Actives and Contemplatives

A couple of days ago I wrote about the amazing St Julie Billiart (1751-1816) and her connection with the Carmelites, and today we have another beautiful example of a saint with a strong Carmelite association from the same era – St Magdalene of Canossa (1774-1835).  Born into a wealthy family in northern Italy, at age 15 she announced she wished to become a nun. After trying out her vocation with the cloistered Carmelites, she realized her desire was to serve the needy without restriction. For years she worked among the poor and sick in hospitals and in their homes, and also among delinquent and abandoned girls.  In her mid-20s, Saint Magdalene of Canossa began offering lodging to poor girls in her own home. In time she opened a school, which offered practical training and religious instruction. As other women joined her in the work, the new Congregation of the Canossian Daughters of Charity—or Canossian Sisters—emerged. Over time, houses were opened throughout Italy.  Members of the new religious congregation focused on the educational and spiritual needs of women. Magdalene also founded a smaller congregation for priests and brothers. Both groups continue to this day.  Pope St John Paul II canonized her in 1988. [Courtesy of Franciscan Media]  Interesting how for some individuals the experience of cloistered life is a passing phase on their way to another vocation, while for others their very immersion in active life provokes in them a desire for the cloister.

Intercessions

Cancer: Brian Davis, Bernard (and wife Angela caring for him), Jacqui, Fr Jon Bielowski (Plymouth Diocese), Catherine, Alex (43 with five children), Sister Daranee Teapthong, William (stroke)

Illness:  Hilary Solomon, Katy Keeling

Siena, Elara – sick children

David OCDS – housebound

Sophia – blind infant

Grace – troubling ailments, job difficulties, family (deceased mother and health of father)

Mark – brain infection

Michael – youngster with occult influences

Defence of the unborn and the elderly

We are asked to pray for the Diocese of Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, as the Northern Mission celebrates its centenary. The process of selecting a new bishop continues.