Hello John,
Please join me in prayer: Gracious and Loving God, As we gather in prayer on this blessed Friday, we lift our hearts to you in gratitude for the gift of another day. We thank you for the example of Saint Paschal Baylon, whose life of humility and devotion inspires us to deepen our own relationship with you. Lord, as we journey through this day, grant us the grace to be instruments of your peace and love in the world. Help us to see you in the faces of those we encounter, and to respond with kindness and compassion to the needs of others. We entrust our prayers and intentions to the care of Saint Paschal Baylon, confident in his intercession before your throne of grace. May his example inspire us to live lives of faith, hope, and love, always seeking to glorify your holy name. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen. Thank you for being part of the Franciscan Media ministry. |
With prayers and gratitude, |
Christopher Meyer
Director of Development |
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Saint of the Day for May 17: Paschal Baylon (May 24, 1540 – May 15, 1592) Saint Paschal Baylon’s story In Paschal’s lifetime the Spanish empire in the New World was at the height of its power, though France and England were soon to reduce its influence. The 16th century has been called the Golden Age of the Church in Spain, for it gave birth to Ignatius of Loyola, Francis Xavier, Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Peter of Alcantara, Francis Solano, and Salvator of Horta. Paschal’s Spanish parents were poor and pious. Between the ages of seven and 24 he worked as a shepherd and began a life of mortification. He was able to pray on the job and was especially attentive to the church bell, which rang at the Elevation during Mass. Paschal had a very honest streak in him. He once offered to pay owners of crops for any damage his animals caused! In 1564, Paschal joined the Friars Minor and gave himself wholeheartedly to a life of penance. Though he was urged to study for the priesthood, he chose to be a brother. At various times he served as porter, cook, gardener, and official beggar. Paschal was careful to observe the vow of poverty. He would never waste any food or anything given for the use of the friars. When he was porter and took care of the poor coming to the door, he developed a reputation for great generosity. The friars sometimes tried to moderate his liberality! Paschal spent his spare moments praying before the Blessed Sacrament. In time, many people sought his wise counsel. People flocked to his tomb immediately after his burial; miracles were reported promptly. Paschal was canonized in 1690 and was named patron of eucharistic congresses and societies in 1897. Reflection Prayer before the Blessed Sacrament occupied much of Saint Francis’ energy. Most of his letters were to promote devotion to the Eucharist. Paschal shared that concern. An hour in prayer before our Lord in the Eucharist could teach all of us a great deal. Some holy and busy Catholics today find that their work is enriched by those minutes regularly spent in prayer and meditation. Saint Paschal Baylon is the Patron Saint of: Eucharistic Congresses and Societies
Shepherds
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Divine Beyond the Mind Bonaventure and Francis each came to La Verna with aching hearts and heavy minds. Anxious over the future of the Franciscan Order as its rapid growth continued to create organizational headaches, Bonaventure carried the weight and fear of institutional collapse when he made a retreat to La Verna and commented that he was “panting after peace.” Francis, in his final visit to La Verna, arrived in a similar inner state. As the order organically grew beyond Francis’ control, he became anxious over its future as he neared the end of his life. It was during this time at La Verna that Francis is said to have received the stigmata, which he hid from his brothers until he died. Bonaventure, too, emerged from La Verna with a “thorn in his flesh,” accepting the future of the order as his own responsibility. Franciscan spirituality has a visceral and experiential dimension that the study of theology sometimes lacks. For Francis and Bonaventure, theology was not meant to remain in the head as ideas, where I often like to keep them. For them, the heart and senses became conduits for experiencing the divine beyond the mind. —from St. Anthony Messenger‘s “Let Us Pray: Panting After Peace in Prayer“
by Stephen Copeland |
Discover the timeless spiritual life of Saint Bonaventure that continues to provide inspiration today! |
Clothed with Compassion Reflect Clothes cover us almost completely, becoming a visible part of our identity. What would it look like to be so surrendered to God that when people look at us they immediately see God's attributes? Which of our relationships most needs more compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience? Pray Lord, clothe us in your attributes.
Help us to act accordingly
in all our relationships, but especially in those closest to us,
in which it is often most difficult.
Those pain points in our lives are where we need your grace the most,
and yet we resist going to those places to meet you there.
We ask for your guidance to right the wrongs,
whether committed by us or by someone else.
In the end, all that matters is that peace and goodness
are spread throughout our lives and the world.
Amen. Act Give a gift, write a card, or forgive someone you are close to—a spouse, parent, friend, or child. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Bond Strong. Learn more here! |
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