Minute Meditations - For the New Year

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For the New Year

Almighty God, with you there is no beginning and no end for you are the origin and goal of all creation. May this new year which we dedicate to you bring us abundant prosperity and growth in holy living.

— from The Catholic Prayer Book

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Minute Meditation for 1/16/2013

Minute Meditation for 1/18/2013

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Paulinus of Nola: Anyone who is praised in the letters of six or seven saints undoubtedly must be of extraordinary character. Such a person was Paulinus of Nola, correspondent and friend of Augustine(August 28), Jerome (Sep[tember 30), Melania, Martin (November 11), Gregory (September 3) and Ambrose (December 7).
<p>Born near Bordeaux, he was the son of the Roman prefect of Gaul, who had extensive property in both Gaul and Italy. Paulinus became a distinguished lawyer, holding several public offices in the Roman Empire. With his Spanish wife, Therasia, he retired at an early age to a life of cultured leisure. </p><p>The two were baptized by the saintly bishop of Bordeaux and moved to Therasia’s estate in Spain. After many childless years, they had a son who died a week after birth. This occasioned their beginning a life of great austerity and charity, giving away most of their Spanish property. Possibly as a result of this great example, Paulinus was rather unexpectedly ordained a priest at Christmas by the bishop of Barcelona. </p><p>He and his wife then moved to Nola, near Naples. He had a great love for St. Felix of Nola, and spent much effort in promoting devotion to this saint. Paulinus gave away most of his remaining property (to the consternation of his relatives) and continued his work for the poor. Supporting a host of debtors, the homeless and other needy people, he lived a monastic life in another part of his home. By popular demand he was made bishop of Nola and guided that diocese for 21 years. </p><p>His last years were saddened by the invasion of the Huns. Among his few writings is the earliest extant Christian wedding song.</p>

Evangelization should be a call to deepen understanding among practicing Catholics; re-evanglize those who are Catholic in name only; reconcile those who have stopped practicing their faith; form children into disciples; invite other Christians to know the Church’s message; and call to conversion those who have no faith.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

	New audiobook
	Be an envoy for Christ! Learn from Patrick Madrid, Catholic apologist for over 25 years.

	The Catechism
	Get an overview of this essential teaching tool of the Catholic faith.

	Set Yourself Free
	Let it go and learn how the power of forgiveness can set you free.

	Vatican II
	Learn about this critical event in Church history.

	New book from Mike Aquilina
	Learn how Catholicism shapes our world. Great for the Year of Faith!

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Marriage
	In imitation of Christ, the vocation to marriage can create a relationship for healing and forgiveness.

	Holy Orders
	Would someone you know make a good priest? Use Catholic Greetings today to send him a prayer.

	Infant Baptism
	Welcome the newest members of your parish family with an e-card from Catholic Greetings!

	Prayer for Vocations
	Each January the Church reminds us to pray for all vocations: priesthood, religious, married, and single life.

	Baptism of the Lord
	The Lord’s baptism began his life of ministry, just as our baptisms begin our lives of service to God’s people.

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