- Lamentations 3:22-25 -
Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed,
for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, "The LORD is my ****tion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him...
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Trusting in God's faithfulness day by day makes us confident in his great
promises for the future.
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March 17th - Blessed Marcel Callo
1921-1945
Marcel Callo was born on December 6, 1921, in Rennes, France, being one of
nine
children. He was a happy child, who was known to be a leader and a
perfectionist. He helped with his household chores and he helped take care
of
his younger siblings. After completing his primary studies, he became an
apprentice to a printer around age 13. He did not like associating with
fellow
workers who swore and told many improper stories. He preferred
accompanying
good
Catholic friends who belonged to the JOC, Jeunesse Ouvriere Chretienne
(Young
Christian Worker). He had a good sense of humor and would like to wrestle,
play
football, ping pong, cards and bridge.
When Marcel was 20 he fell in love with Marguerite Derniaux. He did not
degrade
women like his fellow worker but instead had deep respect for women. He
said, "I
am not one to amuse myself with the heart of a lady, since my love is pure
and
noble. If I have waited until 20 years old to go out with a young lady, it
is
because I knew that I wanted to find real love. One must master his heart
before
he can give it to the one that is chosen for him by Christ." It took him
about
one year to declare his love to Marguerite and an additional four months
before
they first kissed. After being engaged, they imposed a strict spiritual
rule
of
life which included praying the same prayers and going to Mass and
receiving
the
Eucharist as often as they could.
On March 8, 1943, the war (World War II) had gripped their city of Rennes.
That
day his sister, Madeleine was killed by one of the bombs that leveled her
building. When the Germans later occupied France, Marcel was ordered and
de****ted to Zella-Mehlis, Germany to the S.T.O.,Service du Travail
Obligatoire
(Service of Obligatory Work). If he did not comply, his family would be
arrested, so he went.
Once there, he worked in a factory that produced bombs that would be used
against his own countrymen. After three months or so of missing his family
and
missing Mass (there was no Catholic church in that town), Marcel became
seriously depressed. He later found a room where Mass was offered on
Sunday.
This helped change his disposition. He re****ted that, "Finally Christ
reacted.
He made me to understand that the depression was not good. I had to keep
busy
with my friends and then joy and relief would come back to me."
With his morale and hope restored, he cared for his de****ted friends. He
organized a group of Christian workers who did activities together like
play
s****ts or cards. He also organized a theatrical group. He galvanized his
friends
despite him suffering from painful boils, headaches and infected teeth.
For
his
French friends, he arranged a Mass to be celebrated in their native
tongue.
Eventually, his religious activities attracted unwanted attention from the
German officials. The Germans arrested Marcel on April 19, 1944 saying
that,
"Monsieur is too much of a Catholic."
The Germans interrogated Marcel. He admitted his Catholic activities and
was
imprisoned in Gotha. He secretly received the Eucharist while in prison
and
continued to pray and help his companions. He was considered dangerous to
the
Germans and was moved to a different prison at Mathausen. He suffered from
various ailments such as bronchitis, malnutrition, dysentery, fever,
swelling,
and generalized weakness. He never complained. Despite his suffering, he
encouraged his companions by saying, "It is in prayer that we find our
strength." He died on the feast of St. Joseph, March 19, 1945. The date
was
exactly two years from the day he left home. Pope John Paul II beautified
Marcel
Callo on October 4, 1987 along with two Italian martyrs, Antonio Mesina
and
Pierina Morosini.
Saint Quote:
I ought to die of shame to think I have not already died of gratitude to
my
good
God.
-- Saint Julie Billiart
Bible Quote
Jesus saith to them: Have you never read in the Scriptures: The stone
which
the
builders rejected, the same is become the head of the corner? By the Lord
this
has been done; and it is wonderful in our eyes. Therefore I say to you,
that
the
kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and shall be given to a nation
yielding
the fruits thereof. And whosoever shall fall on this stone, shall be
broken:
but
on whomsoever it shall fall, it shall grind him to powder. (Matthew
21:42-44)
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Prayer to St. Dymphna - Justice
Admirable St. Dymphna, how just you were to all whom you
encountered, and how careful you were to give every person
his due, and more than he might desire or expect. By your
power with God please come to assist us to be just to all we
meet, and even to be generous in giving everyone more than
strict justice requires. Amen.
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The fourth joyful mystery prayer of the Eucharistic Rosary, to
be offered before the Blessed Sacrament:
The Presentation of Jesus, offered for the virtues of obedience
and purity:
Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, Thou
offerest Thyself with perfect obedience and love to Thy
Father, through the hands of the high-priest, as the Victim that
is to be immolated on the cross; every day also Thou offerest
Thyself upon the altar by the hands of the priest, with the
same obedience and love as our Victim, always sacrificed and
always living.
O sweet Victim, we adore Thee and we beg of Thee, through the intercession
of
Thy holy Mother, the spirit of obedience and sacrifice.
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