On Fasting

[Weedy]

On Fasting

Fasting is the change of every part of our life, because the sacrifice
of the fast is not the abstinence but the distancing from sins.
Therefore, whoever limits the fast to the deprivation of food, he is
the one who, in reality, abhors and ridicules the fast. Are you
fasting? Show me your fast with your works. Which works? If you see
someone who is poor, show him mercy. If you see an enemy, reconcile
with him. If you see a friend who is becoming successful, do not be
jealous of him! If you see a beautiful woman on the street, pass her
by.
--St. John Chrysostom, On Fasting.

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• 27 November – Blessed Bernardine of Fossa OFM

(1420-1503)
Priest and Friar of the Observant Friars Minor of St Francis,
Missionary in Italy and a renowned Preacher, noted Historian, Lawyer,
Ascetical Writer, rising within the Order to important positions. Born
in 1420 in Fossa, Aquila, Italy as Giovanni Amici and died on 27
November 1503 in the Franciscan Convent in L’Aquila, Italy of natural
causes, aged 83. Also known as – Bernardine d’Amici, Bernardine of
Aquila, Bernardine of Aquilanus, Fra Bernardino of Fossa, Giovanni
Amici. Additional Memorial – 7 November (Franciscans). Patronages –
the City and Diocese of L’Aquila.

The Roman Martyrology states: “At L’Aquila, blessed Bernardino da
Fossa (Giovanni) Amici, Priest of the Order of Minors, who preached
the Catholic Faith in many Provinces of Italy.“

Giovanni belonged to the ancient and noble family of the Amici and
sometimes bears the name of Aquilanus on account of his long residence
and death in the Town of Aquila.

He was of very lively intelligence and excelled in his studies. He
graduated in Canon and Civil Law in Perugia and in 1445, at 21, he
entered the Friars Minor of the Observance and completed his novitiate
at Gubbio. On 13 March 1446 he made his solemn profession in the
Convent of Stroncone taking the name of Bernardine and receiving the
Habit from St James of the Marches who was then preaching a course of
Lenten sermons at Perugiato. As was the custom of many religious
Orders at the time, the place of birth was added, so Giovanni became
Fra ‘Bernardino da Fossa.

Bernardine was endowed with outstanding organisational, spiritual and
guiding skills and was, therefore, entrusted with various positions in
the Franciscan Convents of Gubbio, Stroncone and others, also in
Umbria. From there he passed into the Abruzzi, residing especially in
his own City of L’Aquila.

He was a zealous Priest and talented Preacher in numerous Umbrian
Towns. He was elected Provincial Father of the Friars Minor Observants
for the Abruzzi four times , holding the office from 1454 to 1460 and
then from 1472 to 1475 : between 1464 and 1467 he was instead Superior
of Bosnia and Dalmatia, a Province just established by Pope Pius II
and in 1468 he was elected Procurator of the Order at the Holy See .

He was twice elected bishop of Aquila (first in 1472 , on the death of
Cardinal Amico Agnifili and then in 1491 , as the successor of
Giovanbattista Gaglioffi) but he declined the election both times,
from a spirit of humility.

In 1475 he abandoned all office and retired to the Convent of San
Giuliano dell’Aquila. On 16 January 1495 , he managed to stop the
troops of Charles VIII and persuaded them not to cross the L’ Aquila
territory, sparing the population the serious consequences of a
military occupation.

Bernardine was also a prolific writer – his writings include several
sermons and short ascetical works and focus on themes of history and
theology. His nephew, Antonio Amici, who was also his Biographer,
published some of Bernardine’s works in 1572 , today of great value
due to the extreme rarity of the preserved copies. Bernardine was the
Author of the first life of his Patron, St Bernardino of Siena.
Bernardine died in the Convent of L’Aquila on 27 November 1503 and was
always given a cult of blessed, both in Italy and throughout the
Franciscan Order.
The cult was later confirmed by the Beatification of Pope Leo XII on
26 March 1828.

https://anastpaul.com/2021/11/27/


Quote:
The humble live in continuous peace, while in the hearts of the proud
are envy and frequent anger
--Imitation of Christ

Bible Quote:
He that is good, shall draw grace from the Lord: but he that trusteth
in his own devices, doth wickedly. Man shall not be strengthened by
wickedness: and the root of the just shall not be moved. (Proverbs
12:2-3) DRB


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LOVE
O Lord, what can I write of love,
I know not what to say
When many aspects one could view
Encountered day by day.
A smile to one who's lonely
Some joy to one who's sad,
A helping hand to one in need
Rejoicing when one's glad.
O Lord I cannot read a heart
That hides an awful pain,
It's then I feel so helpless
All efforts seems in vain.
How many folks along life's way
We meet, who try to say,
In a hundred thousand different ways
I need your love today.
And Lord, I fail so often
To hear that plaintive cry,
My heart just doesn't seem attuned
Somehow I know not why.
Perhaps I too am lonely
And yet afraid to say,
Won't you listen to me friend
I need your love today.
For it is only when we share
We know another's need,
It's then, that we can understand
What love is—yes indeed.
—Dorothy Mary Block