Sunday 27 May 2012

With the Chartres Pilgrims on Day Two


So how did you do yesterday? I was unable to be at my usual Saturday Mass and so ended up at Mass at a local home run by the Little Sisters of the Poor. Happily I was reminded that the home is dedicated to St Joseph and so it seemed the right place for the day. And confessions followed Mass. I managed my rosary, visited my ailing father and thought about the pilgrims almost constantly. My son texted at the end of day one to say he had 3 blisters (he never gets blisters!) Ah the power of prayer!

I was particularly amazed to discover that on the Notre Dame de Chretiente website the exact position of the pilgrims is pinpointed and updated every few minutes!


And so to.....

Day Two: Pentecost Sunday

UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF Blesseds Beltrame-Quatrocci

‘FAMILY, A WAY OF HOLINESS’

Firstly I had to research the saints for today and discovered the following:

Luigi, a lawyer and civil servant, died in 1951 at the age of 71; Maria, who dedicated herself to her family and to several charitable and social Catholic movements, died in 1965 at the age of 81.

Stephania, their first daughter, now deceased, became a Benedictine nun with the name Sr M. Cecilia. Both sons became priests; one is now 95 years old, the other, 91. Another daughter, Enrichetta, dedicated herself first to caring for her parents, then for her brother. a diocesan priest of Rome; she is now in her 80s.

The Beltrame children recall that their parents led a simple life, like that of many married couples, but always characterized by a sense of the supernatural. Cardinal José Saraiva Martins, Prefect of the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, said that they "made a true domestic church of their family, which was open to life, to prayer, to the social apostolate, to solidarity with the poor and to friendship".

More information can be read at http://savior.org/saints/corsini.htm
So we begin with a prayer

BLESSED LUIGI AND MARIA QUATTROCCHI

PATRONS OF MARRIED COUPLES PRAY FOR US

Blessed Luigi and Blessed Maria, inspired by your devotion and faith, we offer our gratitude to God for the precious gift of life and sacrament of Holy Matrimony. We praise our Lord for blessing us with your virtuous model of holiness and faith. Like Joseph and Mary, you patiently endured difficulties in your lives and lovingly placed your trust in God. Teach us all to follow the way of the Holy Family. May we learn to imitate your gracious surrender to God's divine providence for ourselves and our loved ones.

Through your intercession, we humbly ask that together you advocate for all married couples and those aspiring to married life. Please help  marriages withstand the toils of hardship, temptation, and unpleasantness. We also ask that God continue to bless us with the precious gift of life. May our Christian families on earth continue to grow and may we flourish in faith. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.


Today pilgrims, here and there, attend the Mass of Pentecost and perhaps some may be able to find a church for Benediction (less common sadly in the times in which we live). Nevertheless a rosary is required and some other devotional prayers and readings of one’s own choosing. Read about todays Blesseds. There is much in their family story to encourage and inspire us.

Think how tired the pilgrims will be today! I’m told the second day is the worst and longest from a physical point of view. But the pilgrims today will surely be uplifted by the Holy Spirit in their efforts. Remember those who need this most in your prayers today. 


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