Padre Pio Fraternity Newsletter

July 2020

Minister’s Message

The Mass and profession of Joan and Lisa were very beautiful last month. I am happy for Joan and Lisa as they worked hard and were faithful in their formation studies. It was especially good to be able to see everyone again, even though we were not able to socialize after the profession. We will have a celebration for their professions at a later date. Praise be to God that we will be able to meet in the Community Center at St. John of the Cross this Sunday, July 26. We will need to wear masks and social distance. Also, I would appreciate it if a couple of us would bring some cleaning material and cloth to wipe down the chairs and table before we leave. We will not be able to have an agape. The other day I was thinking about our vocation as Secular Franciscans, and I wondered if one of the reasons that God called us to this vocation is for the times that we are now living. I remember back when we were first beginning to form as a fraternity. Sr. Fidelis told me that the Holy Spirit was raising up our fraternity on the North Shore and He will use us. For those who do not know, Sr. Fidelis was the Spiritual Assistant for St. Teresa of Avila Fraternity and worked closely with us during our formation. We know that St. Francis lived both a contemplative and an active life in his service to God, and so it is with us. Since many of us are limiting ourselves with contact with others, it allows us more time for the contemplative life to pray, which is needed in today’s world. All we need to do is to look around to see the evil that is happening in our country with the violent riots, destruction of property, desecration of holy statues and Churches, and threats by the mob to do more. Obviously, much prayer is needed along with any support we can give to those who are active in this battle of light against darkness. There are several web sites of priests and lay people that have organized prayer vigils consisting of prayer and fasting. One of the sites, https://churchpop.com/2020/07/06/3-priests-call-for-40-days-of-prayer-fasting-to-drive-demonic-forces-out-of-america/ , entitled “3 Priests call for 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting to drive Demonic Forces out of America”, began July 7 and concludes August 15.

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They are requesting acts of reparation, fasting, penance, charity and prayer (both personal and Sacramental) to call upon God to release ourselves, our families, our parishes, our dioceses and our nation from all demonic influence and oppression. Praying the Holy Rosary each day is also encouraged. Also, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Slidell is having a “Day of Atonement” on August 15, the Feast of the Assumption, to offer reparation to God for the sins of ourselves, our families, our country, our world, and our Church. A Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am. The “Day of Atonement” is preceded by 40 continuous hours of Eucharistic Adoration beginning at 3:00 pm Thursday, August 13. Please see the flyer further down in the Newsletter. Let us also offer prayers for our Lord to protect our president and that he is led by the Holy Spirit. After our fraternity meeting this Sunday, Fr. Billy will bless water and salt with the prayer of exorcism so that we can consecrate and bless our homes to protect ourselves and families against evil. Further down in the Newsletter is a prayer recommended by Fr. Michael Rodrigue to use with the holy water and blessed salt for the consecration of our homes as a refuge. You will need to bring your own water and salt to be blessed. Peace and all good, Your Brother in Francis and Clare, Chuck Palmisano, OfS

Schedule of Events and other News

Fraternity Meeting: Sunday July 26, St. John of the Cross Catholic Church, 2:00 pm

Fraternity Meeting: Sunday August 23, St. John of the Cross, 2:00 pm

Fraternity Meeting: Sunday September 27, St. John of the Cross, 2:00 pm

Fraternity Meeting/Visitation: October 25, St. John of the Cross, 2:00 pm

Fraternity Annual Retreat: December 5 – 6; Cenacle Retreat Center, Metairie

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Reflection

The Foundation of the Order – the Power of Francis’s Preaching

Fourth Lesson: As Francis was on his way with his companions, determined to carry out his plan and gain an audience with the Supreme Pontiff, Innocent III, Christ, the power of God, Christ the wisdom of God, in his merciful condescension, came to meet him on his way. By means of a vision he instructed his Vicar on earth to give a peaceful hearing to this poor beggar man and grant his petition with good grace. In his vision the pope saw the Lateran Basilica threatening to collapse and being held up by a poor, wretched-looking individual of slight stature who put his back to it, to prevent it from falling. When Francis appeared before him, the learned pontiff was struck by the purity of his heart and his disregard for the world, and he was deeply impressed by his love for poverty and his determination to be perfect, as well as his zeal for souls and the burning fervor of his will. “Beyond Doubt”, he exclaimed, “this is the man who will uphold Christ’s Church by his work and teaching.” From that moment, he became completely devoted to the saint and he bowed graciously to his request. He approved the rule and gave the saint and his companions a mission to preach repentance, granting all their petitions there and then and promising generously to make even further concessions in the future.

Reflection

Fifth Lesson: With God’s grace and the authority of the Supreme Pontiff to support him, Francis now felt completely confident and he took the road towards the valley of Spoleto. He had conceived true Gospel perfection in his heart and professed it solemnly by his vows, and now he was eager to practice it in his own life and teach it to others by his preaching. Together with his companions, he discussed the question whether they should go out among the people or live in solitude, and he begged God in persevering prayer to make known his will in this manner. Then he was enlightened by a revelation and he realized that he had been sent by God to win for Christ the souls which the devil was trying to snatch away. And so he concluded that he should choose to live for others, rather than for himself alone. Thereupon, he went to live in an abandoned hut near Assisi, where he could share a life of poverty and strict religious discipline with his friars, and preach the word of God to the people, whenever he had the opportunity. He became a herald of the Gospel and he went about the towns and villages, preaching the kingdom of God “not in such words as human wisdom teaches, but in words taught him by the Spirit”. And God guided him in his speech by his revelations, and “attested his words by the miracles that went with them”.

Reflection

Eighth Lesson: At this time, too, a priest from Assisi, Father Silvester, a man of good life and dove-like simplicity, had a vision. He saw the whole countryside being swallowed up in the embrace of a huge serpent which seemed to threaten the various regions of the world with destruction, it looked so horrible and disgusting. Then he saw a shining cross of gold coming from St. Francis’ mouth. The top of it reached up to heaven and its arms stretched far and wide

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and seemed to reach to the ends of the earth, and the mere sight of it in all its glory was enough to put the terrible serpent to flight. Father Silvester was a religious-minded man and after he had seen this vision for the third time, he realized that St. Francis had been chosen by God to take up the standard of the Cross and crush the wicked serpent’s power. This he would do by enlightening the hearts of the faithful by the glorious witness of his life and teaching. He told the saint and his friars what he had seen and a short time afterwards he left the world; after Francis’ example, he followed in Christ’s footsteps with such perseverance that his life in the Order only served to confirm the vision he had seen while he was still in the world.

Omnibus of Sources; Bonaventure, Minor Life; Chapter II, Lessons 4, 5 and 8

Tuesday, August 11, is the Feast of St. Clare. Each year the Poor Clares offer a novena in their chapel leading up to her feast day. This year there will not be hosting a public novena but invite us to join them in our homes using the following novena prayers.

The intentions this year are, “for an end to COVID-19, for an end to racism, for justice and peace in our land and for all the needs of our suffering world. We pray also in gratitude and trust in our Lord’s continual care for us all.”

Solemnity of St. Clare – August 11, 20206

Novena to St. Clare

Daily Novena PrayerHeavenly Father, your love comes to us in many ways and through many persons. We ask you today that we may be channels of your love for others so that, like St. Clare, our hearts may be wide open to needs of the world. Amen.

Novena Day 1 – August 2“Your light must shine before all so that they may see goodness in your acts and give praise to your Heavenly Father.” (Matt. 5:16)

The name “Clare” means light. From the time of her birth, St. Clare was a shining light of goodness for the people of Assisi, for the Church, and for the world.

St. Clare, Rich in Mercy, pray for us.

Novena Day 2 – August 3“Because you are God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with heartfelt mercy.” (Col. 3:12)

While still living in her father’s house, Clare often visited the poor in their homes, bringing food and comfort.

St. Clare, Rich in Mercy, pray for us.

Novena Day 3 – August 4“Blessed are the poor in spirit; the kingdom of God is theirs.” (Matt. 5:3)

When St. Clare heard St. Francis preach about the Poor Christ her heart was inflamed with love and she wanted to follow Christ with her whole heart.

St. Clare, Poor with the Poor Christ, pray for us.

Novena Day 4 – August 5“If you seek perfection go, sell your possessions and give to the poor. You will then have treasure in heaven.” (Matt. 19-21)

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St. Clare did just that: she gave up everything to follow Jesus – home, family, inheritance. She found the Pearl of Great Price, Jesus Christ.

St. Clare, Pure in Spirit, pray for us.

Novena Day 5 – August 6“Take my yoke upon your shoulders and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart.” (Matt. 11:29)

Life for St. Clare and her first sisters was not easy, but she had Jesus as her teacher which made the burden light.

St. Clare, Meek and Humble, pray for us.

Novena Day 6 – August 7“Dedicate yourselves to thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ, rich as it is, dwell in you.” (Col. 3:15-16)

St. Clare’s way of life, like that of St. Francis, was simple: to live the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. She not only followed the Gospel; she lived the Gospel to its fullest.

St. Clare, True Witness to Gospel Living, pray for us.

Novena Day 7 – August 8“Jesus taught in their synagogues, proclaimed the good news of God’s reign, and cured every sickness and disease.” (Matt. 9:35)

St. Clare was known as a woman of prayer, close to God. Those in need would bring their sick loved ones to St. Clare who prayed for them for healing.

St. Clare, Healing Light, pray for us.

Novena Day 8 – August 9“Coming within sight of the city Jesus wept over it and said, ‘Days will come when your enemies encircle you with a rampart and hem you in.’” (Matt. 19:21)

On two occasions, when the city of Assisi was threatened by invading forces, St. Clare interceded for her beloved city.

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St. Clare, Defender of the City, pray for us.

Novena Day 9 – August 10“How beautiful is your love, my sister, my bride.” (Song of Songs 5:10)

Near the end of St. Clare’s life, she longed for her heavenly home, where she would be united forever with the Lord Jesus, her faithful spouse.

St. Clare, Chaste Spouse of Christ, pray for us.

August 11, Feast of St. Clare

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There is also a movie being shown on EWTN on August 1, at 7:00 p.m. “CLARE AND FRANCIS – An epic feature film on the lives and links between St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi, two beloved Catholic saints who sacrificed riches and social status for something higher.” (2 hrs.)

August –Franciscan Calendar of SaintsMonth of the Immaculate Heart of Mary

1. St. Alphonse de Liguori, Bishop, had been a tertiary before founding or joining another religious Institute, d. 17872. Our Lady of the Angels of the Portiuncula, Plenary Indulgence possible by visiting a church or chapel of the Franciscan 1st Order3. St. Pierre-Julien Eymard, Priest, had been a tertiary before founding or joining another religious Institute, d. 18684. St. Dominic, Priest, Cordbearer, d. 12215. B. Marie-Francoise de Jesus, Virgin, religious of the Third-Order Regular [living in community, under a Rule], d. 19046. Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ7. Bl. Agathange et Cassien, Priest, Capuchin, martyr 16388. St. Jean-Marie Vianney, Priest, Franciscan Third Order Secular, d. 18599. Bl. Marie-Marguerite of the Sacred Heart, Virgin, religious of the Third-Order Regular [living

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in community, under a Rule], d. 192410. St. Beatrice de Silva, Virgin, of the Franciscan 2nd-Order; a "Poor Clare" sister, d. 149211. Bl. Innocent XI, Pope, Franciscan Third Order Secular, d. 168912. St. Clare of Assisi, Virgin, Foundress of the Poor Clares, Plenary Indulgence for Tertiaries (Renewal of Engagements)13. Bl. Novellon de Faenza, Confessor, Franciscan Third Order Secular, d. 128014. St. Maximilien-Marie Kolbe, Priest, Conventual religious, martyr 194115. Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady16. Bl. Francois de Pesaro, Confessor, Franciscan Third Order Secular, d. 135017. St. Roch de Montpellier, Confessor, Franciscan Third Order Secular, d. 132718. Blessed Martyrs of Pontons de Rochefort, d. 179419. St. Jean Eudes, Priest, had been a tertiary before founding or joining another religious Institute, d. 168020. St. Louis d’ Anjou, Bishop of Toulouse, religious of the Franciscan 1st Order, d. 129721. St. Jeanne-Francoise de Chantal, Virgin, Franciscan Third Order Secular, d. 161022. Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary23. Bl. Bernard d’Offide, lay brother, Capuchin religious, d. 169424. St. Emilie de Vialar, Virgin, religious of the Third-Order Regular [living in community, under a Rule], d. 185625. St. Louis, Patron of Franciscan Third Order Seculars, Plenary Indulgence for tertiaries and cordbearers26. Bl. Pierre de Benisa, Priest, Capuchin religious, martyr 193627. St. Joseph Calasanz, Priest, Cordbearer, d. 164828. Bl. Junipero Serra, Priest, religious of the Franciscan 1st Order, d. 178429. Bl. Jean de Perouse, Priest, religious of the Franciscan 1st Order, d. 123130. Bl. Juvenal Ancina, Bishop, Franciscan Third Order Secular, d. 160431. Bl. Aurele de Vinalesa, Priest, Capuchin religious, martyr 1936

St. Maximilian KolbeFeastday : August 14

Patron: of drug addicts, prisoners, families, and the pro-life movementBirth: January 8, 1894

Death: August 14, 1941Beatified: By Pope Paul VI on October 17, 1971

Canonized: By Pope John Paul II on October 10, 1982

St. Maximilian Kolbe was born as Raymund Kolbe on January 8, 1894, in the Kingdom of Poland, part of the Russian Empire. He was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar and a martyr in the German death Camp of Auschwitz during World War II.

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St. Maximilian Kolbe was very active in promoting the Immaculate Virgin Mary and is known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary. Much of his life was strongly influenced by a vision he had of the Virgin Mary when he was 12.

"That night I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked me if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both."

One year after his vision, Kolbe and his elder brother, Francis joined the Conventual Franciscans. In 1910, Kolbe was given the religious name Maximilian, after being allowed to enter the novitiate, and in 1911, he professed his first vows.

At the age of 21, Kolbe earned a doctorate in philosophy from the Pontifical Gregorian University. He would also earn a doctorate in theology by the time he was 28.

St. Maximilian Kolbe organized the Militia Immaculata (Army of the Immaculate One) after witnessing demonstrations against Pope St. Pius X and Benedict XV. His goal was to work for the conversion of sinners and enemies of the Church, specifically, the Freemasons and he would so with the intercession of Mary.

In 1918, he was ordained a priest and continued his work of promoting Mary throughout Poland. Over the next several years, Kolbe took on publishing. He founded a monthly periodical titled, "Rycerz Niepokalanej" (Knight of the Immaculate). He also operated a religious publishing press and founded a new Conventual Franciscan monastery at Niepokalanow, which became a major religious publishing center.

Kolbe also founded monasteries in both Japan and India. To this day, the monastery in Japan remains prominent in the Roman Catholic Church in Japan.

In 1936, Kolbe's poor health forced him to return home to Poland, and once the WWII invasion by Germany began, he became one of the only brothers to remain in the monastery. He opened up a temporary hospital to aid those in need. When his town was captured, Kolbe was sent to prison but released three months later.

Kolbe refused to sign a document that would recognize him as a German citizen with his German ancestry and continued to work in his monastery, providing shelter for refugees - including hiding 2,000 Jews from German persecution. After receiving permission to continue

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his religious publishing, Kolbe's monastery acted as a publishing house again and issued many anti-Nazi German publications.

On February 17, 1941, the monastery was shut down; Kolbe was arrested by the German Gestapo and taken to the Pawiak prison. Three months later, he was transferred to Auschwitz.

Never abandoning his priesthood, Kolbe was the victim to severe violence and harassment. Toward the end of his second month in Auschwitz, men were chosen to face death by starvation to warn against escapes. Kolbe was not chosen but volunteered to take the place of a man with a family.

It is said during the last days of his life Kolbe led prayers to Our Lady with the prisoners and remained calm. He was the last of the group to remain alive, after two weeks of dehydration and starvation. The guards gave him a lethal injection of carbolic acid. The stories tell that he raised his left arm and calmly awaited death.

St. Maximilian Kolbe died on August 14 and his remains were cremated on August 15, the same day as the Assumption of Mary feast day.

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