Pilgrim progress- a disciple on a journey!

Today within the Pauline Family, to which I belong, we celebrate the return to Heaven of a  little saint called Maggiorino Vigolungo. He was born in Benevello (Cuneo, North Italy) on May 6, 1904 into a family of humble farm workers but rich in the faith. A youth of sharp intelligence and lively temperament, he always sought to be the first in everything: in study, work, play and goodness. While still a little child, he met Fr. Alberione, Founder of the Pauline Family, and entrusted himself to his spiritual direction. He was enthusiastic for three things which were to become his ideal: to sanctify himself quickly; to become a priest; to become an apostle of the good press. He entered the Society of St Paul on October 15, 1916 at the age of twelve. Happy with his vocation and desirous to preach the Gospel by means of the press and the diffusion of good books and newspapers, he was to undergo many trials. But he knew how to respond firmly to those who opposed his decision. ...

"He will create beauty from the ashes. I know this. From the depths of my soul, I know this. Still, there are times I insist on doing it my way. I do it my way until an assaulting blow leaves me on my knees wondering if this is when he stops gluing together the pieces of my brokenness into something anew. I cry out to him and he pulls me into the shelter of his arms. With a gentle whisper he reminds me: My grace is enough for you: my power is at its best in weakness (2 Corinthians 12-9). He assures me of his promise through the example of Saints Peter and Paul. Through him, he teaches me his glory has no boundaries and love no limit. Without hesitation, Peter lays down his nets and steps off the boat when Jesus calls. Peter's love is deep-rooted and indisputable. And still, the beloved Peter denies him. Yet, with his faults and cracks, Peter is the rock he uses to build the Church. And Paul- Paul spat venom at believers and stood to watch while they were beaten and bruised. ...

In 100 years, there will be flying taxis and people will travel to the moon routinely. Knowledge will be instilled into students through wires attached to their heads. These may sound like the predictions of modern-day futurists, but they’re how people a century ago saw the future–otherwise known to you and me as the present. One hundred years ago on this day, a young man from a small town in Alba, Italy, with a futuristic vision took a huge leap of faith into the unknown. Just two weeks previous, the so called ‘war to end all wars’ began, World War 1. That young man was our Founder, Blessed James Alberione who planted the tree of the Pauline Family, nurtured it and made it grow in the garden of Jesus, the Way, the Truth and the Life until it reached its fruition. His message was one of uniting all things in Christ, quite opposite to the death and destruction that the horrors of war was beginning to manifest throughout Europe. In the Gospel, we hear how the Lord calls at...