May 23: Blessed Wincenty Matuszewski

Blessed Wincenty Matuszewski, 1869 – 1940

St. Gaetano Errico, October 29

Blessed Gaetano Errico

October 19, 1791, Secondigliano, Italy-10 am, October 29, 1860

Second of nine children born to Pasquale, a pasta factory manager, and Marie Marseglia Errico, who worked weaving plush. A good child, pious, always ready to help his father at work, or with his younger siblings. He felt a call to the priesthood at age fourteen. He was turned away by the Capuchins and Redemptorists due to his youth. Studied at a diocesan seminary in Naples from age sixteen, walking the five miles to class each day, and was ordained on 23 September 1815 in Naples.

Blessed James Desire Laval, September 9

Blessed James Desire Laval Priest
Croth (Evreux), Normandy, September 18, 1803 – Port-Louis, Mauritius, September 9, 1864

He was born in France in 1803 to a middle-class family that pushed him to graduate in medicine. Escaping from an accident, he decided to leave the medical profession to become a missionary. Sent in 1841 on the island of Mauritius, he enthusiastically devoted himself to the evangelization of the Blacks who had been legally freed from slavery, but left to themselves. His “chosen field” caused serious conflicts with other missionaries and even with the bishop, who wanted to devote himself only to the children of white settlers. His “incarnation” in the world of “negritude” led him to value all the positive elements of local culture not, only religious, but also the indigenous. James Laval was beatified by Pope John Paul II, who stressed the fact that he had placed “on one side, the side of the last, the Blacks in a time of racism.”

Blessed Gentile Matelica, September 5

Blessed Gentile Matelica
Matelica, Macerata, 1290 – Tauris, September 5, 1340

He was a Franciscan missionary in Egypt, then in Asia Minor, Persia and Armenia. The Doge Marco Corsaro transferred his relics to the Church of the Frari in Venice.

Blessed Gentile was born in 1290 to the noble family of Finaguerra Matelica (MC). Attracted by the ideal Franciscan finn as a child, he became a priest, and devoted his life to works of the apostolate in the various regions of Italy.

With a desire to imitate St. Francis, he withdrew into solitude and penance on the holy mountain of La Verna in Tuscany, where he was destined for his virtues repeatedly to drive the brothers. After this intense spiritual preparation, he went to ground mission in Egypt, but here the difficulties in learning the Arabic language seemed so insurmountable that he decided to return home. The Lord helped him in a surprising way, and was soon able to speak not only Arabic, but also the languages of neighboring countries. Thus he was able to bring the proclamation of the Gospel to Egypt and the Sinai Peninsula, to the Holy Places in Turkey and Persia. Through lively and vibrant preaching, accompanied by many miracles, he produced thousands of conversions and baptisms. This aroused the anger of Muslims, who could not bear that so many people embraced Christianity, during a sermon in the territory of Tauris and was assaulted with a blow of the scimitar, which beheaded him. It was September 5, 1340. Part of his body, much revered by Christians of these regions, was requested by the browser and Venetian merchant Nicolo Quirini and transported by ship to Venice, where he was placed in the basilica of Santa Maria Gloriosa is venerated to this day.

Pius VI February 2, 1795 granted to celebrate the festival on September 5.

Author: Elisabeth Nardi

Source: Santi e Beati

Blessed Francesco Sendra Ivars, September 4

Blessed Francesco Sendra Ivars priest and martyr
September 4

Roman Martyrology: In the village of Teulada always near Alicante in Spain, blessed Francis Sendra Ivars, priest and martyr, who suffered martyrdom in the same persecution against the faith.

He was Beatified as one of the 233 Blessed Martyrs of Valencia who were Beatified by Pope John Paul II on March 11, 2001.

Source: Santi e Beati

Blessed Pedro Rivera Rivera, September 1

Blessed Pedro Rivera Rivera, Priest and Martyr

Villacreces, Spain, September 3, 1912 – Barcelona, Spain, late August / early September 1936

He is remembered on September 1

Roman Martyrology: In Barcelona, also in Spain, Martyr Pedro Rivera, a priest of the Order of Friars Minor Conventual, Maria Carmela Moreno Benítez and Maria del Rifugio Carbonell Muñoz, Institute of virgin Mary Help of Christians, who in the same persecution, complied with the Passion of Christ the Bridegroom, came to the reward of eternal peace.

Candido Rivera Rivera was born September 3, 1912 at Villacreces in the Spanish diocese of Leon. Entering the Order of Friars Minor Conventual with the name of Pedro, he made his novitiate in Granollers and he made his temporary vows in 1928. Posted in Italy to attend his theological studies in Osimo, he made his solemn vows in Rome in 1933, while in 1935 he obtained a licentiate in theology and was ordained a priest.

“ He then returned home and, despite his young age, he was appointed superior of the community of Granollers, in recognition of his moral qualities, spiritual and cultural. He always showed genuine disciple of St. Francis, full of love for the consecrated life, excellent higher education, humble and kind to the brethren, a man of peace, particularly pious and devout to the Blessed Sacrament and the Virgin Mary.

“ At the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War, Father Pedro was expelled from the monastery with his fellow revolutionaries and sought refuge with some family friends. However, he was discovered and arrested on July 25, 1936. So he just had to prepare for the imminent martyrdom confessing to the priest of Llinas, who confided: “If I have the grace to be killed, die shouting ‘Long live Christ the King.” Two days later he was released and went to Barcelona, but was arrested again August 22. Probably between late August and early September 1936 he was shot. Everyone immediately considered him a martyr of the faith.

“ Pedro Rivera Rivera and her fis brothers belonging to the Order of Friars Minor Conventual were Beatified on March 11, 2001 by Pope John Paul II with a group made a total of no less than 233 martyrs of that persecution.

Author: Fabio Arduino

Source: Santi e Beati

Blessed Vincenzo Mattia Cabanes Badenas, August 30

Blessed Vincenzo Mattia Cabanes Badenas,Priest and Martyr
February 25 1908, in Torrent (Valencia), Spain-September 29, 1936,Torrent (Valencia), Spain

He is remembered on August 30

Roman Martyrology: In Bilbao also in Spain, blessed Cabanes Badenas Vincent, a priest of the Third Order of St. Francis of the hooded Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin and martyr, who, during the same persecution against the faith, deserved to be admitted to the eternal banquet.

He was Beatified as one of the Blessed Martyrs of Our Spanish Tertiary Capuchin, 19 Spanish members of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sorrows Capuchin Tertiary (or Amigoniani), founded by Venerable Louis Amigo y Rerrer, and a sister, also a Capuchin Tertiary, victims of religious persecution of the Spanish Civil War (1936-39), a sub-group of the 233 victims of the Spanish Civil War Beatified by Pope John Paul on March 11, 2001 .

“ Badenas Cabanes, Vincenzo, eldest of four siblings, was born February 25 1908, in Torrent (Valencia). He had pronounced his religious vows and completed sludi philosophical and theological, March 12, 1932 he was ordained a priest in Madrid. In the set. “ 1933 was rated top of the reformatory of the Prince of Asturias, in Madrid, and optics. the following year he went on to head the Cabinet of psycho-pedagogy of the reformatory Amurrio (Alava), where he was surprised the civil war broke out July 18, 1936.

On the evening of September 27 the same year, militants arrested him in the house where he had fled. During the ride to Orduna (Vizcaya) demanded that the murderers to deny the German, but he opposed proudly displaying the crucifix. Once in Orduna did get in a ditch near the Prado de San Bartolomé where they shot him with several gunshots. Abandoned and badly wounded, managed to crawl to the first houses in the country, where the family Elejalde Arroyo welcomed him: the priest asked for a doctor and a priest. During the night, still clutching the crucifix, he was transferred to the hospital of Basurto (Bilbao). When asked to explain what had happened, he replied: “Do not ask me these things, I speak only of God Let us pray, the pardon of those who have wounded heart,” and did not reveal the names of those who had sho himt. Died September 29, 1936, after two days of great suffering. His remains rest in the ‘chapel of the martyrs, “the convent of Mount Sion in Torrent (Valencia).

“ The cause of canonization of these twenty religious martyrs was conducted at the archidioccsi of Valencia together with seven other cases relating to as many cases of the martyrdom of members of different religious orders and congregations. In 1993-94 was issued the decree of validity of the unified diocesan process of these causes, May 13 1997 the Positio super martyrdom was delivered to the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Source: Santi e Beati

Blessed Aurelio Vinalesa (José Alcaide Ample), August 28

Blessed Aurelio Vinalesa (José Alcaide Ample), Priest and Martyr
February 3, 1896, Viñales (Valencia), Spain-August 28, 1938, Viñales (Valencia), Spain

Roman Martyrology: Near the village of Viñales still in the same area, blessed Aurelio (Joseph) Ample Alcaide, Order of Friars Minor Capuchin Priest and Martyr, who, during the same period in the battle for the faith brought the glorious prize.

Was born February 3, 1896 in Viñales (Valencia), third of seven children who were spouses D. Ample and Donna Manuela Vicente Alcaide. He was baptized the day after birth, ie February 4, in the parish of San Honorato bishop, and received Confirmation April 21, 1899.

“ He first studied the Seraphic Seminary of Massamagrell (Valencia). Wore the Capuchin habit in 1912, he made his temporary profession of vows on, August 10, 1913 and perpetual December 18, 1917. He was then sent to Rome to perfect himself in his studies and was ordained a priest in the Eternal City March 26, 1921 by the Archbishop of Filipos, Bishop Joseph Palica. Back in Spain, he was appointed director of the student of philosophy and theology of the Capuchins in Orihuela (Alicante), office held, and overall satisfaction with care until death.

“ “Among the faithful he enjoyed the reputation of a saint – said the priest Worker Diocesan D. Pascual Ortells – and that fame also joined the test. Was faithful observant of all the rules of St. Francis, commit itself to helping its total so that young men were perfect. “

“ During the Revolution of 1936 all the religious of the convent of Orihuela dispersed on July 13. P. Aurelio sought refuge in the family home in Viñales, in which, on 28 August, was captured by gunmen and taken to his place of death. Before being killed he urged all his comrades to die well, gave them absolution, and then added, “Cry aloud, live Christ the King.”

“ He was killed August 28, 1936. His body was interred in the cemetery of Foyos (Valencia), near where he had been killed. After the civil war, his remains were exhumed and carried into the cemetery Vinalesa September 17, 1937. He is currently buried in the chapel of the convent of the Capuchin martyrs Maddalena Massamagrell.

“ P. Aurelio retain the use within, since he was captured until death, all remaining faithful to Christ. “He kept the peace until the last moment – he says Rafael Rodrigo, the witness of his martyrdom – encouraging all of us that we were going to die. When everything was ready for execution, urges us to recite the formula of the act of contrition. So we did, and when the Servant of God was reciting the formula of a militiaman gave him two slaps. One of the militiamen said to his companion not to slap him more, because it was not worth the trouble, given the time of life we have left. The Servant of God remained unchanged and continued to injury before the acquittal until the end. As soon as the Servant of God had finished his sacred duty, a volley rang out and we fell with him all repeating the cry: ‘Long live Christ the King!’.

He was Beatified as one of the Blessed Spanish Capuchins, Martyrs of Valencia, 12 friars and 5 Poor Clares, who suffered martyrdom during the civil war and religious persecution that through their homeland in the 30s of the twentieth century. Pope John Paul II Beatified them on March 11, 2001, together with a group totaling 233 martyrs of the same persecution.

Source: Holy See

Blessed Raimondo Martí Soriano, August 27

Blessed Raimondo Martí Soriano, Priest and Martyr
August 27

Roman Martyrology: Along the road between the towns of Godella Bétera and in the same region in Spain, blessed Raimondo Martí Soriano, priest and martyr who shed their blood for Christ during the same persecution against the faith.On March 11, 2001, Pope John Paul II Beatified in St. Peter’s Square in Rome 233 Spanish martyrs, including the thickest cloud of witnesses of faith elevated to the glory of the altars in the course of his pontificate.

“ These numerous innocent lambs of the cause of Christ were killed out of hatred for their faith during the brutal religious persecution that characterized the Spanish Civil War in the 30s of the twentieth century. In this bloody massacre that through Spain, the number of victims over a million, affecting people of all ages and social class: bishops, priests, religious and laity of both sexes. It was well established by historians that, within this terrible massacre, anarchists and socialists-communists perpetrated a real persecution aimed at destroying the Catholic Church in Spain.

The martyrs were divided into smaller groups, based on their Archdiocese. Blessed Raimondo is part of the group known as José Aparicio Sanz and 73 companions, priests and laity of the Archdiocese of Valencia who were Decreed on Martyrs on December 18, 2000

Source:  Santi e Beati

State investigation of Fr. Tim Vakoc’s death finds negligence by nursing home staff

Fr. Tim Vakoc

2 nursing assistants blamed for priest’s fall

Report: They gave “incongruous” explanations of an accident that led to the Army chaplain’s death.

By MAURA LERNER, 2 nursing assistants blamed for priest’s fall

Report: They gave “incongruous” explanations of an accident that led to the Army chaplain’s death.

By MAURA LERNER, Star Tribune

A state investigation has found that two nursing assistants were responsible for the June accident that led to the death of the Rev. Tim Vakoc, a Roman Catholic priest and Army chaplain, at St. Therese nursing home in New Hope.

The two staffers, who were not identified, were attempting to transfer the paralyzed priest from his wheelchair to his bed when he fell to the floor and injured his head on June 20, according to the report, released Tuesday by the state Office of Health Facility Complaints.

This is the first detailed report of what happened to Vakoc, 49, who died that same day after he was rushed to a hospital. Vakoc, who was widely known as Father Tim, had needed round-the-clock care ever since a devastating head injury in 2004 from a roadside bomb in Iraq.

St John Wall, August 22

St John Wall, Priest and Martyr

+ Worcester, England, August 22, 1679

Born in England he was ordained a priest at Douai, France and

professed the Rule of the Friars Minor. He exercised his priestly

ministry in England for 22 years until he was captured and

sentenced to death. He ascended the scaffold at Worcester

August 22, 1679.

Roman Martyrology: At Worcester in England ever, St John Wall, a priest of the Order of Friars Minor and martyr, who, after exercising in secret for more than twenty years his ministry as pastor, for his priesthood, died hanging in a snare and gutted with his sword during the reign of Charles II.

Born of good and wealthy family in 1620 perhaps chiral Hall, near

Prestnn in Lancashire, John Wall in 1641 came the English College

at Douai, where he received the sacred ordination in 1645. After a

short mission to England, he returned to Douai to wear the

Franciscan habit in the convent of S. Bonaventure (1651), taking

the religious name of Brother Joachim St. Anna, much appreciate

d for its excellent quality, has the functions of vicar of the convent

and master of novices, and in 1656 he left again for the English

mission, going to establish, built the fictitious name of Francis

Webb, for Harvingion Hall in phonics Worcester, and here he coul

d carry undisturbed for over twenty-two pastoral ministry with

great uiililà of local Catholics.

“ Capture unexpectedly in December 1678, to around

Bromsgravc Rushock Court at the time of presumed papist

conspiracy mounted by the notorious Tiius Oatcs Wall decided

ly refused to take the oath of supremacy, so he was locked up in

prisons in Worcester, where he remained for five months between

immature suffering, borne with great fortitude. On April 25 1679

Atkins was tried by the court and sentenced to death on charges

of high treason, as a priest in the kingdom riemraro order one

abroad and to undertake activities of priests.

“ Nonetheless, he was sent to London to be examined by Oatcs,

Bcdloe, Dugdale and Prance, from which, however, cleared of any

involvement lu the Popish plot, despite being again sentenced to

death for his status as a priest, which was returned in Worcester

for the execution, which took place some time more lard, or 22 ag

. 1679. Shortly before boarding the scaffold VP. wrote a long

speech, in which features of his trial and his conviction and handed

it to a friend why he did it to print, as it was (Lond 1679).

“ The only victim who should suffer martyrdom for the faith in

Worcester, Wall was witnessed in the last days of his existence

from brother William Leveson (brother of martyr well Franciscan

VCN. Lcvcsoi Francis), who died in prison in that city at

thirty-four On the Feb. 1680). The mortal remains of the heroic

confessor of the faith were buried in the cemetery adjoining the

church of S. Oswald of Worcester, while the head was taken to

the Franciscan monastery of Douai, in which the martyr belonged,

where it is still preserved and venerated.

“ Honor of the altars, erected by Pope Pius XI December

15 1929 (ci. AAS, XXII [19,301, p. 18, n. CXXX1I), Blessed Wall is

commemorated on 22 August.

Source: Santi e Beati

Blessed Thomas Sitjar Fortiá, August 19

Blessed Thomas Sitjar Fortiá, Jesuit Priest and Martyr
Gerona, Spain, March 21, 1866 – Gandia, Spain, August 19, 1936

Father Tomás Sitjar Forti, professed Priest of the Society of Jesus, was born in the city of Gerona and joined the Society in 1880. He was Rector of the Novitiate and Superior of the Residence of Gandía. He was assassinated in Gandía Bianca Cruz at August 19, 1936 at the age of 70 years.

He was Beatified on March 11, 2001 by Pope John Paul II, together with 232 other victims of the Spanish Civil War.

Roman Martyrology: In the city of Gandía in the same territory, Blessed Thomas Sitjar Forti, a priest of the Society of Jesus and Martyr, who scattered in the same persecution for Christ his blood.

Source: Santi e Beati

Blessed German of Carcaixent, August 9

Blessed German of Carcaixent (José Maria Hernandez Garrigues) Capuchin Priest and Martyr
Carcaixent, Valencia, Spain, February 12, 1895 – 1936

Roman Martyrology: In the village of Carcaixent in Valencia in Spain, Blessed Germanus ( José Maria) Garrigues Hernández, a Priest of the Order of Friars Minor Capuchin and Martyr, who, during persecution against the faith, won the tortures of body with precious death.

Father was born in Germán Carcagente (Valencia), in the bosom of a Christian family, February 12, 1895. He was baptized on his day of birth in the parish of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción of Carcagente Confirmation was received on July 22, 1912 by Bishop Athanasius Fr. Royo Soler, duly authorized by the archbishop of the diocese. In the family of D. Juan Bautista and Donna Garrigues Ana María Hernández were born eight children, three of whom became like our Capuchin, José Maria.

Blessed Vladimir (Wlodzimierz) Laskowski, August 8

Blessed Vladimir (Wlodzimierz) Laskowski, Priest and Martyr
Rogoznica, Poland, January 30, 1886 – Gusen, Austria, August 8, 1940

Wlodzimierz Laskowski, a priest of the Archdiocese of Poznan, fell victim of the Nazis in their hatred of the Christian faith. On June 13, 1999, Pope John Paul II raised him to the honors of the altar with 107 other victims of that persecution. While they were beatified together, their deaths took place separately so there is not a collective memorial.

Roman Martyrology: At Gusen Germany blessed Vladimiro Laskowski, priest and martyr, who, in times of war, was deported for his faith in this prison camp and, cruelly tortured, reached the glory of martyrdom.

Source: Santi e Beati

Saint Gaetano Thiene, August 7

Saint Gaetano Thiene, Priest

Vicenza, October 1480 – Naples, August 7, 1547

Born in Vicenza to the noble family of Thiene in 1480, and baptized with the name of Gaetano, in memory of his famous uncle, who was called so because he was born in Gaeta.  Protontario apostolic of Julius II, left Leo X in the papal court maturing, especially nell’Oratorio of Divine Love, the joint experience of prayer and service to the poor and the excluded. And restoration of the priesthood and religious life, inspired by the Sermon on the Mount and the model of the apostolic Church. Devotee of the crib and passion of the lord, he founded (1524) with Gian Pietro Carafa, bishop of Chieti (Teate), then Paul IV (1555-1559), the Clerics Regular Teatini. For his unlimited trust in God is revered as the saint of providence.

Roman Martyrology: Saint Gaetano da Thiene, a priest who dedicated himself to Naples at the foot works of charity, in particular striving for the sick incurable sponsored associations for the religious formation of the laity and the Clerics Regular instituted for the renewal of the Church, calling for His disciples the duty to observe the ancient lifestyle of the Apostles.

Source: Santi e Beati

Blessed Michal Ozieblowski, July 31

Blessed Michal Ozieblowski, Priest and Martyr
Izdebno, Poland, September 28, 1900 – Dachau, Germany, July 31, 1942

Michal Ozieblowski, priest of the Archdiocese of Warsaw, fell victim of the Nazis in the famous German concentration camp at Dachau. Pope John Paul II on June 13, 1999 raised him to the honors of the altar with 107 other victims of that persecution.

Roman Martyrology: Near Monaco of Bavaria in Germany in the prison camp at Dachau, Blessed Michael Oziębłowski, Priest and Martyr, who, deported to his faith in a foreign prison in Poland, his homeland, forced under an enemy of religion, brought to completion martyred under torture.

Source: Santi e Beati

The Cult of Personality

The Cult of Personality has struck again and I’m nervous. Obama is attempting to force through way too much legislation that nobody has read, reviewed or understands. I don’t want to be forced to die when someone decides I’m no longer necessary; on his staff is someone who at one time advocated forced sterilization even though that has already been ruled on by the courts and you can’t do it.

Saint George Preca, July 26

Saint George Preca, Priest
July 26
Valletta, Malta, February 12, 1880 – July 26, 1962

First Maltese Saint

He was born in Malta on February 12, 1880. As a child, according to the custom of the time, he was incorporated into the Carmelite Family through the imposition of the scapular. He was ordained a priest on December 22, 1906. In the early months of 1907 a small group of young people in their twenties gathered around him. Began as the Society of Christian Doctrine, known commonly Museum, initial letters of “Magister, utinam sequatur evangelium universus mundus” ( “Master, that the whole world follow the Gospel ‘), a work dedicated to education and religious education of children and of young people. Preca, as an adult, became a Carmelite Tertiary: July 21, 1918 then enrolled and professed his vows on September 26 the following year. When he professed, he chose the name of Franco. In 1952, as recognition of his tireless devotion to the disclosure of the Madonna del Carmine, he was affiliated with the Carmelite Order. He died July 26, 1962. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on May 9, 2001 in Malta and finally canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on June 3, 2007 in Rome.

Rev’s Siebenaler Celebrate 50th Anniversary of their Ordinations

Father Leonard Siebenaler and his brother, Father Martin Siebenaler

Between them, the Revs. Martin and Leonard Siebenaler have spent a century in priesthood. Ordained as part of St. Paul Seminary’s Class of 1959, they celebrated their 50th anniversary of ordination today.

Source: StarTribune

Father Timothy Vakoc, He Gave His Life in Service for the Lord

Father Timothy Vakoc

Jan. 8, 1960-June 20, 2009, New Hope, MN

Father Vakoc was seriously injured on June 10, 2004, the 12th anniversary of his ordination, when a roadside bomb exploded near his Humvee. He underwent much rehabilitation a the VA Hospitals and was improving at the time of his death. He was buried today.

He truly gave his life in service of the Lord. Pray for the repose of his soul.

Source: Catholic Spirit

In the Year for Priests

Have you thanked a priest lately?

I try to thank the priest after Mass; how he interprets it is up to him. I could be thanking him for celebrating that particular Mass, for his homily, for his engaging personality, for the sacraments…the list is endless.

May 23: Blessed Józef Kurzawa, New Martyr Of Poland

Blessed Józef Kurzawa, 1910 – 1940
Diocesan Priest Martyr

Blessed Jozef Czempiel , May 19

Blessed Joseph (Jozef) Czempiel priest and martyr
Jozefka, Poland, September 21, 1883 – Dachau, Germany, May 19, 1942

Jozef Czempiel, priest of the Archdiocese of Katowice, fell victim of the Nazis in the famous German concentration camp at Dachau. On June 13, 1999 Pope John Paul II raised him to the honors of the altar with 107 other victims of that persecution.

Roman Martyrology: Near Monaco of Bavaria in Germany in the prison camp at Dachau, Blessed Joseph Czempiel, priest and martyr, who, of Polish origin, during the war joined the sacrifice of Christ dying in a gas chamber.

Source: Santi e Beati

Why Celibacy?

Written by Rev. H.T. Burke

Our Lord was a priest (Heb. 4:14); He was also celibate and called others to do the same. “And Peter said, ‘Behold, we have left all and followed You.’ And He said to them, ‘Amen I say to you, there is no one who has left house, or parents, or brothers, or wife or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who shall not receive much more in the present time, and in the age to come life everlasting.”‘ (Lk. 18:28-30) Abraham was called to sacrifice his son Isaac (Gen. 22); through celibacy the priest is called to sacrifice not just his son, but his wife. Our Lord teaches that not all can be celibate, but those who can should do so for the sake of the kingdom: “His disciples said to Him, ‘if the case of a man with his wife is so, it is not expedient to marry.’ And He said, “Not all can accept this teaching; but those to whom it has been given -there are eunuchs who have made themselves so for the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Let him accept it who can.” (Matt. 19:10-12)

Celibacy is also a sign of the resurrection; we will all be celibate in the next world. Jesus says: “When people rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but live like angels in heaven.” (Matt. 22:30) In imitation of Christ the priest is called to live this way here and now in this world. Elijah and John the Baptist, the two great prophets of the Old Covenant, were celibate. St. Paul even encourages celibacy among the laity. He writes: “It is good for the man not to touch woman. Yet for fear of fornication, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband – For I wish that you all were like me; but each one has his own gift from God, one in this way, and another in that – Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be freed. Are you freed from a wife? Do not seek a wife. But if you take a wife, you have not sinned. He who is unmarried is concerned about the things of the Lord, how he may please God. Whereas he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife, and he is divided.” (1Cor. 7)

A champion of celibacy for the priesthood, Vatican II said: “Perfect and perpetual continence for the sake of the kingdom of heaven was recommended by Christ the Lord. This Sacred Council approves and confirms this legislation so far as it concerns those destined for the priesthood, and feels confident in the Spirit that the gift of celibacy, so appropriate to the priesthood of the New Testament, is liberally granted by the Father. And the more that perfect continence is considered by many people to be impossible in the world of today, so much the more humbly and perseveringly in union with the Church ought priests demand the grace of fidelity, which is never denied to those who ask.”

Celibacy is not unnatural, it is supernatural. It is a special grace from God. Our Lord created manhood, and as a man he lived it fully and naturally, as a celibate male. Celibacy is a sacrifice of the good of marriage for the sake of the kingdom of God. It is not for men who have no attraction for women. It is for men who do like women. If they don’t then there is no sacrifice in giving up marriage. Celibacy is unpopular with the world today because it is a sacrifice, and sacrifice for God is not what a hedonistic culture wants. The opinions of this world do not worry Our Lord who said: “My kingdom is not of this world.” (Jn. 18:36)

5 bob to: The Catholic Defender

See also Celibacy of the Clergy

VOCATIONS TUESDAY: Carmelite Monks in Wyoming

5 bob to Roman Catholic Vocations Blog which writes: Carmelite Monks in Wyoming #1

The post below was written by Deal Hudson on September 25, 2007 and orginally posted on his personal blog.

The Last Carmelite Monks in America

By Deal W. Hudson

The last eight Carmelite monks in America, perhaps even the world, live in a four-bedroom rectory in the mountains of northwest Wyoming.

With 35 candidates in various stages of discernment, they hope to move 70 miles away to a 492-acre property near Carter Mountain once owned by

VOCATIONS TUESDAY: Fathers of Mercy

(Pictured with Father Mitch Pacwa, SJ after he lead a retreat for them.)

http://www.fathersofmercy.com/

The Fathers of Mercy is a Roman Catholic Congregation of Priests. Our primary Apostolate is to preach parish missions

VOCATIONS TUESDAY: Institute of the Good Shepherd

5 bob to Traditional Vocations Blog which writes:

Institute of the Good Shepherd

 

ego sum pastor bonus: et cognosco meas, et cognoscunt me meæ
I am the good Shepherd: and I know Mine, and Mine know Me (Jn. 10:14)

Under the Roman calendar of 1962, yesterday was often called “Good Shepherd Sunday”, so called because the Gospel tells us of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. As pointed out on The New Liturgical Movement this also means it was a feast day for the Institute of the Good Shepherd.

The Institute of the Good Shepherd is a Society of Apostolic Life of traditionalist Priests in full communion with the Holy See. Founded only in September 2006, the Institute has grown quickly.

How not to Raise Funds in the Catholic Church

This past weekend at the parish where I help out we had a visiting priest make an appeal for a development organization, Cross International. It raised some red flags:

1. To Catholic audiences, Cross International presents itself as a Catholic ministry. The term “Catholic Outreach” is all over their literature complete with pictures of the pope, religious sisters, priests and bishop. But, I suspect that “Catholic Outreach” does not refer to Catholics reaching out to the poor as it may appear, but refers to that organization’s outreach to Catholics to fund their ministries. On the phone, once I had identified myself as a Catholic priest, the spokeswoman claimed that the organization was founded by Catholic lay people some 8 years ago.
2. Their website indicates that they are a ministry of the Kielar Family Foundation. Some further research online revealed that the organization is, in fact, a Baptist organization. See this web link: http://www.crosstv.com/crossint.htm and then click on the “Statement of Faith” link.

VOCATIONS TUESDAY: Priestly Fraternity of Saint Peter (FSSP)

5 bob to: Traditional Vocations Blog which writes…

Priestly Fraternity of St Peter

The Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter is a Clerical Society of Apostolic Life of Pontifical right, that is, a community of Roman Catholic priests who do not take religious vows, but who work together for a common mission in the world. The mission of the Fraternity is two-fold: first, the formation and sanctification of priests in the cadre of the traditional liturgy of the Roman rite, and secondly, the pastoral deployment of the priests in the service of the Church.

The Fraternity was founded on July 18, 1988 at the Abbey of Hauterive (Switzerland) by a dozen priests and a score of seminarians. Shortly after the Fraternity’s foundation and following upon a request by Cardinal Ratzinger, Bishop Joseph Stimpfle of Augsburg, Germany granted the Fraternity a home

VOCATIONS TUESDAY: Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate

 

Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate

VOCATIONS TUESDAY: Franciscan Friars of the Renewal

Vocations

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in their work and way of life, please contact:

USA & Canada
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, C.F.R.
St. Joseph Friary
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(212) 281-4355

 

 

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“At least one qualified candidate per parish”

Photo taken last year of some of the lads of Glennon College Seminary… Yea, that is the college that has announced expansion plans!

Over at Roman Catholic Vocations we are treated to an article entitled “At least one qualified candidate per parish”. It is a worthy read.

It can also be filed under “Things Simple has said for years – that he learned from bishops who already understood it!”

Very simply, the diocesan vocations director should contact each pastor of each parish (each year) and ask for a 3-5 name “short list” of young men. Several times a year using the contact info they should be invited to the Cathedral for Mass, and dinner at the Episcopal residence or in some restaurant that has a private dining room where the bishop himself can say “I invite you to pray and consider this”.

14ish years ago I was 18 and working with a buddy of mine on a volunteer project on a Saturday afternoon at an inner city parish. We were doing some landscaping on a really beautiful day when we could have been playing some softball or drinking some beers one of our older brothers scored for us… but there we were.

Priests And The Eucharist

Father Mark from the venerable blog Vultus Christi offers his translation of a portion of a letter he had come across from Bishop of Lucon, Monseigneur Jacques-Marie-Joseph Baillès:

“I never go up into the pulpit without seeking to move [souls] to love of the Divine Eucharist, and I often recommend the visit to the Blessed Sacrament. Given that example speaks louder than words, I go habitually to recite Vespers, Compline, and later, Matins and Lauds before the Blessed Sacrament in the cathedral, and at nightfall I make a half-hour’s meditation there. The Lord will, I hope, bless these efforts, by stirring up in a greater number of souls the desire to visit the Blessed Sacrament. I say this only for you, so that your heart may be consoled by it. Persevere in your holy undertaking, in the midst of difficulties and contradictions. The railway cars are overflowing with travelers while the avenues leading to churches where the Holy Eucharist resides are deserted. This is truly the hidden and unknown God. Apply yourself to making Him known, praised, loved, blessed and welcomed.”

I think Vultus Christi is one of the hidden gems of the blogosphere that deserves far more attention and citation than it currently gets.  Do add it to your aggregator – you won’t regret it!

From The Men At Saint John Vianney Seminary

The kids are alright.

5 bob to: Standing On My Head