This week is a big week for our country. I know that millions of people are nervous about the outcome, particularly, the office of President. It’s one contentious election, and I hope and pray that we can have some sense of civility and unity in our country despite some of the very strong opinions that percolate. In the meantime, I think we all need to continue to pray for the USA and the vision of our founding fathers.
This is an important time to lean on Jesus … in these times of uncertainty. As quoted from Pope John Paul II, in Ecclesia de Eucharistia, No. 25, “It is pleasant to spend time with him, to lie close to his breast like the Beloved Disciple (cf. Jn 13:25) and to feel the infinite love present in his heart. If in our time Christians must be distinguished above all by the ‘art of prayer,’ how can we not feel a renewed need to spend time in spiritual converse, in silent adoration, in heartfelt love before Christ present in the Most Holy Sacrament? How often, dear brothers and sisters, have I experienced this, and drawn from it strength, consolation and support!”
Have you ever heard of Saint Zita? Zita is a laywoman who died in 1278. She “was born in the early 13th century in Italy. At twelve, she became a servant in the home of the wealthy Fatinelli family. Here she found time, by rising very early, to cultivate a robust prayer life, including daily Mass. She was industrious and careful, seeing her work as an opportunity for penance and virtue. ’Work-shy piety,’ she remarked, ‘is sham piety.’
“At first, Zita’s employers did not appreciate her, perhaps on account of the envious tongues of fellow servants. She was mocked and abused, but her patient goodness at last won the respect and confidence of the household. Her employers made her chief housekeeper and gave her the care of their own children. Thus promoted, she was merciful to those who had mistreated her.
“Zita remained devoted to daily Mass. When her town lay under an interdict – meaning no Mass was allowed to be celebrated there – she braved the considerable dangers of travel so she could continue to receive Communion. She died around the age of sixty and was quickly hailed as a saint. Devotion to her was approved in the 1500s, and in 1580 her body was found to be incorrupt. It still lies, though now mummified, in the basilica of Saint Frediano in Lucca. She is the patron of domestic workers.”
“Almighty Father, may we like Saint Zita, be strengthened by the Eucharist to turn our daily drudgery into life-giving service.” – Magnificat April 2024 issue
Peace, prayers, unity and love -
Fr. Jim Bevacqua, Pastor