April 23: St. Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

Saint Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist

By Darius Haghighat

Born in Galilee during the first century, St. Matthew was one of the twelve apostles and four evangelists. His father was Alphaeus and his brother was the apostle James the Lesser. Also known as Levi, Matthew worked as a tax collector in Capernaum, a job that would cause many Jews and Pharisees alike to despise him. When Jesus went to Capernaum, he called Matthew to be one of His disciples. Matthew then invited Jesus to dine in his home with tax collectors and sinners. After this, Matthew became one of the twelve apostles and followed Jesus. He witnessed the Resurrection and the Ascension of Our Lord. Then, in the upper room, the Holy Spirit came upon him, the other eleven, and Mary during Pentecost.  Following Jesus’ great commission to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19), Matthew continued to spread Christ’s teachings. He went on to write the first of the four Gospels and was martyred in Ethiopia.

As a disciple of Jesus, Matthew was a man of great faith. He was called to holiness despite his occupation as a tax collector. In those days, tax collectors were seen as traitors and thieves: traitors because they worked for the oppressive Roman Empire, thieves because they would often overcharge people to make extra money for themselves. Matthew himself may not have been as dishonest as others who shared his profession, but he would’ve still had what was seen as an evil job.

God however, has a purpose for every aspect of our lives, as He demonstrates with St. Matthew.  When Christ was criticized for dining with sinners and tax collectors, he responded, “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). Thus, Matthew’s conversion demonstrated that all can attain holiness, regardless of how unholy they once were. St. Matthew’s position as a tax collector also had a more practical purpose in salvation history:  tax collectors had to be literate in both Greek and Aramaic. In other words, they were some of the few people who were able to read and write during that time. This literacy allowed St. Matthew to record Christ’s life and teachings into the first Gospel.

The Gospel according to Matthew begins differently than the other Gospels do. St. Matthew opens with the genealogy of Jesus. He begins with Abraham and traces a line down through David to Jesus Christ. Since he begins with the human ancestry of Jesus, St. Matthew’s symbol (coming from the four living creatures in the Book of Revelation) is a winged man. This symbol is fitting because St. Matthew stresses Jesus’ identity as the Son of David, the Son of Man, and the Son of God. Thus, St. Matthew uses a human approach to better understand Christ’s divinity.

St. Matthew’s Gospel also stresses Jesus’ wisdom. He establishes the Lord as a teacher. As a tax collector, St. Matthew would’ve felt comfortable with laws and regulations; that would explain how closely he records teachings such as the Sermon on the Mount, where Christ introduced the Beatitudes. The Gospel according to Matthew provided the Church with a strong foundation for her own teachings.

St. Matthew’s identity, however, goes beyond that of a journalist, merely recording events for future reference. No, St. Matthew played a key role in the New Testament. He was willing to leave behind his no doubt profitable career as a tax collector to follow the Son of God, which earned him his place among the twelve apostles. His dedication to spreading the Word of God is what secured his place in Heaven. And so, by participating in and preserving the memory of the events of the New Testament, St. Matthew fulfilled his role in God’s plan.

There are a number of St. Matthew’s qualities that we are called to emulate. One is the simple recognition that Jesus Christ is our Lord. St. Matthew used the phrase “Son of God” countless times in his Gospel, emphasizing Jesus’ divine nature. We too are meant to be pure of heart and see that in Him.

 St. Matthew is a model of conversion, as he turned his whole life around to follow Jesus, an opportunity he knew was worth more than the Roman Empire could ever compensate for. The example he set for us is one of repentance and obedience.

Finally, St. Matthew understood the importance of establishing a relationship with Jesus Christ. He got to know our Lord as both God and Man, the very reason Jesus was incarnated. The final line of St. Matthew’s Gospel, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age,” (Matthew 28:20) shares with us his own reassurance that, by following in Christ’s steps, we will constantly have our all-powerful, ever-loving God beside us. 

April 22: St. James the Greater, Apostle

Saint James the Greater

By Aimee Ross

St. James the Greater and his brother John were with their father, Zebedee, fishing when Jesus called them. This is where James became one of the first disciples and defined his way of life. From that moment on, Jesus was a key aspect of James’s life.

St. James the Greater was referred to as “James the Great” to distinguish him from St. James the Lesser, son of Alphaeus. James’s ambitious personality, pride, confidence, and authority showed that this naming was highly suitable for him. Through James’s strong commitment to Jesus, mission to preach the good news, and unwavering faithfulness, he was named as one of the Twelve Apostles. As one of the first Apostles, Jesus possessed a special respect for James. This brought many extraordinary opportunities for James, but also brought him additional responsibilities. When Jesus went up to Mount Tabor (Mount of Transfiguration) to pray, James was one of the three apostles invited to join him. This was monumental to James, as it was there on the mountain where he witnessed the Transfiguration of Jesus, and he heard the voice of God speak. Jesus also took James to the Garden of Gethsemane, or the Mount of Olives. James, along with Simon Peter and John were the three apostles that Jesus referred to as the “Sons of Thunder” due to their impulsiveness and strong personalities. Jesus expected more of James, encouraging him not only to be a leader, but also to understand the profound significance of Jesus’ teachings.

After the Crucifixion, Resurrection, and Ascension, James and the other Apostles preached the Gospel. James was executed by sword in 44AD in Judea at the hand of King Herod Agrippa I. St. James is believed to be the first of the Twelve Apostles to become a martyr for his faith. By his noble death, the other Apostles were given the courage needed to profess their faith and convert people of the world to Christianity.

Religious pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostella, where the remains of St. James the Greater are believed to dwell, were very common during the tenth to fifteenth centuries. Many churches, shrines, and fountains were built honoring St. James the Greater on the roads leading to Santiago. People today continue to visit Santiago de Compostella, with the famous Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela. This is often thought to be the third holiest site for modern day Catholics to visit, following Jerusalem and Rome. St. James the Greater is the patron saint of Spain. July 25 is the feast day of St. James the Greater. When this day falls on a Sunday, it is considered to be a “Jubilee” year, in which the number of pilgrims to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela far exceeds other years.

Through St. James the Greater’s personality, he serves as a role model for people in today’s society. St. James had great ambitiousness, often going above and beyond what was expected of him. As the Patron Saint of Laborers, St. James the Greater emphasizes the importance of a strong work ethic. St. James the Greater was also confident. In today’s world, self-confidence and self-assurance can lead to a society where individuals not only have respect for others, but also respect for themselves.

Spiritually, St. James the Greater teaches us that it is sometimes necessary to make sacrifices to lead a holy life. Without question, James left everything to follow Jesus, unsure of where he was being led or what the outcome would be. As one of the first known martyrs of the Catholic religion, St. James the Greater made the ultimate sacrifice. James shows us that although it is not always easy to make the right choices in following what Jesus asks of us, leading the life that Jesus wants us to lead will bring the immeasurable reward of eternal life.

St. James the Greater had a unique relationship with Jesus: a great friendship that was characterized by mutual respect and trust. This friendship is one that everyone should seek, yearning to learn all information possible about Jesus, and to listen to and speak to him, as one would do with a great friend. St. James the Greater learned more and more about Jesus every day of his life. James modeled his life after that of Christ, and would encourage all individuals to do the same.

If St. James the Greater was a member of our society today, it is without doubt that he would serve as a positive example for others. James was an intellectual, a leader, a disciple, and a dependable friend. It is evident that James was a significant role model for those of his time. St. James the Greater would wholeheartedly encourage people of today’s culture to strive to reach their full potential religiously, spiritually, and morally.

April 20, SS. Joachim and Anne

SS. Joachim and Anne

By Alice Rocheleau

St. Anne was the mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. St. Joachim was her father. It was St. Anne that taught the Blessed Virgin Mary her prayers. We have a Shrine of Saint Anne in Fall River, where many novenas are made to her. St. Anne has answered people’s prayers who have a devotion to her; people have left their crutches at the shrine as a sign of their healing. July 26 is St. Joachim and St. Anne feast day. St. Joachim and St. Anne were the Virgin Mary’s parents. From an ancient tradition going back even to the second century, the parents of the Virgin Mary are known by the name of Joachim and Anne. Devotions to St. Anne are found in the sixth Century in the East, and by the tenth Century it was widespread in the west. St. Joachim was likewise honored, but at a more recent date.

My mother had a healing by St. Anne when she was a 1 year old; she had a big hole in her neck and it would have gone right through her throat. Her father took her to St. Ann in Fall River and Father Charles Bernard Sauval read a gospel and her father returned home with my mother, put her in her crib and the next day she was healed. He brought her back to St. Ann in Fall River: what a miracle! Father Sauval was the pastor in the Parish of St. Anne. He was born in France on March 25, 1848 (died in Fall River at. St. Anne’s on May 1, 1901).

My mother kept her picture in a frame for me and when I grew up she kindly gave it to me. When I go to St. Anne’s I put my hand on her casket and thank him in the Lord’s name for her healing, what a blessing for me. When my parents were living we went to St. Anne’s shrine in Canada every year, 14 times in all. I had a saintly mother.

I told Fr. Landry:

In Thanksgiving to you, St. Anne, I want to express all the gratitude that fills my heart. I thank you most sincerely for your extreme kindness to my mother and me. Alice, my mother, did pray to you and will continue to do so. My mom prayed to St. Anne for a healing due to a nervous condition that was very bad; I used to scream. I express my gratefulness to St. Anne. It is my Lord Jesus, whom I praise. Blessed are you, dear St. Anne so powerful and so kind. Blessed are you for what you did for my mother and me. I will always be grateful to you and I pray that many will be healed by my prayers through you.

April 19, St. John the Evangelist

St. John, Apostle and Evangelist

By Luann Connolly

Born in Galilee in the year 6, he was the son of Zebedee and Saint Mary Salome and brother of James, (Saint James the greater).  John and James were fishermen when Jesus called them to join him and thus ranked high among the apostles.  Both John and James held prominent positions among the apostles. John was just 18 years old when he became a disciple of Jesus.  Saint John has been credited with writing the fourth gospel and three New Testament epistles. The book of revelation is also attributed to him. John’s Gospel, unlike the other three, presents a well-developed theological point of view.

He became the "beloved disciple" and the only one of the twelve who did not forsake the savior in the hour of his passion.  He stood faithfully at the cross when the savior made him the guardian of his mother.  He is called by God’s own inspiration, “the disciple that Jesus loved.” On Mount Calvary he was asked to care for the Virgin Mary for the rest of her life by a dying Jesus. He became her personal priest and gave her communion every day at Mass.   After her death and assumption into heaven in the year 58 AD, St. John went to Ephesus and preached in Asia Minor with such fruits that he was dragged to Rome, condemned and thrown into a pot of boiling oil, which did him no harm. He was exiled to the island of Patmos, where he wrote the apocalypse in the year 95.  He died in Ephesus in the year 100. He was 94 years old and ultimately died of natural causes. All the other apostles suffered martyrdom. He out lived his brother St. James by 50 years.  His feast day is December 27 and appropriately close to Christmas day. He is often depicted with an eagle and is the patron saint of editors, publishers and theologians.  St. John is called the Apostle of Charity, a virtue he had learned from his Divine Master, and which he constantly emulated by word and example.

I feel that St. John has given us all a fine example to follow.  He left his family without question and joined Jesus into the unknown and he proved himself to be a great man even though he was the youngest of the all the Apostles.  He writes of love more then any author in the Bible, a subject that endears him to readers.

April 18, Samuel the Prophet

Samuel the Prophet

By Gary Marshall

“Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”  With these words Samuel opened his mind, heart and soul to God and became a prophet. He was only 12 or 13 years old.

There is some controversy in the biography of Samuel.  Amid all the stories written it is difficult to say what is historical fact and what is legend.  There are a few things that we do know.

Samuel was born to a woman named Hannah.  Hannah was unable to have a child, and desperately wanted one, so she prayed to God and promised Him that if He gave her a child she would consecrate that child to God.  God heard her prayers and graced her with a son. Hannah kept her promise to God and allowed her son Samuel to live with the chief priest, Eli, so he could learn the ways of the faith.

It was while living with Eli that Samuel received the call from God.  It is an often told story. Samuel was sleeping when he heard someone call his name.  Thinking Eli needed him, he got out of bed and went to him.  Eli did not know what Samuel was speaking of and sent him back to bed.  This happened a second time and again Samuel went to Eli and again Eli sent him back to bed.  The third time this occurred, Eli understood what was happening and instructed Samuel to answer the voice calling his name with these words “Speak Lord, for your servant is listening.”  Samuel did as he was told and this was a turning point in his life.  He did hear the voice and it was indeed God.  God spoke to Samuel and prophesized the downfall of Eli and his wicked sons.  The next day Eli inquired what the Lord had wanted of Samuel, Samuel reluctantly told his mentor the truth.  Eli understood that God was the ruler of all and would do what was right and just.

As a prophet, Samuel was not merely someone who spoke the word of God, but was an interpreter, enlightened by God to communicate God’s will to Israel, the Chosen Ones.  He was to preach to the people as well as maintain law and order.  Samuel was a judge and a ruler all in one.  As such, Samuel would make annual trips through the surrounding area to judge the people, this meant he was to help solve disputes among people, chastise them for worshiping idols and use his influence to hold the tribes of Israel together.  As Samuel aged, he appointed his sons as judges

As time passed, Samuel’s sons became dishonest and the people of Israel asked Samuel to appoint them a king like all the other nations.  Samuel did not want to do this but prayed to God for guidance. God told Samuel to listen to the people for they had not rejected Samuel but God with their request.  Samuel spoke the words of God to the Israelites and explained all that a king would take from them and still the people asked for a king.  So Samuel appointed them a king named Saul.

We do not hear about Samuel again until he must renounce Saul as a king and appoint David to the throne.  It is not known when or how Samuel passed away. We only know that his death and burial took place at Ramah. Samuel is considered one of the greatest Judges as well as one of the greatest prophets.  He was a man of God, always keeping the hope and faith of the people alive.  His feast day is celebrated on August 20.

Samuel is an example of living according to God’s word.  God called Samuel by name to His service.  Do we recognize Him calling us to love Him and trust in Him? Can we hear God calling? Do we reply, “Speak Lord…” or do we close our ears to His call? It wasn’t easy for Samuel to tell Eli of God’s prophesy for his family or to continuously maintain the law over the Israelites but Samuel knew that this is what God wanted him to do.

When we are faced with difficult situations in life do we heed the word of God or turn to Him for guidance or do we just do what feels right regardless of the consequences?  Although it is not easy to release control of our lives and let God lead us, God wants us to walk through life with Him, always by our side, gently guiding but never forcing.  Our faith-lives with God are meant to be lived daily with prayer, quiet meditation and following the laws of our faith, just as Samuel lived and encouraged the Israelites to live.

So, the next time you hear a voice calling your name and you do not know where it comes from, bow your head, open your heart and answer, “Speak Lord!”

April 17, King David

King David

By Joseph Carvalho

King David is known for his skills as a writer of psalms, a musician, and warrior, particularly when as a boy he defeated and killed Goliath.  The prophet Samuel, as chosen by the Lord, anointed David king at an early age.  David was 30 years old when he began to reign, and he reigned for 40 years in all (believed to have been between 1050-970 B.C.).  He had reigned over Judah from Hebron for seven years, and from Jerusalem he reigned over all of Israel and Judah for 33 years.

David’s lifetime is depicted in the following books of the Bible:

1 Samuel: the selection and preparation of Israel’s greatest king, David

2 Samuel: records the history of David’s reign, to validate the Davidic dynasty, and to depict David as the ideal example of good leadership

1 Kings: opens with the death of David to contrast the lives of the godly and ungodly kings throughout the history of Israel and Judah and to demonstrate the consequences of idolatry and wickedness

Psalms: to provide poetry for the expression of praise, worship, and confession to God

The Lord’s covenant promise to David was spoken through the prophet Nathan.  In part the Lord said, “And now the Lord declares that he will build a house for you – a dynasty of kings!  For when you die, I will raise up one of your descendents, and I will make his kingdom strong.  He is the one who will build a house, a temple, for my name and I will establish a throne of his kingdom forever.  I will be his father, and he will be my son.”  Hence, Jesus Christ is a direct descendent of Kind David and of Abraham.  In all, Jesus Christ is 42 generations removed from Abraham and 28 generations from King David.

It is believed that King David wrote over 73 Psalms.  It is in the words of these Psalms that we find comfort and guidance.  Throughout life, we experience a wide range of emotions, such as joy, anger, peacefulness, frustration, despair, happiness, and anxiety. 

One of my favorites is Psalm 23.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I have everything I need.  He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams.  He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.  Even when I walk through the dark valley of death, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me.  Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me.  You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies.  You welcome me as a guest, anointing my head with oil.  My cup overflows with blessings.  Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever.”

Many of us tend to turn to prayer most often when the chips are down in our lives.  What about when we have joy, peace, and happiness?  Should we not turn to the Lord as well?   Should we not give praise?  King David knew this too well.  We should emulate King David by praying to the Lord when the chips are down as well as when good things are happening. 

What personally draws me to David is that he was the ideal example of good leadership.  Effective leadership often has more to do with character than with accomplishments.  Among the godly men and women mentioned in the Bible, King David stands as one of the most prominent.  The prophet Samuel had said that God wanted “a man after his own heart” and David was that man.

April 16, St. Bernadette Soubirous

Saint Bernadette Soubirous

By Sr. Maria Cristina

Bernadette was born on January 7, 1844; she was the eldest child of a family of six.  Her parents were Francis and Louise Soubirous. In the early years of Bernadette's life she lived in Bartres, about three miles from Lourdes. Bernadette returned to Lourdes and was cared for by her Godmother until 1849. In 1852-1853, the family fell even further into poverty and they were turned out of their rented home. A cousin had pity on them and gave them a spare room to live in: an old prison cell the police had abandoned because it was so unhealthy. The family clung to their faith especially during this difficult time, praying evening prayer in common, going to Sunday Mass and even daily Mass when possible, reciting the Holy Rosary together as a family.  Bernadette was struck with cholera in 1855 and from that time on she was asthmatic and frail.  In 1857 Bernadette returned to Bartres, working as a servant until January 1858.

The apparitions of Our Lady  

Bernadette recounted the apparitions:

The first time I went to the Grotto, was Thursday, February 11, 1858. I went to gather firewood with two other little girls (her little sister Toinette and her friend Jeanne Abadie). When we got to the mill of Savy, I asked the other two if they would like to see where the water of the mill joins the Gave. They said yes. From there we followed the canal. When we arrived there at the foot of the rock Massabielle we found ourselves before a grotto. As they could go no further, my two companions prepared to cross the water. Then I went a bit further to see if I could cross without taking my stockings off, but without success. I came back towards the grotto and started taking off my stockings. I had hardly taken off the first stocking when I heard a sound like a gust of wind. Then I turned my eyes towards the meadow. I saw the trees quite still. I went on taking off my stockings. I heard the same sound again. As I raised my head to look at the grotto, I saw a Lady dressed in white, wearing a white dress, a blue girdle and a yellow rose on each foot, the same color as the chain of her rosary. The Lady made a sign for me to approach, but I was seized with fear and I did not dare. Then I put my hand into my pocket and took my rosary. I wanted to make the sign of the cross, but in vain. The Lady took the rosary that she held in her hands and she made the sign of the cross. I took my rosary again and I was able to make the sign of the cross. I knelt down and said my rosary. The Vision slipped the beads of her rosary between her fingers, but she did not move her lips. Then, all of a sudden, she disappeared. As we returned, I asked my companions if they had seen anything. “No” they replied.

The third time I went to the grotto with a few grown-ups who advised me to take paper and ink and to ask to write if she had anything to say. I told the Lady. She smiled and said that it was not necessary for her to write, she wanted only for me a favor of coming for a fortnight. I told her that I would. On February 25, 1858, The Lady told me that I should go and drink at the fountain and wash myself. Seeing no fountain I went to drink at the Gave. She said it was not there. She pointed with her finger that I was to go in under the rock. I went and I found a puddle of water, which was more like mud, and the quantity was so small that I could hardly gather a little in the hollow of my hand. The fourth time I was able to drink it. She made me eat the grass growing in the same place where I had drunk. The Vision disappeared.

Seventeenth Apparition: Dr Dozous is present, as a scientific observer. He wants to control medically the behavior of Bernadette during her ecstasy. He is gratified beyond what he had expected. The flame of big candle burns between Bernadette’s hands and her fingers for several minutes. Bernadette does not seem to suffer from it. Dozous examines, nothing shows, he goes home converted.

Visit from Monseigneur Forcade, Bishop of Nevers

He questions Bernadette about her future, “Why would you not become a nun?” Bernadette objects stating that she is poor, frail and ignorant. A few days later Mgr. Forcade speaks to the Mother General, Mother Louise Ferrand, at Nevers. His proposal is received without enthusiasm because Bernadette will likely be a permanent patient in the infirmary and she cannot do much. Bernadette wants to be a nun, but is uncertain in what Order.  First of all, she thinks of the Carmelites. L’Abbè Peyramale reminds her of her lack of health. Bernadette finally makes her decision. She chooses the Sisters of Nevers, but ill health retards her departure. Bernadette started her postulancy at Lourdes and she takes part in the clothing ceremony on the 29th of July. Soon her condition gets worse and she receives Extreme Unction for the second time. Monseigneur Forcade authorizes her to anticipate the time of her religious profession. That evening she feels better and takes up again the life of the Novitiate, at least in part. After completing her period of Novitiate, in spite of her state of illness, Bernadette makes her religious profession. On the evening of the ceremony, the newly professed nuns received from the Bishop and from the Mother General their obedience, that is, they learn what would be their work in one of the houses of the congregation. Mother General had decided to keep Bernadette in Mother house which is a great privilege. A veritable scenario had been composed with the help of Mgr. Forcade so that Bernadette would not risk being proud on this account.  Bernadette, Father Douce and the Superiors knew that the message of Lourdes was God’s will and that Bernadette should live a life of prayer, suffering, silence and sacrifice in Nevers.  Bernadette acquiesced with all her heart in this expression of the will of God.

On March 28th, Bernadette received Extreme Unction for the fourth time. On the evening of April 15th, her condition worsened. The next day, Sister Nathalie Portat relates, “About three in the afternoon, the invalid seemed to be a prey to the tortures of unutterable interior sufferings.”  One sister and two infirmarians fall to their knees and Bernadette joins them in their prayers. Then with an expression of sorrow and complete surrender, she raises her eyes to heaven, stretches her arms out in the form of the Cross and cries out aloud saying, “My God!”  Then she lets them fall and unites herself again to the prayers of her companions. A few moments later, Bernadette makes an expressive gesture, asking to drink. She makes a big sign of the Cross, seizes the glass that is handed to her, twice swallows a few drops and then bending her head she gently yields up her soul to the Creator. St. Bernadette died on April 16, 1879 at the age of thirty-five.

In 1925 Pope Pius XI beatified her and he canonized her on the feast of the Immaculate Conception in 1933, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the apparitions. At the fourth apparition, Bernadette noticed that she had to go more slowly to keep time with the Lady who made the sign of the Cross in a deliberate and solemn way. From that time on Bernadette prayed more slowly, reverently and devoutly. It was at the sixth apparition that our Lady said to Bernadette, “Pray to God for sinners.” Pray for sinners, especially for the dying. At the eight apparition, our Lady invited Bernadette to come closer and exclaimed, “Penitence, penitence, penitence.”  Bernadette repeated the same word three times and dragged herself on her knees to the entrance of the grotto. During the sermon he preached at Lourdes in 1935, Cardinal Pacelli (later Pope Pius XII) said, “The poor little Soubirous girl must cry out to this proud and pleasure-seeking world, ‘Pray, penitence, penitence, penitence.’ Be still O Bernadette, we have understood. In your call we recognize the echo of the one coming from the Cross, the Cross, the Cross.”  Thousands of sick people have been miraculously cured at Lourdes, but the sick people who make a pilgrimage to Lourdes and are not cured do not go home empty-handed. It is a remarkable fact that practically all of them return, not disappointed or dissatisfied, but strengthened in their faith, blessed with peace of soul, and fully resigned to God’s will and the will of our Lady which is the same as that of her Divine Son. “If I were sick of some deadly disease,” wrote Msgr. Robert Hugh Benson, “and it were revealed to me that I must die, yet none the less I should go to Lourdes; for, if I should not be healed by Mary, I could at least learn how to suffer as a Christian ought.”  May all who suffer pain, illness, or disease realize that they are chosen to be saints, and know that they are joined to Christ, in his suffering for the salvation of the world.