FEAST OF SAINTS LOUIS OF FRANCE AND JOSEPH CALASANZ, PRIEST AND FOUNDER.
FEAST OF STS LOUIS OF FRANCE & JOSEPH CALASANZ
THE GOSPEL:
"Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You lock the Kingdom of heaven before men.
You do not enter yourselves, nor do you allow entrance to those trying to enter.
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves.
“Woe to you, blind guides, who say, ‘If one swears by the temple, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gold of the temple, one is obligated.’
Blind fools, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that made the gold sacred?
And you say, ‘If one swears by the altar, it means nothing, but if one swears by the gift on the altar, one is obligated.’
You blind ones, which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift sacred?
One who swears by the altar swears by it and all that is upon it; one who swears by the temple swears by it and by him who dwells in it;
one who swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by him who is seated on it.” (Matthew 23: 12 - 22).
Monday 25th August 2025 in the 21st Week in Ordinary Time is the feast feast of Saints Louis of France and Joseph Calasanz.
St Louis of France (1214 - 1270). He lived a simple life characterized by prayer and penance.
God was pleased with Louis and raised him from the cares of earthly rule to the glory of heavenly kingdom.
We celebrate also today:
St Joseph Calasanz (1557 - 1648). Spanish Priest who dedicated his life in charity and patience to the education of poor children.
What is the common factor between King Louis and Father Joseph?
They were separated by nearly 300 years.
"Blessed is that servant whom his master on his arrival finds doing so. Amen, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property."
St Louis the king of France had eleven children. As king of a great European power in the 13th century, Louis lived a life of penance and prayer and treated the French people as his children.
St Joseph Calasanz dedicated his life in charity and patience to the education of poor children.
He founded a religious order to cater for the poor and the abandoned children of Rome.
It is reported of him that he founded the first free primary education for poor children.
St Joseph Calasanz died in Rome in August 25th 1648 and was canonized in 1767 by Pope Clement XIII.
Here is what Jesus said to the crowds and His disciples in today's Gospel:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves."
The sharp words of Jesus lead us to reflect on the Power of Example.
Bad example corrupts.
Good example edifies.
The great heroes of our Faith like Saints Monica, Augustine, Rose of Lima, Catherine of Siena, Francis of Assisi evangelized and catechized through the powerful examples they demonstrate daily. Unknown to these saints, people observe them and were able to draw conclusions from their manner of living. These saints were filled with peace, joy and serenity. All these are fruits of the Holy Spirit.
If you teach the Faith in the Church whether as Bishop, priest, catechist or theologian, you must shudder when you read the words of Jesus in today's Gospel:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites. You traverse sea and land to make one convert, and when that happens you make him a child of Gehenna twice as much as yourselves."
Commit yourself to doing the work of ministry with the power of the Holy Spirit.
"Until now, the precious grace of Eucharistic adoration has remained unknown to far too many of My priests. This accounts for the weaknesses, the scandals, the shame, and the falling away of so many. The world has grown cold, and it will become even more cold as the darkness of the Enemy enfolds it and turns to ice the hearts that I consecrated to be for Me hearts of love." (IN SINU JESU page 216).
August is the Month dedicated to the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Mary says: "In the end. My Immaculate Heart will triumph."
For Prayers of Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Litany, Promises of Mary to those who say the Holy Rosary, etc click the link below:
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