April 6th - Blessed Zefirino Agostini
- From: "Waldtraud" <hildegard8@xxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Thu, 6 Apr 2006 11:38:47 -0500
April 6th - Blessed Zefirino Agostini
BL. ZEFIRINO AGOSTINI, the elder of two sons, was born on 24 September 1813
in Verona, Italy, to Antonio Agostini and Angela Frattini. Their father was
a doctor and they grew up in a true Christian family. He was baptized an 28
September 1813 in the Church of Sts Nazarius and Celsus, which would later
become his place of work.
After his father's death they were raised by their mother, whose wisdom and
gentleness would make a lasting impression on Zefirino. Zefirino wanted to
be a priest; he attended the local schools and studied philosophy at the
seminary as a day student, always showing love for his vocation and
attention to the problems of his time. He was ordained on 11 March 1837 by
Bishop Grasser of Verona and celebrated his first Mass in St Nazarius
Church. Here he was a curate for eight years, in charge of the boys'
recreational programme and the teaching of Christian doctrine.
In 1845 he was named parish priest. Given its size, poverty and problems,
some said his acceptance of this post was "truly heroic". With deep devotion
to God and ardent love for his people, Fr Agostini could accept people and
their sufferings with a fatherly heart and discern the signs of the times
with prophetic vision. His first commitment was to find time for the Lord
and cultivate familiarity with him in daily prayer.
His openness to God produced an ardent apostolic zeal, which made him
tirelessly attentive to all his parishioners. Among his many activities for
the poor and needy, he showed his concern for the education of women by
establishing an after-school programme for girls and attending to the
religious instruction of their mothers. The moral and material poverty of
young girls prompted him to take a special interest in them. He discovered
St Angela Merici and her ideals. He spoke enthusiastically about her to
young women and celebrated her feast-day as early as 1855. The Holy Spirit
and the need to rescue and educate girls spurred him to accept an offer made
by three young members of the after-school programme to devote themselves,
like St Angela, to the neediest.
After patient waiting and much prayer, Fr Agostini realized that following
St Angela's example was the Lord's will. Trusting in Providence, although he
lacked the means, he succeeded in founding the Pious Union of Sisters
Devoted to St Angela Merici. Their rule was approved by Bishop Ricabona in
1856. That same year, on 2 November, he opened his first charitable school
for poor girls. The first women to assist him lived with their families.
After 1860 some chose community life and Fr Agostini prepared the first rule
for the Ursuline community, which was approved that year. On 24 September
1869 the first 12 Ursulines made their profession; on 18 November, the
Congregation of Ursulines, Daughters of Mary Immaculate was founded. Some
continued to help in the parish while living at home.
Fr Agostini cared for all with respect seeking nothing but God's will and
the good of souls. Those who knew him described him as humble and
persevering full of pastoral zeal. In 1874 he made revealing remark to his
sisters: "Do no be dismayed by toil or suffering, nor by the meager fruit of
your labours. Remember that God rewards not according to results, but
effort". He worked tirelessly for the glory of God, irresistibly drawn to
the crucified Lord. He died on 6 April 1896.
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Whoever taketh not up his cross and followeth Me, is not worthy of
Me. -Matt. 10:38
"The way is narrow. Whoever expects to walk in it with ease must go detached
from all things, leaning on the staff of the Cross; that is firmly resolving
to be willing to suffer in all things for love of God"
-St. John of the Cross
Taulerus relates that he knew a great servant of God who had many visions
and revelations, and was aquainted with the interpretations of Scripture and
the secrets of hearts. But becoming afraid that gifts of one sort might
prove a hindrance to favors of another kind, and so prevent him from being
loved by God, he earnestly besought the Lord to be pleased to take away from
him every consolation; and he was heard. For five years in succession, he
never had the slightest spiritual joy nor any celestial inspiration or
illumination, but always led a life full of afflictions, temptations and
spiritual aridity. Finally, the Lord was moved with pity at so much
suffering, and one day sent two angels to console him a little. But he,
contented in his sorrows, refused this consolation, and turning his heart to
God said: "0 Lord, I do not desire any pleasure in this world, nor do I wish
that anyone should enter my heart save Thyself, 0 my Beloved! for it is
enough consolation for me if Thy holy will be done in me." This beautiful
act of detachment pleased God so much that the Eternal Father proclaimed him
His beloved child.
(Taken from the book "A Year with the Saints". April - Patience)
Bible Quote
6 Then Jesus said to them: My time is not yet come; but your time is always
ready. (John 7:6)
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Martyrology
At Milan, the suffering of St. Peter, martyr, of the Order of Preachers, who
was slain by the heretics on account of his Catholic faith. His feast is
celebrated on April 29.
At Welehrad, in Moravia, the birthday of St. Methodius, bishop and
confessor. With his brother, St. Cyril, also a bishop, whose birthday falls
on February 14, he converted many of the Slav races and their kings to the
faith of Christ. Their festival is, however, observed on July 7.
In Macedonia, SS. Timothy and Diogenes, martyrs.
In Persia, one hundred and twenty holy martyrs.
In Ascalon in Palestine, the suffering of SS. Platonides and two other
martyrs.
At Carthage, St. Marcellinus, martyr, who was slain by the heretics for his
defense of the Catholic faith.
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Christ King of Glory (Christus Vincit)
Christ Lord of glory, Christ Prince of nations, Christ our King of kings!
Christ Jesus, hear us.
Perpetual safety and welfare to the Church of God.
Redeemer, Savior. Assist and strengthen her.
O Mary blessed Mother; Assist and strengthen her.
Joseph holy guardian; Assist and strengthen her.
Blessed Michael patron; Assist and strengthen her.
Blessed Saint Patrick; Assist and strengthen her.
All repeat: Christ Lord of glory, Christ Prince of nations, Christ our King
of kings!
Christ Jesus hear us. Life and health and blessings to Pope John Paul II our
Holy Father. Redeemer Savior, assist and strengthen him.
Blessed Peter, assist and strengthen him. King of kings.
Blessed Paul, assist and strengthen him. Christ our King, Christ our hope.
All repeat: Christ Lord of glory, Christ Prince of nations, Christ our King
of kings!
Jesus our glory, Fountain of grace and all mercy. Source of all our
blessing. Defender in battle, Strong arm of our God invincible. Our
stronghold and our exaltation. Our captain leader who has won our salvation.
Christ Jesus, our life and light eternal. To Him only is victory all praise
and jubilation. Through all the endless ages of eternity. - Amen.
Abundance of good things be ours. The peace of Christ be ours. Redeemed by
the blood of Jesus. Proclaim our joy. May His holy kingdom come. Praise be
to our God - Amen.
Ejaculations
In thy conception, O Virgin Mary, thou wast immaculate; pray for us to the
Father, whose Son, Jesus Christ conceived of the Holy Ghost, thou didst
bring forth. - Amen.
From the Lamb of God Prayerbook
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