Thought for the Day – 15 December
In her love of the crucified Christ, St Maria Crocifissa di Rosa, saw her mission in the suffering members of His Mystical Body. She made their suffering her own and became the servant of all. How often do we see Christ in others, especially those who are sick and suffering? Perhaps this Advent I may pray that my eyes be opened to the suffering around me.
St Maria di Rosa, Pray for us!
One Minute Reflection – 15 December
Live on in me, as I do in you………..Jn 15:4
REFLECTION – Unfurl the sails, and let God steer us where He will……………(For) All the ways of this world are as fickle and unstable as a sudden storm at sea……St Bede
PRAYER – Lord God, grant me the grace to see all human beings as potential persons in whom You dwell. And let me respect them because of You my God. Let me see the Face of Your Son in all. Teach me to follow Christ who is my Lord and Redeemer and see His presence in all, as St Maria di Rosa did, for love of You. St Maria di Rosa, Pray for us. Amen
Saint of the Day – 15 December – St Mary Crocifissa di Rosa (1813-1855) – Also known as Maria Crocifissa/Mary Crucifixa/Paola di Rosa/Paula Frances Mary di Rosa – Religious/Foundress of the Handmaids of Charity/Sisters of Charity of whom she is the Patron
St. Maria Crocifissa di Rosa was born into a wealthy family in Brescia, Italy, on November 6, 1813. She was one of nine children in her family and educated by Visitandine nuns. St. Mary Di Rosa was 17 years old when her mother died, she soon left school to help manage her father‘s estate. She discerned religious life and rejected many suitors.
In the cholera epidemic of 1836, she became well-known as she directed a home for girls and another home for deaf and mute young women. In 1840, she established the Handmaids of Charity, also called the Servants of Charity, sisters who ministered to the wounded on northern Italian battlefields and in hospitals. Maria led the Order until her death 15 years later. She was beatified in 1940 by Pope Pius XXI and canonized in 1954 by the same pontiff.
AnaStpaul 
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