Pilgrim progress- a disciple on a journey!

 On the 29th of July, as Church we celebrate the liturgical feastday of St. Martha, St. Mary and St. Lazarus, the friends of Jesus- a relatively new celebration gifted to the Church in 2021. It amplifies the original feastday of St. Martha, which interestingly was a celebration marked in the Roman Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox churches, and commemorated by the Lutheran Church and the Anglican Communion on this day. Personally, I always feel that Martha gets a bit of a raw deal, something like St. Thomas. She is remembered for fussing about and being anxious and yet we forget that hers was a great acclamation of faith “I believe that you are the Lord, the one who is to come”. This is quite similar to St. Thomas who is renowned for his disbelief and wanting to touch the wounds of Christ before He would believe. Yet from him we have one of the most poignant prayers, “My Lord and my God”. As we reflect upon the Bethany scene of Mary and Martha, with Martha being somewhat admonished

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 w

Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostles. Saint Anselm of Canterbury said of her: "you are chosen because you are beloved and beloved because you are chosen of God”. If you look closely at the picture, you will see a little tear on the face of the saint. On her lips the Easter sequence places this cry of joy: Surrexit Christus, spes mea- Christ, my hope, has risen. Jesus transforms all our tears into paschal joy.  Happy feastday!

On the memorial of St. Maria Goretti, one of the patrons of Catholic youth, may this courageous young martyr intercede for all who struggle with violent relationships and for young people as they strive to live and appreciate the gift of chastity. She offers children and young people a refuge, protection, a serene spirit and the deep joy of the pure of heart. If you look closely you can see the reflection of the stained glass on the relic! In a world we are constantly bombarded with images and messages which seek to steal our gaze away from Jesus and what is holy and wholesome in our lives, let us ask this young saint and indeed all the saints to intercede for us.