She wants to share her story with you.

Post-Mother’s Day, we meet a courageous mother who shares her experience of carrying, delivering and burying her baby. OB/GYN Dr. Steve Pilkington explains why Jannelle’s pregnancy was unique and her child so precious. Join us!

Sounds interesting. How can I listen & participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

• Official Website of The Pilgrim Center of Hope

• San Antonio Coalition for Life – Find resources for pregnancy help. Support parents and babies in need.
• Dignity Women’s Center – Learn more about Dr. Steven G. Pilkington, Board-Certified OB/GYN and services.

• Links recommended by Dr. Pilkington:
• One More Soul – Educational, spiritual and medical resources.
• American Association of Pro-Life OB/GYNs – Find a physician.
• Pope Paul VI Institute – Answers & downloads for fertility and pregnancy questions.

• Read the Easter homily by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
• Read the Easter homily by Pope Benedict XVI

Saint of the Week: St. Gianna Beretta Molla (Feast day April 28)

St. Gianna’s husband is famous for having been the only man in history to have been able to legitimately say, “My wife is a saint.” He was alive and present during her canonization ceremony, along with three of their children.

Gianna Beretta was born in Magenta (Milan), Italy on October 4, 1922. Already as a youth she willingly accepted the gift of faith and the clearly Christian education that she received from her excellent parents. As a result, she experienced life as a marvelous gift from God, had a strong faith in Providence and was convinced of the necessity and effectiveness of prayer.

The Saintly Pediatrician

She diligently dedicated herself to studies during the years of her secondary and university education, while, at the same time, applying her faith through generous service among the youth of Catholic Action and charitable work among the elderly and needy as a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. After earning degrees in Medicine and Surgery from the University of Pavia in 1949, she opened a medical clinic in Mesero (near Magenta) in 1950. She specialized in Pediatrics at the University of Milan in 1952 and thereafter gave special attention to mothers, babies, the elderly and poor.

While working in the field of medicine-which she considered a “mission” and practiced as such-she increased her generous service to Catholic Action, especially among the “very young” and, at the same time, expressed her joie de vivre and love of creation through skiing and mountaineering. Through her prayers and those of others, she reflected upon her vocation, which she also considered a gift from God. Having chosen the vocation of marriage, she embraced it with complete enthusiasm and wholly dedicated herself “to forming a truly Christian family”.

Marriage and Motherhood

She became engaged to Pietro Molla and was radiant with joy and happiness during the time of their engagement, for which she thanked and praised the Lord. They were married on September 24, 1955, in the Basilica of St. Martin in Magenta, and she became a happy wife. In November 1956, to her great joy, she became the mother of her son Pierluigi, in December 1957 of her daughter Mariolina; in July 1959 of her daughter Laura. With simplicity and balance, she harmonized the demands of mother, wife, doctor and her passion for life.

In September 1961 towards the end of the second month of another pregnancy, she was touched by suffering and the mystery of pain; she had developed a tumor in her uterus. Before the required surgical operation, and conscious of the risk that her continued pregnancy brought, she pleaded with the surgeon to save the life of the child she was carrying, and entrusted herself to prayer and Providence. She spent the seven months remaining until the birth of the child in incomparable strength of spirit and unrelenting dedication to her tasks as mother and doctor. She worried that the baby in her womb might be born in pain, and she asked God to prevent that.

A few days before the child was due, although trusting as always in Providence, she was ready to give her life in order to save that of her child: “If you must decided between me and the child, do not hesitate: choose the child – I insist on it. Save him.” She chose not to have a hysterectomy, knowing that the procedure would have taken the baby’s life. On the morning of April 21, 1962, Gianna Emanuela was born. Despite all efforts and treatments to save both of them, on the morning of April 28, amid unspeakable pain and after repeated exclamations of “Jesus, I love you. Jesus, I love you,” the mother died. She was 39 years old. Her funeral was an occasion of profound grief, faith and prayer.

Gianna was beatified by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1994, during the international Year of the Family.

The Miracle

The miracle needed for her canonization was recognized formally December 20. In 2003, Elisabeth Comparini Arcolino, a mother of three, was 16 weeks pregnant with her fourth child when she sustained a tear in the placenta, resulting in the loss of her amniotic fluid. She was told the baby’s chances of survival were nil. By divine providence, Bishop Diogenes Silva Matthes of Franca, Brazil, was visiting a friend at the hospital. After being summoned to Arcolino’s room, Arcolino told him the doctor had advised her to have an abortion.

“You don’t kill life inside the mother,” the bishop told her. “This is the time for Saint Gianna Beretta Molla to intercede for the life you are carrying.” At home the bishop began praying, “The time for your canonization has arrived. Intercede to the Lord for the grace of a miracle and save the life of this little baby.”

Despite the lack of amniotic fluid, Elisabeth delivered a healthy baby girl, Gianna Maria, by Caesarean section on May 31, 2000. The entire Arcolino family was present for the canonization.

The Ceremony

The evening before the canonization, pilgrims from all over the world gathered in the Vatican Gardens to pray the rosary in thanksgiving for Gianna Beretta Molla’s canonization. The following morning in St Peter’s Square in front of over 100,000 of the faithful, Pope John Paul II canonized Gianna Beretta Molla and 5 additional saints. In attendance was Gianna’s 91 year old husband, her 3 children, her granddaughter, her living siblings, medical patients of Gianna, friends, etc. The Holy Sea paid particular attention to the frail Pietro.

On Monday morning, the first mass of the new saint was celebrated at the Basilica of St. Paul, outside the walls followed by an audience with Pope John Paul II in St Peter’s Square.

St. Gianna, pray for all mothers and physicians - that God’s grace would strengthen them to witness to the preciousness of life in every decision they make.

Pearl of the Week: BeNotAfraid.net

Feel like you’re alone? You’re not. Be not afraid!

BeNotAfraid.net is an online outreach to parents who have received a poor or difficult prenatal diagnosis. The family stories, articles, and links within this site are presented as a resource for those who may have been asked to choose between terminating a pregnancy or continuing on despite the diagnosis. The BeNotAfraid.net families faced the same decision and chose not to terminate. By sharing our experiences, we hope to offer encouragement to those who may be afraid to continue on.

On this website, you can find resources and support, as well as stories from families who have experienced:

• Anencephaly
• Cloacal Exstrophy
• Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia
• Congenital Heart Defects
• Conjoined Twins
• Cornelia De Lange Syndrome
• Dandy Walker Malformation
• Down Syndrome
• Encephalocele
• Fetal Cystic Hygroma, Hydrops, and/or Pleural Effusions
• Holoprosencephaly
• Hydrocephalus
• Kidney Defects
• Limb Body Wall Complex
• Maternal Health / Pregnancy Complications
• Meckel Gruber Syndrome
• Misdiagnosis
• Multiple Defects
• Omphalocele
• Pallister-Killian Syndrome
• Rare Trisomies, Deletions, and Duplications
• Skeletal Dysplasia
• Spina Bifida
• Triploidy
• Trisomy 13
• Trisomy 18
• Trisomy and other Rare Mosiacism
• Turner Syndrome
• Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome

and many, many others. Don’t be afraid – there ARE people and resources available to help!

Pre-Mother’s Day, we can’t forget our Blessed Mother.

How can we give flowers to her? Friends from the local Schoenstatt movement speak about their beautiful tradition of May Blossoms – a simple way to grow in holiness. Join us!

Sounds interesting. How can I listen & participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

• Official Website of The Pilgrim Center of Hope

• Mount Schoenstatt – Schoenstatt in San Antonio, TX
• May Blossoms 1916 – Read one of the 1st lists of May Blossoms
• Schoenstatt – The worldwide spirituality’s website

• May Blossoms & Schoenstatt Spirituality – Listen to an audio program about tonight’s topic, by a Schoenstatt sister

• Read the Easter homily by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
• Read the Easter homily by Pope Benedict XVI

St. Gorg Preca
(Liturgical Feast: May 9)

Gorg (George in English) was born in Valletta, Malta on 12 February 1880. George was the seventh child in a middle-class family of nine. His father, Vincent Preca, was first a merchant and then a sanitary inspector. His mother, Nathalie Ceravolo, was a teacher. George’s boyhood was nothing spectacular, but he did not lack that adventuresomeness and courage which form the backbone of any leader.

Want a Smoke?

One day, when he was 17 years old, George was walking along the Maglio Gardens in Floriana. He met one of his schoolteachers, Fr Ercole Mompalao, who told him: “Preca, when you grow up, people who revere God will befriend you and you them. You will find your good fortune through them and they through you.” After graduation, George entered the Seminary of Malta with the aim of becoming a priest.

As a seminarian, he used to go to the Grand Harbor, board the foreign ships there, and introduce himself to Greek, English and French sailors by offering them a cigarette. His lively intelligence and exquisite humor entertained the men who had been so long away from land and soon the young cleric would lead his audience to spiritual matters. Many a sailor must have been impressed by this gentle man who sought so willingly the good of his neighbor.

The cigarette ruse was to be used again and again. Knowing that a group of youngsters were in the habit of meeting together regularly, George struck up a steady friendship with them. Sometimes he was rebuffed. More often than not, he was gladly received so that gradually his advice about spiritual matters was as welcome and accepted as his chattering on other things. He set his eye on their leader, Eugenio Borg, and started explaining the Gospel of John to him. (Later on Eugenio Borg became the first Superior General of the Societas Doctrinae Christianae and was renowned for his holiness when he died in 1967). Soon, the group of youth grew and grew, so that premises had to be rented where their meetings could be held.

George’s confessor, Fr Aloysius Galea, died on 8 April 1905. George used to recount how Fr Galea appeared to him a few days later and told him: “God has chosen you to teach his people.” George was enthused with this idea. He wrote a rule in Latin which he wanted to send to Pope Pius X for approval. He envisioned groups of seven permanent deacons in every parish who, with the help of lay auxiliaries, would be responsible for the formation of the people of God.

Back from the Brink of Death

A few months before his ordination to the priesthood George Preca almost died of a very serious sickness. Through the intercession of St Joseph he survived the ordeal, but as a consequence of the illness his left lung was permanently impaired. He was ordained priest on 22 December 1906 by Bishop Pietro Pace, and he celebrated his first Solemn Mass at the St Cajetan Parish Church in Ħamrun on Christmas Day. For a number of weeks after ordination George would not venture out of home except to say Mass, after which he would retire to a small room on the roof and remain there all day bereft in meditation and contemplation.

The growing group of youth rented a small place and met there for the first time on 7 March 1907. These two dates mark the beginning of the Society of Christian Doctrine: a group of lay people leading an exemplary life, well formed in the principles of the Catholic faith and sent to teach the faith to the people. At first, Fr George called his society Societas Papidum et Papidissarum (Society of the Sons and Daughters of the Pope). In the meanwhile, however, the rundown place where the first members met was jokingly referred to as the “museum.” The nickname soon became the name of the group itself and it stuck. The founder had no alternative but to devise an acrostic in Latin: M.U.S.E.U.M., Magister Utinam Sequatur Evangelium Universus Mundus! which in translation means: “Teacher, O that the whole world would follow the Gospel!” The female branch of the Society was inaugurated in 1910 with the help of Giannina Cutajar who later became the first Superior General of the same branch.

Manure and the Museum

It was around 1910 that Dun George had a very powerful mystical experience which he always referred to as “the extraordinary vision of the child Jesus.” One morning, he was passing in the vicinity of the Marsa Cross when he suddenly saw a twelve-year old boy pushing a low cart with a bag full of manure. The boy turned to George and ordered him imperiously: “Lend me a hand!” The moment Fr George put his hand on the cart he felt an extraordinary spiritual sweetness and he never could remember where they went or what happened to the young boy. He later understood however that the boy was Jesus and that the Lord was asking him and his followers to help him with nurturing the Lord’s field and vineyard with sound doctrine and formation.

The M.U.S.E.U.M. developed along the years into the society we know today: a group of lay people who dedicate themselves to the apostolate of catechesis, lead a simple evangelical lifestyle, commit themselves to a life of prayer using short prayers or meditations at regular intervals during the day (“The Museum Watch”), teach the young catechesis for an hour everyday, which is then followed by a group meeting for personal permanent formation (“The Assignment”).
The Society had its difficult moments.

In 1909 Fr. George was ordered to close his Museum centers. Brokenhearted but without hesitation, he started following superior orders until the parish priests themselves protested with the ecclesiastical authorities and the ban was revoked by Vicar General Salvatore Grech. Between 1914-1915 a number of daily newspapers carried articles and letters denigrating the new Society. Fr. George ordered his members to take a vow or promise of meekness, gladly forgiving anybody who poked fun at them and taught them “to love the contempt” they suffered and not to let it trouble them unduly. In 1916 Bishop Mauro Caruana ordered an inquiry concerning the Society. After many humiliations for the founder and his close followers, the Curia issued a favorable report. Although some changes were required, the way was open for definitive ecclesiastical approval.

Victory for the Beloved

Bishop Caruana canonically erected the Society of Christian Doctrine on 12 April 1932.
 Fr. George Preca strived unceasingly to spread the values and teaching of the Gospel in the Maltese islands. He wrote a great number of books on dogma, morals and spirituality in Maltese. He also published numerous booklets with prayers for the private use of his members and for popular devotion. He was undoubtedly a great apostle of the Word of God, especially of the Gospel which he used to call “The Voice of the Beloved.” He would encourage his followers and the public in general to memorize sentences and phrases from the Gospel and his charismatic preaching constantly referred to parables and stories from Scripture and the life of the saints. He zealously defended the honor due only to God and persuasively illustrated how ugly sin was. He never shied away from openly preaching about death, judgement, hell and heaven. Utterly convinced of God’s justice, he nevertheless movingly proclaimed the Lord’s infinite mercy.

People flocked to him for advice or a word of encouragement. They trusted in his intercession and many still recount stories of healings wrought by God through Fr. George’s prayers. He was endowed with many supernatural gifts, among which were the knowledge of hearts and of the future. He was nonetheless a priest of great humility, goodness, meekness and generosity. He was truly a holy pastor of the people of God.
 Dun Ġorġ, as the Maltese know him, is well known for his constant efforts to promote devotion to the mystery of the Incarnation. From 1917 he propagated devotion for the text from the Gospel of John: “Verbum Dei caro factum est!” (Jn 1, 14). He wanted the SDC members to wear a badge with these words. On Christmas Eve 1921, the Society organized the first “Demonstration in honor of the Baby Jesus” in the towns and villages of Malta and Gozo, and this event has since become a typical aspect of Christmas celebrations on the islands. Fr. George wanted every child who attended catechism classes to take a small crib or statue of the baby Jesus home for Christmas.

Man of Mary

The holy priest learned to trust in the maternal protection of Our Lady, especially during the difficult moments of the Society. He was enrolled as a Carmelite tertiary (third-order member) on 21 July 1918 and at his profession in September 1919 he chose the name of Fr. Franco. Children attending the Society’s centers are still enrolled in Our Lady’s scapular. Dun Ġorġ also nurtured a filial devotion to Our Lady of Good Counsel; he promoted use of the Miraculous Medal and in fact wanted the Church of the Society’s Motherhouse to be dedicated to Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal. In 1957 he suggested the use of five “Mysteries of Light” for the private recitation of the Rosary.
 It is thought that these inspired Pope John Paul II to propagate the new Luminous Mysteries, since they are very similar to Fr. George Praca’s set of mysteries. (Click here to read more about this possibility.)

On 19 May 1951 he blessed the foundation stone of the St Michael School at Santa Venera, and in 1952 he sent the first members to start the Society in Australia. Today it consists of about 90 Centers and 850 members. About 20,000 boys and girls are taught in the Maltese islands, in Australia, Peru, The United Kingdom, Kenya and Albania. The SDC also plans to open new missions in Poland and Cuba.

On 2 October 1952, Pope Pius XII nominated Dun Ġorġ as Privy Chamberlain with the title of Monsignor. Dun George was mortified. He kept the title for six years until the pope passed away in 1958.

Death and Canonization

After a long and very active life in the service of the Gospel and of the Christian formation of the people of God, Dun Ġorġ Preca died on Thursday evening 26 July 1962 at his house: “San Cajetan,” Parish Street, Santa Venera, Malta. He was deeply missed by all the Maltese population. He had wished for a very simple funeral but thousands, including the highest civil and ecclesiastical authorities, turned up to pay him homage. He was buried in the crypt of the Church of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal at Blata l-Bajda which soon became a venue for constant pilgrimages.

Fr George Preca was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Malta on 9 May 2001. He was canonized on 3 June 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. His liturgical feast is celebrated on 9 May.

Read more about St. George here: Society of Christian Doctrine’s Founder.

Saint George Preca, pray for us – that we may grow in love of Jesus, God’s Word, through our Blessed Mother’s prayerful care.

Pearl of the Week: Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary – St. Louis de Montfort

The Pearl of the Week is a resource, recommended to you – so that you can more deeply understand and hold our Faith, which is great treasure.

What is Total Consecration?

St. Louis de Montfort left a wonderful gift to those of us who wish to better serve Jesus and the Holy Trinity. His gift is the Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary because it is giving oneself, fully and completely to God, without conditions, without strings, without reservation. We are giving back to God, freely of our own will, the very gift of our life. It is truly our ultimate possession which we recognize fully as a gift from God, our Father. We in turn return this gift, in total surrender to the will of our Father, to be used daily for His purpose. This also includes the surrendering of all of our sufferings, thoughts, words and deeds to Mary so she may take them, care for them and distribute them in accordance with the will of her Son and for His greater glory.

The devotion, Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, has been practiced for centuries. It involves 33 days of preparation, with the Total Consecration made on the 34th day.

The day of Total Consecration (i.e. the 34th day) should be a Marian feast day. Schedules for the preparation and Total Consecration are included in the resource materials provided free through MyConsecration.org. There are more than 20 34-day schedules that fall throughout the year for those wishing to make the Total Consecration. According to St. Louis de Montfort, the 33 days of preparation include 12 days of “emptying oneself of the spirit of the world” followed by 21 days of “imbuing oneself with the Spirit of Jesus through the Blessed Virgin.” The Total Consecration that follows this preparation is a perfect renewal of one’s baptismal vows.

Total Consecration is divided into themes:

Days 1-12: The Spirit of the World,

Days 13-19: Knowledge of Self,

Days 20-26: Knowledge of Mary,

Days 27-33: Knowledge of Jesus,

Day 34: Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary.

How Can I Learn More?

Obtain from any Catholic bookstore (or online without cost at MyConsecration.org) the guide to Total Consecration to Jesus through Mary, by St. Louis de Montfort. Your local parish or priest may be able to help you in finding resources on Total Consecration, as well.

Also recommended on the program: 33 Days to Morning Glory, by Fr. Michael Gaitley

Take the leap of faith and tell our Lord that you’re ready to live your life for Him!

Why would a man opt to have a vasectomy, then decide to reverse it?

We speak with Dr. Mark Hickman, a local Catholic surgeon whose medical ministry reverses vasectomies. He’s joined by Steve & Mary Van Sciver, who experienced a total marriage transformation after having Steve’s vasectomy reversed. How and why? We’ll find out; tune in.

Sounds interesting. How can I listen & participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

• Official Website of The Pilgrim Center of Hope

• Dr. Mark Hickman’s vasectomy reversal ministry – New Braunfels, TX
• Dignity Women’s Center – offering tubal ligation reversal ministry in San Antonio, TX
• Missionaries of the Holy Family
• Office of Marriage, Family Life, and Natural Family Planning (Archdiocese of San Antonio)

• Humane Vitae – letter by Pope Paul VI which expresses much of Catholic teachings about sexuality and human life
• Dear John: a wife’s reflection on vasectomy/reversal decisions
• Sterilization as Contraception – Read about the Catholic teaching on human sterilization
• Sterilization: Catholic Teaching and Catholic Practice – For those interested in reading in-depth about the Catholic teaching on human sterilization

• Read the Easter homily by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
• Read the Easter homily by Pope Benedict XVI

Sts. Timothy and Maura of Antinoe
(Commemorated on May 3)

Saints Timothy and Maura suffered for the faith during the persecution under the emperor Diocletian (284-305). Timothy came from the village of Perapa (Egyptian Thebaid). He was made a lector, and also a keeper and copyist of liturgy books. Timothy was denounced as a keeper of Christian books, which the emperor ordered to be confiscated and burned. They brought him before the governor Arian, who demanded that he hand over the sacred books. They subjected Timothy to horrible tortures for his refusal to obey the command. They shoved two red-hot iron rods into his ears, from which the sufferer lost his eyesight and became blind.

Timothy bravely endured the pain and he gave thanks to God, for granting him to suffer for Him. The torturers hung the saint head downwards, putting a piece of wood in his mouth, and they tied a heavy stone to his neck. Timothy’s suffering was so extreme, that even those who tortured him implored the governor to ease up on the torture.

About this time they informed Arian that Timothy had a young wife named Maura, whom he had married only twenty days before. Arian ordered Maura to be brought, hoping that with her present, they could break Timothy’s will. Timothy urged his wife not to fear the tortures, but to follow his path. Maura answered, “I am prepared to die with you,” and she boldly confessed herself a Christian. Arian commanded that the hair be torn from her head, and to cut the fingers off her hands.

Maura underwent the torment with joy and even thanked the governor for the torture, which she endured so that her sins might be forgiven. Then Arian gave orders to throw Maura into a boiling cauldron, but she did not feel any pain, and she remained unharmed. Suspecting that the servants had filled the cauldron with cold water out of sympathy for the martyr, Arian went up and ordered Timothy to splash him on the hand with water from the cauldron. When Timothy did this, Arian screamed with pain and drew back his scalded hand. Then, momentarily admitting the power of the miracle, Arian confessed God in Whom Maura believed as the True God, and he ordered her to be released. But the devil still held great power over the governor, and soon he again began to urge Maura to offer sacrifice to the pagan gods. Having gotten nowhere, Arian was overcome all the more by a satanic rage and he came up with new tortures. Then the people began to murmur and demand a stop to the abuse of this innocent woman. But Maura, turning to the people, said, “Let no one defend me. I have one Defender, God, in Whom I trust.”

Finally, after torturing them for a long time, Arian ordered the young couple to be crucified. For ten days, they hung on crosses facing each other, encouraging one another, until the tenth day when they died.

Saints Timothy and Maura, happy now in heaven, pray for all married couples and families on earth, that they be courageous witnesses to God and His great love!

Pearl of the Week: Sterilization Reversal: A Generous Act of Love – read it FREE!

The Pearl of the Week is a resource, recommended to you – so that you can more deeply understand and hold our Faith, which is great treasure.

Editor: John L. Long

This book contains the touching personal stories of 20 Catholic couples who chose sterilization as a solution for family difficulties and then were given the grace to choose healing and wholeness in a radical way. Appendices cover medical aspects of reversing sterilization, and pastoral reflections on sterilization and reversal by a bishop and a moral theologian.

Read it entirely for free! Use the viewer on OneMoreSoul.com (click here). You may also buy it in PDF format on their website.

Book Review by a Doctor and Medical Professor:

When patients ask whether there are any problems with sexual intercourse subsequent to elective sterilization, a common response from physicians is:“ There aren’t significant problems; in fact, many couples find that their sexual relations improve — because the fear of becoming pregnant is gone.” For any physician who might believe this is true (and there are many; I know, I used to be one), Sterilization Reversal: A Generous Act of Love provides a very different perspective. Since some of my colleagues actively encourage sterilization almost as a good in and of itself, this book provides a much-needed counterview.

Read the rest of this medical doctor and professor’s book review by clicking here.

We know you’ve wondered it…

Why would someone homeschool their children? Further, why do many Catholics choose this lifestyle? We’re joined by local Catholic homeschooling leaders to discuss this, plus an upcoming conference on Catholic homeschooling hosted in San Antonio – which begins with a free Friday night information session for curious parents. Join us!

Sounds interesting. How can I listen & participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

• Official Website of The Pilgrim Center of Hope

• San Antonio Catholic Homeschool Conference – May 18-19, 2012
• Read the Easter homily by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
• Read the Easter homily by Pope Benedict XVI

Saint of the Week: St. Pedro de San Jose Betancur a.k.a. ‘Hermano Pedro’
(Died: April 25)

Central America gained its first saint with the canonization of Hermano Pedro de San José Betancur (Brother Peter of Saint Joseph Betancur) who is more simply known as Hermano Pedro.

Hermano Pedro is known as the “St. Francis of the Americas” and was the first saint to have worked and died in Guatemala.

Calling Pedro an “outstanding example” of Christian mercy, Pope John Paul II noted that he practiced mercy “heroically with the lowliest and the most deprived.” Speaking to an estimated 500,000 Guatemalans in attendance, the Holy Father spoke of the social ills that still plague the region.

Hermano Pedro very much wanted to become a priest, but God had other plans for the young man born into a poor family on Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Pedro was a shepherd until age 24, when he began to make his way to Guatemala, hoping to connect with a relative engaged in government service there. By the time he reached Havana, Cuba, he was out of money. After working there to earn more, he got to Guatemala City the following year. When he arrived he was so destitute that he had to depend on the bread line which the Franciscans had established.

Soon, Pedro enrolled in the local Jesuit college in hopes of studying for the priesthood. No matter how hard he tried, however, he could not master the material. He withdrew from school after three years, and in 1655 he joined the secular Franciscan Order. Three years later, he opened a hospital for the convalescent poor called Our Lady of Bethlehem; a shelter for the homeless and a school for the poor soon followed. Other men were drawn to Pedro’s work, and formed the Bethlehemite Congregation AKA Hospitalers Bethlehemite.

Pedro built chapels and shrines in the poor sections of the city, and promoted the ministry of intercessory prayer among those who had nothing except their time. He also loved to visit and tend to prisoners.

He is sometimes credited with originating the Christmas Eve posadas procession in which people representing Mary and Joseph seek a night’s lodging from their neighbors. The custom soon spread to Mexico and other Central American countries.

He died on April 25, 1667. Read his story in detail by clicking here.

Brother Pedro, pray for us – that we may always teach the love of Christ by the witness of our lives!

Pearl of the Week: Catholic Education: Homeward Bound

The Pearl of the Week is a resource, recommended to you – so that you can more deeply understand and hold our Faith, which is great treasure.

Authors: Kimberly Hahn and Mary Hasson

Two experienced home schooling moms present a very thorough, balanced and practical guide to both the merits of home education, as well as the important ideas, resources and curriculums to home school. Hahn and Hasson cover all aspects – statistics supporting home schooling’s excellence, the nitty-gritty of lesson plans, and hundreds of ways to keep the fun in (and boredom out) of learning. Most importantly, they offer compelling advice and inspiration for parents as they undertake their child’s religious, moral and intellectual formation.

This is a reliable guide for Catholic parents who want to stay close to the heart of the church in the schooling of their children. The authors demonstrate that home schooling is not a fringe movement on the Church’s periphery, but it is squarely based on Catholic teachings drawn from Sacred Scripture, natural law, and the writings of saints and popes. Readers will find the right combination of secular and sacred, theoretical and practical. Whether you are looking for advice and encouragement, language resources, aids for teaching multiplication or phonics – or the Ten Commandments – this book is sure to be a very functional tool.

You may purchase the book from Ignatius Press online, by calling their hotline: 1-800-651-1531, or request it from the library through InterLibrary Loan.

Prisoners at Stevenson Unit lead praise songs during an ACTS retreat

Is there freedom for ex-convicts?

When prisoners return home after fulfilling their sentence, transitioning can be difficult. We speak with Criminal Justice Ministry director Deacon Robert Leibrecht about truly freeing ex-convicts. You may be surprised to learn the number of prisoners who return home as new Catholics, seeking to follow Christ. Tune in!

Sounds interesting. How can I listen & participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com or call during the program: (210) 734-5371

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

• Official Website of The Pilgrim Center of Hope

• Volunteering with Criminal Justice Ministry – Brochure
• Seguin New Life Ministry (Support Group) – Brochure
• “The ACTS journey: Parish to prison” – Article on growing Prison ACTS retreat ministry in our Archdiocese, by Deacon Bob
• Prison ACTS – See photos and learn more about Prison ACTS retreats
• Read the Easter homily by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
• Read the Easter homily by Pope Benedict XVI

Jeanne d' Arc, by Eugene Thirion (1876)

Saint of the Week: St. Jeanne d’Arc – Joan of Arc
(Feast: May 30)

Burned alive for what some would call ‘hardcore’ devotion to Christ, Joan was only 19 when she died – rejected by her own people. Joan’s life has been made legendary since then. So, what facts do we know about the patron saint of prisoners?

The Faithful Maid

Saint Joan was born on January 6, 1412, in the village of Domremy to Jacques and Isabelle d’Arc. Joan was the youngest of their five children. While growing up among the fields and pastures of her village, she was called Jeannette but when she entered into her mission, her name was changed to Jeanne, la Pucelle, in English – Joan, the Maid.

As a child, she was taught domestic skills as well as her religion by her mother. Joan would later say, “As for spinning and sewing, I fear no woman in Rouen.” And again, “It was my mother alone who taught me the ‘Our Father’ and ‘Hail Mary’ and the ‘Creed;’ and from none other was I taught my faith.”

From her earliest of years Joan was known for her obedience to her parents, religious fervor, goodness, unselfish generosity and kindness toward her neighbors. Simonin Munier, one of Joan’s childhood friends, tells how Joan had nursed him back to health when he was sick. Some of her playmates teased her for being ‘too pious.’ Others remembered how she would give up her bed to the homeless stranger who came to her father’s door asking for shelter.

“I place trust in God, my creator, in all things; I love Him with all my heart.” – Jeanne

Heavenly Voices

She was ‘like all the others’ in her village until age 13. “When I was about thirteen, I received revelation from Our Lord by a voice which told me to be good and attend church often and that God would help me.” She stated that her ‘Voices’ were Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret. At first her ‘Voices’ came to her two or three times a week, but five years later, they visited her daily telling her to ‘Go into France’ to militarily raise the siege of Orleans, conduct the Dauphin Charles to Reims for his crowning, and to drive the English from the land.

Joan went to the neighboring town of Vaucouleurs, which means Valley of Many Colors. There, she spoke to the loyal French governor by the name of Sir Robert de Baudricourt. After many rejections, he finally agreed to send her to the Dauphin who at the time was living at the castle of Chinon.

On the evening of February 23, 1429, she began her military mission for God. In the company of six men, she rode through the Gate of France on her way to Chinon. Joan reached this town on March 6th, but was not received by Dauphin Charles, until the evening of March 9th.

After being accepted and approved by a Church council headed by the Archbishop of Reims, Joan was allowed to lead the Dauphin’s army. This part of her career was meteoric. She entered Orleans on the evening of April 29th and by May 8th the city had been freed from captivity of the English army. The Loire campaign started on June 9th and by June 19th the English were driven out of the Loire valley. The march to Reims started on June 29th and by July 17th Charles was crowned King of France in the cathedral of Reims.

Rejected and Imprisoned

From this time on, for reasons known only to King Charles, the king no longer valued Joan’s advice and guidance. She had always told him that God had given her ‘a year and a little longer’ to accomplish His will but the king seemed to take no notice of it. For almost a year he wasted what time remained to Joan, until in frustration, she left the court. Her last military campaign lasted from the middle of March until she was captured at the town of Compiegne on May 23rd, 1430. Her ‘year and a little longer’ was over.

Abandoned by her king and friends, she started her year of captivity. As a prisoner of the Burgundians she was treated fairly but that all changed when on November 21st, 1430, she was handed over the English. How she survived their harsh treatment of her is a miracle in itself.

The English not only wanted to kill Joan (who was a hero to the French people) but they also wanted to discredit King Charles as a false king by having Joan condemned by the Church as a witch and a heretic. To obtain this goal, the English used only Church authorities who were corrupt and devoted to the English officials. The staunchest of these was Bishop Cauchon.

Joan’s trial of condemnation lasted from February 21st until May 23rd. She was finally burnt at the stake in Rouen’s market square on May 30th, 1431. Her final request: “Hold the crucifix up before my eyes so I may see it until I die.”

Twenty-five years later the findings of Joan’s first trial were overturned and declared ‘null and void’ by another Church court. It was not until 1920 that the Church of Rome officially declared Joan to be a saint.

Watch the acclaimed film

Too few of us are aware that a committee of bishops called the Pontifical Commission for Social Communications, in 1995, released a list of important films. These represent “many worthwhile productions during the first hundred years of [films'] existence.” Number 3 on the list: La passion de Jeanne d’Arc (The Passion of Joan of Arc) – a silent 1928 film with breathtaking actress Renée Jeanne Falconetti as the star. We highly recommend this film, to understand more about the heroic woman whom we ask for heavenly help.

Saint Joan of Arc, pray for us – for prisoners, ex-convicts, and all Christians – that we may live as disciples of the Risen Lord Jesus!

Pearl of the Week: When Prisoners Return: Why We Should Care and How You and Your Church Can Help

The Pearl of the Week is a resource, recommended to you – so that you can more deeply understand and hold our Faith, which is great treasure.

Author: Pat Nolan.

Recommended by: Deacon Robert Leibrecht

Over 600,000 inmates will be released from America’s prisons this year.

What kind of neighbors will these returning inmates be? What has been done to prepare them to live healthy, productive, law-abiding lives? Each of us has a stake in seeing that these men and women make a safe and successful return to their communities. Yet, today very little is being done to help them make that transition successfully.

Most offenders will be returning from years in overcrowded prisons where they were exposed to the horrors of violence including homosexual rape, isolation from family and friends, and despair. Most are idle in prison; warehoused with little preparation to make better choices when they return to the free world.

Further, little is done to change the moral perspective of offenders. Most inmates do not leave prison transformed into law-abiding citizens; in fact, the very skills inmates develop to survive inside prison make them anti-social when they are released.

For prisoners to return to their communities safely and successfully, we need much more than government programs. Government programs can’t love someone, only people can do that. This is one of the roles the Church is called upon to take in our communities: to minister to the least of these. This book explains why you and your church should become involved in helping returning prisoners, and provides practical ways to help.

You may purchase the book online at Amazon.com, or request it from the library through InterLibrary Loan.

Lord, you have chosen St. Andre to spread devotion to St. Joseph and to minister to all those who are afflicted. Through his intercession, grant us the favor we are requesting: for a success surgery for Mary Jane Fox and a swift and complete recovery. Lord, grant us the grace to imitate his piety, charity and humility, so that with him, we may share the reward promised to all those who care for their neighbor because of their love for you. Through Christ our Lord, Amen!

Mary Jane thanks you for your prayers! She praises God for you and your prayers.

Appearance of Christ to Mary Magdalene

How come I can’t hear God speak to me?

After the Resurrection, Jesus calls his disciples again. Do you hear Him calling you? Learn an easy & ancient way to use Scripture as a tool for prayer, meditation and discernment as we dive into the Gospel with Father Ed Hauf, OMI.

Sounds interesting. How can I listen & participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com or call during the program: (210) 734-5371

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

• Official Website of The Pilgrim Center of Hope

• Read the Easter homily by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
• Read the Easter homily by Pope Benedict XVI
• Father Ed’s pneumonic ACTS – Adoration (praise), Contrition (sorry for our sins), Thanksgiving, Supplication (asking for help)

Saint of the Week: St. Joseph Moscati
(Died: April 12; Feast: November 16)

Born July 25, 1880 Benevento, Italy, Joseph (Giuseppe in Italian) was the seventh of nine children. As a boy in school, he had a great spirit of perseverance, so that his professors held him up as an example to his classmates. He was of gentle and kindly disposition, deeply sincere and serene, even though he was sometimes too outspoken.

He attended medical school at the University of Naples, studying rigorously and frequenting daily Mass. He suffered much grief when his beloved father died during his first year in medical school. He pressed on and graduated with a degree in Medicine and Surgery, summa cum laude, when he was only 23 years old in 1903. Joseph wrote, “The beauty and the enchantment of life pass away. Eternal love remains surviving in us, which is our hope and religion, for love is God. The grandeur of death is not the end, but the beginning of the Sublime and the Divine, in whose presence flowers and beauty don’t have any meaning.”

Dedicated to Service

In 1906, Mount Vesuvius erupted. Doctor Moscati heroically saved many patients who could have died in the hospital as the roof was collapsing. He also was known to have saved many during a cholera epidemic in 1911. Later that same year, he gained the Naples University Chair in Chemical Physiology. Around 1912 or 1913, he made a vow of chastity, consecrating himself to a life of celibacy. He wanted to become a Jesuit priest, but the Jesuits felt that God’s will was for Dr. Moscati to remain in the world as a physician. (St. Moscati is now considered patron saint of those rejected by religious orders and of bachelors.) Dr. Moscati practiced medicine at the Hospital for Incurables in Naples and taught courses in general medicine at the university. Soon, he became a hospital administrator. He demonstrated extraordinary skill in diagnosing his patients.

“There was no development in medicine that he did not know thoroughly,” said his colleague, Professor Piazza, “because there wasn’t even the slightest detail of research he was not familiar with. He was used to following in journals of different countries the new developments in science. As he had lived for many years in scientific institutes and in the wards of the Hospital for Incurables, devoted to the scientific studies and to invalids, everyone was astonished to see this young man of only 36, who in such a short time was reaching the head of the whole medical world in Southern Italy.”

Body and Soul

“Remember,” he once wrote to a young doctor, one of his former students, “that you must treat not only bodies, but also souls, with counsel that appeals to their minds and hearts rather than with cold prescriptions to be sent in to the pharmacist.”

Dr. Moscati’s philosophy for medical practice was to save souls by caring for the body. He believed that the health of the body depended upon the soul remaining in the state of grace. He is quoted in saying that “one must attend first to the salvation of the soul and only then to that of the body.” Through his practice, he helped many lapsed Catholics to return to the Sacraments. His favorite patients were the poor, the homeless, the religious and the priests-all from whom he would never accept payment. He actually went as far as secretly leaving his money within a patient’s prescription or under a patient’s pillow. One day he even refused payment from all his patients saying, “These are working folk. What have we that has not been given us by Our Lord? Woe to us if we do not make good use of God’s gifts!”

Doctor Moscati went to Mass daily and had a great devotion to Our Lady, the Immaculate Conception. He always kept a Rosary in his pocket.

On April 12, 1927, after doing his normal hospital rounds and visiting the poor and examining patients in his home, he felt ill, stopped work, went to his room, sat in his chair and died. He was 46. This physician, medical school professor, and pioneer in the field of biochemistry, was canonized in 1987 during the synod of bishops on the laity by Pope John Paul II. He is the first modern medical physician to have been canonized.

Saint Joseph Moscati, pray for us – that we would learn to hear God’s voice and respond generously with our whole selves!

Pearl of the Week: Lectio Divina guide

The Pearl of the Week is a resource, recommended to you – so that you can more deeply understand and hold our Faith, which is great treasure.

This week, we offer you a free one-page guide to Lectio Divina compiled by the Pilgrim Center of Hope! This is wonderful for personal prayer, group retreats or faith formation.

Click here to view or print yours!

You also may request copies from us by calling our office: (210) 521-3377. For bulk copies, we ask for a donation toward our ministry to help cover costs. (Perhaps your parish office would print a copy for you in exchange for a small donation, as well.)

Lord, you have chosen St. Andre to spread devotion to St. Joseph and to minister to all those who are afflicted.  Through his intercession, grant us the favor we are requesting:  for a success surgery for Mary Jane Fox and a swift and complete recovery. Lord, grant us the grace to imitate his piety, charity and humility, so that with him, we may share the reward promised to all those who care for their neighbor because of their love for you.   Through Christ our Lord, Amen!

Mary Jane thanks you for your prayers!  She praises God for you and your prayers.

Face from the Shroud of Turin

What did Jesus really go through on Holy Thursday night and Good Friday?

Tonight, we dive into the Scriptures, reflect on them, and incorporate scientific & historical evidence about the Roman tortures and crucifixion. Join host Angela Sealana as she contributes insights from the Holy Land, and learns from two special guests: Pete Remmert, convert and local expert on the Shroud of Turin, and Fr. Ed Hauf, OMI, a local spiritual director serving at St. Mary’s parish in downtown San Antonio.

Our usual hosts, Deacon Tom and Mary Jane Fox, are on leave while Mary Jane prepares for hip replacement surgery; please keep her in prayer. CTSA viewers will see an encore presentation this week, due to Catholic Television of San Antonio staff preparations to broadcast The Way of the Cross in downtown San Antonio on Good Friday.

Sounds interesting. How can I listen & participate in this program?

South Texans can tune into Time Warner Cable channel 15 or radio 89.7 FM – and anyone can listen online by clicking the LISTEN LIVE button on CatholicismLive.com from 8pm – 9pm Central Time!

Submit questions / comments using the form on CatholicismLive.com or call during the program: (210) 734-5371

More information related to this episode of Catholicism Live!:

• Official Website of The Pilgrim Center of Hope
• Official Website of ‘Who Is the Man of the Shroud?’ exhibition project
• Photos for this broadcast – Places of the Passion

Schedule of activities at San Fernando Cathedral for Good Friday, April 6
10 a.m., Prayer Service at Milam Park (bilingual); Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller
10:30 a.m., Passion Play & Procession from Milam Park to Cathedral (in Spanish); Archbishop Gustavo
12 p.m., Crucifixion in front of cathedral (in Spanish); Archbishop Gustavo
1 p.m., Las Siete Palabras (mostly in Spanish); Archbishop Gustavo
2:30 p.m., Liturgy of Good Friday (bilingual); Archbishop Gustavo
5:30 p.m., Stations of the Cross (in English)
8:15 p.m., Pésame Service; (in Spanish; Prayer service with the Sorrowful Mother); Archbishop Gustavo

• Read the Lent 2012 message focusing on fasting by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem
• Read the Lent 2012 message focusing on charity by Pope Benedict XVI
• Read the official excerpt about Lent from the Holy See’s Congregation for Divine Worship
• Read the rules for fasting and abstinence from the Roman Catholic Church’s Code of Canon Law

Saint of the Week: St. Isidore of Seville
(Feast Day: April 4) Doctor of the Church

The hearts of Isidore’s family members were clearly open to God; he and his brothers Leander & Fulgentius, and his sister Florentina are all saints!

From Slow Learner to a Shining Student

This didn’t make life easier for Isidore. To the contrary, Leander may have been holy in many ways, but his treatment of his little brother shocked many even at the time. Leander, who was much older than Isidore, took over Isidore’s education and his teaching theory involved force and punishment. We know from Isidore’s later accomplishments that he was intelligent and hard-working, so it is hard to understand why Leander thought abuse would work instead of patience.

One day, the young boy couldn’t take any more. Frustrated by his inability to learn as fast as his brother wanted and hurt by his brother’s treatment, Isidore ran away. But though he could escape his brother’s hand and words, he couldn’t escape his own feeling of failure and rejection. When he finally let the outside world catch his attention, he noticed water dripping on the rock near where he sat. The drops of water that fell repeatedly carried no force and seemed to have no effect on the solid stone. And yet he saw that over time, the water drops had worn holes in the rock.

Isidore realized that if he kept working at his studies, his seemingly small efforts would eventually pay off in great learning. He also may have hoped that his efforts would also wear down the rock of his brother’s heart.

When he returned home, however, his brother in exasperation confined him to a cell (probably in a monastery) to complete his studies, not believing that he wouldn’t run away again.

Either there must have been a loving side to this relationship or Isidore was remarkably forgiving even for a saint, because later he would work side by side with his brother and after Leander’s death, Isidore would complete many of the projects he began, including a missal and breviary.

In a time where it’s fashionable to blame the past for our present and future problems, Isidore was able to separate the abusive way he was taught from the joy of learning. He didn’t run from learning after he left his brother but embraced education and made it his life’s work. Isidore rose above his past to become known as the greatest teacher in Spain.

Brother Bishop

His brother Leander, who had become the bishop of Seville, passed away and was succeeded by Isidore. Bishop Isidore’s love of learning made him require the construction of a seminary in every diocese of Spain. He didn’t limit his own studies and didn’t want others to, either. In a unique move, he made sure that all branches of knowledge – including the arts and medicine – were taught in the seminaries.

His encyclopedia of knowledge, the Etymologies, was a popular textbook for nine centuries. He also wrote books on grammar, astronomy, geography, history, and biography as well as theology. When the Arabs brought study of Aristotle back to Europe, this was nothing new to Spain because Isidore’s open mind had already reintroduced the philosopher to students there.

Isidore set a model for representative government in Europe. Under his direction, and perhaps remembering the tyrannies of his brother, he rejected autocratic decision- making and organized synods to discuss government of the Spanish Church. In 619, Saint Isidore of Seville pronounced anathema (a formal denunciation) against any member of the clergy who in any way molested the monasteries and children.

Model for All People

He wrote several books full of wisdom and inspiration for Christians. In one, he reflects, “The Savior Jesus offers us the example of active life when during the day he devoted himself to working signs and miracles in the town, but he showed the contemplative life when he withdrew to the mountain and spent the night in prayer…Therefore let the servant of God, imitating Christ, dedicate himself to contemplation without denying himself active life. Behaving otherwise would not be right. Indeed, just as we must love God in contemplation, so we must love our neighbor with action. It is therefore impossible to live without the presence of both the one and the other form of life, nor can we live without experiencing both the one and the other.”

Quotation read on our broadcast: “Learning unsupported by grace may get into our ears; it never reaches the heart. But when God’s grace touches our innermost minds to bring understanding, his word which has been received by the ear sinks deep into the heart.”

Saint Isidore, pray for us – that we allow the example of Christ to change our lives!

Crucifix painted by St. Alphonsus Liguori

Pearl of the Week: Stations of the Cross, meditations written by St. Alphonsus Liguori – click here

The Pearl of the Week is a resource, recommended to you – so that you can more deeply understand and hold our Faith, which is great treasure.

These are the most widely-used meditations on the Way of the Cross. Saint Alphonsus Liguori, founder of the Redemptorist religious order.

You may inquire about this prayer at your local Catholic bookstore, read it free by clicking the link above, or acquire it from The Pilgrim Center of Hope for a small donation (210) 521-3377. Our outdoor Stations of the Cross are available for families/groups who want to pray and have a picnic lunch; click here for more information.