Mary. She was a promoter of the Night Hour Adoration of the Holy Eucharist…

…She was kind-hearted, generous and sincere; she loved and helped anyone who needed her. She used to pray sincerely for her neighbours and always gave good advice. Because of this many trusted her with their difficulties and problems and found solace in her words. Her concern was to give rather than to receive. A woman of faith she trusted God totally. … Her life was a continuous prayer. God was always in her heart and on her lips…Inez felt that she had to give an account to God for all her actions. The daily Mass and the Family Rosary, the observance of the Sacraments and the regular practice of Christian virtues simply enhanced her deep spirituality.

In her later years, among other ailments, Inez suffered from tinnitus, arthritis, shingles in the head and severe heart trouble. After being diagnosed with diabetes, Inez wrote: “I thank God for this new bouquet. These are the marvels of life. I am in His Hands, and I accept all He sends me joyfully.” Notwithstanding pain and discomfort, her smiles still radiated joy to all those who came her way…Aware of the closeness of her end and in constant discomfort, she continued to give her family the totality of her love and service as she had done throughout her life. Inez Casolani died on 13th July 1992. '…In Thee I have had my earthly joy’ testifies to her total surrender to God.

HENRY CASOLANI

Henry Casolani, son of George and Maria Concetta nee Borg was born on the 25th November 1917 and baptized at the Parish church of St Paul in Valletta on the 29th of that same month. Henry Casolani married Inez nee Vassallo on 19th April 1944 at St. Augustine’s Church, Valletta. Henry and Inez Casolani had an only child, Cecilia Mary who became a Sister of St. Joseph of the Apparition. . He was a born artist yet he never boasted of this. He was already engaged when he won a scholarship to pursue his artistic studies in Italy, but he declined the offer as he did not want to be separated from Inez for such a long time.

At the start of the Second World War, Henry was seconded with the Royal Army Medical Corps. Thereafter and until he was pensioned in 1977 … Henry created an atmosphere filled with the spirit of the Gospel. He was most upright in his ways and was trusted by one and all. He was exceptionally virtuous, honest and unselfish… Henry was considered by all those who knew him as an agent of peace, who was capable of building ‘bridges’ among his colleagues at his work place. Henry regularly used to lead his friends into prayer and reminded them of their religious duties.

“A good motto is: speak no evil against anyone, but praise those who deserve it.” (Henry Casolani). Henry never held a grudge against anyone neither did he ever speak ill of others. It was with kindness and affection that he treated those who were unjust with him. Whenever he went out, Henry always carried money specifically to donate to those who collected for charity or who asked for help. The daily Mass and Communion, the frequent reception of the Sacraments, the daily recourse to Our Lady particularly through the Holy Rosary, the regular visits to the Blessed Sacrament and his daily reflection on the Word of God and the lives of Saints enhanced Henry Casolani’s close union with God.

In the difficulties of everyday life, Henry spontaneously turned towards Divine help… Henry and Inez Casolani’s married life was a school of sanctity. …According to witnesses, Henry was ‘a saint’, ‘an apostle of peace’ ‘a humble person’, and ‘a man of God’. Henry Casolani died on 29th December 1999. The very last words he uttered in a most clear yet imploring tone were, ‘Mother of God, have mercy on me.’

I underlined some words that particularly impressed me. By God’s Grace, may we live our vocation to holiness as well as Inez and Henri did. For more see HERE

 

[Murmurs]

How utterly inspiring both individually and as a couple May we each strive to emulate them. Thank you so much for posting

 

[MariaChristi]

How utterly inspiring both individually and as a couple May we each strive to emulate them. Thank you so much for posting

Dear Murmurs,

Thanks for your reply. Yes, it was encouraging to read how both wife and husband were striving together with one heart and mind in Christ – as Mary our Mother and St. Joseph also did in Nazareth.

We need to pray for one another, as we are all called to holiness – in whatever state of life we may be: clergy, religious or lay – and within the lay state, as persons married, single, widowed, or as a young person still discerning – all of us, created in God’s Image are on our journey to our eternal home. As we live here on earth so shall we enter eternal life — By God’s Grace, may we remain in His Love, persevering in faith, hope and above all charity to the end.

 

[liturgy96]

How inspiring! Thanks for this!

 

[MariaChristi]

How inspiring! Thanks for this!

Yes, it gives us encouragement to “go and do likewise” wherever we are on our own journey home! Thanks for your reply.