Minute Meditations - Take it All In

Home

Catholic News

Daily Features

St. Anthony Messenger

Books

Catholic e-Greetings

Parish Newsletters/Services

Minute Meditations

Take it All In

We worry about finding just the right gift, hanging just the right decorations, sending the right card. So many times I say I wish I could slow down, scale back, and reclaim the true meaning of Advent. The reality, though, is that I am the only one preventing that from happening.

— from A Catholic Family Advent

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Minute Meditation for 12/10/2012

Minute Meditation for 12/12/2012

		Subscribe to the Minute Meditations e-newsletter.
		Subscribe to Minute Meditations at Twitter.com.
		Subscribe to this RSS feed. How?

Paid Advertisement

Ads contrary to Catholic teachings should be reported to our webmaster. Include ad link.

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 Little Way of Advent
	New! Meditations for Advent in the spirit of St. Thérèse of Lisieux.

	A Catholic Family Advent
	New! Celebrate Advent as a family with these prayers and activities.

	Sharing the Word
	New! Scriptural reflections to guide you through the season of Advent.

	New book!
	Get a fascinating look inside Catholic apologetics from Patrick Madrid.

	Hope and Help
	Guidance and inspiration for living with illness.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Advent
	May the long December nights increase our longing for the One who is to come.

	Happy Birthday
	A December birthday means twice the presents and cards. Make sure one e-card is from Catholic Greetings!

	Second Sunday of Advent
	Before dinner this evening gather your family around the Advent wreath and light two purple candles.

	Immaculate Conception of Mary
	Honor the patroness of the U.S. with a Catholic Greetings e-card.

	Advent
	Subscribers to Catholic Greetings Premium Service can use one e-card to remind several friends of holiday get-togethers.

Come find us at:

American Catholic is for Catholics, all Christians and seekers. Find Roman Catholic Saints, Minute Meditations, Catholic Church Questions and Catholic News. Post Prayer Requests and send Catholic e-cards. Discover Catholic Books, Catholic Audio Books, Catholic Videos, and a leading Catholic Magazine.