Our Saint of the Day 😇 is the patron of domestic workers. Find out who it is!
Hello John, I am often reminded to get out of God’s way. Am I seeking God’s kingdom or my kingdom first? It is a powerful question that I have reflected upon this Lent. God offers examples through the lives of the saints like Blessed Angela Salawa that remind us that when we keep focus on God, we are better able to love our neighbor and do our part to build up God’s kingdom. With God’s help, our little ways will make a big difference. I hope God speaks to your heart through today’s email. As a disciple, I am called to share this message with friends, family, or anyone who needs to receive it. Will you join me in this work? Donate today! |
Christopher Meyer
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Saint of the Day for March 12: Blessed Angela Salawa (September 9, 1881 – March 12, 1922)
Blessed Angela Salawa’s Story Angela served Christ and Christ’s little ones with all her strength. Born in Siepraw, near Kraków, Poland, she was the 11th child of Bartlomiej and Ewa Salawa. In 1897, she moved to Kraków where her older sister Therese lived. Angela immediately began to gather together and instruct young women domestic workers. During World War I, she helped prisoners of war without regard for their nationality or religion. The writings of Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross were a great comfort to her. Angela gave great service in caring for soldiers wounded in World War I. After 1918, her health did not permit her to exercise her customary apostolate. Addressing herself to Christ, she wrote in her diary, “I want you to be adored as much as you were destroyed.” In another place, she wrote, “Lord, I live by your will. I shall die when you desire; save me because you can.” At her 1991 beatification in Kraków, Pope John Paul II said: “It is in this city that she worked, that she suffered and that her holiness came to maturity. While connected to the spirituality of Saint Francis, she showed an extraordinary responsiveness to the action of the Holy Spirit” (L’Osservatore Romano, volume 34, number 4, 1991). Reflection Humility should never be mistaken for lack of conviction, insight or energy. Angela brought the Good News and material assistance to some of Christ’s “least ones.” Her self-sacrifice inspired others to do the same. Blessed Angela Salawa is a Patron Saint of: Domestic workers |
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A Foundation Built on God
Jesus says, “Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well” (Matthew 6:33). If God’s will is truly our first priority, the other areas of our lives tend to fall into place, because they are centered on the one sure foundation.
When we put our trust in the one who knows our needs far better than we do, all our desires and longings find a certain harmony, since they are centered around Christ. Thus, the call to conversion involves an ongoing turning back to God, as we entrust more of our lives to him and desire to live with him at the center of our hearts. —from the book Praying the Rosary Like Never Before: Encounter the Wonder of Heaven and Earthby Edward Sri |
Commitment to Community Reflect People are so fond of the phrase “it takes a village,” but in reality, modern American culture makes very little room for that level of commitment to community. We cling to our individual wants and rights, oftentimes more tightly than to our neighbor. How have we, who follow a God who commanded “love thy neighbor as thyself,” failed to contribute to our village?
Pray Father God and Mother Mary,
help us to look after each other
as tenderly and intentionally as you look after and care for us.
Guide us to looking outside ourselves and our tribalism.
We are many, but we are one in the body of Christ.
That unity is enhanced by our diversity, not weakened by it.
Bring us closer together, Lord, even with our many differences,
which after all, are just reflections of the multifaceted beauty that is your creation.
Amen. Act In what one small way can we contribute to the building up of our community this week? Today's Pause+Pray was written by Bond Strong. Learn more here! |
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