Saints: How Would They Live In Today's World?

[Joysong]

Mickey Jackson:

Early in his life, the Blessed Mother appeared to him [St. John Bosco] in a dream and told him that he could never instill goodness and virtue in the boys under his care through the use of harsh words and painful punishments; rather, he was instructed to use what Pope Bl. John XXIII later termed “the medicine of mercy” to show the goodness of Christ. This he did, and his love likely saved countless souls.

http://bestsmileys.com/religous/3.gif

Doesn’t this just make you want to run to the loving arms of the Lord and His church? I hold the belief that any who embrace this rigorism will form others just like themselves … :crying:

The movie of ‘Don’ Bosco was on EWTN recently. His mother was visibly upset when a youngster stole some things and fled after they gave him refuge for the night. He reminded her that it was their vocation to witness to Christ, showing mercy, even though it was met with such appalling rejection. What a beautiful saint!

 

[anamchara]

http://bestsmileys.com/religous/3.gif

Doesn’t this just make you want to run to the loving arms of the Lord and His church? I hold the belief that any who embrace this rigorism will form others just like themselves … :crying:

The movie of ‘Don’ Bosco was on EWTN recently. His mother was visibly upset when a youngster stole some things and fled after they gave him refuge for the night. He reminded her that it was their vocation to witness to Christ, showing mercy, even though it was met with such appalling rejection. What a beautiful saint!

Amen sister and how many lost souls do we chase away in the end? That’s the what worries me.

I love your little bible thumbing guy.

 

[Indyann]

Here’s yet another thing that I’ve been mulling over in my head: what about the Holy Family? How would Jesus, Mary, and Joseph live together in our modern world? What would their family look like to a visitor? What would their house look like? How would they interact with other families? Any thoughts?

I hadn’t thought much about that, but I bet they wouldn’t be too popular. Would probably be excluded from the “block parties”. Would be known as that “holier than thou” family.

 

[Mickey_Jackson]

Amen sister and how many lost souls do we chase away in the end? That’s the what worries me.

I love your little bible thumbing guy.

It is a scary thought. That’s why it’s so important that we ask for the intercession of saints like Francis of Assisi, Philip Neri, and John Bosco, that God will always remind us to always show love and mercy, and never harshness.

 

[Mickey_Jackson]

I hadn’t thought much about that, but I bet they wouldn’t be too popular. Would probably be excluded from the “block parties”. Would be known as that “holier than thou” family.

Wouldn’t you hate to be the kid on the block who always picked on that Jesus kid? I’m betting his judgment was interesting, to say the least

 

[Mickey_Jackson]

Here is another extremely moving video of our beloved late Pope. Try not to cry, and try to ignore the comments from the sedevacantist at the bottom of the page.

youtube.com/watch?v=cEjwtEnGTI0

 

[JReducation]

You guys mentioned the Holy Family, let’s stop for a moment and think about why nothing is written about their family life except for two events, the birth of Christ and the famous trip where Jesus is left behind.

The reason why the evangelists did not go into details is because their lives were the same as any other Jewish family at the time. There was nothing unusual about them as a family. They were a working class family. Jospeh had a small business and Mary did what other Jewish mothers of the time did. They helped their husbands in the business. This has been a Jewish tradtion to this day. Women have always been very active in the world of business.

Mary raised their child and taught him the faith. This has always been the duty of Jewish mothers. They are the transmitters of the faith. They are usually the disciplinarians in the home, while the father is the law giver.

The reason the evangelists mentioned the event when Jesus is left behind and later found is to prove a point. He wants to remind his readers that Jesus was “primed” for his mission by the Father himself, not by Mary and Joseph. It was important to bring that to the attention of the audience.

However, let’s look at the family dynamics. Mary tells Jesus that his father and she were worried and that they have been looking for him. She also demands an explanation.

We see parents teaching their chilld accountability and calling him to task when he messed up. They are not upset because he’s doing his Father’s work. They are upset because he did not tell them what he was doing. This is a legitimate correction. What we see is that Jesus is truly human and like most 12-year old boys, he’s impulsive. He does what his Father wants him to do, but forgets to tell his parents.

It’s like the kid who goes to play ball. There is nothing wrong with that. However, he should let his mother or father know where he’s going. In the kid’s mind, all he sees is that he’s doing nothing wrong. In Jesus’ mind at age 12, he sees his mission.

I believe they would be typical working parents who are raising a responsible and obedient child. They also work as a couple. It’s interesting, because the evagelist makes it a point to mention that Mary says “your father and I.” They are a couple and they parent as a team. It is also important to observe that Jesus goes with them is obedient. He is a typical boy, with the typical 12-year old boy impulses, but he is a boy who has been taught respect for authority, the authority of God and the authority of parents.

That’s about as much as we can gleam from their life then and transpose into today’s world. Not bad either, because we need families where parents raise children as a team and where children are taught to respect God and parental authority. Both concepts are often lost in today’s society.

JR

 

[Indyann]

Wouldn’t you hate to be the kid on the block who always picked on that Jesus kid? I’m betting his judgment was interesting, to say the least

Yeh, and BVM wouldn’t have to go to talk to the teacher at least once a semester because Jesus was causing trouble on the playground or the school bus, as I did!

I would be jealous because she had the best kid, the most immaculate house, and the best husband.

Wow, thinking back, I can only beg God’s mercy
for some of the mistakes, I made in raising my kids.

 

[lulu]

I think that two very good examples of saints living in our modern times are Pope John Paul II, and Mother Theresa.

Although they haven’t been officially named as saints, yet, it is certain to happen.

They both lived in these difficult times when everything in the world is material and about pleasure. Even though that seems to be the theme, Pope John Paul II was able to bring so many people together by his genuine kindness and continuing faith even during terrible personal illness. He was a beacon of light to all who suffer.

Mother Theresa dedicated her entire life to the poorest of the poor. She walked the walk even when she became “famous”. She lived with those she cared for, and remarkably, even though she had her own crisis of faith, she lived the life that she professed by her example. Her own doubts never affected how she treated people and gave up her own comfort. Her heart was obviously so pure!

I feel so uplifted and truly blessed to have “known” these two modern-day saints.

Peace! - Lulu

 

[JReducation]

I think that two very good examples of saints living in our modern times are Pope John Paul II, and Mother Theresa.

Although they haven’t been officially named as saints, yet, it is certain to happen.

They both lived in these difficult times when everything in the world is material and about pleasure. Even though that seems to be the theme, Pope John Paul II was able to bring so many people together by his genuine kindness and continuing faith even during terrible personal illness. He was a beacon of light to all who suffer.

Mother Theresa dedicated her entire life to the poorest of the poor. She walked the walk even when she became “famous”. She lived with those she cared for, and remarkably, even though she had her own crisis of faith, she lived the life that she professed by her example. Her own doubts never affected how she treated people and gave up her own comfort. Her heart was obviously so pure!

I feel so uplifted and truly blessed to have “known” these two modern-day saints.

Peace! - Lulu

I had the blessing of meeting both of them and speaking to them (very briefly) on three different occasions. They took your breadth away.

Did you read the post on John Paul II above? Hope you enjoyed it.

By the way, welcome to this thread. Please come back as often as you like and by all means, keep sharing your knowledge of the saints and your faith.

God bless,

JR

 

[Lapell]

We-ell, this one will a good change from the ones I’ve been taking part in… Which saints are my favorites: my answer won’t be a short one, since I have many. Some existing people are quite inspiring too.
So, I’ll start with the Blessed Brother André Bessette and Saint Bernadette Soubirous. The first because he was the first I read about and did a big impression on me. Also because he seemed to have been shy and humble, even though he gained more assurance with time and a great faith in God… And saint Bernadette because she was straight-forward and right to the point, she didn’t beat around the bush, and with her you knew where she stood!! She was simple and true, she was able to take the hard things with a pinch of salt, confident in God and her great sense of honesty. She was able to discern the wrong from the good. And she had a great respect for the clergy.
Then, there are Therese of Lisieux and Teresa of Avila, the first because she was helpful in making us receive the Kingdom of God with the confidence and the openness of a little child, which was nothing childish though!! The second, because she was bold and called a sin a sin, and she had a great faith and also some chutzpah to some extent (not in ways contrary to God, though, from what I understand…
Francis of Assisi, too: simplicity, his love of poverty and of the poor, he loved to sing songs of praise for his Lord and his God. His peaceful dealings with the Sultan I found a fine example of the way inter-religious dialogue should be like.
King David also is a good example in this respect. He made friends among non-Jews, even among the Jews’ sworn enemies.
The prophet Elisha, full of good works, always ready to help those in need or in particular distress…
Blessed Virgin Mary, who did God’s will and who stood there at the foot of the cross, who kept the memory of Jesus’ events and meditated on them, interceding unceasefully for anybody who would confide themselves to her…
Francis of Sales, simple, not complicated, who converted those who became Calvinists peacefully…
The Cure of Ars and Padre Pio, who would spend nearly all day hearing confessions. You knew God’s calls to repent were a serious matter to them and that they really cared for the salvation of the souls…
Pius XII who cared for the Jews and did everything he could to save them from the Nazis and the fascists. His reputation was made bad by bad propaganda, but in God’s eyes the truth is known and I’m sure He’ll crown him with His Glory!..
Ste Edith Stein… When she was arrested, she said to her sister Rose: “Let’s go for our people!” She did not reject her mother and tried her best to soothe her, although she was determined to remain a Catholic.
There are plenty of others… Saint Joseph! You don’t hear a word from him, but he is there, and he is faithful, a good father to the Son of God Himself and the best husband Mary could have… He fulfilled God’ will on him, and he takes care of whoever prays to him.
Saint John the Baptist! So true, so bold, and yet so humble. Ready to decrease to let Jesus increase. Wasn’t afraid of the greats of this world, and paid the price for it…
I was to forget G.K. Chesterton and Bishop Fulton J. Sheen… they’re special, too! And Cardinal Jean-Marie Lustiger. A great one in my view…
Among the living, there is Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Jean Vanier, Mother Angelica, Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, Fr, Angelus Shaughnessy, Fr. John Corapi, Rosalind and David Moss, Br. Bob Fishman… Pope Benedict XVI, Fr, Thomas Rusicka, Fr. Daniel-Ange… there are still so many

 

[JReducation]

I’m so glad that someone else besides me knows Jean Vanier. :clapping:

I was beginning to think I was alone. I love his writings on Brother Charles de Facould.

Among the living you left out Cardinal Sean, OFM, Cap of the Archdiocese of Boston.

Read his story at the bottom of this link. His great love for St. Francis and his Capuchin-Franciscan brothers and how he brings his Capuchin heritage to life in his diocese.

cardinalseansblog.org/?m=200711

JR

 

[Jeanette_L]

I wanted to post something written by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on prayer. I mentioned earlier in the thread that I am reading a biography on her and I was really encouraged by this instruction she gave her 15 year old daughter, Cecilia. I’m only posting small portions of this instruction, just to give you a feel for her understanding and her heart concerning her Heavenly Father.

“You know I mean that prayer of the heart which is independent of place or situation, or which is rather, a habit of lifting up the heart to God, as in a constant communication with Him…

…We must pray literally without ceasing - without ceasing; in every occurance and employment of our lives…

…As for instance, when you go to your studies, you look up to Him with sweet complacency and think: O Lord, how worthless is this knowledge, if it were not for the enlightening of my mind and improving it to Thy service; or for being more useful for my fellow creatures, and enabled to fill the part Thy Providence my appoint me…

…And in every disappointment, great or small, let your dear heart fly direct to Him, your dear Savior, throwing yourself in His arms for refuge against every pain and sorrow. He never will leave you or forsake you.”

I hope you are encouraged as much as I am concerning how simple and trusting our prayers, our communications with our Father can be.

 

[JReducation]

I wanted to post something written by St. Elizabeth Ann Seton on prayer. I mentioned earlier in the thread that I am reading a biography on her and I was really encouraged by this instruction she gave her 15 year old daughter, Cecilia. I’m only posting small portions of this instruction, just to give you a feel for her understanding and her heart concerning her Heavenly Father.

“You know I mean that prayer of the heart which is independent of place or situation, or which is rather, a habit of lifting up the heart to God, as in a constant communication with Him…
…We must pray literally without ceasing - without ceasing; in every occurance and employment of our lives…

…As for instance, when you go to your studies, you look up to Him with sweet complacency and think: O Lord, how worthless is this knowledge, if it were not for the enlightening of my mind and improving it to Thy service; or for being more useful for my fellow creatures, and enabled to fill the part Thy Providence my appoint me…

…And in every disappointment, great or small, let your dear heart fly direct to Him, your dear Savior, throwing yourself in His arms for refuge against every pain and sorrow. He never will leave you or forsake you.”

I hope you are encouraged as much as I am concerning how simple and trusting our prayers, our communications with our Father can be.

The bold is mine

Observe here the perfect definition of contemplation. This was the miracle that the Church used to canonize Elizabeth. They needed one more miracle. They called it the elusive miracle. The finally found it, she inspired other to a life of contemplation moreso after her death than in life.

Those who have read her writings and her life have never been the same again. Elizabeth’s simple, but profound formula for touching eternity moves the sinner and the saint alike.

Observe how she teaches her daughter to tie in human knowledge acquired through education with the will of God. It’s only value is to serve in whatever way God wants us to serve.

Once again, Elizabeth bridges the great abyss between the here and now and the Eternity which is God himself. It’s so simple, simply look up and remember that we are in the holy presence of God.

JR

 

[catharina]

Jennette and JR, my thanks to both of you.

 

[Gottle_of_Geer]

I think I might like him, who are you talking about, please share!

He doesn’t seem to be available through the “Find” whatsit, so** if** the question has not been answered, the answer to your question is St.Philip Neri (1515-95) (who has been mentioned three times on the thread). There are quite a few lives of him, by:​

• Meriol Trevor
• Louis Bouyer
• Paul Turks
  among others. Father Bouyer’s is the shortest, but they are all good; that by Father Turks is the most recent; Miss Trevor’s is the most detailed.

She is also known for her life of Cardinal Newman (1801-90); who, FWIW, was a member of the Congregation of the Oratory (St. Philip was its Founder; & Newman was the man who established it in England in 1847). Father F.W. Faber (1814-63) was also an Oratorian. St.Philip has had a very great if indirect influence on Catholicism.

There are several Oratories in the US as well as in the UK.

To pick up on something the OP said: St. Philip was called the “Bell of the Jesuits” because several of his penitents joined the Society.

Hope that answers your question.

Please ignore this if the question has been answered already.

Note to Moderator: if this post answers a question answered already, please delete it. TY

 

[JReducation]

He doesn’t seem to be available through the “Find” whatsit, so** if** the question has not been answered, the answer to your question is St.Philip Neri (1515-95) (who has been mentioned three times on the thread). There are quite a few lives of him, by:​

• Meriol Trevor
• Louis Bouyer
• Paul Turks
  among others. Father Bouyer’s is the shortest, but they are all good; that by Father Turks is the most recent; Miss Trevor’s is the most detailed.

She is also known for her life of Cardinal Newman (1801-90); who, FWIW, was a member of the Congregation of the Oratory (St. Philip was its Founder; & Newman was the man who established it in England in 1847). Father F.W. Faber (1814-63) was also an Oratorian. St.Philip has had a very great if indirect influence on Catholicism.

There are several Oratories in the US as well as in the UK.

To pick up on something the OP said: St. Philip was called the “Bell of the Jesuits” because several of his penitents joined the Society.

Hope that answers your question.

Please ignore this if the question has been answered already.

Note to Moderator: if this post answers a question answered already, please delete it. TY

Gottle

Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut. St. Philip was an awesome saint and quite a character. He had what I consider a certain dry wit about him that made him likeable, even though his austerity.

JR

 

[Jeanette_L]

He doesn’t seem to be available through the “Find” whatsit, so** if** the question has not been answered, the answer to your question is St.Philip Neri (1515-95) (who has been mentioned three times on the thread). There are quite a few lives of him, by:​

• Meriol Trevor
• Louis Bouyer
• Paul Turks
  among others. Father Bouyer’s is the shortest, but they are all good; that by Father Turks is the most recent; Miss Trevor’s is the most detailed.

She is also known for her life of Cardinal Newman (1801-90); who, FWIW, was a member of the Congregation of the Oratory (St. Philip was its Founder; & Newman was the man who established it in England in 1847). Father F.W. Faber (1814-63) was also an Oratorian. St.Philip has had a very great if indirect influence on Catholicism.

There are several Oratories in the US as well as in the UK.

To pick up on something the OP said: St. Philip was called the “Bell of the Jesuits” because several of his penitents joined the Society.

Hope that answers your question.

Please ignore this if the question has been answered already.

Note to Moderator: if this post answers a question answered already, please delete it. TY

Oh no! Another set of books I must get!

Thank you for contributing to my book buying obsessions.

I’m thinking this thread may be my undoing.

 

[Jeanette_L]

I’d like to post an excerpt from St. Teresa of Avila’s reflections on The Lord’s Prayer, in regard to temptations to false humility.

Be on your guard, daughters, against certain false humilites, which with great uneasiness to ourselves, are suggested by the devil, respecting the greatness of our sins; for hereby he is accustomed to disturb our souls in many ways in order to dissuade them from holy communion and from using prayer offered up for particular intentions (for the devil persuades them they are unworthy)…

…for at one time it may be great humility and virtue to consider ourselves to be bad and at another time it may be a very great temptation…

However great our humility may be, it does not disturb or disorder the soul, but brings peace, delight and calmness…

…the other kind of grief troubles and disorders everything and quite throws the soul into confusion, and is very painful. I believe the devil tries to make us think we have humility, and at the same time (if he can) to make us distrust God…

When you find yourselves in this state, avoid as much as you can, thinking on your own misery, and meditate on the mercy of God, and how much He loves you, and how much He suffered for you.

I always find what I need when I need it. Hope it helps someone else here as well.

Jeanette

 

[catharina]

I’d like to post an excerpt from St. Teresa of Avila’s reflections on The Lord’s Prayer, in regard to temptations to false humility.

Quote:
Be on your guard, daughters, against certain false humilites, which with great uneasiness to ourselves, are suggested by the devil, respecting the greatness of our sins; for hereby he is accustomed to disturb our souls in many ways in order to dissuade them from holy communion and from using prayer offered up for particular intentions (for the devil persuades them they are unworthy)…

…for at one time it may be great humility and virtue to consider ourselves to be bad and at another time it may be a very great temptation…

However great our humility may be, it does not disturb or disorder the soul, but brings peace, delight and calmness…

…the other kind of grief troubles and disorders everything and quite throws the soul into confusion, and is very painful. I believe the devil tries to make us think we have humility, and at the same time (if he can) to make us distrust God…

When you find yourselves in this state, avoid as much as you can, thinking on your own misery, and meditate on the mercy of God, and how much He loves you, and how much He suffered for you.

I always find what I need when I need it.  Hope it helps someone else here as well.

Jeanette :)

Very beautiful, Jeannette.
Thanks to you and to Teresa of Avila for sharing it!