Special Advent Greetings

Glory to Jesus Christ!

I would like take this opportunity to wish all of my Barnabite confreres a Blessed and Peaceful Advent season of joy and peace and we await the coming of that glorious Child who comes to sav us!

Lord God! I praise you, thank You for the gift of being your child! You are my Heavenly Father! You created me, You sustain my life. You want me to live, for Your prolong my life. You wish me happiness and I wish it. I accept from Your hands everything that You send me, and what You wish to give me. I thank you for everything, and repent of my faults.

Lord, I don't want to be a failure. I want to be Your child in the great Divine family. Lord, give me strength to fulfill that to which You are calling me. Lord God, I am Yours! I give you the keys to my heart. I entrust to You my total self, my life and my eternity. Jesus, I am Yours. Guide me. Let Your Spirit always remain in me and with me. Jesus, I give you my heart; fill it with love. Gift me with your love, so that I can share it with others. Jesus, I entrust myself to your mercy and trust in your love for me.

September Zaccarian Moments

September

2 September
1537 – Antonio Maria returns to Vicenza, the second trial against the Pauline Family was resolved positively.

5 September
1567 – Consecration of the altar of St. Barnabas by St. Charles Borromeo

6 September
1551 - Death of Mother Domenica Battista da Sesto, first prioress of the Angelics. (1536)
1617 – Death of Ludovico Bitoz, coadjutor brother, missionary in Protestant territory.

1880 – Death of Fr. Giusto Pantalini who, together with Maria Bucchi, founded the Sisters of the Most Precious Blood.

11 September
1896 – Inauguration of the new monastery of the Angelic Sisters in Milan.
1924 – Death of Fr. Alessandro Ghignoni, noted conference speaker and proponent of sacred religious music.

12 September
Traditional feast of the Holy Name of Mary, the name which all Barnabites add to their own on the day of their profession.

14 September
1542 – Death of Fr. Francesco Crippa, one of the first 5 members of the Order, called by the founder “basso” (humble).

15 September
1636 – Death of Fr. Anacleto Secchi, historian of the 3 Co-Founders.
1855 – Death of Fr. Gian Pietro Curti, worked with Ancilla Ghezzi in the foundation of the Sacramentine of Monza.

16 September
1944 – Death of Fr. Giuseppe Boffito, historian of the Order.

17 September
1579 – Death of Fr. Aimone Cario, biblical scholar and preacher of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception.

18 September
1771 – Death of Servant of God, Francesco Castelli, Barnabite seminarian, disciple of St. Francesco Saverio M.Bianchi.

19 September
1528 Subdeacon ordination of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria.
1986 – During the Continuing Education and Planning for Barnabite Scholastic Network, the reconstruction of the Third College under the name of the City of St. Paul.

20 September
1806 – Introduction of the Cause of Anthony Mary Zaccaria under Pope Pius VII.

24 September
1601 – Death of Fr. Giambattista Soresina, one to the first members of the Order leaving precious accounts concerning the founder after having copied the texts of the Constitutions.
1789 – Death of Fr. Giovanale Sacchi, musicologist.

29 September
1533 – St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria and Bartolomeo Ferrari initiate Barnabite community life in the rectory of St. Caterina de Fabbri near the Porta Ticinese of Milan. The chapel was destroyed at the end of the 18^th Century. Two years later the little community transferred to the house next to St. Ambrogio, left vacant by the Angelics, who had moved to their new monastery, S. Paolo Converso.

Five Months As A Barnabite Postulant

August 3, 2008 marked the five month anniversary in my life as a postulant for the Barnabite Brotherhood. Each day of these past five months have been a blessing for me. I have received blessings that I never thought were possible and I am slowly discovering more talents within myself thanks to the direction and the advice of the confreres that I am blessed to share family life with. I would use the word community, but the Barnabites are so much more to me than just a religious community. They are and have become actual family. I am indebted in a large way to all of my confreres here at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima. Everyone here has gone out of their way to make me feel at home and welcome in this milieu. I thank the Lord for all of you!

Reflection on Religious Life

A religious community takes time to form, it takes time for barriers to drop, for mutual confidences to grow. It becomes a religious faith community when most of the members have passed from "the community for me" to "we for the community". The passage from egoism to love is bound to be painful. A member of the community who lives in love tries to understand and appreciate the sense of community living - a life of love allows for imperfections.

We accept our sinful members, because we are sinful. Christ did not promise us joy and contentment in this world but persecution, tribulation for His sake. However, admist all these trials, He promised us His peace, a peace of heart that no one can take away from us. We diud not come together just to be happy, but because God called us.

It is incumbent upon each of us to work with others in building community, for it is in community that our salvation as religious will reach its clear manifestation. An apostolic, religious community must integrate these three elements, a life of prayer, of service, and an atmosphere where all its members can grow in their gifts.

We are drawn closer together in love through the experience of living off one another's faith and strength. We become saints together. The greatest joy that we can present to God is that of presenting ourselves to Him, as united religious family. It is only with deep conviction of what constitutes us as community and with fidelity to the demands of our vocation that our apostolic community will be able to be in the world a light that is not hidden and salt which keeps its flavor.

A faith community is made up of people who love, who forgive, who endure, who rejoice, who celebrate the gift of one another. In community we reveal who we are to one another. This interaction is the spiritual vehicle for a deepening and purifying formation of people.

This meditation was written by Sr. Dominica Slawuta, SSMI and is taken from the book "With All My Heart" A reflection on the Charism, Spirituality and Community Life of Blessed Josaphata Hordashevska the foundress of the Sisters Servants of Mary Immaculate. I feel that it can very well be applicable to religius life in various religious congregations and orders.

Welcome Giuseppe

Ciao Giuseppe,
I noticed you arrived on the blog. I know oyu said you thought you were very busy and we respect that fact. Nevertheless the opening of any discussion here owuld be most welcome.
GB
Fr Pete
... To reach a port, we must sail, sometimes with the wind, sometimes against it. But we must never drift or lie at anchor. – Oliver Wendell Holmes.*

Let us unite in prayer for the Year of St. Paul

As we approach the start of the Pauline Year in the Church, let us pray ardently for each other that we will be open to the promptings and will of Divine Providence in our lives. May the study of the writings of St. Paul aid us in this intention and help us as we strive to serve Our Lord and the Church better.

Zaccarian May Calendar

May is certainly an exciting month for us!

May

May 1
1580 Giovanni Andrea Scaglioli died. He was one of the first Coadjutor Brothers accepted into the Order in 1542.

May 2
1903 – Death of Fr Giosuè Magnaghi, who had the crypt under the Church of San Baranaba made for the relics of the Holy Founder.

May 4
1904 – Venerable Fr. Cesare Barzaghi, servant of the poor and Apostle of Lodi, Italy passed away. His heroic virtues were declared in 1993.

May 8
1891 – Finding of the body of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria in the “scurolo” (underground crypt) of the church of San Paolo Converso of the Angelic Sisters.

May 10
1544 - Death of Antonietta Pescaroli, mother of St. Anthony Mary, after having consigned to the Angelics of San Marta of Cremona the manuscripts of her son’s Sermons to the Amicizia Oratory.

May 12
1854 – Death of Cardinal Lambruschini, Barnabite Archbishop of Genoa, Nuncio to Paris and Secretary of State for Pope Gregory XVI.

May 13
1890 - Reintegration of the cult of St. Anthony Mary by a decree of Urban VIII.
1954 – Death of Ven. Brother Teodoreto delle Scuole Cristiane (Giovanni Gaberoglio), founder of the Unione dei Catechisti del SS. Crocifisso e di Maria SS. Immacolata (1948).

May 16
1954 - Death of Fr. Francesco Richard, Foudner and First Prelate of the Mission of Guamà in the Amazon.

May 17
1551 – The young Alexander Sauli, Patron of Barnabite Students (youth), is accepted in the Congregation after having preached Christ Crucified in the Piazza Mercanti of Milan.

May 22
1732 – Death of the Servant of God, Bishop Raimondo Recrosio, Theologian of the Divine Love.
1986 Death of Fr. Giovanni Bernasconi, Superior General of the Order and Council Father (participant) in the Second Vatican Council, whose reforms he promoted.

May 25
1579 – Promulgation of the Barnabite “Constitutions of 1579”

26 May
1537 – Founder writes letter to the Angelics prior to the Vincenza Mission.
1595 – Death of St. Philip Neri friend of the Barnabites, so influential in the founding of a Barnabite Community in Rome.

27 May
1897 – Pope Leo XIII canonized St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

30 May
1993 - Decree of Approval of the Discepole del Crocifisso, founded by Fr. Gaetano Barbiere (d. 2008) in 1961, as a diocesan Secular Institute.

31 May
1530 - Anthony Mary writes his spiritual father, Fra Battista da Crema, from Milan.
1856 – Famous author, Alessandro Manzoni, alumnus of the Barnabite Coleggio dei Nobili in Milan, affiliated to the Order.

Reflections of a Barnabite Postulant

As most of you know, on April 3, I will have the joy of being a Barnabite postulant for the period of one month. It has been a month of great grace and deep blessings. As I am initiated into the customs and practices of the Order all of which have been interesting and not complicated. Life at the Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima has proven to be a blessed experience. My community companions are a blessing in my life and I hope that I am somewhat of a blessing in their lives as well.

I would be remiss if I did not extend a thank you to Fathers Gabriel, Joseph, Julio, Paul, and Peter. All of whom have helped to guide me along the way through guidance and good conversation coupled with a deep understanding.

Anyone who is thinking of a Barnabite vocation should certainly be willing to make the step of crossing the threshold. It is my hope that others will desire to follow in the footsteps of our great founder - St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria and the many Barnabites who have lived before us.

May all be blessed on this feast of the Divine Mercy!

Zaccarian April Dates

April 2

1859– Death of Fr. Agostino Šuvalov – Russian convert and apostle of ecumenism.

1872 – Death of Fr. Tommaso Manini – cofounder of the Daughters of Divine Providence.

April 4

1555 - Death of Angelic Paola Antonia Negri – the first to receive the habit of the Angelic Sisters.

April 8

1850 – Death of the Servant of God Fr. Fortunato Redolfi, founder of the Barnabite oratories, noted style of youth ministry.

April 10

1990 – Death of Fr. Salvatore De Ruggiero who was the first to promote the reading of the Founder’s Sermons, publishing them in an appendix to a biography of the Founder in 1933.

April 13

1546 – Death of Venerable Giacomo Antonio Morigia, cofounder of the Barnabites.

April 15

1536 – Venerable Fr. Giacomo Antonio Morigia elected first Barnabite Superior.

April 18

1662 – The Barnabites move their Curia from Milan to Rome.

April 19

1921 – Pope Benedict XV approved the Constitution of the Lega di San Paolo (League of St. Paul giving rebirth to the Zaccarian Third College.

April 22

1802 – Diocesan phase of the Cause for the Canonization of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria begun in Milan.

April 25

1810 Napoleon issued decree suppressing religious orders, including the Barnabites.

Holy Week Greetings

May this week in which we prepare for the Feast of Easter the Rising of Jesus from the dead be a week of deep prayer and reflection for all of us. May Jesus the Lover of Mankind bless all the members of the CRSP chat!

May all Barnabites be blessed in their vocation of service to others as they strive to continue the works begun by Saint Anthony M. Zaccaria

Barnabite Prayer Intentions

I would also like to share with you the Barnabite Prayer Intentions for 2008.

Have a Blessed Day!

Barnabite Messenger Posted

Hi Everyone,
Just wanted to let you know that Fr. Gabe has posted the latest Barnabite Messenger on the Provinical website. Please visit to see the exciting things that are going on in our Province and Congregation: a new bishop; 50th Anniversary celebrations and much more!

Here's the link: Barnabite Messenger

Trip to Texas et alia

I just returned from a wonderful trip to Texas! My main goal was to visit two men in discernment and to participate in the Vocation Fair at the University of Dallas. I was able to meet with Ed Ortiz in a nice authentic Mexican restaurant. I thoroughly enjoyed his company and we spoke of many things regarding discernment and Barnabite life.

The fair was effective. There were about 20 orders present and I managed to speak briefly with many students and had good talks with quite a few. One surprise was the number of women who came and wanted to know about our branch of Sisters. I have learned I am going to have to get someof the material to have at least on hand. How embarrassing!

We are awaiting the arrival of John Doucette. He will begin his postulancy on Monday when he arrives in Lewiston!

On Saturday we will have a vocations booth at the Men's Conference in Clarence, NY. About 1000 men are expected to attend, a nice gorup form the Shrine will be attending!

Key Zaccarian March dates

March 4
1536 - Election of the First Prioress of the Angelic Sisters, Mother Battista da Sesto, sister of Fr. Dionigi da Sesto. Angelic Paola Antonia Negri is named the fisrt Novice Mistress.
1879 – The Angelics are refounded in Lodi. They had been suppressed by Napoleonic Law in 1810. The last Angelic, Sr. Maria Teresa Trotti Bentivoglio had died in 1846.

March 5
1740 – Death of Fr. Gennaro Maffetti who promoted in the parish church of San Carlo ai Catinari, Rome, Italy, the devotion to Our Lady, Mother of Divine Providence by displaying in the Church a copy of Scipione Pulzone da Gaeta’s famous portrait patinted by Br. Pietro Valentini.

March 14
1620 – death of Ven Cosimo Dossena who fought at the 1571 Battle of Leapanto and was later Superior General of the Barnabites and Bishop of Tortona.
1621 – death of Fr. Giovanni Antonio Gabuzio, first historian of the Order.March 15
1931 – Death of Servant of God Giovanni Semeria, apologist, Chaplain to the Supreme Military Commander of Italy in World War I. Cofounder, with Fr. Giovanni Minozzi of the Opera nazionale per gli orfani del Mezzogiorno d’Italia (1919), a charitable work founded originally to take care of the war orphans, so numerous in Italy.
1961 – Death of Fr. Francesco Castelnuovo, revered spiritual director and formator.

March 19
1822 – death of Cardinal Francesco Fontana, Barnabite, who is considered the second Founder of the Order because of his tireless efforts to gather together and revive the Congregation after the devastating effects of the Napoleonic Suppression. He researched and prepared documentation necessary for the reintroduction of the Cause for Canonization of the Founder.

March 24
1990 - A new altar was dedicated in the Church of San Barnaba in Milan. This church, from which the name “Barnabite” is derived, has long been the site of the tomb of the Holy Founder. In this renovation the Fathers removed the Founder’s relics from the crypt below to enshrine them under this new main altar.

March 27
The Third Order of the Barnabites, founded by Fr. Luigi Ferrari was approved by the Cardinal of Paris.

Prayer for Lent

Lord Jesus, You have given us this Holy Season to prepare for our entry into the wonder of your Holy Resurrection. As you rose from the dead, You gave us the promise that we, too, would never die unless we chose to separate ourselves from You by sin. Help us to deepen our understanding of this wonderful mystery, Your Resurrection that is so rich in meaning that we cannot fully comprehend it. Show us Your mercy as we struggle with works of mortification. Keep us always mindful of our need for You. Let this Lenten season be for each of us a time of spiritual growth. Walk with us through this season and be our constant companion throughout our lives. Amen

Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes

Greetings to all on this special feast in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. The 150th anniversary of the first apparition to St. Bernadette Soubirous. May Our Lady of Lourdes comfort all of the sick and distressed. May her blessings extend to sick priests and religious - especially the Barnabites and Angelic Sisters of Saint Paul!

May our Immaculate Queen always lead us to the loving embrace of her son!

Lenten Greetings

Hello Father Peter, Father Robert, Jim, etc:

May this holy season of Lent bring all us closer in our relationship to the Lord Jesus and to His Immaculate Mother, Our Lady of Divine Providence. How great it is to be able to share our faith with each other during this special time of the year. May we remember each other both in thought and in prayer.

Peace,

John Doucette

Prayer For Vocations

O Lord our God, older than all creation, you have made us in your image and likeness. You have given us the gift of the Holy Spirit through your servants who proclaim the good news of the Church all that is necessary for our sanctification. We humbly beg you, do not leave your people deprived of spiritual gifts, but grant us an abundance of vocations to your holy priesthood, the diaconate and consecrated life and to lives dedicated to your service. Open the hearts of men and women to hear your words, "Come follow me!" Indeed do not leave us orphans, but be with us through your Holy Spirit, who is present everywhere and fills all things, and who raises up mere mortals to divine service by the mystery of his grace. Truly you will never forget your promise to be with us always, until the end of the world, but forgive us if we have in our weakness, failed to follow you as we should. For you alone are holy, now and ever and forever. Amen