THE FEAST OF ST ROSE PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE, VIRGIN AND RELIGIOUS. AND THE DEDICATION OF THE BASILICA OF SS PETER & PAUL.
"As Jesus approached Jericho a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging, and hearing a crowd going by, he inquired what was happening. They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is passing by.”
He shouted, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!”
The people walking in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent, but he kept calling out all the more, “Son of David, have pity on me!”
"Then Jesus stopped and ordered that he be brought to him; and when he came near, Jesus asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”
"He replied, “Lord, please let me see.”
"Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.”
He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God. When they saw this, all the people gave praise to God." (Luke 18: 35 - 43).
Monday 18th November 2024 in the 33rd Week in Ordinary Time is the feast of St Rose Philippine Duchesne. (1769 - 1852). French. Virgin and Religious. The French Revolution disrupted her religious formation. She waited for 11 years to join a new Congregation: The Society of the Sacred Heart. At the age of 49, St Rose undertook her missionary journey to America. She founded schools to educate girls.
St Rose Philippine Duchesne left her native country France at the age of 49 to travel to America. She heard the urgency of the Gospel to educate little girls in America and show them the way of the love and peace of Christ. The Lord blessed her ministry. 170 years after the death of St Rose Philippine Duchesne, Duchesne Academy continues the work of educating girls in America.
We remember today also the Dedication of the Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in November 18, 1626.
St MARK the Evangelist identified the Blind Man in the story as Bartimaeus in his Gospel. (Mark 10: 46 - 52).
What a truly beautiful story. Won't you like to have the faith and courage of Bartimaeus? His tenacity, singleness of purpose in pursuing a vital life goal. St Bartimaeus faced a moment of Now or Never.
Our pains, trials, disappointments could be the stimulus to reach out like Bartimaeus to grasp the powerful and merciful Providence of God and to force God so to speak to elevate our faith and bring us the kind of healing we need and the accomplishment of God's Plan in our lives.
"From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent are taking it by force." (Matthew 11: 12). Bartimaeus reminds me very much of this revelation.
Jesus was delighted with the faith of Bartimaeus:
"Jesus told him, “Have sight; your faith has saved you.” He immediately received his sight and followed him, giving glory to God."
November is the Month we pray for the Souls in PURGATORY.
“We must empty Purgatory with our prayers.” (St. Pio of Pietrelcina).
For Catholic Church teaching on the Souls in PURGATORY and how to help them, click the link below:
