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Minute Meditations
True Discipleship Minute Meditations
Give me the grace, O Savior of the world, to bring your presence even to your enemies and to persist faithfully in witnessing to them even when I find it painful to do so. Let me be inspired by your martyrs who constantly call us back to you, our only hope and salvation.
—Fr. Benedict J. Groeschel, C.F.R.

— from Firmly On the Rock

Friday, October 05, 2012
Minute Meditation for 10/4/2012 Minute Meditation for 10/6/2012

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Felix of Cantalice: Felix was the first Capuchin Franciscan ever canonized. In fact, when he was born, the Capuchins did not yet exist as a distinct group within the Franciscans. 
<p>Born of humble, God-fearing parents in the Rieti Valley, Felix worked as a farmhand and a shepherd until he was 28. He developed the habit of praying while he worked. </p><p>In 1543 he joined the Capuchins. When the guardian explained the hardships of that way of life, Felix answered: "Father, the austerity of your Order does not frighten me. I hope, with God’s help, to overcome all the difficulties which will arise from my own weakness." </p><p>Three years later Felix was assigned to the friary in Rome as its official beggar. Because he was a model of simplicity and charity, he edified many people during the 42 years he performed that service for his confreres. </p><p>As he made his rounds, he worked to convert hardened sinners and to feed the poor–as did his good friend, St. Philip Neri, who founded the Oratory, a community of priests serving the poor of Rome. When Felix wasn’t talking on his rounds, he was praying the rosary. The people named him "Brother Deo Gratias" (thanks be to God) because he was always using that blessing. </p><p>When Felix was an old man, his superior had to order him to wear sandals to protect his health. Around the same time a certain cardinal offered to suggest to Felix’s superiors that he be freed of begging so that he could devote more time to prayer. Felix talked the cardinal out of that idea. Felix was canonized in 1712.</p> American Catholic Blog I think of all the women religious in the United States who touch countless lives, alleviate the suffering of so many, strive to offer a voice to the voiceless, remember the forgotten, care for those most in need, and focus their lives on the greater good of all God's people, without concern or regard for what they could receive in return.

 
PICKS OF THE WEEK
New book from Mary Elizabeth Sperry
The Ten Commandments can change your life. Learn how!
New book
Teresa Tomeo and Cheryl Dickow help you unwrap the gifts God longs to give women.
New from Anthony Buono
The founder of Ave Maria Singles provides a candid look at the mistakes people make on their quest to find love.
New book, Holding Jesus
Reflections on Mary as a mother during the life of Jesus.
New book
Learn about the sacraments of reconciliation and the anointing of the sick—and why we need them.

 
CATHOLIC GREETINGS
St. Faustina Kowalska
This 20th-century Polish nun encouraged devotion to God’s Divine Mercy.
St. Francis of Assisi
Francis was torn between a life devoted entirely to prayer and a life of active preaching of the Good News.
St. Theodora (Mother Theodore)
Though she was born in France, we honor Mother Theodore Guerin as an American saint.
Guardian Angels
Guardian angels represent us before God, watch over us always, aid our prayer and present our souls to God at death.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Remember this 19th-century saint, known and revered as the Little Flower, with a Catholic Greetings e-card.



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