St. Anthony Messenger | January 2012 issue of St. Anthony Messenger magazine

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January 2012

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Jesus' Mighty Deeds
John R. Barker, OFM

Mark’s Gospel reveals deeper meaning behind Jesus' miracles.

Pilgrims of Truth, Pilgrims of Peace
Pat McCloskey, OFM

Pope Benedict XVI hosted a big gathering in Assisi last October—for interfaith leaders.

WEB+

Pope Benedict XVI's address to participants

Vatican coverage of the event

A Rock Critic Talks Faith
James Breig

A love of music and a passion for the Catholic faith are intertwined for Rob Sheffield, longtime writer for Rolling Stone.

Welcoming the Stranger
Richard J. McCorry, D.Min.

A culture of hospitality helps parishes grow and thrive.

WEB+

Read the document "Welcoming the Stranger Among Us: Unity in Diversity"

Dr. McCorry's website

Angel of the Amazon
Tina Neyer

A new American opera sings the praises of Sister Dorothy Stang.

WEB+

The opera's website and Facebook page

The Dayton International Peace Museum’s exhibit on Sister Dorothy

A trailer of the opera

Comfort in Care at Life's End
Dorothy Callahan

At the Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice, dying patients and their families find peace and dignity.

WEB+

More information about the Karen Ann Quinlan Memorial Hospice

Read an excerpt from Julia Quinlan’s book My Joy, My Sorrow: Karen Ann’s Mother Remembers

Meditations on a Wood Floor
Charity Vogel

Old wooden floorboards have saved my sanity more than a few times. In the right light, they’re practically a cloister walk.

to St. Anthony Messenger Print Edition

Philip Neri: Philip Neri was a sign of contradiction, combining popularity with piety against the background of a corrupt Rome and a disinterested clergy, the whole post-Renaissance malaise.
<p>At an early age, he abandoned the chance to become a businessman, moved to Rome from Florence and devoted his life and individuality to God. After three years of philosophy and theology studies, he gave up any thought of ordination. The next 13 years were spent in a vocation unusual at the time—that of a layperson actively engaged in prayer and the apostolate. </p><p>As the Council of Trent (1545-63) was reforming the Church on a doctrinal level, Philip’s appealing personality was winning him friends from all levels of society, from beggars to cardinals. He rapidly gathered around himself a group of laypersons won over by his audacious spirituality. Initially they met as an informal prayer and discussion group, and also served poor people in Rome. </p><p>At the urging of his confessor, he was ordained a priest and soon became an outstanding confessor, gifted with the knack of piercing the pretenses and illusions of others, though always in a charitable manner and often with a joke. He arranged talks, discussions and prayers for his penitents in a room above the church. He sometimes led “excursions” to other churches, often with music and a picnic on the way. </p><p>Some of his followers became priests and lived together in community. This was the beginning of the Oratory, the religious institute he founded. A feature of their life was a daily afternoon service of four informal talks, with vernacular hymns and prayers. Giovanni Palestrina was one of Philip’s followers, and composed music for the services. </p><p>The Oratory was finally approved after suffering through a period of accusations of being an assembly of heretics, where laypersons preached and sang vernacular hymns! (Cardinal Newman founded the first English-speaking house of the Oratory three centuries later.) </p><p>Philip’s advice was sought by many of the prominent figures of his day. He is one of the influential figures of the Counter-Reformation, mainly for converting to personal holiness many of the influential people within the Church itself. His characteristic virtues were humility and gaiety.</p>

Disrespect comes with many faces. Sometimes what’s unspoken speaks louder than any words.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

	Through the Year With Mary
	This book will draw you closer to Mary and also to Jesus--and closer to Jesus is where Mary wants you to be.

	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.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Most Holy Trinity
	The Trinity illustrates the community of love between the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

	Friendship
	Catholic Greetings e-cards help you connect with long-distance friends.

	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.

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