November 27th - St. Francis Anthony Fasini
Born in 1681 at Lucera, southeastern Italy, Francis Anthony was the son of
very
poor peasants; but he was a bright lad, and received a good education from
the
Conventual Franciscans in his native town. When he was 14 he received the
habit
of St. Francis among the Conventuals, and in 1705 he was ordained to the
priesthood. He was then sent to the Sagro Convento, adjoining the basilica
in
Assisi where St. Francis is buried, for the purpose of continuing his
studies.
Two years later he received the doctorate in theology, and he was then
appointed
lector of philosophy in the college conducted by the Conventuals in his
home
town. He was promoted successively to regent of studies, guardian, and
provincial, which latter office he held from 1721 to 1723. After that he
served
as master of novices, and then as pastor of the church of St. Francis in
Lucera.
A bishopric was offered to him, but he declined it.
From the process of beatification we learn that Francis Anthony was
diligent
in
study, fervent in piety, prompt in his obedience to his superiors, devout
in
meditation, and most exact in the fulfillment of all his duties. He was
also
mortified and given to the exercises of penance even to bloodshed. From
his
youth he was an "angel in the flesh, more an angel than a man."
Among the devotions that he cherished there were especially a tender love
for
the Immaculate Mother of God, a childlike affection for the Infant Jesus,
and
fervent devotion, also night adoration, of the Holy Eucharist. Once, while
he
was absorbed in prayer, someone who happened to be in the church heard a
voice
saying: "This priest prays much for his people."
As a priest, he also became an eloquent preacher, a lover of the poor, a
friend
of the unfortunate. He was a missionary, a retreat-master, and a Lenten
preacher. For hours he would sit in the confessional, hearing and
absolving
the
sins of his penitents, consoling the afflicted, warning the hardened of
heart.
He spent much time in visiting the sick, the orphans, and the imprisoned.
As
a
pastor he was a real father to his people.
After 35 years in the priesthood and a life of penance, union with God,
and
intense labor the salvation of souls, God called Father Francis Anthony to
Himself on November 29, 1742. On that day the people of Lucera came
hurrying
to
the church of St. Francis, exclaiming as did the children at the death of
St.
Anthony of Padua, "The saint is dead! The saint is dead!" And for 200
years
since then, they have continues to kneel and pray at his tomb. The cause
of
his
beatification was introduced in Rome in 1832; and in 1951 Pope Pius XII
solemnly
enrolled him among the blessed.
A new miracle attributed to the intercession of Blessed Francis Anthony
was
approved with the decree of March 21, 1985, by the Holy Father, John Paul
II
and
canonized on April 13, 1986.
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PRAYER OF THE CHURCH
Grant, we pray, O Lord, that Thy faithful people may ever rejoice in
venerating
Thy blessed servant Francis Anthony and all Thy saints and may be aided by
their
unceasing prayers. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint Quote:
"Observe ... in the Scriptures, the unfortunate rich man in Hell. ... This
man
had committed none of those great crimes which human justice punishes; he
had
simply enjoyed the good things of the world too much. He is condemned [by
God]
without hope, without consolation, for ever and ever!"
-St. Peter Eymard (Founder, 1811-68) - "The Eucharist and Christian
Perfection "
Bible Quotes:
"There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen,
and
feasted sumptuously every day. ... And it came to pass that the beggar
died,
and
was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom. And the rich man also
died:
and
he was buried in hell. And lifting up his eyes when he was in torments, he
saw
Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom:" (Luke 16: 19, 22-23)
"I [Jesus Christ, God Almighty] say to you: but except you do penance, you
shall
all likewise perish." (Luke 13:5)
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Daily Thoughts and Prayers for Our Beloved Dead
"Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you my friends, because the
hand
of
the Lord hath touched me" Job. 19-21.
SIXTH DAY
The Souls in Purgatory are powerless to help themselves. They cannot do
penance,
nor offer satisfaction, nor gain indulgences, nor receive the Sacraments.
They
cannot pray for themselves. We, who are still on earth, can share with
them
the
Graces which God so generously and abundantly gives us.
Prayer: Our Father, Three Hail Marys, Gloria, De Profundis.
De Profundis
Out of the depths, I have cried to Thee,
O Lord, Lord, hear my voice.
Let Thine ears be attentive to the
voice of my supplication.
If Thou, O Lord, shalt mark my iniquities,
O Lord, who shall stand it?
For with Thee there is merciful
forgiveness: and by reason of Thy
law I have waited for Thee, O Lord.
My soul hath relied on His word; my soul
hath hoped in the Lord.
From the morning watch even until
night; let Israel hope in the Lord.
Because with the Lord there is mercy;
And with Him plenteous redemption.
And He shall redeem Israel from
all its iniquities.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
And let perpetual light ****ne upon them:
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Most beloved Jesus, by the merits of Thy five wounds, hear the pleas and
release
from the torments of Purgatory the faithful soul that did the most good on
earth. Place it today at Thy heavenly throne that it may join in honoring
Thee
and in guiding me to live according to its dictates.
Also See:
http://www.dailycatholic.org/deprofun.htm
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