Today's saint is the patron of Internet users! đ
Dear John, I close this week of saintly wisdom with one of the most astonishing women in our impressive canon of saints, Teresa of Avila, who wrote, âAll blessings come to us through our Lord. He will teach us, for in beholding his life we find that he is the best example.â Even though Thanksgiving is several months away, I try each day to count my blessings. Youâour readers, donors, friends, and associatesâare some of our greatest blessings. Without you, we wouldn't be able to do what we do. Lent is a good time to survey our lives and count our blessings. And it is important to remember where they come from. âïž Peace!
Christopher Heffron Editorial Director |
Saint of the Day for April 4:
Isidore of Seville (c. 560 â April 4, 636)
Listen to Saint Isidore of Sevilleâs Story Here
The 76 years of Isidoreâs life were a time of conflict and growth for the Church in Spain. The Visigoths had invaded the land a century and a half earlier, and shortly before Isidoreâs birth they set up their own capital. They were AriansâChristians who said Christ was not God. Thus, Spain was split in two: One people (Catholic Romans) struggled with another (Arian Goths). Isidore reunited Spain, making it a center of culture and learning. The country served as a teacher and guide for other European countries whose culture was also threatened by barbarian invaders. Born in Cartagena of a family that included three other sibling saintsâLeander, Fulgentius and Florentinaâhe was educated by his elder brother, whom he succeeded as bishop of Seville. An amazingly learned man, he was sometimes called âThe Schoolmaster of the Middle Agesâ because the encyclopedia he wrote was used as a textbook for nine centuries. He required seminaries to be built in every diocese, wrote a Rule for religious orders, and founded schools that taught every branch of learning. Isidore wrote numerous books, including a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a history of Goths, and a history of the worldâbeginning with creation! He completed the Mozarabic liturgy, which is still in use in Toledo, Spain. For all these reasons, Isidore has been suggested as patron of the Internet. Several othersâincluding Anthony of Paduaâalso have been suggested. He continued his austerities even as he approached age 80. During the last six months of his life, he increased his charities so much that his house was crowded from morning till night with the poor of the countryside. Reflection Our society can well use Isidoreâs spirit of combining learning and holiness. Loving, understanding and knowledge can heal and bring a broken people back together. We are not barbarians like the invaders of Isidoreâs Spain. But people who are swamped by riches and overwhelmed by scientific and technological advances can lose much of their understanding love for one another. Saint Isidore of Seville is the Patron Saint of: Internet users
Computers users
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Worthy of Respect
Every time you and I encounter another human being made in the image and likeness of God, we have a unique opportunity to show that person reverenceâin how we say his or her name, our actions, words, and the kindness in our voice. Too often, the fast-paced haze of life has us whirling at a speed where we feel like weâre moving so quickly from one thing to the next. The stress of daily life and endless tasks to complete lead us to rush past the people we encounter over the course of our day. Sometimes we miss or ignore the person right in front of us. We forget that this person has a name or wishes to be seen and loved as we do. âfrom St. Anthony Messengerâs âLet Us Pray: Names as an Act of Reverenceâ
by Patricia Breen |
Embrace the spirit of St. Francis! This inspiring reference book offers a captivating glimpse into the rich history, remarkable figures, significant places, and essential texts that embody the essence of the Franciscan tradition. Franciscan Field Guide: People, Places, Practices, and Prayers |
Strengthen My Body, Lord Reflect âThe Body of Christ,â we hear in faith whenever we are ready to receive the Eucharist. âAmenâ is the traditional response. We agree. We believe. Pray We are also
Christâs Body,
your eloquent apostle Paul
tells us.
Today, Creator of All,
please consider the flaws
of this body of yours.
Today, I ache
or sniffle
or wear corrective lenses.
I want to run the race,
but jogging is out of the question.
Strengthen me
to do what I can.
Help me
to accept my limitations
and give you the glory
with what this poor body
can do in your service. Act I will raise my arms high in praise of the strength you give me, Mighty One. What I can do, I will doâfor you. Today's Pause+Pray was written by Carol Ann Morrow. Learn more here! |
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