Feast of St. Ursula

On October 21st we celebrate the feast day of St. Ursula, a holy woman and venerated martyr shrouded in mystery. According to legend she was a 4th century princess from Britain who wanted to dedicate her life to God.  She did not want to embrace the arranged marriage that her father had arranged.  Ursula pleaded with him to make a pilgrimage, she set off and was martyred by the Huns in Cologne, Germany.   St. Angela chose Ursula to be the patroness of the Ursuline Order as she was one of her favorite saints.  Ursula’s life is shrouded in legend and it is uncertain if she truly existed.  Whether she is a myth or real we honor her this day as we pray…

Good and gracious God, you have given us Ursula and her Companions, women whose firm belief in Jesus Christ led them to a martyr’s death.  In remembering them may we be empowered by your Spirit to live with singleness of mind and heart as we strive to witness to your presence in our world today.  We ask this through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.  Happy Feast of St. Ursula to all!

Pat Schifini, OSU

Feast of St. Luke

The Lord Jesus appointed seventy-two disciples whom he sent ahead of him in pairs
to every town and place he intended to visit.  He said to them, "The harvest is abundant but the laborers are few; so ask the master of the harvest to send out laborers for his harvest.  Go on your way; behold, I am sending you like lambs among wolves.  Carry no money bag, no sack, no sandals; and greet no one along the way.  Into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace to this household.'  If a peaceful person lives there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you.  Stay in the same house and eat and drink what is offered to you, for the laborer deserves payment.  Do not move about from one house to another.  Whatever town you enter and they welcome you, eat what is set before you, cure the sick in it and say to them, 'The Kingdom of God is at hand for you.”  Luke 10: 1 – 9

Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Luke.  Luke was one of the four evangelists and wrote the Acts of the Apostles.  In these two books, he shows the parallel between the life of Christ and that of the Church.  He was a Gentile Christian and was said to be a physician.  Luke was a companion of St. Paul and had a unique writing style.  He frequently wrote about mercy, the poor, women, justice and compassion.  Luke had a warmth in his writings which set him apart from the other synoptic Gospels.  St. Luke is the patron Saint of:  Artists/Painters, Brewers, Butchers, Notaries, Physicians/Surgeons.  St. Luke has so much to offer us.  As we pray this day may we pray for the gift of peace and the ability to share that gift with others.

Pat Schifini, OSU

Be At Peace

Brothers and sisters:  Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.  Then the God of peace will be with you.  (Philippians 4: 4-6)

Today’s second reading invites us to embrace the peace of God.  We are called to be at peace.  When we are at peace the ordinary problems of life don’t impact us the same way.  We are calmer, less anxious and ready to take on anything that comes our way.  Each morning many of us take vitamins to keep our bodies healthy.  Perhaps today is a good day to take an extra dose of Scripture.  Take some time with the above reading and allow you mind and heart to be filled with the love and peace of our God.   Remember God’s abundant love for you as you give your soul some rest.  Our loving God is always with you for God loves you more than you can ask for or imagine.  Let the peace of God dwell in your heart and let go of all anxiety, fear and concern!

Pat Schifini, OSU