DOCSLIB.ORG

St. Peter's Church

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
St. Peter's Church St. Peter’s Church Franciscans of the Sacred Heart Province JULY 4, 2021 WEEKEND MASSES Saturdays 5:00 pm Vigil Mass for Sunday Sundays 9:00 am and 11:00 am Weekday Masses Mondays through Fridays 11:40 am and 1:15 pm CONFESSIONS Lower Level of the Church Mondays through Fridays 10:30 am until 3:00 pm Saturdays 12 noon until 4:30 pm DEVOTIONS St. Anthony Devotions on Tuesdays After the 11:40 am and 1:15 pm Masses. OFFICE HOURS Mondays through Fridays 9:00 am until 6:00 pm Saturdays 10:30 am until 4:30 pm CHURCH BUILDING OPEN Mondays through Fridays 10:30 am until 3:00 pm Saturdays 12 noon until 6:00 pm Sundays 8:30 am until 12:30 pm 110 West Madison Street ● Chicago, Illinois 60602-4196 312.372.5111 ● www.stpetersloop.org Welcome to St. Peter’s Church -2- July 4, 2021 Catholic Resourceses Please view the following websites for daily Mass, prayers FRANCISCAN FRIAR STAFF and spiritual support: Friar Confessors & Staff: www.archchicago.org www.vatican.va Fr. Michael Fowler O.F.M., Pastor Fr. Don Blaeser O.F.M. www.usccb.org Fr. Johnpaul Cafiero O.F.M. www.catholictv.org Fr. Wenceslaus Church O.F.M. www.ewtn.com Fr. Derran Combs O.F.M. Fr. Mario DiCicco O.F.M. www.relevantradio.com Fr. Tom Ess O.F.M. Br. Leo Geurts O.F.M Saints’ Days and Observances Fr. Kurt Hartrich O.F.M. Br. Clarence Klingert O.F.M. Sun., July 4: 14th Sunday in Ordinary Time Br. Thomas Krull O.F.M. Independence Day Br. William Lanning O.F.M. Fr. Ed McKenzie O.F.M. Mon., July 5 Ordinary Time Br. Guillermo Morales O.F.M. Fr. Bill Rooney O.F.M. Tues., July 6: Ordinary Time Fr. Carlos Ruiz O.F.M. Fr. Ed Shea O.F.M. Wed., July 7: Ordinary Time Fr. Ed Tverdek O.F.M. Part-time Friar Staff: Thurs., July 8: Ordinary Time Fr. Arthur Anderson O.F.M. Fri., July 9: Sts. Nicholas Pieck & Willehad In Residence: Sat., July 10: St. Veronica Giuliani Br. Erlison Campos O.F.M. Br. Vagner Ferreira O.F.M. Fr. Robert Hutmacher O.F.M. Fr. Robert Karris O.F.M. ST. PETER’S STAFF Fr. Gilbert Ostdiek O.F.M. Br. Bill Schulte O.F.M. Pastor Fr. Marc Sheckells O.F.M. Fr. Michael J. Fowler O.F.M. 312-372-5111 Br. Raymond Shuhert O.F.M. Business Manager Fr. Paul Tuan O.F.M. Br. Clarence Klingert O.F.M. 312-372-5111 Programs Director Fr. Derran Combs O.F.M. 312-372-5111 Director of Public Safety Gilbert Mathews 312-853-2334 Communications & Events Director Jo Ann Bednar 312-853-2376 Young Adult Ministry Fr. Ed Shea O.F.M. 773-892-4134 Director of Liturgy and Music WEEKLY COLLECTIONS Gregory Ceurvorst 312-853-2412 Many thanks to those of you who have contributed Associate Director of Liturgy and Music to St. Peter’s collection this past week. Your gifts Coordinator of Liturgical Ministers are essential to our ministry, and we are grateful. James Kapellas 312-853-2418 Weekly Goal………………………….......$ 12,000 Director of Environment and Sacristan June 20-26 Total…….…………….$ 3,822 Phil Bujnowski 312-628-1254 Difference….…..……..$ - 8,178 stpetersloop.org -3- July4, 2021 THOUGHTS FROM THE PASTOR his weekend we are celebrating those who live alongside us, who worship with us, who T our nation’s Independence (July work hard to provide for their family. The words of 4). Last year we lived with the Pope Francis on September 24, 2015 in addressing a reality that with the danger of joint session of the United States Congress, continue to COVID many celebrations, picnics, have a challenging urgency in light of actions our family gatherings, parades and country has taken towards refugees coming to our fireworks were cancelled. As many borders. The inaction of our Congress to look seriously of the restrictions of the previous year have eased and at immigration reform in our country has not helped more and more people are receiving the vaccine shot, ease the burdens faced by so many people on our we give thanks and pray for our many health care borders. In his speech to the Congress in 2015, Pope workers and scientists who have worked so hard in the Francis said, face of danger to take care of us. On this Independence “Our world is facing a refugee crisis of a magnitude not Day 2021, we are called to honor the great vision of seen since the Second World War. This presents us with those who laid the foundation for the United States of great challenges and many hard decisions. On this America. While we have struggled over the years to continent, too, thousands of persons are led to travel define and live what our ideals are for us as a country, north in search of a better life for themselves and for we continue to explore what it means to be free people their loved ones, in search of greater opportunities. Is and a citizen of these United States in the 21st century. this not what we want for our own children? We must Now 245 years after we declared our not be taken aback by their numbers, but rather view independence we are a much larger, them as persons, seeing their faces and listening to their diverse and complex country. We stories, trying to respond as best we can to their have suffered and continue to suffer situation. To respond in a way which is always humane, with wars, disease, discrimination, just and fraternal. We need to avoid a common racial hatred, and countless other temptation nowadays: to discard whatever proves difficulties. But as a nation, though troublesome. Let us remember the Golden Rule: “Do painful and slow at times, we have unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Mt sought to bring equality and justice to everyone who is a 7:12) citizen and all who visit our great land. We rightly prize A nation can be considered great when it defends liberty our freedom, but too often we take that same freedom as Lincoln did, when it fosters a culture which enables for granted. As citizens, we have rights but we also have people to “dream” of full rights for all their brothers obligations to protect especially the innocent and and sisters, as Martin Luther King sought to do; when it defenseless. Recent events in our nation challenge us strives for justice and the cause of the oppressed, as even more this year to work towards the equality of Dorothy Day did by her tireless work, the fruit of a faith ALL and justice for everyone in our country. which becomes dialogue and sows peace in the Over these many years since the signing of the contemplative style of Thomas Merton.” Declaration of Independence, people from many other When the Declaration of nations, languages and cultures have been drawn to also Independence was signed, live in these United States. Some have come for those who placed their names economic reasons and some because of war, persecution on that paper knew it was a or turmoil in their own country. Some have come for momentous act that called for ulterior motives that do not promote the common good. courage and trust in the But studies have shown most people have come seeking providence of God. As citizens to live in a country that promotes tolerance of those who of the USA in 2021 we are called to be no less are different, a spirit of acceptance and a country that courageous in our present circumstances. Please keep all celebrates not only our individual freedoms but also the our men and women who are serving in the armed freedom to worship God with our own faith. forces and their families who wait at home in your As we celebrate this 245th Independence Day, may prayers. Let us pray and work that peace may come to we resolve as people of this great nation to join together our world and all people will work to understand that in celebrating the blessings of living in the land of the we are truly brothers and sisters in God’s family. free and the home of the brave. Though we must Let us resolve to do all we can to eliminate racism in promote better immigration policies that treat all people our midst and elect leaders who will work to bring fairly, we must also promote respect for families of Continued on page 4 Welcome to St. Peter’s Church -4- July 4, 2021 "liberty and justice to all." The increasing intolerance challenge us all, “I have done what was mine to do, in our country, the senseless violence that plagues may Christ now teach you what you are to do.” (from St. Bonaventure, Life of St. Francis) Chicago and many other places throughout the country and the world calls for action against such behavior. As Fr. Michael Catholics who profess belief in the call of Jesus we are charged with bringing peace and love to others. As we PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS gather to celebrate the "Fourth of July" may each of us Please remember in your prayers Fr. resolve to bring the peace of Christ to our world, that is Juan Antonio Orozco, OFM, a so desperately in need of the message of Jesus. Franciscan Friar of the Province of St.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Franciscan Saints, Blesseds, and Feasts (To Navigate to a Page, Press Ctrl+Shift+N and Then Type Page Number)
    Franciscan Saints, Blesseds, and Feasts (to navigate to a page, press Ctrl+Shift+N and then type page number) Saints St. Francis de Sales, January 29 ................................................ 3 St. Agnes of Assisi, November 19 ..........................................29 St. Francis Mary of Camporosso, September 20 ................24 St. Agnes of Prague, March 2 ...................................................6 St. Francis of Paola, April 2 ........................................................9 St. Albert Chmielowski, June 17 ............................................. 16 St. Francisco Solano, July 14 .....................................................19 St. Alphonsa of the Immaculate Conception, July 28........20 St. Giles Mary of St. Joseph, February 7 ................................4 St. Amato Ronconi, May 8 .......................................................12 St. Giovanni of Triora, February 7 ............................................4 St. Angela Merici, January 27 ................................................... 3 St. Gregory Grassi, July 8 ........................................................ 18 St. Angela of Foligno, January 7 ................................................1 St. Hermine Grivot, July 8 ....................................................... 18 St. Angelo of Acri, October 30 .............................................. 27 St. Humilis of Bisignano, November 25 .................................30 St. Anthony of Padua, June 13 ................................................ 16 St.
    [Show full text]
  • 53 ●Chicago, Illinois 60666-0353 ●(773) 686-AMEN (2636) ●
    Interfaith Airport Chapels of Chicago Chicago Midway and O’Hare International Airports P.O. Box 66353 ●Chicago, Illinois 60666-0353 ●(773) 686-AMEN (2636) ●www.airportchapels.org Week of July 5 — July 11, 2020 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — July 5, 2020 DUE TO THE CORONAVIRUS PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY, the “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” O'Hare and Midway Chapels will follow the directives issued — Matthew 11:28 by government officials and the Archdiocese of Chicago: Group Worship Services and Public celebration of Mass are SHARE THE BURDEN suspended until further notice. The Chapels will remain “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you open for personal prayer 24/7. I ask that you please pray for rest” (Matthew 11:28). These words of our Sav- our airport workers and travelers and their families during ior seem to be in stark contrast to the previous these uncertain and difficult times. Please also pray for chapter from the same Gospel, when we were health care workers and their loved ones. told that if we do not take up our crosses, we Please check our website, www.airportchapels.org or call 773-686- are not worthy of Christ. Connecting these two 2636 and press 3 for any updated information. Know that you & your fami- messages might help us on our faith journeys. lies are always in my prayers. Being a follower of Christ surely means that we May God bless you always, must embrace the cross, in its mystery of both Fr.
    [Show full text]
  • Business Relations, Identities, and Political Resources of the Italian
    European Review of History Revue européenne d’histoire Volume 23 Number 3 June 2016 CONTENTS—SOMMAIRE DOSSIER: Business Relations, Identities, and Political Resources of the Italian Merchants in the Early-Modern Spanish Monarchy / Relations commerciales, identités et ressources politiques des marchands italiens dans la Monarchie espagnole à l’époque moderne GUEST EDITORS: Catia Brilli and Manuel Herrero Sánchez The business relations, identities and political resources of Italian merchants in the early-modern Spanish monarchy: some introductory remarks Manuel Herrero Sánchez 335 Tuscan merchants in Andalusia: a historiographical debate Angela Orlandi 347 A Genoese merchant and banker in the Kingdom of Naples: Ottavio Serra and his business network in the Spanish polycentric system, c.1590–1620 Yasmina Rocío Ben Yessef Garfia 367 Looking through the mirrors: materiality and intimacy at Domenico Grillo’s mansion in Baroque Madrid Felipe Gaitán Ammann 400 Small but powerful: networking strategies and the trade business of Habsburg-Italian merchants in Cadiz in the second half of the eighteenth century Klemens Kaps 427 Coping with Iberian monopolies: Genoese trade networks and formal institutions in Spain and Portugal during the second half of the eighteenth century Catia Brilli 456 I. ARTICLES—ARTICLES Politics of place: political representation and the culture of electioneering in the Netherlands, c.1848–1980s Harm Kaal 486 A regionalisation or long-distance trade? Transformations and shifts in the role of Tana in the Black Sea trade in
    [Show full text]
  • The Church and the Age; an Exposition of the Catholic Church in View of the Needs and Aspirations of the Present
    CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY """"""* """"^ BX1406 .H44" Church and the age: an exposition of the 3 1924 029 381 013 olln 3 The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 924029381 01 THE CHUKCH AID THE AGE AN EXPOSITION OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN VIEW OF THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE PRESENT AGE BY VERY REV. I. T. HECKER New York OFFICE OF THE CATHOLIC WORLD Business JOHN J. FARRELL, Manager 6 Park Place 1887 Copyright, 1887, By I. T. HECKER. >- H. J. HEWITT, PRINTER & ELEOTROTVPER, 27 ROSE STREET) NEW VORK. NOTICE. This book is made up of twelve articles, which fall into five general divisions. The first division, consisting of five articles, treats of the Catholic Church in relation to races, nations, and epochs, dealing with the subject at first in general and then mor^ particularly of Church and State in America, Italy, and France. The second general di- vision, beginning with the sixth article, is mainly devoted to the concord of the interior action of the Holy Spirit in each particular soul with His exterior action in the public authority of the Church ; it cm- braces the articles entitled respectively " St. Cather- ine of Genoa," "Catholicity and the Tendencies of the Age," and " The Experiment of Protestantism." The fourth division—articles ix. and x.—treats of orthodox and historical Protestantism, and the fifth — articles xi. and xii. —of Unitarianism and Transcen- dentalism. But as the same general principles run through them all, the articles have not been marked off into these general divisions, but are numbered consecutively from first to last.
    [Show full text]
  • The Martyrology of the Monastery of the Ascension
    The Martyrology of the Monastery of the Ascension Introduction History of Martyrologies The Martyrology is an official liturgical book of the Catholic Church. The official Latin version of the Martyrology contains a short liturgical service the daily reading of the Martyrology’s list of saints for each day. The oldest surviving martyologies are the lists of martyrs and bishops from the fourth-century Roman Church. The martyrology wrongly attributed to St. Jerome was written in Ital in the second half of the fifth century, but all the surviving versions of it come from Gaul. It is a simple martyrology, which lists the name of the saint and the date and place of death of the saint. Historical martyrologies give a brief history of the saints. In the eighth and ninth centuries, St. Bede, Rhabanus Maurus, and Usuard all wrote historical martyrologies. The Roman Martyrology, based primarily on Usuard’s, was first published in 1583, and the edition of 1584 was made normative in the Roman rite by Gregory XIII. The post-Vatican II revision appeared first in 2001. A revision that corrected typographical errors and added 117 people canonized by Pope John Paul II between 2001 and 2004, appeared in 2005.1 The Purpose and Principles of This Martyology The primary purpose of this martyrology is to provide an historically accurate text for liturgical use at the monastery, where each day after noon prayer it is customary to read the martyrology for the following day. Some things in this martyrology are specific to the Monastery of the Ascension: namesdays of the members of the community, anniversaries of members of the community who have died, a few references to specific events or saints of local interest.
    [Show full text]
  • Interfaith Airport Chapels of Chicago Chicago Midway and O’Hare International Airports P.O
    Interfaith Airport Chapels of Chicago Chicago Midway and O’Hare International Airports P.O. Box 66353 ●Chicago, Illinois 60666-0353 ●(773) 686-AMEN (2636) ●www.airportchapels.org Week of July 8 — July 14, 2018 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — July 8, 2018 I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ WELCOME TO THE INTERFAITH AIRPORT CHAPELS OF CHICAGO! The may dwell with me. — 2 Corinthians 12:9 O’Hare Airport Chapel and Midway Airport Chapel are each a peaceful oasis in a busy venue. A place to bow your head in prayer while lifting up your heart and spirit! Prayer books and rugs, OBSTACLES rosaries, and worship materials are available, as are chaplains for The prophet Ezekiel, Saint Paul, and the Lord Jesus share something in spiritual counsel. You are welcome to attend Mass or Worship common in today’s scripture readings. They all ex- services and to come to the chapels (open 24/7) to pray or medi- perience obstacles to their ministry. Ezekiel is sum- tate. May God bless your travels. — Fr. Michael Zaniolo, Administrator moned to prophesy to the Israelites, who are “[h]ard of face and obstinate of heart” (Ezekiel 2:4). Saint Paul recounts how he has been given a “thorn in the Interfaith Calendar & Events flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7). The Lord Jesus is unable ✈ July 10: Martyrdom of the Báb, the forerunner of Báhá´u´lláh to perform many signs in his native place. The Gospel (Bahá’i). As a result of religious persecution, he and 20,000 of his follow- tells us that “[he] was amazed at their lack of ers were martyred for their beliefs during the mid 1800s.
    [Show full text]
  • Cat-Under-2500-Final-Copy.Pdf
    1. [ACCADEMICI TIMIDI] . Rime degli Accademici Timidi ... per fregio della laurea ... dell’una, e l’altra Legge… Mantua, Alberto Pazzoni, 1731. £1,250 8vo, pp. 36. Roman and Italic letter; a few damp stains, small rust spot to middle of gutter. Good copy in elegant contemporary gilt paper embossed with flowers; minor loss; several contemporary autographs, presumably of fellow members, to pastedowns. An interesting collection of rhymes written by the members of the Academy of the Shy Men, celebrating the graduation in law of one of their fellows. This important intellectual academy was active in Mantua from the beginning of seventeenth century. CJS4 FROM ADORNO, GOVERNOR OF GENOA 2. ADORNO, Agostino. [MS Letter]. £1,450 Genoa, 1496. One sheet, 20.5 x 29.5cm, paper, autograph letter signed 30 March 1496, 16 lines (plus signature), Latin in a very neat, humanistic italic, brown ink, paper wafer seal and docket to verso, some spotting and light browning from seal, watermark of a bird encircled from Ferrara, probably early C15 (Briquet 12.118). The letter is addressed by Adorno to the 'Brothers and Friends of the Antiani of Genoa'. The Antiani had been instituted in Italian cities since the 13th century as representatives of the plebian class, an updated version of Roman tribunes. Adorno asks that the Antiani grant pardon to Thomas Beti, whose 'excellence' Adorno hopes to 'make well known to strangers' as well as 'brothers and friends'; Beti is described as a 'ready speaker, eloquent in persuading' and powerful in negotiation. Agostino Adorno was appointed governor of Genoa in 1488 by Ludovico Sforza, Duke of Milan, who gained control of the city that year.
    [Show full text]
  • True Cross of Our Lord Ex Ligno Crucis (Wood from the Cross)
    True Cross of Our Lord Ex ligno crucis (wood from the Cross) “There they crucified him, and with him two others” John 19:18 The Cross on which Christ was Crucified was brought from the Holy Land to Rome by St. Helen, the mother of the Emperor Constantine in the Fourth Century. The largest remaining portions of it are in Santa Croce Church, in Rome. Due to scarcity, the Church no longer issues relics of the True Cross. This particular reliquary containing extraordinarily large portions of the True Cross was once given as a gift by the bishop of Limoges (France) to the bishop of Marseilles (France) at his Episcopal consecration (see official documentation on back). “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 Fragment of the Veil of the Blessed Virgin Mary De velo (from the Veil) Profile: Mother of Jesus. Spouse of the Holy Spirit. Betrothed of Saint Joseph. Born: unknown, perhaps 20BC; celebrated on 8 September. Died: unknown; assumed into heaven on a date unknown but celebrated each year on 15 August. Inside this reliquary is a piece of fabric taken from the Veil worn by the Blessed Virgin. Our Lady’s Veil has been venerated from the earliest centuries since she was assumed into Heaven. This particular portion was encased within this theca within the Vatican. It was given to this ministry to allow for world wide veneration.
    [Show full text]
  • Interfaith Airport Chapels of Chicago Chicago Midway and O’Hare International Airports P.O
    Interfaith Airport Chapels of Chicago Chicago Midway and O’Hare International Airports P.O. Box 66353 ●Chicago, Illinois 60666-0353 ●(773) 686-AMEN (2636) ●www.airportchapels.org Week of July 9 —— 15, 2017 Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time — July 9, 2017 “Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest.” WELCOME TO THE INTERFAITH AIRPORT CHAPELS OF CHICAGO! The O’Hare — Matthew 11:28 Airport Chapel and Midway Airport Chapel are each a peaceful oasis in a busy venue. A place to bow your head in prayer while lifting up your heart and spirit! Prayer books and rugs, rosaries, A HUMBLE KING and worship materials are available, as are chaplains for spiri- Like a tonal center in music, the note to which we keep returning in today’s tual counsel. You are welcome to attend Mass or Worship ser- readings is humility. We wait in joyful expectation vices and to come to the chapels (open 24/7) to pray or medi- for the coming of our Lord as King. But what we are tate. May God bless your travels. told to expect and rejoice over is a meek and humble — Fr. Michael Zaniolo, Administrator king, riding on an ass. Not horses or chariots of the great and mighty, but a humble beast carries the Interfaith Calendar & Events Ruler whose dominion stretches “from the River to ✈ July 9: Martyrdom of the Báb, the forerunner of Báhá´u´lláh the ends of the earth” (Zechariah 9:10). This King (Bahá’i). As a result of religious persecution, he and 20,000 of his followers comes to banish the tools of the warrior and bring were martyred for their beliefs during the mid 1800s.
    [Show full text]
  • St. John of Cologne, OP, and His Companions: the Martyrs of Gorcum
    SAINT JOHN OF COLOGNE, 0. P., AND HIS COMPANIONS THE MARTYRS OF GORCUM 1 The year 1572 found the inhabitants of the Netherlands in rebellion against the dominion of Spain as well as against the authority of the Church. In this struggle the Calvinistic element in the country gained the ascendency. The Calvinists held their first synod at Embden, in 1571. On April 1, 1572, the Gueux, or Watergeuzen (Sea-beggars), conquered Brielle and later Vlis­ singen and other towns of the locality. In the same year Dort­ recht and Gorcum fell into their hands. Gorcum, originally Gorinchen, is a little town in Holland, on the River Meuse. It is situated in the midst of a fertile coun­ try, about twenty miles from Dortrecht. At the time of which we write the town was in a very poor state of defense. In fact, the only place considered safe at all was a citadel built on the town walls, at the foot of which flowed the Meuse. When the town was attacked, the inhabitants hoped it would hold out against the insurgents till succour could be obtained from the neighboring cities, still loyal to the Spanish sovereign. The Protestants of Gorcum had, however, sent messengers to Dort­ recht, which had just been captured, to attack the town suddenly. Accordingly, on the morning of June 25, thirteen vessels carrying soldiers were sighted coming up the river from Dortrecht. They sailed almost to the very walls of the city, their appearance causing great joy to the Protestants but sorrow and dismay to the Catholic inhabitants.
    [Show full text]
  • THE POCKET GUIDE to the Saints 
    THE POCKET GUIDE TO the Saints RICHARD P. McBRIEN co ntent s Introduction 1 The Lives of the Saints January 11 February 36 March 57 April 80 May 104 June 128 July 158 August 186 September 214 October 244 November 275 December 302 Index of Names 335 About the Author Other Books by Richard P. McBrien Credits Cover Copyright About the Publisher introduction This book contains the abridged profiles of canon- ized saints and other saintly fi gures, organized according to their respective feast days or days of death. For the complete profiles, readers should consult the full edition, published in hardcover by HarperSanFrancisco in 2001 and released in paperback in 2003. Although the Catholic Church has always been the principal agency of saint making, this book is also atten- tive to the devotional traditions and practices of other Christian denominations, particularly the Greek and Rus- sian Orthodox Churches, the churches of the Anglican Communion, including the Episcopal Church USA, and the churches of the Lutheran World Federation, espe- cially the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. There are also occasional references to holy persons not yet for- mally recognized as saints, including non-Chris tians. There is no more basic question than the question of sanctity, because it touches the very meaning and depths of our lives on this earth. In what does a fully human life consist? What does it mean not only to be “good,” but to be heroically so? And what role does a global and multi- cultural community like the Church have in inspiring others to live up to such standards of human behavior, 2 the pocket guide to the saints and what responsibility does it have to live up to those standards itself ? In the eyes of the Church, saints are personifi cations of what the truly good life is all about, and that is why, for centuries, devoted members of the Church have looked to the saints as models for their own lives and as sources of inspiration and hope.
    [Show full text]
  • Splendor of Parish Priests
    SPLENDOR OF PARISH PRIESTS ROBERT REID, O.P. HE BOAT slipped silently away from the dock. On the deck, chained closely together, lay a small, haggard-looking I] group of men. They had been badly bruised and beaten, some into a state of unconsciousness. Only remnants of tattered clothing clung to their broken bodies-a piece of black cas­ sock material, a brown Franciscan cowl, a hardly recognizable Do­ minican habit. These men were priests and religious about to receive the coveted crown of martyrdom. The men on that boat were Saint John of Cologne, O.P. and his companions-known to history as The GorCLt7-n Martyrs! THE SETTING Holland in the sixteenth century was a very unhappy country, torn asunder by both civil and religious strife. The tide of Calvinism was rapidly sweeping over the land; the yoke of Spanish domination was weighing heavily upon the backs of the citizens of both Holland and Belgium. Spain and Catholicism were identified in the minds of the Dutch and Flemish peoples. The proponents of Calvinism used the peoples' natural aversion for Spain and things Spanish to fan up flames of hatred for the One True Faith. Catholics. they said, were friends of Spain and traitors to the fatherland; Protes­ tants, and especially Calvinists, were patriots. Loyalty to Holland and adherence to Catholicism were incompatible. Aided by such argu­ ments, Protestant leaders succeeded in disseminating the teachings of Calvin through a great part of the Low Countries. Alarmed at the contagious spread of this heresy and the ensuing possibility of a revolt, the Spanish monarch, Charles V, and his successor, Philip II, set up an inquisition, similar to the Spanish Inquisition, to deal with the situation in the Netherlands.
    [Show full text]