Our Lady in the Soup Kitchen

Yesterday (sorry for the delayed post) we celebrated two feasts days...Our Lady Star of the Sea and St. Vincent de Paul.  My guess is these two work well together in love of the community is the main theme of the day.  Even the Mass readings (not connected as it was a Sunday liturgy) seemed to bring about the message of giving to neighbor (James 5:1-6).

I had the joy of painting these two pegs for the occasion.  I also made an extra Lady for the priest at our monthly pilgrimage into San Francisco.

So...some may ask...Why another feast day for Mary?  Here is the scoop...

Mary’s title “Star of the Sea” is thought to derive from the prophet Elijah's account in 1 Kings 18:41-45 which refers to a little cloud appearing above the sea as a sign of hope that rain would soon come to water the parched earth. The idea of Mary our Mother being a guiding star for People of the Sea has led to special devotion to Our Lady, Star of the Sea in many coastal and fishing communities.  Just as seafarers have traditionally depended on the stars for navigation, so they trust in the protection and guidance of Our Lady Star of the Sea.  I think we should be able to do the same in our own journey to Christ as it can be just as tumultuous as the sea.

Along with this feast, is the recognition of St. Vincent de Paul.  When our little guy was born, we named him after this saint as we thought it was his fest day.  It turned out to be another saintly Vincent who we have come to love but it is still nice to recognize Vincent de Paul as one of his patrons.


Feast day: September 27
Birth: 1580
Death: 1660
Patron saint of charitable societies
French
Born of poor parents in a village of France
Priest of the Capuchin Order in 1910

To assist in the cost of schooling and not be a burden to his parents, he tutored other students.  In 1596, he went to the University of Toulouse for theological studies, and there he was ordained priest in 1600.

In 1605, on a voyage by sea, he fell into the hands of African pirates and was carried as a slave to Tunis. His captivity lasted about two years, until he was able to escape. After a brief visit to Rome he returned to France, where he became a chaplain for a noble family.

He then began preaching in missionary style throughout the area, specifically in poverty-stricken regions.  He helped all in spite of age, race, or creed.  His only desire was to help the poor with their basic needs.  He formed an order for men (Congregation of the Mission, or the "Vincentians") and later for women (Daughters of Charity) to assist in this mission.

He died at the age of 80 in 1660.  He was canonized in 1737.  He was renowned for his compassion, humility, and generosity and is known as the "Great Apostle of Charity".  His mission continues today in most Catholic parishes under a group given his name...the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

A Man of Humility

Although I did not paint this wonderful saint doll (Another mom through a saint exchange created him last spring.), I wanted to give St Pius of Pietrelcina recognition on his feast day.

We know him as Padre Pio and he is a modern day saint that many of our parents might remember from their childhood memories.

Feast day: September 23
Birth: 1887
Death: 1968
Patron patron saint of the unborn
Italian
Parents were peasant farmers, very faithful and attended Mass daily
Priest of the Capuchin Order in 1910

Padre Pio was a devout child (Francesco was his given name) who knew from a young age that we was called to the priesthood.  They attended daily Mass, prayed the Rosary nightly, and abstained from meat three days a week in honor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Although Francesco's parents and grandparents were illiterate, they memorized the scriptures and narrated Bible stories to their children. His mother said that Francesco was able to see and speak with Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and his guardian angel.

Because his parents saw the need for his education, his father worked in America for three years in order to pay for his schooling. .He entered the novitiate at 16 years old.  He was honored to fulfill this calling and begin his life serving God.  

In 1918, he was prying before the crucifix and was given a vision of the Passion of Christ where upon he was given the gift of the stigmata.  He would spend the rest of his life with this understanding of the sufferings of Jesus through his wounds.  Many who entered into his presence said that they could smell the perfume of flowers emitting from these wounds.

Along with this gift, he was also allowed the ability of bilocation.  However, his greatest gift he enjoyed was that of reading the hearts of the penitents who came to him in confession.  He would often spend up to 18 hours a day in the confessional in order to lead the people to God's mercy and grace.

He spent most of his life in illness with little complaint.  Even though he was sick, the need for military chaplains led him to service in the Italian military during World War I.  He was sent home due to his illness after a few months.  He worked hard to bring peace to those in need through the sacraments as well as the building of a hospital.  

He was often scrutinized because of his stigmata as well as his popularity.  He was even asked to stop the administering of the Mass because of the crowds who came to him.  He remained a humble obedient servant through all of his life.  He died at the age of 81 years old in 1968.  Upon his death the long lasting stigmata was completely healed and all outward signs removed.

I learned that he is considered the patron saint of the unborn...very interesting since we also began a new fall campaign to pray for the end to abortion...40 Days for Life!  Here is an interesting story to explain this recognition.

He was canonized by Pope Saint John Paul II in 2002.  He had often said, "After my death I will do more. My real mission will begin after my death."

"The Devil is like a mad dog tied by a chain. Beyond the length of the chain he cannot catch hold of anyone. And you, therefore, keep your distance. If you get too close you will be caught. Remember, the Devil has only one door with which to enter into our soul: our will. There are no secret or hidden doors. No sin is a true sin if we have not willfully consented. ~Saint Padre Pio of Pietrelcina

We have always found Padre Pio to be a great prayer warrior for our family.  One of our favorite things he is known to say about the rosary...“Bring me my weapon”– which he would exclaim when he knew it was time for prayer.  

Our little saint dolls are now becoming a regular "decoration" for the altar at our daily Mass.  I am so glad to have Father enjoy these saints as much as we do.

We also enjoyed a special dessert tonight..."Capuchin" Trifle!  A yummy play on words to enjoy a delicious coffee flavored pudding, cake and whipped cream!  

St Padre Pio, pray for us!