St. Anthony Messenger | August 2011 issue of St. Anthony Messenger

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August 2011

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Matthew Kelly: On Faith and Fatherhood
Christopher Heffron

Author Matthew Kelly has spoken to millions of Catholics in over 50 countries. But his favorite audience is his one-year-old son, Walter.

World Youth Day: Celebrating Young Faith
Edited by Christopher Heffron

These young, vibrant Catholics are coming to Spain for World Youth Day.

WEB+

God bless our youth! Not all the reflections we received could fit into this article. To read more from participants of this year’s World Youth Day in Madrid—including on-site reporting from the event—go to AmericanCatholic.org/WorldYouthDay.

Spiritually Healthy Children
Alicia von Stamwitz

Here are seven tips to help our children develop spiritually.

WEB+

We would like to continue this conversation with you, our readers. We invite you to go to facebook.com/StAnthonyMessengerMagazineor e-mail us at mailto:mageditors@AmericanCatholic.org and tell us YOUR stories and ideas.

An Encounter With Jesus in Jamaica
Suzanne Rose

Spreading lotion onto the hands of abandoned women cared for by Blessed Mother Teresa’s sisters taught this volunteer a lesson of love.

Judge Janine P. Geske: Circles of Healing
John Feister

Amidst our clergy sex-abuse crisis, it’s time for healing and restoration, says this former Wisconsin Supreme Court justice.

WEB+

View Web-plus features related to this article.

to St. Anthony Messenger Print Edition

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>

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

	The Month of Mary
	Discover daily insight into truths about the Mother of God.

	Sober Intoxication of the Spirit
	Learn about how the first Pentecost affected Jesus's followers.

	When the Spirit Comes in Power
	Catholic evangelist Peter Herbeck describes the work of the Holy Spirit in the personal lives of Christians.

	In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan
	In 1219 during the Fifth Crusade, Francis took it upon himself to cross battle lines and reach out to Muslims.

	For Mothers (and Fathers!)
	Author Curtis shares personal stories and advice for helping your children find God's voice amid the messages that target them.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Sympathy
	Our faith reminds us that those who believe in the Lord will never die.

	Graduation
	If you’re not able to attend the graduation in person, send an e-card expressing your affection and pride.

	Ordination Anniversary
	Use Catholic Greetings to acknowledge your pastor’s ordination or pastoral anniversary.

	Happy Birthday
	Make the most of God’s graces and blessings throughout the coming year.

	Pentecost
	As Church we rely on the Holy Spirit to form us in the image of Christ.

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