-- Proverbs 15:13,15 --

[Rich]

-- Proverbs 15:13,15 --

    A happy heart makes the face cheerful,
    but heartache crushes the spirit.

    All the days of the oppressed are wretched,
    but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. "
========================
A smile is a little curve that can straighten out a lot of things."

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September 24: - Saint Pacificus of San Severino
 (1653-1721)

Today we celebrate the feast day of Saint Pacificus of San Severino,
Franciscan Friar, missionary, Superior of the Friary of San Severino,
and joyful sufferer for Christ. The life of Saint Pacificus inspires
us to take stock of our own lives, accepting those things we consider
to be difficult or sufferings with endurance, obedience, and
joy—offering our difficulties and failings to the Lord.

Pacificus was born at San Severino (central Italy), the son of
distinguished parents. Both of his pious parents died while he was
quite young, at approximately five years of age, and he was raised by
an uncle who treated him quite harshly, viewing him as little more
than a servant. Never one to complain, Pacificus obediently completed
any task asked of him, spending his free time in prayer and
contemplation. At the age of 12, he requested admission into the
Franciscan monastery of San Severino, and was accepted.

Following his formation and ordination, Pacificus began his apostolic
life as teacher to his brethren (Professor of Philosophy), preacher,
and later missionary to the rural communities of Italy. Recognized for
his intelligence and piety, Pacificus was well-respected and sought
out for counsel and advice. His preference was to lived as an ascetic,
fasting perpetually, and limiting his intake to bread, soup, or water.
He wore uncomfortable garments made of rough iron beneath his robes,
and submitted all things to the Lord. His obedience was only surpassed
by his poverty and humility.

At the young age of 35, Pacificus was struck ill by an aggressive
disease that eventually left him deaf, blind, and physically crippled.
For the remaining 29 years of his life, he lived a contemplative
life—no longer able to participate in missions outside the monastery.
He prayed constantly, offering his daily sufferings for the conversion
of sinners, and came to be known for miraculous cures of the sick who
came to visit him. He was further gifted with ecstasies in which he
communed with the Lord, and had the ability to “read souls,” reminding
penitents in the confessional of sins they had forgotten.

Appointed superior of the monastery, Saint Pacificus led through his
humble example. He served the post until his death, and soon
thereafter, miracles began being reported at his tombside. Through the
intercession of this saintly man who had suffered throughout his life,
the sufferings of many were cured by the grace of God.

 by Jacob


Saint Quote:
Not one of those who love her can perish; not one of those who try to
imitate her can fail to attain eternal salvation.
--St. John Eudes

Bible Quote:
 But, as it is written: That eye hath not seen, nor ear heard: neither
hath it entered into the heart of man, what things God hath prepared
for them that love him. (I Cor. 2:9) DRB


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O God, Be With Us
By St Benedict (c 480-547)

O God,
from Whom to be turned,
is to fall,
to Whom to be turned,
is to rise
and in Whom to stand,
is to abide forever,
grant us in all our duties,
Your help,
in all our perplexities,
Your guidance,
in all our dangers,
Your protection,
and in all our sorrows,
Your peace,
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen