President Obama meets with Pope Benedict

On Friday, President Barack Obama met with Pope Benedict XVI at the Vatican. For the full story, see the report at the American Papist.

Memorial of Saint Benedict

Today, July 11th, is the Memorial of Saint Benedict, the Father of Western Monasticism.


















From The Lives of the Saints:

"The patriarch of Western monasticism was born at Nursia, in central Italy, about 480. In his youth, seeing the corruption of the world, he left home to live a hermit's life of penance and prayer in a cave in the mountain of Subiaco, near Rome, where he was instructed in Christian asceticism by Saint Romanus, a Solitary of the vicinity.

His reputation for sanctity gathered a large number of disciples around him, for whom he erected monasteries in which they lived a community life under a prescribed rule. In the year 529, he left Subiaco for Monte Cassino, and there founded the great Abbey which became the center of religious life in Europe.

The principles of the Rule written by St. Benedict became the basis of religious life for all Western religious orders and congregations after his time. It shows the way to religious perfection by the practice of self-conquest, mortification, humility, obedience, prayer, silence, retirement, and detachment from the world and its cares.

St. Scholastica, the sister of St. Benedict, was the first Benedictine nun. She presided over a monastery of nuns near Monte Cassino. St. Benedict died on March 21, 543, as he stood before the altar of Monte Cassino immediately after receiving Holy Communion.

Prayer: God, You established St. Benedict the Abbot as an admirable teacher in the school of Divine servitude. Teach us never to prefer anything to Your love and always to run the way of Your Commandments with most generous dispositions. Amen.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Here's some stuff that I found on the net which inspired me for this 4th of July. We have much to thank "The Greatest Generation" for.

HUNGARIAN CATHOLICS EXORCISE MANSON

REUTERS reports that some Catholics in Hungary have called for fasting and prayer to ward off the impending visit of shock rocker MARILYN MANSON to their country. In the town of Sopron, Hungary placards have been seen which say "Protest against the concert of American satanist band Marilyn Manson in Sopron," and calling for Catholics to fast and pray "for those inciting hatred and for our misguided brothers . . ."

O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of thy mercy. Amen.