Tuesday, March 23, 2010

"Kon Ibayaw Na Ninyo Ako Nga Anak Sang Tawo, Mahibaluan Na Ninyo Nga Ako Gali Amo Ang Cristo"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 8:21-30)
Nagsiling liwat si Jesus sa mga manugdumala sang mga Judio, "Malakat ako, kag kon wala na gani ako diri pangitaon ninyo ako, pero magakalamatay lang kamo nga ang inyo mga sala wala mapatawad. Kag indi kamo makakadto sa akon kaladtuan."

Gani nagpinamangkutanay sila, "Ano bala ang buot niya hambalon nga kita kuno indi makakadto sa iya kaladtuan? Ano, mahikog bala siya?"

Nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Kamo taga-diri sa kalibutan, pero ako taga-langit. Kamo iya sang kalibutan, pero ako iya indi.

Amo ina nga nagsiling ako sa inyo nga magakalamatay lang kamo nga wala mapatawad ang inyo mga sala. Kay kon indi kamo magtuo nga ako amo ang Cristo, sigurado gid nga magakalamatay lang kamo nga wala mapatawad ang inyo mga sala."

Nagsiling sila, "Ngaa, sin-o ka gid bala?" Nagsiling si Jesus, "Indi bala ginsugiran ko na kamo halin pa sang una kon sin-o gid ako?

Madamo ang akon inughambal kontra sa inyo mga ginahimo. Sa pagkamatuod, ang mga butang nga akon ginasugid sa mga tawo amo lang ang mga butang nga ginapahambal sa akon sang nagpadala sa akon. Kag ang tanan nga iya ginasugid matuod."

Wala sila makaintiendi nga naghambal siya sa ila parte sa Amay.

Gani nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Kon ibayaw na ninyo ako nga Anak sang Tawo, mahibaluan na ninyo nga ako gali amo ang Cristo. Sa sina nga tion mahibaluan man ninyo nga ang tanan nga akon ginahimo kag ginasugid wala sing iban kundi ang mga butang nga ginapahimo kag ginapasugid sa akon sang Amay.

Ang nagpadala sa akon nagaupod permi sa akon kag wala niya gid ako ginapabay-i, tungod kay kon ano ang iya gusto amo man ang akon ginahimo."

Pagkabati sang mga tawo sa sining mga ginhambal ni Jesus, madamo sa ila ang nagtuo sa iya.
***
Meditation:
Do you know the healing power of the cross of Christ? When the people of Israel were afflicted with serpents in the wilderness because of their sin, God instructed Moses: "Make a fiery serpent, and set it on a pole; and every one who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live" (Numbers 21:8). The bronze serpent points to the cross of Christ which defeats sin and death and obtains everlasting life for those who believe. The result of Jesus "being lifted up on the cross" and his rising and exaltation to the Father's right hand in heaven, is our "new birth in the Spirit" and adoption as sons and daughters of God. God not only redeems us, but he fills us with his own divine life and power that we might share in his glory. Jesus gives us the Holy Spirit that we may have power to be his witnesses and to spread and defend the gospel by word and action, and to never be ashamed of Christ's Cross. Are you ready to witness the truth and joy of the gospel to those around you?

While many believed in Jesus and his message, many others, including the religious leaders, opposed him. Some openly mocked him when he warned them about their sin of unbelief. It's impossible to be indifferent to Jesus' word and his judgments. We are either for him or against him. There is no middle ground or neutral parties. When Jesus spoke about going away he was speaking about his return to his Father and to his glory. His opponents could not follow him because by their continuous disobedience to the word of God and their refusal to accept him, they had shut themselves off from God. Jesus warned them that if they continued to refuse him they would die in their sins. Jesus' words echoed the prophetic warning given to Ezekiel (see Ezekiel 3:18 and 18:18) where God warns his people to heed his word before the time is too late. God gives us time to turn to him and to receive his grace, but that time is right now.

To sin literally means to miss the mark or to be off target. The essence of sin is that it diverts us from God and from our true purpose in life – to know the source of all truth and beauty which is God himself and to be united with God in everlasting joy. When Adam and Eve first sinned, they hid themselves from God (Genesis 3:8-10). That is what sin does; it separates us from the One who is all loving, all-wise, and all-just. Jesus went on to explain that if people could not recognize him in his word, they would have the opportunity to recognize him when he is "lifted up"on the cross of Calvary. Jesus pointed to the atoning sacrifice of his life on the cross as the true source of healing and victory over the sin of the world. The sacrifice of Christ's life on the cross for our sins is the ultimate proof of God's love for us. God so loved the world that he gave us his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). To fail to recognize Jesus and where he came from is to remain in spiritual darkness; to believe Jesus and his words is to walk in the joy and light of God's truth. There are certain opportunities in life that come and do not return. Each of us is given the opportunity to know and to accept Jesus Christ, as our Lord and Savior. But that opportunity can be rejected and lost. Life here is limited and short, but how we live it has everlasting consequences. Do you take advantage of the present time to make room for God so that your life will count for eternity?

"Lord Jesus, grant this day, to direct and sanctify, to rule and govern our hearts and bodies, so that all our thoughts, words and deeds may be according to your Father's law and thus may we be saved and protected through your mighty help."

Monday, March 22, 2010

March 22, 2010 - Bl. Cardinal august von Galen, Bishop (1933-1946)

Blessed Clemens August von Galen
Bishop of Münster
(1933-1946)

Clemens August von Galen was born on 16 March 1878 in Dinklage Castle, Oldenburg, Germany, the 11th of 13 children born to Count Ferdinand Heribert and Elisabeth von Spee.

His father belonged to the noble family of Westphalia, who since 1660 governed the village of Dinklage. For over two centuries his ancestors carried out the inherited office of camerlengo of the Diocese of Münster.

Clemens August grew up in Dinklage Castle and in other family seats. Due to the struggle between Church and State, he and his brothers were sent to a school run by the Jesuits in Feldkirch, Austria.

He remained there until 1894, when he transferred to the Antonianum in Vechta. After graduation, he studied philosophy and theology in Frebur, Innsbruck and Münster, and was ordained a priest on 28 May 1904 for the Diocese of Münster by Bishop Hermann Dingelstadt.

Parish priest, concern for poor

His first two years as a priest were spent as vicar of the diocesan cathedral where he became chaplain to his uncle, Bishop Maximilian Gerion von Galen.

From 1906 to 1929, Fr von Galen carried out much of his pastoral activity outside Münster: in 1906 he was made chaplain of the parish of St Matthias in Berlin-Schönberg; from 1911 to 1919 he was curate of a new parish in Berlin before becoming parish priest of the Basilica of St Matthias in Berlin-Schönberg, where he served for 10 years; here, he was particularly remembered for his special concern for the poor and outcasts.

In 1929, Fr von Galen was called back to Münster when Bishop Johannes Poggenpohl asked him to serve as parish priest of the Church of St Lambert.

"Nec laudibus, nec timore'

In January 1933, Bishop Poggenpohl died, leaving the See vacant. After two candidates refused, on September 5, 1933 Fr Clemens was appointed Bishop of Münster by Pope Pius XI.

On October 28, 1933 he was consecrated by Cardinal Joseph Schulte, Archbishop of Cologne; Bishop von Galen was the first diocesan Bishop to be consecrated under Hitler's regime.

As his motto, he chose the formula of the rite of episcopal consecration: "Nec laudibus, nec timore" (Neither praise nor threats will distance me from God).

Throughout the 20 years that Bishop von Galen was curate and parish priest in Berlin, he wrote on various political and social issues; in a pastoral letter dated 26 March 1934, he wrote very clearly and critically on the "neopaganism of the national socialist ideology".

Due to his outspoken criticism, he was called to Rome by Pope Pius XI in 1937 together with the Bishop of Berlin, to confer with them on the situation in Germany and speak of the eventual publication of an Encyclical.

On 14 March 1937 the Encyclical "Mit brennender Sorge" (To the Bishops of Germany: The place of the Catholic Church in the German Reich) was published. It was widely circulated by Bishop von Galen, notwithstanding Nazi opposition.

"Lion of Munster'

In the summer of 1941, in answer to unwarranted attacks by the National Socialists, Bishop von Galen delivered three admonitory sermons between July and August. He spoke in his old parish Church of St Lambert and in Liebfrauen-Ueberlassen Church, since the diocesan cathedral had been bombed.

In his famous speeches, Bishop von Galen spoke out against the State confiscation of Church property and the programmatic euthanasia carried out by the regime.

The clarity and incisiveness of his words and the unshakable fidelity of Catholics in the Diocese of Münster embarrassed the Nazi regime, and on 10 October 1943 the Bishop's residence was bombed. Bishop von Galen was forced to take refuge in nearby Borromeo College.

From 12 September 1944 on, he could no longer remain in the city of Münster, destroyed by the war; he left for the zone of Sendenhorst.

In 1945, Vatican Radio announced that Pope Pius XII was to hold a Consistory and that the Bishop of Münster was also to be present.

Creation of a Cardinal

After a long and difficult journey, due to the war and other impediments, Bishop von Galen finally arrived in the "Eternal City". On 21 February 1946 the Public Consistory was held in St Peter's Basilica and Bishop von Galen was created a Cardinal.

On 16 March 1946 the 68-year-old Cardinal returned to Münster. He was cordially welcomed back by the city Authorities and awarded honorary citizenship by the burgomaster.

On the site of what remained of the cathedral, Cardinal von Galen gave his first (and what would be his last) discourse to the more than 50,000 people who had gathered, thanking them for their fidelity to the then-Bishop of Münster during the National Socialist regime. He explained that as a Bishop, it was his duty to speak clearly and plainly about what was happening.

No one knew that the Cardinal was gravely ill, and when he returned to Münster on 19 March 1946 he had to undergo an operation.

Cardinal von Galen died just three days later, on 22 March. He was buried on 28 March in the Ludgerus Chapel, which has become a place of pilgrimage to this defender of the faith in the face of political oppression.

Other Saints of the Day:
  • St. Lea
  • St. Nicholas Owen
  • St. Basil of Ancyra
  • St. Benvenutus Scotivoli
  • St. Trien
  • St. Saturninus
  • St. Callinica & Basilissa
  • St. Darerca
  • St. Deogratius
  • St. Epaphroditus
  • St. Humilitas
  • St. Octavian
  • St. Paul of Narbonne

"Ang Nagasunod Sa Akon Ang Iya Hunahuna Indi Mangin Madulom"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 8:12-20)
Nagsiling liwat si Jesus sa mga tawo, "Ako ang suga sang mga tawo sang kalibutan. Ang nagasunod sa akon, ang iya hunahuna indi mangin madulom, kundi masanagan siya sang suga nga nagahatag sang kabuhi."

Pagkabati sadto sang mga Pariseo, nagsiling sila, "Ikaw man lang ang nagasugid parte sa imo kaugalingon, gani indi ikaw mapatihan."

Nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Bisan tuod nga nagasugid ako parte sa akon kaugalingon, ang akon ginasugid matuod, tungod kay nahibaluan ko kon diin ako naghalin kag kon diin ako pakadto. Pero kamo wala makahibalo kon diin ako naghalin kag kon diin ako makadto.

Ang inyo pagsentensya indi masaligan tungod kay ina suno gid lang sa hunahuna sang tawo. Pero ako wala nagasentensya kay bisan sin-o.

Kag kon magsentensya gid man ako, ang akon sentensya husto, tungod kay indi lang ako ang magasentensya kundi duha kami, ako kag ang Amay nga nagpadala sa akon.

Indi bala nasulat sa inyo Kasuguan nga kon magsinanto ang sugid sang duha ka tawo, ang ila sugid matuod?

Ako nagapamatuod parte sa akon kaugalingon kag ang Amay nga nagpadala sa akon nagapamatuod man parte sa akon."

Nagsiling ang mga Pariseo sa iya, "Ti, sa diin bala ang imo amay?" Nagsiling si Jesus, "Wala kamo makakilala sa akon ukon sa akon Amay. Kon nakilala kuntani ninyo ako, makilala man ninyo ang akon Amay."

Ini tanan ginhambal ni Jesus sang nagatudlo siya sa templo, malapit sa ginabutangan sang kuarta. Pero wala sing may nagdakop sa iya, kay wala pa mag-abot ang iya oras.
***
Meditation:
Do you know what it's like to be in total darkness, confused, disoriented, not knowing where to turn for help? When the Israelites wandered in the desert for forty years, confused and disoriented, and wishing they were back in their familiar huts at Egypt, God made his presence known to them through a pillar of fire at night and a cloud by day. This light not only brought them assurance of safety and care, but it literally guided them through a trackless wasteland. Around the time of the Feast of Tabernacles, also known as the Festival of Lights, Jesus proclaims that he is the "light of the world". This statement must have made a striking impression on the Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem for the occasion. For eight nights the great candelabras which stood in the Temple courtyard lit the Jerusalem skyline with a blaze of dazzeling light. Jesus' statement very likely came at the end of the Festival when the great lights where extinguished. In so many words, Jesus says he is the one, true light which no one can extinguish or diminish (see John 1:4-5). He is light not only for God's chosen people Israel, but for all people and nations as well.

Many of the scribes and Pharisees reacted with shock and treated Jesus with hostility. They understood that such a claim had to do with the work which only God could do. The word light was especially associated with God. The Lord is my light (Psalm 27:1). The Lord will be your everlasting light (Isaiah 60:19). When I sit in darkness, the Lord will be a light to me (Micah 7:8). Jesus chastises the scribes and Pharisees for making bad judgments based on wrong assumptions and evil intentions. Jesus bases his judgment not on human knowledge and perception but on God's knowledge and revelation. Jesus is both just and merciful as none other can be. His light both exposes the darkness of sin in us, which is hidden from others, and heals our sinful infirmities as well. Jesus' light also produces abundant life and fruit in us. Just as natural life depends on light (without it nothing could live or grow), so the light of heaven produces spiritual life in those who receive it. The light which Jesus gives enables us to walk freely and confidently without stumbling in the darkness of sin and disbelief. His light warms our heart to the truth of God's love and it opens our vision to the reality of God's kingdom. Do you walk confidently in the light of God's truth and love?

"O gracious and Holy Father, give us wisdom to perceive you, diligence to seek you, patience to wait for you, eyes to behold you, a heart to meditate upon you, and a life to proclaim you; through the power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ our Lord." (Prayer of Benedict of Nursia)

Friday, March 19, 2010

March 19, 2010 - St. Joseph, husband of the Blessed Virgin Mary and patron of the Universal Church (solemnity)

SAINT JOSEPH
Husband of the Blessed Virgin
Patron of the Universal Church
(Solemnity)

St. Joseph was by birth of the royal family of David, but was living in humble obscurity as a carpenter when God raised him to the highest sanctity, and fitted him to be the spouse of his Virgin Mother, and foster-father and guardian of the Incarnate Word.

Joseph, says the Holy Scripture, was a just man; he was innocent and pure, as became the husband of Mary; he was gentle and tender, as one worthy to be named the father of Jesus; he was prudent and a lover of silence, as became the master of the holy house; above all, he was faithful and obedient to divine calls. His conversation was with angels rather than with men.

When he learned that Mary bore within her womb the Lord of heaven, he feared to take her as his wife; but an angel bade him fear not, and all doubts vanished. When Herod sought the life of the divine Infant, an angel told Joseph in a dream to fly with the Child and His Mother into Egypt. Joseph at once arose and obeyed. This sudden and unexpected flight must have exposed Joseph to many inconveniences and sufferings in so long a journey with a little babe and a tender virgin, the greater part of the way being through deserts and among strangers; yet he alleges no excuses, nor inquires at what time they were to return.

St. Chrysostom observes that God treats thus all his servants, sending them frequent trials to clear their hearts from the rust of self-love, but intermixing seasons of consolation.

"Joseph," says he, "is anxious on seeing the Virgin with child; an angel removes that fear. He rejoices at the Child's birth, but a great fear succeeds: the furious king seeks to destroy the Child, and the whole city is in an uproar to take away His life. This is followed by another joy, the adoration of the Magi; a new sorrow then arises: he is ordered to fly into a foreign unknown country, without help or acquaintance."

It is the opinion of the Fathers that upon their entering Egypt, at the presence of the child Jesus, all the oracles of that superstitious country were struck dumb, and the statues of their gods trembled and in many places fell to the ground. The Fathers also attribute to this holy visit the spiritual benediction poured on that country, which made it for many ages most fruitful in Saints. After the death of King Herod, of which St. Joseph was informed in another vision, God ordered him to return with the Child and his Mother into the land of Israel, which our Saint readily obeyed. But when he arrived in Judea, hearing that Archelaus had succeeded Herod in that part of the country, and apprehensive that he might be infected with his father's vices, he feared on that account to settle there, as he would otherwise probably have done for the education of the Child; and therefore, being directed by God in another vision, he retired into the dominions of Herod Antipas, in Galilee, to his former habitation in Nazareth.

St. Joseph, being a strict observer of the Mosaic law, in conformity to its direction annually repaired to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. Our Saviour, now in the twelfth year of his age, accompanied his parents thither. Having performed the usual ceremonies of the feast, they were returning with many of their neighbors and acquaintances towards Galilee; and never doubting but that Jesus was with some of the company, they travelled on for a whole day's journey before they discovered that he was not with them. But when night came on and they could hear no tidings of him among their kindred and acquaintance, they, in the deepest affliction, returned with the utmost speed to Jerusalem. After an anxious search of three days they found him in the Temple, discoursing with the learned doctors of the law, and asking them such questions as raised the admiration of all that heard him, and made them astonished at the ripeness of his understanding; nor were his parents less surprises on this occasion. When his Mother told him with what grief and earnestness they had sought him, and asked, "Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold thy Father and I sought thee in great affliction of mind," she received for answer, "How is it that you sought me? did you not know that I must be about my Father's business?" But though thus staying in the Temple unknown to his parents, in all other things he was obedient to them, returning with them to Nazareth, and there living in all dutiful subjection to them.

As no further mention is made of St. Joseph, he must have died before the marriage of Cana and the beginning of our divine Saviour's ministry. We cannot doubt that he had the happiness of Jesus and Mary attending at his death, praying by him, assisting and comforting him in his last moments; whence he is particularly invoked for the great grace of a happy death and the spiritual presence of Jesus in that hour.

Other Saints of the Day:
  • St. Adrian
  • St. Gemus
  • St. John the Syrian of Pinna
  • St. Lactali
  • St. Landoald
  • St. Leontius
  • St. Quintius
  • St. Pancharius

Gintuman Ni Jose Ang Ginsiling Sang Anghel Sang Ginoo

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Mateo 1:16.18-21.24)
Si Jacob amay ni Jose nga bana ni Maria. Si Maria amo ang iloy ni Jesus nga ginatawag Cristo.

Amo ini ang pagkatawo ni Jesu-Cristo: Si Maria nga iya iloy kalaslon na kay Jose. Pero sa wala pa sila maghiusa nasapwan ni Maria nga nagabusong na siya paagi sa Espiritu Santo.

Karon, si Jose nga mangin iya bana isa ka matarong nga tawo kag indi siya luyag nga mahuy-an si Maria sa mga tawo. Gani ginpakamaayo niya nga bulagan si Maria sa tago lang.

Samtang ginahunahuna ni Jose ang iya himuon, nagpakita sa iya sa damgo ang anghel sang Ginoo nga nagasiling, "Jose, kaliwat ni David, indi ka magkahadlok nga magpangasawa kay Maria, kay nagabusong siya paagi sa Espiritu Santo.

Magabata siya sing lalaki kag ngalanan mo siya nga Jesus, kay luwason niya ang iya katawhan sa ila mga sala."

Gani pagbugtaw ni Jose gintuman niya ang ginsiling sang anghel sang Ginoo, kag ginpangasawa niya si Maria.
***
Meditation:
Are you prepared to obey the Lord in everything? Faith in God's word and obedience to his commands go hand in hand. Joseph, like Mary, is a model of faith and justice. Matthew tells us that Joseph was a “just man”. John Chrysostom, the great 5th century father writes:“The concept of 'just' here signifies the man who possesses all the virtues. By 'justice' one at times understands only one virtue in particular, as in the phrase: the one who is not avaricious (greedy) is just. But 'justice' also refers to virtue in general. And it is in this sense, above all, that scripture uses the word ‘justice’. For example, it refers to: 'a just man and true' (cf. Job 1:1), or the two were just (cf. Luke 1:6). Joseph, then, being just, that is to say good and charitable...”

Joseph's faith was put to the test when he discovered that his espoused wife Mary was pregnant. Joseph, being a just and God-fearing man, did not wish to embarrass, punish, or expose Mary to harm. To all outward appearances she had broken their solemn pledge to be faithful and chaste to one another. Joseph, no doubt took this troubling matter to God in prayer. He was not hasty to judge or to react with hurt and anger. God rewarded him not only with guidance and consolation, but with the divine assurance that he had indeed called Joseph to be the husband of Mary and to assume a mission that would require the utmost faith, confidence, and trust in Almighty God. Joseph believed in the divine message to take Mary as his wife and to accept the child in her womb as the promised Messiah, who is both the only begotten Son of God and son of Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit.

Joseph was a worthy successor to the great patriarchs of the old covenant – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Joseph followed the call of God through the mysterious circumstances that surrounded the coming of Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah who fulfilled all the promises made to Abraham and his offspring. God entrusted this silent, humble man with the unique privilege of raising, protecting, teaching, and training Jesus as a growing child. Joseph accepted his role of fatherly care with faith, trust, and obedience to the will of God. He is a model for all who are entrusted with the care, instruction, and protection of the young. Joseph is a faithful witness and servant of God's unfolding plan of redemption. Are you ready to put your trust in the Lord to give you his help and guidance in fulfilling your responsibilities? God gives strength and guidance to those who seek his help, especially when we face trials, doubts, fears, perplexing circumstances, and what seems like insurmountable problems and challenges in our personal lives. God our heavenly Father has not left us alone, but has given us his only begotten Son Jesus as our savior, teacher, lord, and healer. Where do you need God's help and guidance? Ask the Lord to increase your faith and trust in his promises and in his guiding hand in your life.

"Lord Jesus, you came to free us from the power of sin, fear, death, and Satan, and to heal and restore us to wholeness of life. May I always trust in your saving help, guidance, wisdom, and plan for my life".

Thursday, March 18, 2010

March 18, 2010 - St. Cyril of Jerusalem, Bishop and Doctor of the Church (+386)

ST. CYRIL OF JERUSALEM
Bishop and Doctor of the Church
(+386)

Cyril was born at or near the city of Jerusalem, about the year 315. He was ordained priest by St. Maximus, who gave him the important charge of instructing and preparing the candidates for Baptism. This charge he held for several years, and we still have one series of his instructions, given in the year 347 or 318. They are of singular interest as being the earliest record of the systematic teaching of the Church on the creed and sacraments, and as having been given in the church built by Constantine on Mount Calvary. They are solid, simple, profound; saturated with Holy Scripture; exact, precise, and terse; and, as a witness and exposition of the Catholic faith, invaluable.

On the death of St. Maximus, Cyril was chosen Bishop of Jerusalem. At the beginning of his episcopate a cross was seen in the air reaching from Mount Calvary to Mount Olivet, and so bright that it shone at noonday. St. Cyril gave an account of it to the emperor; and the faithful regarded it as a presage of victory over the Arian heretics.

While Cyril was bishop, the apostate Julian resolved to falsify the words of Our Lord by rebuilding the Temple at Jerusalem. He employed the power and resources of a Roman emperor; the Jews thronged enthusiastically to him and gave munificently. But Cyril was unmoved. " The word of God abides," he said; "one stone shall not be laid on another." When the attempt was made, a heathen writer tells us that horrible flames came forth from the earth, rendering the place inaccessible to the scorched and scared workmen. The attempt was made again and again, and then abandoned in despair. Soon after, the emperor perished miserably in a war against the Persians, and the Church had rest.

Like the other great bishops of his time, Cyril was persecuted, and driven once and again from his see; but on the death of the Arian Emperor Valens he returned to Jerusalem. He was present at the second General Council at Constantinople, and died in peace in 386, after a troubled episcopate of thirty-five years.

Other Saints of the Day:
  • St. Alexander
  • Bl. Christian
  • St. Salvatore
  • St. Edward the Martyr
  • St. Anselm of Lucca
  • Sts. Trophimus & Eucarpius
  • St. Salvator of Horta
  • St. Frediano
  • St. Humphrey
  • St. Narcissus and Felix

Ang Amay Nagapamatuod

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 5:31-47)
Karon, kon ako lang gid ang nagasugid parte sa akon kaugalingon makaduda kamo sa akon ginahambal.

Pero may isa nga nagapamatuod parte sa akon, kag nahibaluan ko nga ang iya ginahambal masaligan.

Nagpamatuod man si Juan nga manugbautiso parte sa akon. Indi bala may mga ginsugo kamo kay Juan agod pamangkuton siya? Kag nagsugid siya sang matuod.

Kon sa bagay wala ako nagakinahanglan sang pagpamatuod sang tawo parte sa akon. Ginasambit ko lang si Juan agod nga magtuo kamo sa akon kag maluwas.

Ang halimbawa ni Juan pareho sang suga nga nagasiga kag nagasanag; kag indi bala nalipay kamo, bisan dali lang, sa iya mga ginpasanag sa inyo?

Pero may nagapamatuod pa gid parte sa akon nga sobra pa kay Juan. Ini wala sing iban kundi ang mga butang nga ginahimo ko nga ginapahimo sang Amay sa akon. Nagapamatuod ini nga ang Amay amo ang nagpadala sa kon.

Kag ang Amay nga nagpadala sa akon amo man mismo ang nagpamatuod parte sa akon. Pero wala gid ninyo siya nakita ukon nabatian nga nagahambal, kag wala man ninyo ginbaton ang iya pulong, tungod kay wala kamo nagapati sa akon nga iya ginpadala.

Ginatun-an ninyo sing maayo ang Kasulatan kay nagahuna-huna kamo nga sa sini nga paagi maangkon ninyo ang kabuhi nga wala sing katapusan. Ang Kasulatan mismo nagapamatuod parte sa akon.

Pero indi man ginhapon kamo magpalapit sa akon agod maangkon ninyo ang kabuhi.

Wala ko ginapangita nga dayawon ako sang mga tawo.

Kilala ko gid kamo kag nahibaluan ko nga sa inyo mga tagipusuon wala kamo sing paghigugma sa Dios.

Nagkadto ako diri nga may awtoridad halin sa Amay, pero wala kamo nagabaton sa akon. Pero kon may iban nga mag-abot nga nagagamit sang iya kaugalingon nga awtoridad, amo ang inyo batunon.

Paano ang inyo pagtuo sa akon kon ang pagdayaw sang inyo mga kapareho amo lang ang inyo ginapangita kag wala ninyo ginapangita ang pagdayaw nga halin sa Dios, nga amo lang ang matuod nga Dios?

Indi kamo maghuna-huna nga ako ang magaakusar sa inyo sa Amay. Si Moises mismo nga inyo ginasaligan amo ang magaakusar sa inyo.

Kon matuod nga nagapati kamo kay Moises, kuntani magpati man kamo sa akon, tungod nga si Moises mismo nagsulat parte sa akon.

Pero tungod kay wala kamo nagapati sa iya mga ginsulat, amo ina nga indi man kamo magpati sa akon ginasiling sa inyo.
***
Meditation:
Do you know the joy of the gospel and a life fully submitted to Jesus Christ? Jesus’ opponents refused to accept his divine authority and claim to be the only begotten Son from the Father. They demanded evidence for his Messianic claim and equality with God. Jesus answers their charges with the supporting evidence of witnesses. The law of Moses had laid down the principle that the unsupported evidence of one person shall not prevail against a man for any crime or wrong in connection with any offence he committed (see Deuteronomy 17:6). At least two or three witnesses were needed. Jesus begins his defense by citing John the Baptist as a witness, since John publicly pointed to Jesus as the Messiah and had repeatedly borne witness to him (see John 1:19, 20, 26, 29, 35, 36). Jesus also asserts that a greater witness to his identity are the signs and miracles he performed. He cites his works, not to point to himself but to point to the power of God working in and through him. He cites God the Father as his supreme witness.

Jesus asserts that the scriptures themselves, including the first five books of Moses, point to him as the Messiah, the promised Savior. The problem with the scribes and Pharisees was that they did not believe what Moses had written. They desired the praise of their fellow humans and since they were so focused on themselves, they became blindsighted to God. They were so preoccupied with their own position as authorities and interpreters of the law that they became hardened and unable to understand the word of God. Their pride made them deaf to God’s voice. Scripture tells us that God reveals himself to the lowly, to those who trust not in themselves, but who trust God and listen to God's word with an eagerness to learn and to obey. The Lord Jesus reveals to us the mind and heart of God. Through the gift of the Holy Spirit he opens our ears so that we may hear his voice and he fills our hearts and minds with the love and knowledge of God.

Saint Augustine of Hippo wrote: “As Christians, our task is to make daily progress toward God. Our pilgrimage on earth is a school in which God is the only teacher, and it demands good students, not ones who play truant. In this school we learn something every day. We learn something from commandments, something from examples, and something from sacraments. These things are remedies for our wounds and materials for study.” Are you an eager student of God’s word and do you listen to it with faith and trust?

"Lord Jesus, fill me with your Holy Spirit that I may listen to your word attentively and obey it joyfully."

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

March 17, 2010 - St. Patrick, Bishop (c. 385-461)

SAINT PATRICK
Bishop, Apostle of Ireland
(c. 385-461)

If the virtue of children reflects an honor on their parents, much more justly is the name of St. Patrick rendered illustrious by the innumerable lights of sanctity with which the Church of Ireland shone during many ages, and by the colonies of Saints with which it peopled many foreign countries; for, under God, its inhabitants derived from their glorious apostle the streams of that eminent sanctity by which they were long conspicuous to the whole world. St. Patrick was born towards the close of the fourth century, in a village called Bonaven Taberniæ, which seems to be the town of Kilpatrick, on the mouth of the river Clyde, in Scotland, between Dumbarton and Glasgow. He calls himself both a Briton and a Roman, or of a mixed extraction, and says his father was of a good family named Calphurnius, and a denizen of a neighboring city of the Romans, who not long after abandoned Britain, in 409. Some writers call his mother Conchessa, and say she was niece to St. Martin of Tours.

In his sixteenth year he was carried into captivity by certain barbarians, who took him into Ireland, where he was obliged to keep cattle on the mountains and in the forests, in hunger and nakedness, amidst snow, rain, and ice. Whilst he lived in this suffering condition, God had pity on his soul, and quickened him to a sense of his duty by the impulse of a strong interior grace. The young man had recourse to Him with his whole heart in fervent prayer and fasting; and from that time faith and the love of God acquired continually new strength in his tender soul. After six months spent in slavery under the same master, St. Patrick was admonished by God in a dream to return to his own country, and informed that a ship was then ready to sail thither. He went at once to the sea-coast, though at a great distance, and found the vessel; but could not obtain his passage, probably for want of money. The Saint returned towards his hut, praying as he went; but the sailors, though pagans, called him back and took him on board. After three days’ sail they made land, but wandered twenty-seven days through deserts, and were a long while distressed for want of provisions, finding nothing to eat. Patrick had often spoken to the company on the infinite power of God; they therefore asked him why he did not pray for relief. Animated by a strong faith, he assured them that if they would address themselves with their whole hearts to the true God He would hear and succor them. They did so, and on the same day met with a herd of swine. From that time provisions never failed them, till on the twenty-seventh day they came info a country that was cultivated and inhabited.

Some years afterwards he was again led captive, but recovered his liberty after two months. When he was at home with his parents, God manifested to him, by divers visions, that He destined him to the great work of the conversion of Ireland. The writers of his life say that after his second captivity he travelled into Gaul and Italy, and saw St. Martin, St. Germanus of Auxerre, and Pope Celestine, and that he received his mission and the apostolical benediction from this Pope, who died in 432. It is certain that he spent many years in preparing himself for his sacred calling. Great opposition was made against his episcopal consecration and mission, both by his own relatives and by the clergy. These made him great offers in order to detain him among them, and endeavored to affright him by exaggerating the dangers to which he exposed himself amidst the enemies of the Romans and Britons, who did not know God. All these temptations threw the Saint into great perplexities; but the Lord, Whose will he consulted by earnest prayer, supported him, and he persevered in his resolution. He forsook his family, sold his birthright and dignity, to serve strangers, and consecrated his soul to God, to carry His name to the ends of the earth. In this disposition he passed into Ireland, to preach the Gospel, where the worship of idols still generally reigned. He devoted himself entirely to the salvation of these barbarians. He travelled over the whole island, penetrating into the remotest corners, and_ such was the fruit of his preachings and sufferings that he baptized an infinite number of people. He ordained everywhere clergymen, induced women to live in holy widowhood and continence, consecrated virgins to Christ, and instituted monks. He took nothing from the many thousands whom he baptized, and often gave back the little presents which some laid on the altar, choosing rather to mortify the fervent than to scandalize the weak or the infidels. He gave freely of his own, however, both to pagans and Christians, distributed large alms to the poor in the provinces where he passed, made presents to the kings, judging that necessary for the progress of the Gospel, and maintained and educated many children, whom he trained up to serve at the altar. The happy success of his labors cost him many persecutions.

A certain prince named Corotick, a Christian in name only, disturbed the peace of his flock. This tyrant, having made a descent into Ireland, plundered the country where St. Patrick had been just conferring confirmation on a great number of neophytes, who were yet in their white garments after Baptism. Corotick massacred many, and carried away others, whom he sold to the infidel Picts or Scots. The next day the Saint sent the barbarian a letter entreating him to restore the Christian captives, and at least part of the booty he had taken, that the poor people might not perish for want, but was only answered by railleries. The Saint, therefore, wrote with his own hand a letter. In it he styles himself a sinner and an ignorant man; he declares, nevertheless, that he is established Bishop of Ireland, and pronounces Corotick and the other parricides and accomplices separated from him and from Jesus Christ, Whose place he holds, forbidding any to eat with them, or to receive their alms, till they should have satisfied God by the tears of sincere penance, and restored the servants of Jesus Christ to their liberty. This letter expresses his most tender love for his flock, and his grief for those who had been slain, yet mingled with joy because they reign with the prophets, apostles, and martyrs. Jocelin assures us that Corotick was overtaken by the divine vengeance.

St. Patrick held several councils to settle the discipline of the Church which he had planted. St. Bernard and the tradition of the country testify that St. Patrick fixed his metropolitan see at Armagh. He established some other bishops, as appears by his Council and other monuments. He not only converted the whole country by his preaching and wonderful miracles, but also cultivated this vineyard with so fruitful a benediction and increase from heaven as to render Ireland a most flourishing garden in the Church of God, and a country of Saints.

Many particulars are related of the labors of St. Patrick, which we pass over. 'in the first year of his mission he attempted to preach Christ in the general assembly of the kings and states of all Ireland, held yearly at Tara, the residence of the chief king, styled the monarch of the whole island, and the principal seat of the Druids, or priests, and their paganish rites. The son of Neill, the chief monarch, declared himself against the preacher; however, Patrick converted several, and, on his road to that place, the father of St. Benignus, his immediate successor in the see of Armagh. He afterwards converted and baptized the Icings of Dublin and Munster, and the seven sons of the king of Connaught, with the greatest part of their subjects, and before his death almost the whole island. He founded a monastery at Armagh; another called Domnach-Padraig, or Patrick's Church; also a third, named Sabhal-Padraig; and filled the country with churches and schools of piety and learning, the reputation of which, for the three succeeding centuries, drew many foreigners into Ireland. He died and was buried at Down in Ulster. His body was found there in a church of his name in 1185, and translated to another part of the same church.

Ireland is the nursery whence St. Patrick sent forth his missionaries and teachers. Glastonbury and Lindisfarne, Ripon and Malmesbury, bear testimony to the labors of Irish priests and bishops for the conversion of England. Iona is to this day the most venerated spot in Scotland. Columban, Fiacre, Gall, and many others evangelized the "rough places" of France and Switzerland. America and Australia, in modern times, owe their Christianity to the faith and zeal of the sons and daughters of St. Patrick.

Other Saints of the Day:
  • St. Gertrude of Nivelles
  • St. Jan Sarkander
  • St. Joseph of Arimathea
  • St. Paul of Cyprus
  • Bl. Peter Lieou

"Ang Akon Amay Nagapadayon Sa Pag-obra, Gani Ako Nagaobra Man"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 5:17-30)
Pero may rason si Jesus, siling niya sa ila, "Ang akon Amay nagapadayon sa pag-obra, gani ako nagaobra man."

Tungod sa sining ginhambal ni Jesus nagtinguha pa gid gani ang mga manugdumala sang mga Judio nga patyon siya, tungod kay indi lang nga ginlapas niya ang kasuguan parte sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway, kundi nagsiling pa gid siya nga ang Dios amo ang iya gid mismo nga Amay, nga nagakahulugan nga nagapakigtupong siya sa Dios.

Gani nagsiling si Jesus sa ila, "Sa pagkamatuod, ginasugid ko sa inyo nga ako nga Anak sang Dios wala gid sing may mahimo kon sa akon lang, kundi kon ano ang akon nakita nga ginahimo sang akon Amay amo man ina ang akon ginahimo. Gani kon ano ang ginahimo sang akon Amay, amo man ina ang akon ginahimo bilang Anak.

Palangga sang Amay ang Anak, gani ginapakita niya sa akon nga iya Anak ang tanan nga iya ginahimo. Kag sobra pa gid sa sini nga mga butang ang ipakita sang Amay sa akon nga akon himuon agod matingala kamo tanan.

Kon ang Amay nagabanhaw sang mga patay kag nagahatag sa ila sing kabuhi, ako nga iya Anak nagahatag man sing kabuhi sa kay bisan sin-o nga akon gusto hatagan.

Indi ang Amay ang magahukom sa mga tawo; kundi ako nga iya Anak amo ang ginhatagan sang awtoridad nga maghukom, agod ang tanan magpadungog sa Anak pareho sang ila pagpadungog sa Amay. Gani ang wala nagapadungog sa akon wala man nagapadungog sa Amay nga nagpadala sa akon.

Sa pagkamatuod, ginasugid ko sa inyo nga ang tawo nga nagatuman sang akon mga pulong kag nagatuo sa nagpadala sa akon may kabuhi nga wala sing katapusan. Indi na siya pagsilutan tungod kay ginsaylo na siya halin sa kamatayon pakadto sa kabuhi.

Sa pagkamatuod, ginasugid ko sa inyo nga magaabot ang tiyempo, kag nag-abot na gani, nga ang mga patay makabati sang pulong sang Anak sang Dios, kag ang magbaton sang iya pulong hatagan sang kabuhi.

Tungod nga ang Amay may gahom sa paghatag ssng kabuhi, ako nga iya Anak makahatag man sang sina nga kabuhi, kay ginhatagan man niya ako sing gahom sa paghatag sina sa mga tawo.

Ginhatagan man niya ako sing awtoridad nga maghukom tungod kay ako amo ang Anak sang Tawo.

Indi kamo matingala sa sini nga mga butang, kay magaabot ang tion nga ang tanan nga mga patay makabati sang akon pulong, kag magaguwa sila sa ila lulubngan. Ang mga tawo nga naghimo sing maayo banhawon kag hatagan sing kabuhi nga wala sing katapusan, kag ang mga tawo nga naghimo sing malain banhawon man pero silutan." tungod sang ila mga sala.

Nagsiling pa gid si Jesus, "Wala ako sing sarang mahimo kon ako lang. Nagahukom ako matuod, pero ang akon paghukom suno sa ginsugid sang Dios sa akon. Gani ang akon paghukom matarong tungod kay wala ako nagahimo sang akon gusto, kundi ang gusto sang nagpadala sa akon.
***
Meditation:
Who can claim all authority and power over life and death itself? Jesus not only made such a claim, he showed God's power to heal and restore people to wholeness of life. He also showed the mercy of God by releasing people from their burden of sin and guilt. He even claimed to have the power to raise the dead to life and to execute judgment on all the living and dead. The Jewish authorities were troubled with Jesus' claims and looked for a way to get rid of him. He either had to be a mad man and an imposter or who he claimed to be – God's divine son. Unfortunately, they could not accept Jesus' claim to be the Messiah, the anointed one sent by the Father to redeem his people. They sought to kill him because he claimed an authority and equality with God which they could not accept. They failed to recognize that this was God's answer to the long-awaited prayers of his people: "In a time of favor I have answered you, in a day of salvation I have helped you" (Isaiah 49:8). Jesus was sent by the Father as "a covenant to the people" to reconcile them with God and restore to them the promise of paradise and everlasting life. Jesus' words and actions reveal God's mercy and justice. Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah when he brings healing, restoration, and forgiveness to those who accept his divine message.

The religious authorities charged Jesus as a Sabbath-breaker and a blasphemer. They wanted to kill Jesus because he claimed equality with God – something they thought no mortal could say without blaspheming. Little did they understand that Jesus was both human and divine – the eternal Son with the Father and the human son, conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of Mary. Jesus answered their charge of breaking the Sabbath law by demonstrating God's purpose for creation and redemption – to save and restore life. God's love and mercy never ceases for a moment. Jesus continues to show the Father's mercy by healing and restoring people, even on the Sabbath day of rest. When the religious leaders charged that Jesus was making himself equal with God, Jesus replied that he was not acting independently of God because his relationship is a close personal Father-Son relationship. He and the Father are united in heart, mind, and will. The mind of Jesus is the mind of God, and the words of Jesus are the words of God.

Jesus also states that his identity with the Father is based on complete trust and obedience. Jesus always did what his Father wanted him to do. His obedience was not just based on submission, but on love. He obeyed because he loved his Father. The unity between Jesus and the Father is a unity of love – a total giving of oneself for the sake of another. That is why their mutual love for each other is perfect and complete. The Son loves the Father and gives himself in total obedience to the Father's will. The Father loves the Son and shares with him all that he is and has. We are called to submit our lives to God with the same love, trust, and obedience which Jesus demonstrated for his Father.

If we wish to understand how God deals with sin and how he responds to our sinful condition, then we must look to Jesus. Jesus took our sins upon himself and nailed them to the cross. He, who is equal in dignity and stature with the Father, became a servant for our sake to ransom us from slavery to sin. He has the power to forgive us and to restore our relationship with God because he paid the price for our sins. Jesus states that to accept him is life – a life of abundant peace and joy with God. But if we reject him, then we freely choose for death – an endless separation with an all-loving and merciful God. Do you want the abundant life which Jesus offers? Believe in him, the living Word of God, who became a man for our sake and our salvation, and reject whatever is false and contrary to the gospel – the good news he came to give us.

"Lord Jesus, increase my love for you and unite my heart and will with yours, that I may only seek and desire what is pleasing to you."

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

March 16, 2010 - St Heribert, Archbishop (c. 970-1021)

Saint Heribert
Archbishop
(c. 970-1021)

Heribert was born in Worms and he was the son of Hugo, count of Worms. He was educated in the school of Worms Cathedral and at the Benedictine Gorze Abbey in Lorraine, France. He returned to Worms Cathedral to be provost and was ordained a priest in 994.

In the same year Otto III appointed him chancellor for Italy and four years later also for Germany, a position which he held until Otto's death on 23 January 1002. Heribert was made an archbishop of Cologne on 998. Then, he also served Emperor St. Henry.

Heribert built the monastery of Deutz, on the Rhine and performed miracles, including ending a drought. He is thus invoked for rains.

He died in Cologne on March 16, 1021 and was buried at Deutz.

He was already honoured as a saint during his lifetime and was canonized by Pope St. Gregory VII about 1074.

Other Saints of the Day:
  • St. Abban
  • St. Hilary
  • St. Aninus
  • St. Abraham Kidunaja
  • St. Dentlin
  • St. Eusebia
  • St. Finian Lobhar
  • St. Finian Munnu
  • Bl. John Amias
  • Bl. John Cacciafronte
  • St. Julian of Anazarbus
  • Bl. Robert Dalby
  • St. Megingaud
  • St. Patrick

"Lakat Kag Indi Ka Na Magpakasala"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 5:1-16)
Pagkatapos sadto, nagpa-Jerusalem naman si Jesus sa pagtambong sa isa ka piesta sang mga Judio.

Sa isa ka puwertahan sang pader sang Jerusalem, nga alagyan sang mga karnero, may tubig nga palaligusan nga kon sa Hebreo nga pulong ginatawag nila nga Betesda. Sa palibot sang tubig may lima ka palasilongan nga sa diin nagahiligda ang madamo nga mga masakiton nga mga tawo -- mga bulag, mga piang kag mga paralitiko.

[Nagahulat sila nga maghulag ang tubig. Kay kon kaisa, may anghel sang Dios nga nagapanaog didto kag ginaukay niya ang tubig. Ang makauna lusong sa tubig sa tapos ini maukay sang anghel nagaayo bisan ano pa ang iya masakit.]

Karon, may isa ka tawo didto nga ang iya masakit 38 na ka tuig.

Nakita siya ni Jesus nga nagahigda didto, kag nahibaluan ni Jesus nga ang iya masakit amo na sadto ka dugay. Gani nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Gusto mo bala nga mag-ayo?"

Nagsabat ang masakiton, "Kuntani, sir, pero wala sing tawo nga magdala sa akon sa tubig kon ginaukay na. Samtang nagapakadto pa lang ako sa tubig ginaunahan ako permi sang iban."

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Bangon, dalha ang imo banig kag maglakat."

Sa gilayon nag-ayo ang tawo sa iya masakit, kag gindala niya ang iya banig kag naglakat.

Natabo ini sang Adlaw nga Inugpahuway.

Gani nagsiling ang mga manugdumala sang mga Judio sa tawo nga gin-ayo, " Hoy, indi bala Adlaw ini nga Inugpahuway, kag suno sa aton kasuguan indi puwede mag-obra bisan pa sa pagdala sang imo banig?"

Nagsiling ang tawo nga gin-ayo. "Ang tawo nga nag-ayo sa akon amo ang nagsiling sa akon nga dal-on ko ang akon banig kag maglakat."

Gani ginpamangkot nila siya kon sin-o bala nga tawo ang nagsugo sa iya nga magdala sang iya banig kag maglakat.

Pero wala siya makakilala kon sin-o ang nag-ayo sa iya, kay nadula man lang si Jesus tungod sa kadamuon sang mga tawo.

Sang ulihi nakita liwat ni Jesus ang tawo nga iya gin-ayo nga didto sa templo kag nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Ti maayo ka na karon. Indi ka na magpakasala, kay basi mas malain pa gid ang matabo sa imo."

Naglakat dayon ang tawo kag nagkadto sa mga manugdumala sang mga Judio. Ginsugiran niya sila nga si Jesus ang nag-ayo sa iya.

Gani halin sadto ang mga manugdumala sang mga Judio nag-umpisa na nga maghingabot kay Jesus, tungod kay nagpang-ayo siya sa Adlaw nga Inugpahuway.
***
Meditation:
Do you want to grow in holiness and be like Christ? Ezekiel prophesies that a “river of life” will flow from God’s throne in the Temple. This water will transform everything it touches, bringing life, healing, and restoration. Jesus offers himself as the source of this living water which he will pour out upon his disciples in the gift of the Holy Spirit. The signs and miracles which Jesus performed manifest the power and presence of God’s kingdom and they demonstrate the love and mercy God has for his people. In the pool at Bethzatha we see an individual’s helplessness overcome by God’s mercy and power. On this occasion Jesus singles out an incurable invalid, helpless and hopeless for almost forty years. He awakens hope when he puts a probing question to the man, “Do you really want to be healed?” And he then orders him to “get up and walk!”

God wants to free us from the power of sin and make us whole. But he will not force our hand against our will. The first essential step towards growth and healing is the desire for change. If we are content to stay as we are, then no amount of coaxing will change us. The Lord manifests his power and saving grace towards those who desire transformation of life in Christ. The Lord approaches each of us with the same probing question: “Do you really want to be changed, to be set free from the power of sin, and to be transformed in my holiness?”

“Lord Jesus, put within my heart a burning desire to be changed and transformed in your holiness. Let your Holy Spirit change my heart and renew me in your love and righteousness.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

March 15, 2010 - St. Louise de Marillac (1591-1660)

Saint Louise of Marillac
(1591-1660)

Louise de Marillac was born in France, on August 12, 1591. She was educated by the Dominican nuns at Poissy. She desired to become a nun but on the advice of her confessor, she married Antony LeGras, an official in the Queen's service, in 1613.

After Antony's death in 1625, she met St. Vincent de Paul, who became her spiritual adviser. She devoted the rest of her life to working with him. She helped direct his Ladies of Charity in their work of caring for the sick, the poor, and the neglected. In 1633 she set up a training center, of which she was Directress in her own home, for candidates seeking to help in her work. This was the beginning of the Sisters (or Daughters, as Vincent preferred) of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (though it was not formally approved until 1655). She took her vows in 1634 and attracted great numbers of candidates. She wrote a rule for the community, and in 1642, Vincent allowed four of the members to take vows. Formal approval placed the community under Vincent and his Congregation of the Missions, with Louise as Superior.

She traveled all over France establishing her Sisters in hospitals, orphanages, and other institutions.

She expired in 1660. Since then the Congregation has spread all over the world.

She was canonized by Pope Pius XI in 1934, and was declared Patroness of Social Workers by Pope John XXIII in 1960.

Other Saints of the Day:
  • St. Matrona
  • St. Aristobulus
  • Bl. William Hart
  • St. Clement Maria Hofbauer
  • St. Leocrita
  • St. Mancius
  • St. Raymond of Fitero
  • St. Nicander
  • St. Menignus
  • St. Monaldus of Ancona

"Kon Indi Kamo Anay Makakita Sang Mga Milagro Kag Mga Katilingalahan Nga Mga Buhat, Indi Pa Kamo Magtuo Sa Akon"


Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Juan 4:43-54)
Pagkatapos sang duha ka adlaw nga pagtenir nila ni Jesus didto, nagpa-Galilea dayon sila.

(Si Jesus mismo ang nagsiling nga ang propeta sang Dios wala ginatahod sa iya kaugalingon nga banwa.)

Karon pag-abot nila sa Galilea, maayo ang pagbaton sa ila sang mga tawo. Kay ang ini nga mga tawo didto man sang pagpiesta sa Jerusalem kag nakita nila ang tanan nga iya ginpanghimo didto.

Nagbalik liwat si Jesus sa Cana nga sakop sang Galilea, sa lugar nga sa diin ginhimo niya nga bino ang tubig. Karon, may isa ka opisyal sang gobyerno didto nga ang iya anak nga lalaki nagamasakit didto sa Capernaum.

Pagkabati niya nga si Jesus nagbalik sa Galilea halin sa Judea, nagkadto dayon siya kay Jesus kag ginpangabay niya siya nga magkadto sa Capernaum kag ayuhon ang iya anak nga daw mapatay na gid.

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Kon indi kamo anay makakita sang mga milagro kag mga katilingalahan nga mga buhat, indi pa kamo magtuo sa akon."

Pero nagsiling ang opisyal nga nagapakitluoy, "Sir, kon mahimo upod man anay sa akon samtang buhi pa ang akon anak."

Nagsiling si Jesus sa iya, "Magpauli ka na. Maayo na ang imo bata." Nagpati ang opisyal sa ginhambal ni Jesus sa iya, gani nagpauli siya dayon.

Samtang nagapauli siya, ginsugata siya sang iya mga suluguon kag ginsugiran nga ang iya anak maayo na.

Gani nagpamangkot siya kon ano nga oras nag-ayo ang iya anak. Nagsiling ang mga suluguon, "Mga ala una kahapon sang hapon wala na siya sing hilanat."

Nadumduman dayon sang opisyal nga amo gid yadto nga oras sang nagsiling si Jesus sa iya nga ang iya anak maayo na. Gani siya kag ang iya bug-os nga panimalay nagtuo kay Jesus.

Amo ini ang ikaduha nga milagro nga ginhimo ni Jesus sa Galilea sang paghalin niya sa probinsya sang Judea.

***
Meditation:
Do you approach the Lord Jesus with expectant faith for healing, pardon, and transformation in Christ-like holiness? Isaiah prophesied that God would establish a new heavens and earth when he came to restore his people. Jesus’ miracles are signs that manifest the presence and power of God’s kingdom. When a high ranking official, who was very likely from King Herod's court, heard the reports of Jesus’ preaching and miracles, he decided to seek Jesus out for an extraordinary favor. If this story happened today the media headlines would probably say: "High ranking official leaves capital in search of miracle cure from a small town carpenter."

It took raw courage for a high ranking court official to travel twenty miles in search of Jesus, the Galilean carpenter. He had to swallow his pride and put up with some ridicule from his cronies. And when he found the healer carpenter, Jesus seemed to put him off with the blunt statement that people would not believe unless they saw some kind of miracle or sign from heaven. Jesus likely said this to test the man to see if his faith was in earnest. If he turned away discouraged or irritated, he would prove to be insincere. Jesus, perceiving his faith, sent him home with the assurance that his prayer had been heard. It was probably not easy for this man to leave Jesus and go back home only with the assuring word that his son would be healed. Couldn't Jesus have come to this man's home and touched his dying child? The court official believed in Jesus and took him at his word without doubt or hesitation. He was ready to return home and face ridicule and laughter because he trusted in Jesus' word. God's mercy shows his generous love – a love that bends down in response to our misery and wretchedness. Is there any area in your life where you need healing, pardon, change, and restoration? If you seek the Lord with trust and expectant faith, he will not disappoint you. He will meet you more than half way and give you what you need. The Lord Jesus never refused anyone who put their trust in him. Surrender your doubts and fears, your pride and guilt at his feet, and trust in his saving word and healing love.

"Lord Jesus, your love never fails and your mercy is unceasing. Give me the courage to surrender my stubborn pride, fear and doubts to your surpassing love, wisdom and knowledge. Make be strong in faith, persevering in hope, and constant in love."

Friday, March 12, 2010

March 12, 2010 - St. Luigi Orione, Priest (1872-1940)

Saint Luigi Orione
Priest
(1872-1940)

Luigi Orione was born in Pontecurone, diocese of Tortona, on 23 June 1872. At thirteen years of age he entered the Franciscan Friary of Voghera (Pavia), but he left after one year owing to poor health. From 1886 to 1889 he was a pupil of Saint John Bosco at the Valdocco Oratory (Youth Centre) in Turin.

On 16 October 1889, he joined the diocesan seminary of Tortona. As a young seminarian he devoted himself to the care of others by becoming a member of both the San Marziano Society for Mutual Help and the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul. On 3 July 1892 he opened the first Oratory in Tortona to provide for the Christian training of boys. The following year, on 15 October 1893, Luigi Orione, then a seminarian of twenty-one, started a boarding school for poor boys, in the Saint Bernardine estate.

On 13 April 1895, Luigi Orione was ordained priest and, on that occasion, the Bishop gave the clerical habit to six pupils of the boarding school. Within a brief span of time, Don Orione opened new houses at Mornico Losana (Pavia), Noto - in Sicily, Sanremo and Rome.

Around the young Founder there grew up seminarians and priests who made up the first core group of the Little Work of Divine Providence. In 1899, he founded the branch of the Hermits of Divine Providence. The Bishop of Tortona, Mgr Igino Bandi, by a Decree of 21 March 1903, issued the canonical approval of the Sons of Divine Providence (priests, lay brothers and hermits) - the male congregation of the Little Work of Divine Providence. It aims to "co-operate to bring the little ones, the poor and the people to the Church and to the Pope, by means of the works of charity", and professes a fourth vow of special "faithfulness to the Pope". In the first Constitutions of 1904, among the aims of the new Congregation, there appears that of working to "achieve the union of the separated Churches".

Inspired by a profound love for the Church and for the salvation of Souls, he was actively interested in the new problems of his time, such as the freedom and unity of the Church, the Roman question, modernism, socialism and the Christian evangelisation of industrial workers.

He rushed to assist the victims of the earthquakes of Reggio and Messina (1908) and the Marsica region (1915). By appointment of Saint Pius X, he was made Vicar General of the diocese of Messina for three years.

On 29 June 1915, twenty years after the foundation of the Sons of Divine Providence, he added to the "single tree of many branches" the Congregation of the Little Missionary Sisters of Charity who are inspired by the same founding charism. Alongside them, he placed the Blind Sisters, Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament. Later, the Contemplative Sisters of Jesus Crucified were also founded.

For lay people he set up the associations of the "Ladies of Divine Providence", the "Former Pupils", and the "Friends". More recently, the Don Orione Secular Institute and the Don Orione Lay People's Movement have come into being.

Following the First World War (1914-1918), the number of schools, boarding houses, agricultural schools, charitable and welfare works increased. Among his most enterprising and original works, he set up the "Little Cottolengos", for the care of the suffering and abandoned, which were usually built in the outskirts of large cities to act as "new pulpits" from which to speak of Christ and of the Church - "true beacons of faith and of civilisation".

Don Orione's missionary zeal, which had already manifested itself in 1913 when he sent his first religious to Brazil, expanded subsequently to Argentina and Uruguay (1921), Palestine (1921), Poland (1923), Rhodes (1925), the USA (1934), England (1935), Albania (1936). From 1921-1922 and from 1934-1937, he himself made two missionary journeys to Latin America: to Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, going as far as Chile.

He enjoyed the personal respect of the Popes and the Holy See's Authorities, who entrusted him with confidential tasks of sorting out problems and healing wounds both inside the Church as well as in the relations with society. He was a preacher, a confessor and a tireless organiser of pilgrimages, missions, processions, live cribs and other popular manifestations and celebrations of the faith. He loved Our Lady deeply and fostered devotion to her by every means possible and, through the manual labour of his seminarians, built the shrines of Our Lady of Safe Keeping in Tortona and Our Lady of Caravaggio at Fumo. In the winter of 1940, with the intention of easing the heart and lung complaints that were troubling him, he went to the Sanremo house, even though, as he said, "it is not among the palm trees that I would like to die, but among the poor who are Jesus Christ". Only three days later, on 12 March 1940, surrounded by the love of his confreres, Don Orione died, while sighing "Jesus, Jesus! I am going".

His body was found to be intact at its first exhumation in 1965. It has been exposed to the veneration of the faithful in the shrine of Our Lady of Safe Keeping in Tortona ever since 26 October 1980 - the day in which Pope John Paul II inscribed Don Luigi Orione in the Book of the Blessed. He was canonized on 16 May 2004.

Other Saints of the Day:
  • St. Fina
  • St. Seraphina
  • Sts. Theophanes
  • St. Alphege
  • St. Bernard of Carinola
  • St. Vindician
  • St. Egdunus
  • Bl. Joseph Tshang-ta-Pong
  • St. Mamilian
  • St. Maximilian
  • St. Mura McFeredach
  • St. Paul Aurelian
  • St. Peter of Nicomedia
  • St. Peter the Deacon

"Higugmaon Mo Ang Ginoo Nga Imo Dios Sa Bug-os Mo Nga Tagipusuon, Kalag, Hunahuna Kag Kusog"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Marcos 12:28-34)
May isa ka manunudlo sang Kasuguan didto nga nakabati sang ila diskusyon. Nabatian niya nga maayo ang sabat ni Jesus. Gani nagpalapit siya kag nagpamangkot man, "Ano gid bala ang labing importante nga sugo?"

Nagsabat si Jesus, "Ang labing importante nga sugo amo ini: 'Pamati kamo nga mga taga-Israel! Ang Ginoo nga aton Dios amo lang ang Ginoo.

Gani higugmaon mo ang Ginoo nga imo Dios sa bug-os mo nga tagipusuon, sa bug-os mo nga kalag, sa bug-os mo nga hunahuna kag sa tanan mo nga ginahimo.'

Ang madason nga labing importante nga sugo amo ini: 'Higugmaon mo ang imo kapareho pareho sang paghigugma mo sa imo kaugalingon.' Wala na sing sugo nga labaw pa sa sining duha."

Nagsiling ang manunudlo sang Kasuguan sa iya, "Husto ka manunudlo! Matuod ang imo ginasiling nga may isa lang ka Dios kag wala na sing iban pa.

Kag ang paghigugma sa iya sa bug-os nga tagipusuon, sa bug-os nga hunahuna, kag sa tanan naton nga ginahimo, kag ang paghigugma sa aton kapareho pareho sang paghigugma naton sa aton kaugalingon mas importante sang sa tanan nga halad nga sinunog kag iban pa nga mga halad."

Pagkabati ni Jesus nga husto gid ang iya mga sabat, nagsiling siya sa iya, "Malapit ka na nga masakop sa paghari sang Dios." Pagkatapos sadto wala na gid sing may nangahas nga magpamangkot kay Jesus.
***
Meditation:
How does love and obedience to God’s law go together? The Pharisees prided themselves in the knowledge of the law and their ritual requirements. They made it a life-time practice to study the six hundred and thirteen precepts of the Old Testament along with the numerous rabbinic commentaries. They tested Jesus to see if he correctly understood the law as they did. Jesus startled them with his profound simplicity and mastery of the law of God and its purpose. What does God require of us? Simply that we love as he loves! God is love and everything he does flows from his love for us. God loved us first and our love for him is a response to his exceeding grace and kindness towards us. The love of God comes first and the love of neighbor is firmly grounded in the love of God. The more we know of God's love and truth the more we love what he loves and reject what is hateful and contrary to his will.

What makes our love for God and his commands grow in us? Faith in God and hope in his promises strengthen us in the love of God. They are essential for a good relationship with God, for being united with him. The more we know of God the more we love him and the more we love him the greater we believe and hope in his promises. The Lord, through the gift of the Holy Spirit, gives us a new freedom to love as he loves (Galatians 5:13). Do you allow anything to keep you from the love of God and the joy of serving others with a generous heart? Paul the Apostle says: hope does not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit which has been given to us (Romans 5:5). Do you know the love which conquers all?

"We love you, O our God; and we desire to love you more and more. Grant to us that we may love you as much as we desire, and as much as we ought. O dearest friend, who has so loved and saved us, the thought of whom is so sweet and always growing sweeter, come with Christ and dwell in our hearts; that you keep a watch over our lips, our steps, our deeds, and we shall not need to be anxious either for our souls or our bodies. Give us love, sweetest of all gifts, which knows no enemy. Give us in our hearts pure love, born of your love to us, that we may love others as you love us. O most loving Father of Jesus Christ, from whom flows all love, let our hearts, frozen in sin, cold to you and cold to others, be warmed by this divine fire. So help and bless us in your Son." (Prayer of Anselm, 12th century)

Thursday, March 11, 2010

March 11, 2010 - St. Eulogius, Martyr (+ 859)

SAINT EULOGIUS
Martyr
(+ 859)

St. Eulogius was of a senatorian family of Cordova, at that time the capital of the Moors in Spain. Our Saint was educated among the clergy of the Church of St. Zoilus, a martyr who suffered with nineteen others under Diocletian. Here he distinguished himself, by his virtue and learning, and, being made priest, was placed at the head of the chief ecclesiastical school at Cordova. He joined assiduous watching, fasting, and prayer to his studies, and his humility, mildness, and charity gained him the affection and respect of every one.

During the persecution raised against the Christians in the year 850, St. Eulogius was thrown into prison and there wrote his Exhortation to Martyrdom, addressed to the virgins Flora and Mary, who were beheaded the 24th of November, 851. Six days after their death Eulogius was set at liberty. In the year 852 several others suffered the like martyrdom. St. Eulogius encouraged all these martyrs to their triumphs, and was the support of that distressed flock.

The Archbishop of Toledo dying in 858. St. Eulogius was elected to succeed him; but there was some obstacle that hindered him from being consecrated, though he did not outlive his election two months.

A virgin, by name Leocritia, of a noble family among the Moors, had been instructed from her infancy in the Christian religion by one of her relatives, and privately baptized. Her father and mother used her very ill, and scourged her day and night to compel her to renounce the Faith. Having made her condition known to St. Eulogius and his sister Anulona, intimating that she desired to go where she might freely exercise her religion, they secretly procured her the means of getting away, and concealed her for some time among faithful friends.

But the matter was at length discovered, and they were all brought before the cadi, who threatened to have Eulogius scourged to death. The Saint told him that his torments would be of no avail, for he would never change his religion. Whereupon the cadi gave orders that he should be carried to the palace and be presented before the king's council. Eulogius began boldly to propose the truths of the Gospel to them. But, to prevent their hearing him, the council condemned him immediately to lose his head. As they were leading him to execution, one of the guards gave him a blow on the face, for having spoken against Mahomet; he turned the other cheek, and patiently received a second.

He received the stroke of death with great cheerfulness, on the 11th of March, 859. St. Leocritia was beheaded four days after him, and her body thrown into the river Guadalquivir, but taken out by the Christians.

Other Saints of the Day:
  • St. Aurea
  • St. Constantine
  • St. Aengus
  • St. Amunia
  • St. Benedict Crispus
  • St. Vigilius
  • St. Teresa Margaret Redi
  • Sts. Trophimus & Thalus
  • St. Candidus
  • St. Eulogius of Cordoba
  • St. Euthymius of Sardis
  • St. Firmian
  • St. Heraclius and Zosimus
  • St. Peter the Spaniard

"Paagi Sa Gahom Sang Dios"

Ebanghelyo subong nga Adlaw (Lucas 11:14-23)
Isa sadto ka tion nagtabog si Jesus sang malaot nga espiritu nga nagsulod sa isa ka tawo nga nangin kabangdanan sang iya pagkaapa. Sang matabog niya ang malaot nga espiritu, nakahambal dayon ang apa. Natingala gid ang mga tawo.

Pero may mga tawo didto nga nagsiling, "Nagatabog siya sang malaot nga mga espiritu paagi sa gahom nga ginhatag sa iya ni Satanas nga amo ang pangulo sang malaot nga mga espiritu."

Ang iban didto luyag magdakop-dakop kay Jesus, gani ginsilingan nila siya nga maghimo sang milagro sa pagpamatuod nga ginpadala siya sang Dios.

Pero nahibaluan ni Jesus ang ila hunahuna, gani nagsiling siya sa ila, "Kon ang mga pumuluyo sang isa ka ginharian magbinahin-bahin kag mag-ilinaway, ina nga ginharian malaglag. Kag amo man ang matabo sa panimalay nga nagabinahin-bahin kag nagailinaway.

Gani kon si Satanas kag ang mga sakop niya magbinahin-bahin kag mag-ilinaway, paano makapadayon ang iya ginharian? Kay nagasiling kamo nga nagatabog ako sang malaot nga mga espiritu tungod nga ginahatagan ako sang gahom ni Satanas nga pangulo sang malaot nga mga espiritu.

Kon si Satanas ang nagahatag sa akon sang gahom para magtabog sang malaot nga mga espiritu, sin-o ang nagahatag sang gahom sa inyo mga sumulunod nga nagatabog man sang malaot nga mga espiritu? Ang inyo mga sumulunod mismo nagapamatuod nga sala gid kamo.

Karon, tungod kay nagatabog ako sang malaot nga mga espiritu paagi sa gahom sang Dios, nagapamatuod ini nga ang paghari sang Dios nag-abot na sa inyo."

Ginsugiran sila ni Jesus sang isa pa ka paanggid, "Kon nagaguwardya ang makusog nga tawo sa iya balay, nga kompleto ang armas, indi gid maano ang iya mga pagkabutang.

Pero kon sulungon siya sang mas makusog pa sang sa iya, mapierde siya. Ang iya ginasaligan nga mga armas kuhaon sa iya, kag pati ang tanan niya nga mga pagkabutang pamartidahon pa."

Pagkatapos nagsiling si Jesus, "Ang wala nagaapin sa akon, kontra sa akon. Kag ang wala nagabulig sa akon sa pagtipon sang mga tawo sa Dios nagapalapta lang."
***
Meditation:
What is the best protection which brings lasting security to our lives? Scripture tells us that true peace and security come to those who trust in God and obey his word. The struggle between choosing to do good or evil, yielding to my will or God's will, God's way or my way, cannot be won by human strength or will-power alone. Our enemy, the devil, conspires with the world and our flesh, to lead us into hurful and sinful desires. Peter the Apostles tells us, Our adversary, the devil prowls the earth seeking the ruin of souls (1 Peter 5:8-9). God offers us grace and protection if we are willing to obey his word and resist the devil. Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your habitation, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent. For he will give his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways (Psalm 91:9-11)

Jesus' numerous exorcisms brought freedom to many who were troubled and oppressed by the work of evil spirits. Jesus himself encountered personal opposition and battled with Satan when he was put to the test in the wilderness just before his public ministry. He overcame the evil one through his obedience to the will of his Father. Some of the Jewish leaders reacted vehemently to Jesus' healings and exorcisms and they opposed him with malicious slander. How could he get the power and authority to release individuals from Satan's power? They assumed that he had to be in league with Satan. They attributed his power to Satan rather than to God.

Jesus answers their charge with two arguments. There were many exorcists in Palestine in Jesus' time. So Jesus retorted by saying that they also incriminate their own kin who cast out demons. If they condemn Jesus they also condemn themselves. In his second argument he asserts that no kingdom divided against itself cannot survive for long? We have witnessed enough civil wars in our own time to prove the destructive force at work here for the annihilation of whole peoples and their land. If Satan lends his power against his own forces then he is finished. How can a strong person be defeated except by someone who is stronger? Jesus asserted his power and authority to cast out demons as a clear demonstration of the reign of God. Jesus' reference to the finger of God points back to Moses' confrontation with Pharoah and his magicians who represented Satan and the kingdom of darkness (see Exodus 8:19). Jesus claims to be carrying on the tradition of Moses whose miracles freed the Israelites from bondage by the finger of God. God's power is clearly at work in the exorcisms which Jesus performed and they give evidence that God's kingdom has come.

Jesus makes it clear that there are no neutral parties. We are either for Jesus or against him, for the kingdom of God or against it. There are two kingdoms in opposition to one another – the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness under the rule of Satan. If we disobey God’s word, we open to door to the power of sin and Satan in our lives. If you want to live in freedom from sin and Satan, then your house – your life and all you possess – must be occupied by Jesus where he is enthroned as Lord and Savior. Is the Lord Jesus the Master of your home, heart, mind, and will?

"O Lord, our God, grant us, we beseech you, patience in troubles, humility in comforts, constancy in temptations, and victory over all our spiritual foes. Grant us sorrow for our sins, thankfulness for your benefits, fear of your judgment, love of your mercies, and mindfulness of your presence; now and for ever." (Prayer by John Cosin)

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Top 20 Richest People in the World in 2010

Carlos Slim Helu takes No. 1 spot on Forbes World's Billionaires list as a record 164 10-figure titans return to the ranking amid the global economic recovery.

For the third time in three years, the world has a new richest man.
Here are the list of Top 20 World's Billionaires in 2010

1. Carlos Slim Helu
Net Worth: $53.5 billion
Source: Telecom
Residence: Mexico

• Telecom tycoon who pounced on privatization of Mexico's national telephone company in the 1990s becomes world's richest person for first time after coming in third place last year. Net worth up $18.5 billion in a year.

2. Bill Gates
Net Worth: $53 billion
Source: Microsoft
Residence: U.S.

• Software visionary is now the world's second-richest man. Net worth still up $13 billion in a year as Microsoft shares rose 50% in 12 months, value of investment vehicle Cascade swelled.

3. Warren Buffett
Net Worth: $47 billion
Source: Investments
Residence: U.S.

• America's favorite investor up $10 billion in past 12 months on surging Berkshire Hathaway shares; says U.S. has survived economic "Pearl Harbor," but warns recovery will be slow.

4. Mukesh Ambani
Net Worth: $29 billion
Source: Petrochemicals, oil and gas
Residence: India

• Global ambitions: His Reliance Industries, already India's most valuable company, recently bid $2 billion for 65% stake in troubled Canadian oil sands outfit Value Creations.

5. Lakshmi Mittal
Net Worth: $28.7 billion
Source: Steel
Residence: India

• London's richest resident oversees ArcelorMittal, world's largest steel maker. Net profits fell 75% in 2009.

6. Lawrence Ellison
Net Worth: $28 billion
Source: Oracle
Residence: U.S.

• Oracle founder's fortune continues to soar; shares up 70% in past 12 months.

7. Bernard Arnault
Net Worth: $27.5 billion
Source: Luxury goods
Residence: France

• Bling is back, helping fashion icon grab title of richest European as shares of his luxury goods outfit LVMH--maker of Louis Vuitton, Moet & Chandon--surge 57%.

8. Eike Batista
Net Worth: $27 billion
Source: Mining, oil
Residence: Brazil

• Vowing to become world's richest man--and he may be on his way. This year's biggest gainer added $19.5 billion to his personal balance sheet.

9. Amancio Ortega
Net Worth: $25 billion
Source: Fashion retail
Residence: Spain

• Style maven lords over Inditex; fashion firm, which operates under several brand names including Zara, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius, has 4,500 stores in 73 countries including new spots in Mexico and Syria.

10. Karl Albrecht
Net Worth: $23.5 billion
Source: Supermarkets
Residence: Germany

• Owns discount supermarket giant Aldi Sud, one of Germany's (and Europe's) dominant grocers.

11. Ingvar Kamprad and Family
Net Worth: $23 billion
Source: Ikea
Residence: Sweden

• Ikea's reputation under fire. In Russia company fired two top managers for allowing bribes to a power supplier. In France firm is facing an extended workers' strike.

12. Christy Walton and Family
Net Worth: $22.5 billion
Source: Wal-Mart
Residence: U.S.

• World's largest retailer benefited as cash-strapped shoppers looked to discount merchandise at start of economic slump.

13. Stefan Persson
Net Worth: $22.4 billion
Source: H&M
Residence: Sweden

• "Cheap chic" mogul is chairman of Hennes & Mauritz (H&M); promoted son, Karl-Johan, 34, to chief executive in July.

14. Li Ka-shing
Net Worth: $21 billion
Source: Diversified
Residence: Hong Kong

• Betting on recovery, upped stakes in publicly traded conglomerates Cheung Kong and Hutchison Whampoa. Cheung Kong paid $100 million for shares in Russian aluminum maker Rusal ahead of its January Hong Kong public offering. Hutchison Whampoa is attempting to take its telecom subsidiary private for $545 million in cash; awaiting regulatory approval.

15. Jim C. Walton
Net Worth: $20.7 billion
Source: Wal-Mart
Residence: U.S.

• Sam Walton started as J.C. Penney clerk. Opened Benjamin Franklin five-and-dime in 1945; lost lease five years later. Founded Bentonville, Ark., general store with brother James in 1962.

16. Alice Walton
Net Worth: $20.6 billion
Source: Wal-Mart
Residence: U.S.

• World's largest retailer benefited as cash-strapped shoppers looked to discount merchandise at start of economic slump.

17. Liliane Bettencourt
Net Worth: $20 billion
Source: L'Oreal
Residence: France

• Makeup heiress' fortune rebounding with L'Oreal shares.

18. S. Robson Walton
Net Worth: $19.8 billion
Source: Wal-Mart
Residence: U.S.

• Rob has been chairman of Wal-Mart since 1992.

19. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal Alsaud
Net Worth: $19.4 billion
Source: Diversified
Residence: Saudi Arabia

• Net worth of globe-trotting investor and nephew of the Saudi king is up $6.1 billion in the past year.

20. David Thomson and Family
Net Worth: $19 billion
Source: Thomson Reuters
Residence: Canada

• Chairman of Thomson Reuters knocks longtime rival Michael Bloomberg out of top 20.

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