Today's Minute Meditation is in honor of Saint Anthony of Padua! đ
Hello John,
As I was reading about the remarkable life of Paulinus of Nola, I couldn't help but be inspired by his unwavering dedication to helping those in need. His selfless acts of charity and his commitment to serving the poor are truly exemplary. It's amazing how he gave up his wealth and lived a life devoted to helping others. Such acts of compassion and generosity are something we can all learn from and strive to emulate in our own lives. If you're able to contribute, please consider making a donation today to help Franciscan Media continue our mission of providing resources in the Franciscan spirit. Donate today! |
Saint of the Day for June 20: Paulinus of Nola Saint Paulinus of Nolaâs Story 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 Saints Augustine, Jerome, Melania, Martin, Gregory and Ambrose. 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. The two were baptized by the saintly bishop of Bordeaux and moved to Therasiaâs 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. He and his wife then moved to Nola, near Naples. He had a great love for Saint Felix of Nola, and spent much effort in promoting devotion to this saint. Paulinus gave away most of his remaining propertyâto the consternation of his relativesâand 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. Paulinusâ last years were saddened by the invasion of the Huns. Among his few writings is the earliest extant Christian wedding song. His liturgical feast is celebrated on June 22. Reflection Many of us are tempted to âretireâ early in life, after an initial burst of energy. Devotion to Christ and his work is waiting to be done all around us. Paulinusâ life had scarcely begun when he thought it was over, as he took his ease on that estate in Spain. âMan proposes, but God disposes.â
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Saint Anthony, Teacher In canonizing Anthony in 1232, Pope Gregory IX spoke of him as the âArk of the Testamentâ and the âRepository of Holy Scripture.â That explains why Saint Anthony is frequently pictured with a burning light or a book of the Scriptures in his hands. In 1946, Pope Pius XII officially declared Anthony a Doctor of the Church. It is in Anthonyâs love of the word of God and his prayerful efforts to understand and apply it to the situations of everyday life that the Church especially wants us to imitate Saint Anthony. While noting in the prayer of his feast the effectiveness that Anthony is known for as an intercessor, the Church especially wants us to learn from Anthony the teacher the meaning of true wisdom and what it means to become like Jesus, who humbled and emptied himself for our sakes and went about doing good. âfrom the book Saint Anthony of Padua: His Life, Legends, and Devotions
by Jack Wintz, OFM |
I Know You Are There, Lord Reflect In verse 8 of Psalm 139, we read, âIf I ascend to the heavens, you are there; if I lie down in Sheol, there you are.â We cannot escape from Godâs presence.
Pray Dear God,
Wherever I go and whatever I do, you are with me.
You stand beside me in my struggles and accompany me in my battles.
You laugh with me when I am joyful.
You cry with me and for me when I am sad.
It doesnât matter whether I can feel your presence;
I can trust and believe that you are there, my constant companion, holding my hand.
Thank you, God, for being with me on this journey of my life.
Amen.
Act Commit verse 8 of Psalm 139 to memory. Recite it throughout the day to remind yourself that you are not alone. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Colleen Arnold, MD. Learn more here! |
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