Ash Wednesday
Try to understand another's point of view. Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in ourselves that we do not even regard the other person's opinions. Effective practice of this technique is called dual perspective (thank you, Interpersonal Communication class!) This means that you fully respect both yours and the other individual's unique viewpoint. In doing so, you can both practice humility and develop your listening skills simultaneously!
Saint of the Day
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
St. Giles Mary of St. Joseph
(1729-1812)
In
the same year that a power-hungry Napoleon Bonaparte led his army into
Russia, Giles Mary of St. Joseph ended a life of humble service to his
Franciscan community and to the citizens of Naples.
Francesco was born in Taranto to very poor parents. His father’s
death left the 18-year-old Francesco to care for the family. Having
secured their future, he entered the Friars Minor at Galatone in 1754.
For 53 years he served at St. Paschal’s Hospice in Naples in various
roles, such as cook, porter or most often as official beggar for that
community.
“Love God, love God” was his characteristic phrase as he gathered food for the friars and shared some of his bounty with the poor—all the while consoling the troubled and urging everyone to repent. The charity which he reflected on the streets of Naples was born in prayer and nurtured in the common life of the friars. The people whom Giles met on his begging rounds nicknamed him the “Consoler of Naples.” He was canonized in 1996.
Saint of the Day
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
St. Giles Mary of St. Joseph
(1729-1812)
“Love God, love God” was his characteristic phrase as he gathered food for the friars and shared some of his bounty with the poor—all the while consoling the troubled and urging everyone to repent. The charity which he reflected on the streets of Naples was born in prayer and nurtured in the common life of the friars. The people whom Giles met on his begging rounds nicknamed him the “Consoler of Naples.” He was canonized in 1996.
Comment:
People often become arrogant and power hungry when they try to live a lie, for example, when they forget their own sinfulness and ignore the gifts God has given to other people. Giles had a healthy sense of his own sinfulness—not paralyzing but not superficial either. He invited men and women to recognize their own gifts and to live out their dignity as people made in God’s divine image. Knowing someone like Giles can help us on our own spiritual journey.
People often become arrogant and power hungry when they try to live a lie, for example, when they forget their own sinfulness and ignore the gifts God has given to other people. Giles had a healthy sense of his own sinfulness—not paralyzing but not superficial either. He invited men and women to recognize their own gifts and to live out their dignity as people made in God’s divine image. Knowing someone like Giles can help us on our own spiritual journey.
Quote:
In his homily at the canonization of Giles, Pope John Paul II said that the spiritual journey of Giles reflected “the humility of the Incarnation and the gratuitousness of the Eucharist” (L'Osservatore Romano 1996, volume 23, number 1).
In his homily at the canonization of Giles, Pope John Paul II said that the spiritual journey of Giles reflected “the humility of the Incarnation and the gratuitousness of the Eucharist” (L'Osservatore Romano 1996, volume 23, number 1).
Sources: SUNDAY BY SUNDAY and americancatholic.org
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