Brother Rafael Found Sanctity in Everyday Life
By Carmen Elena Villa
ROME, JULY 22, 2009 (Zenit.org).- A Cistercian monk proposed by Pope John Paul II as a model for youth is set to be canonized this October.
Blessed María Rafael Arnaiz Baron, known as Brother Rafael, will be recognized as a saint along with four others who will be canonized Oct. 11. He is the youngest of the group, having died at age 27 in 1938.
The postulator of his cause, Cistercian Sister Augusta Tescari, spoke with ZENIT about his life, affirming that he found sanctity in the midst of renunciation and sacrifice, as well as the joy of contemplative life, "with the style and the simplicity of a youth."
"A pictorial style because he describes his experience as if he were painting," she explained. "His spirituality is very simple, centered on the Eucharist, the greatness and goodness of God -- in the dominion of God over his life."
Rafael Arnaiz was born in Spain in 1911 and studied at a Jesuit school. From a very young age, he showed remarkable sensitivity to spiritual themes, as well as interest in painting and art.
His studies, however, were soon interrupted by illness. When he recovered in 1922, his father consecrated him to Our Lady. At age 19, he began a degree in architecture in Madrid. "It was a very turbulent era in which anti-clericalism was ablaze," Sister Tescari noted.
In 1932, Arnaiz left aside his studies for a few days to do the spiritual exercises. During that retreat, he felt called to become a Cistercian monk. At age 23, he was accepted in the monastery of St. Isidro de Dueñas.
"I am not moved to make this life change by sadness, nor suffering, nor disappointment, nor disillusion with the world," he said when he entered the order. "What the [world] can give me I have. God in his infinite goodness has given me in life much more than I deserve."
Gazes from heaven
Surrounded by Gregorian chant and the murals of the Trappist monastery, Brother Rafael felt that the vocation responded to his deepest longings.
"Singing as they sing, with this fervor, it is not possible that Our Lady would not be pleased by them," he wrote. "I believe that in these moments, the Queen of Heaven must gaze upon her sons with tenderness."
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Thursday, July 23, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Benedict XVI Remembers John Paul II
Benedict XVI Remembers John Paul II
"He Engendered Many Sons and Daughters in the Faith"
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 2, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the homily Benedict XVI delivered today at the Mass to mark the fourth anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death, held in St. Peter's Basilica.
* * *
[In Italian]
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Four years ago, exactly today, my beloved Predecessor, the Servant of God John Paul II, ended his pilgrimage on earth, after not a brief period of great suffering. We celebrate the Holy Eucharist for the repose of his soul, while thanking the Lord for giving him to the Church for so many years as zealous and generous Pastor. His memory, which continues to be alive in people's heart, brings us together this afternoon, as demonstrated also by the uninterrupted pilgrimage of faithful to his tomb in the Vatican Grottoes. Therefore, I preside over this Mass with emotion and joy, while greeting you and thanking you for your presence, dear faithful coming from different parts of the world, especially from Poland, for such a significant event.
Click here for the full story.
"He Engendered Many Sons and Daughters in the Faith"
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 2, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Here is a translation of the homily Benedict XVI delivered today at the Mass to mark the fourth anniversary of Pope John Paul II's death, held in St. Peter's Basilica.
* * *
[In Italian]
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
Four years ago, exactly today, my beloved Predecessor, the Servant of God John Paul II, ended his pilgrimage on earth, after not a brief period of great suffering. We celebrate the Holy Eucharist for the repose of his soul, while thanking the Lord for giving him to the Church for so many years as zealous and generous Pastor. His memory, which continues to be alive in people's heart, brings us together this afternoon, as demonstrated also by the uninterrupted pilgrimage of faithful to his tomb in the Vatican Grottoes. Therefore, I preside over this Mass with emotion and joy, while greeting you and thanking you for your presence, dear faithful coming from different parts of the world, especially from Poland, for such a significant event.
Click here for the full story.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Xt3 to Cover Live Palm Sunday Mass, Handover of Cross & Icon in Rome
Xt3 to Cover Live Palm Sunday Mass, Handover of Cross & Icon in Rome
IT News Online Staff
2009-03-20
The Archdiocese of Sydney announced that the Palm Sunday Mass with the Holy Father and the official handover of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon from Sydney to Madrid will be covered live on its international online network xt3.com.
This first-ever live webcast of the ceremony from St Peter's Basilica in Rome will mark the final official event of World Youth Day Sydney 2008.
Xt3 members and non-members will be able to see the event on the xt3.com home page. An instruction page is available on xt3.com with easy to follow steps to view the Mass and handover.
The Archdiocese said youth groups around the country will be able to hold special gatherings in their parishes. All that is required is an Internet connection, computer, speakers and a method of viewing the webcast - television or a large monitor.
Click here for the whole story.
IT News Online Staff
2009-03-20
The Archdiocese of Sydney announced that the Palm Sunday Mass with the Holy Father and the official handover of the World Youth Day Cross and Icon from Sydney to Madrid will be covered live on its international online network xt3.com.
This first-ever live webcast of the ceremony from St Peter's Basilica in Rome will mark the final official event of World Youth Day Sydney 2008.
Xt3 members and non-members will be able to see the event on the xt3.com home page. An instruction page is available on xt3.com with easy to follow steps to view the Mass and handover.
The Archdiocese said youth groups around the country will be able to hold special gatherings in their parishes. All that is required is an Internet connection, computer, speakers and a method of viewing the webcast - television or a large monitor.
Click here for the whole story.
Sunday, February 1, 2009
What Youth Give Society
By Anita S. Bourdin
ROME, JAN. 21, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is sending a message to young people for the next World Youth Days, and it is important for them to read it, affirms Father Eric Jacquinet.
Father Jacquinet is the head of the youth section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.
The priest was referring to messages on the themes for the upcoming diocesan and worldwide youth days, which were recently published by the Pope. The themes are: for the 24th World Youth Day (2009): "We Have Set Our Hope on the Living God" (1 Timothy 4:10); for the 25th World Youth Day (2010): "Good Teacher, What Must I do to Inherit Eternal Life?" (Mark 10:17); and for the 26th World Youth Day (2011): "Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith" (Colossians 2:7).
In this interview with ZENIT, Father Jacquinet speaks about the themes for the next three youth gatherings and the spirit with which young people can live them.
For a more detailed news please click here.
ROME, JAN. 21, 2009 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI is sending a message to young people for the next World Youth Days, and it is important for them to read it, affirms Father Eric Jacquinet.
Father Jacquinet is the head of the youth section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity.
The priest was referring to messages on the themes for the upcoming diocesan and worldwide youth days, which were recently published by the Pope. The themes are: for the 24th World Youth Day (2009): "We Have Set Our Hope on the Living God" (1 Timothy 4:10); for the 25th World Youth Day (2010): "Good Teacher, What Must I do to Inherit Eternal Life?" (Mark 10:17); and for the 26th World Youth Day (2011): "Rooted and Built Up in Jesus Christ, Firm in the Faith" (Colossians 2:7).
In this interview with ZENIT, Father Jacquinet speaks about the themes for the next three youth gatherings and the spirit with which young people can live them.
For a more detailed news please click here.
Friday, January 30, 2009
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