Friday After Ash Wednesday

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Praise someone honestly. When was the last time that you truly complimented someone? And not just on their looks, either. Focus on one of their God-given accomplishments, personality traits, or gifts. Can they sing really well? Dance like no one's business? Do they rock at public speaking? Tell them, and be genuine and true.

Saint of the Day

Friday, February 15, 2013
St. Claude la Colombière
(1641-1682)


This is a special day for the Jesuits, who claim today’s saint as one of their own. It’s also a special day for people who have a special devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus—a devotion Claude la Colombière promoted, along with his friend and spiritual companion, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque. The emphasis on God’s love for all was an antidote to the rigorous moralism of the Jansenists, who were popular at the time. Claude showed remarkable preaching skills long before his ordination in 1675. Two months later he was made superior of a small Jesuit residence in Burgundy. It was there he first encountered Margaret Mary Alacoque. For many years after he served as her confessor.
He was next sent to England to serve as confessor to the Duchess of York. He preached by both words and by the example of his holy life, converting a number of Protestants. Tensions arose against Catholics and Claude, rumored to be part of a plot against the king, was imprisoned. He was ultimately banished, but by then his health had been ruined.
He died in 1682. Pope John Paul the Second canonized Claude la Colombière in 1992.

 Sources: SUNDAY BY SUNDAY and americancatholic.org

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