FEAST OF SAINTS ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL AND ANTHONY ZACCARIA.

FEAST OF SAINTS ANTHONY ZACCARIA & ELIZABETH OF PORTUGAL.

"As Jesus passed by, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the customs post. He said to him, “Follow me.” And he got up and followed him.

"While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples.

"The Pharisees saw this and said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”

"He heard this and said, “Those who are well do not need a physician, but the sick do. Go and learn the meaning of the words, I desire mercy, not sacrifice. I did not come to call the right­eous but sinners.” (Matthew 9: 9 - 13).

Friday July 5th in the 13th Week of Ordinary Time is the feast of St Elizabeth of Portugal. 

Also known as Elizabeth of Aragon. (1271 - 1336). Elizabeth married King Denis of Portugal when she was very young. She set an example of Christian charity in the court and was the peace-maker between her husband and the children. After her husband died, Elizabeth became a Franciscan tertiary. 

Today is also the feast of St Anthony  Zeccaria. 

St. Anthony Zaccaria (1502-1539). Italian from Cremona in Lombardy. He became a successful medical doctor at the age of 22. Unsatisfied with worldly success, he became a priest. He continued to care for the sick and comfort the dying. In Milan, he co-founded women’s religious order and then a congregation of priests called the Clerics Regular of Saint Paul (the Barnabites). Anthony reinvented a three-day exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, the Forty Hours Devotion.  St Anthony Zaccaria died in 1539 at the age of 37.

Every disciple of Jesus is chosen, called and anointed. St Matthew the Apostle, St Anthony Zaccaria and St Elizabeth of Portugal left us splendid examples on how they responded generously to the Call of Jesus. 

Jesus delights in mercy. He is constantly seeking humble souls to pour out His abundant mercy. 

Ask for mercy. 

Be merciful. 

Completely trust Jesus for mercy. 

The Church honors the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ in July. 

Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ purify and heal us. 

“It is in this Blood that He has laid up His blessings for us, as in a storehouse. This is true, not only of spiritual blessings, but of all blessings whatsoever.” (St Peter Faber).

For Prayers and Prayer intentions for the Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ click the link below:

http://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2024/06/july-devotion-to-precious-body-of-jesus.html?m=1