SAINTS OF SERVITE FRIARS

SEVEN HOLY FATHERS      ANTHONY M. PUCCI      PEREGRINE LAZIOSI       JULIANA FALCONIERI      PHILIP BENIZI       CLELIA BARBIERI

Seven Holy Fathers of our Order

February 17

    About the year 1240, while the struggle between Emperor Frederick II and the Apostolic See left Italian cities torn by rival factions, seven Florentine merchants decided to retire in solitude to live a common life marked by penance and prayer. They were already member of a lay group called Servants of Mary and were noted for their special devotion to Our Lady, and for a close adherence to the gospel ideal of fraternal love and service to one another and to others specially the poor and the sick.

    Consequently, they put aside their commercial activities, left their homes and distributed their personal possessions among the churches and the poor. The gray cloth commonly worn by penitents became their regular dress. They moved into a small house outside the city walls where they continued to minister to the spiritual and material needs of those who came to them for help.

    About 1245 they desired a more contemplative life, and at the same time they feared the Ghibelline leaders would force them to return to their homes. So they heeded the advice of Bishop Ardingo of Florence and ascended to the solitude of Monte Senario, a place sheltered from distraction and yet not far distant from the city. Saint Peter of Verona, who was then in Florence, also approved their spirit and life-style. On Monte Senario they built a small house with "cheap material," and a chapel dedicated to Saint Mary.

    Their life of austere penance blended elements of both the solitary and common life-style . They supported themselves by their own work, sang psalms together, and experienced long hours of solitary prayer and silent contemplation of the word of God. All who came to them with doubts or worries, seeking counsel and comfort, were assured of sympathetic and understanding hospitality. The "Act of Poverty" of 7 October  1251, attest to the radical nature of their poverty: Brother Bonfilius, prior of the Church of Saint Mary of Monte Senario, and the other brothers there, solemnly promised never to accept any possessions. By this time some of the friars had been ordained priests.

    The fame of their sanctity spread an many men asked to join their group. As time went on, retaining the title of Servants of Saint Mary, they began an Order inspired by the life-style of the apostles; they adopted the rule of Saint Augustine as well as some norms of their own. The second editor of the Legenda de Origine saw in the habit which these men wore "a sign of the humility of the Blessed Virgin and a clear reminder of the sorrow that she suffered in the most bitter passion of her Son".

    In early documents, the Seven are rightly called "our parents" and "our fathers" because they initiated the Order of the Servants of Saint Mary. The Order grew rapidly in Tuscany and central Italy, spreading the light of the gospel and devotion to the Blessed Virgin.

    Bishop Ardindo approved their firs statutes. Innocent IV granted them the protection of the Holy See and approval of the life of poverty and penance which they had embraced. In 1256 Alexander IV reaffirmed the approval granted by his predecessor with the letter "Deo grata". When the Order's very existence was called into question after the Second Council of Lyons (1274), a solution was found through the efforts of Saint Philip of Florence. Finally in the year 1304, Pope Benedict XI definitively approved the Order of Servants of Saint Mary with the Bull "Dum levamus". He wrote concerning the original spirit of the Order: "Because of the devotion you have for the glorious Blessed Virgin Mary, you have taken her name, humbly calling yourselves her Servants."

    Those who followed the Seven have always preferred to venerate them as a group, since they had been so united in fraternal love. In 1888, Pope Leo XIII canonized them as a group with the names Bonfilius, Bonajuncta, Manettus, Amadeus, Hugh, Sostene, and Alexis. At Monte Senario, one common grave brings together in death these men who were so united in fraternal life.

Prayer

    Merciful God, guided by your lovin care, Mary, our glorius Mother, called seven holy men to found a new family of her Servants. Grant that by our devotion to Mary we may more generously serve you and each other. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Saint Anthony Mary Pucci

January 12

Anthony Pucci was born in 1819 at Poggiole, in the diocese of Pistoia, Italy. He entered the Servite Order at the age of eighteen. After his ordination to the priesthood he was sento to Viareggio where he was soon made pastor, an office he held for forty-five years, until hi death. As prior provincial of the Tuscan Province he preferred to be regarded as a brother in the service of others rather than as a superior.

He gave himsef totally to the service of God and parischioners, especially the needy. He died on January 12, 1892. In 1962 Pope John XXIII added his name to the list of saints.

Anthony Mary Pucci was born of fine Christian parents at Poggiole, in the diocese of Pistoia, Italy, in 1819; he was the second of nine children. After a youth marked by prayer and study, his devotion to Mary, the Mother of God, caused him to seek en­trance in the Order of Servants of Mary at the age of eighteen.

He made his novitiate at Florence and studied philosophy and theology at Monte Senario for six years, where he also made his solemn profession. In 1844, a year after his ordination to the priesthood, Anthony was sent to Viareggio as assistant pastor. In 1847 he was named pastor and for forty-five years, until his death, he fulfilled this responsibility with great love, giving an example of a pure and fruitful life, singularly dedicated to God and his flock. Not­withstanding pastoral duties he continued his studies and in 1850 received the tide of Master in Theology.

For many years Father Anthony was prior of the community in Viareggio and also prior provincial of the Tuscan Province. This was a period of hostility be­tween Church and civil authorities due to laws passed against religious orders and congregations. In these of­fices, mindful of the words of Saint Augustine, he pre­ferred to be loved rather than feared by his brothers, and was happy to serve with love rather than exercise power.

Anthony was characterized by humility of spirit, re­serve in speaking, abiding contact with God and love of poverty. He dedicated himself completely to his priestly ministry in order to lead all to Christ; he knew his parishioners individually, he showed them fatherly love, offering them the word of God and supporting them with his advice and direction. His charity to the needy knew no limits: he even went so far as to give a poor man the shirt off his back and because of this he was called father of the poor.

He was a faithful minister of the sacrament of pen­ance, dedicating several hours a day to this work. Of greatest importance to him was reconciling sinners to God, comforting the afflicted, forgiving those who had offended him, uniting those separated by hatred and violence, bringing peace to families, and assisting the sick and dying. His love for others was particularly visible during the cholera epidemic of 1854-1856, when day and night, almost without rest, he worked with the sick. God gave him many gifts, including dis­cernment of spirits and the gift of healing. He was seen at times in ecstasy or raised from the ground in prayer.

Father Anthony founded a congregation of Servite sisters in his parish for the education of youth, and he directed them with particular concern. He was a pioneer in establishing parish associations for young children, teenagers, men, and women in order to in­tensify the Christian life of his community. He pro­moted the St. Vincent de Paul Society, recently intro­duced into Italy from France, and the work for the Propagation of the Faith. He founded the first perma­nent seaside home for the care of children. In this work of the apostolate he was supported and ani­mated by his great love for the Eucharist and Our Lady of Sorrows to whom he solemnly consecrated his parish.

He was stricken with pneumonia on a winter's day after he gave his coat to a poor man on the street. A few days later, January 12, 1892, having received the sacraments, he died a holy death. The entire city, in­cluding even those ho stile to the Church, wept at the death of their beloved pastor.

At the end of the first session of the Second Vati­can Council Pope John XXIII, on December 9. 1962, added his name to the list of saints. The body of Saint Anthony Pucci is venerated in the Basilica of St. Andrew in Viareggio.

 Prayer

Father in heave, you made Saint Anthony exwmplary as Servant of Mary and pastor of your people. May our devotion to Mary help us be generous servants of your people, building your kingdom on earth.We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Saint Peregrine Laziosi

   May 4

Peregrine was born in Forlí around 1265. Afire with youthful enthusiasm, he joined other residents of Foli in the insults and violence that forced Saint Philip Benizi from the town when he sought to lead it back to obedience to the Apostolic See.

He was led to repentance by Philip and asked for forgiveness. Moved by divine grace, he then entered the Order of Servants.

He lived firs in Siena and returned to Foli where he was known for his penitential life and his charity toward the needy. He died in 1345 an was canonized by Benedict XIII in 1726.

Prayer

God our Father, in Peregrine you gave us an outstanding example of the virtue of penance and patient suffering. Encouraged by his example, and supported by his prayers, we ask that the penance we do and the sufferings we endure become for us sources of health and life. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Life of Saint Peregrine bay Nocolo Borghese

“Leyenda”

1. Forli, renowned city of Romagna, was the birthplace of blessed Peregrine. His father was a wise man, of the illustrious and ancient house of Laziosi, a man richer in gifts of the Spirit and virtue than in material goods. Peregrine was the only child of his parents and therefore tenderly loved by them. He had already decided to put aside the vanities of this world in order to follow the way of virtue and if he would keep to the right way during life, death itself would be gain. He used to say that the condition of this mortal life is illusory and vile.

2. Strengthened by this firm and holy decision, he went one day to the Church  of the Holy Cross. He remained for a long time kneeling before the image of the Virgin Mary. He then besought her to show him the way to his salvation. Immediately  the Blessed Virgin, adorned with precious and festive clothing, appeared quite openly to him and made this reply: “It is also my wish, my son, to direct your steps along the way of salvation.”

Considering within himself this vision and these words, he feared that, like an ingenuous  dove, he might have been deceived by the great deceiver and enemy of the human race. Seeing him thus doubtful and dismayed, the Virgin Mary spoke more gently still: “Do not fear, son, I am indeed the Mother of him whom you adore crucified, and I have been sent by him  to show you the road of future happiness.”  Peregrine answered her in this way: “I am ready to follow your commands, for in my heart I have always desired above all other things that in no way would I turn from your precepts. You therefore shall command, O Queen; I shall promptly and willingly obey.” Then the glorious Virgin said, “Do you know the religious called the friars Servants of the Virgin Mary?”  Peregrine replied,” I recall having heard many speak of them with great praise for their Order and their holy life, but I do not yet know where  they live.” He said this because there was not  yet a monastery of the friars Servants of the Virgin Mary at Forli. Immediately the Virgin Mary replied, “ You are called Peregrine. Therefore you shall be a pilgrim in fact as well as name, for you must  go to Siena. When you get there you will find those holy men intent on prayer. Ask to be admitted among them.”

3. When he had  heard these things, Peregrine immediately set  out and, accompanied by an angel, went to Siena. When he arrived at the monastery he immediately knocked at the door. An old porter came out and asked him, “Whom are you looking for?” He added that it was now the prescribed time of silence. When the porter had thus spoken, Peregrine prostrated himself at the porter’s feet, as if he were excessively tired. He humbly begged the old man not to forbid him entrance, especially since he wished to reveal some secrets to the prior. The porter then let him in and at the end of the silence period  brought him to the prior. The prior looked him over carefully and inquired where he was from. Peregrine replied, “ I am from Forli.” The prior listened to Peregrine’s account and his decisions; then he and the friars who had gathered together were easily persuaded to believe Peregrine was sent to them by the Virgin Mary. They regarded the fact as a miracle of the Virgin Mary, who often enlightens her faithful and with great concern makes them sharers in happiness. Therefore the friars willingly accepted  Peregrine and invested him in the holy habit  of the Virgin Mary’s widowhood. As soon as this was done, an amazing brilliance encircled his head as if to testify he would faithfully keep the chastity, obedience, and poverty which he had professed.

4. By the age of thirty he was an example to all of virtue and a holy life. Afterwards, by command of his superior, he returned to his own city, Forli, to observe and keep the precepts of the Lord. He mortified his flesh in an extraordinary way, keeping vigils and fasts, beating his body and (unbelievable as it is) for thirty years was never seen seated. He always stood while he ate; he prayed on his knees. If he were overcome with fatigue or sleep he would rest for  a short time on a rock, or if he were in choir, on the benches. At night he did not sleep in a bed, but he spent almost the whole night reading hymns and psalms. He meditated continually on the law of God. He sought to imitate the example of Christ with all his energy.

Each day he would examine his actions, shedding tears for the offences and mistakes which he thought he had committed. And these he revealed daily to priest and confessed with many tears. The holy man accused himself of many things because of his burning desire to observe fully the law of God.

5. The most good and merciful God, who usually tests and by testing strengthens those who burn with supernatural love, gave Peregrine a most grievous kind of disease. One leg was so swollen and eaten away that all those who came to take care of Peregrine could not restrain their tears.

The putrefying and extraordinary swelling of the leg induced that terrible disease they call cancer. From this came forth such a foul smell that it was unbearable for those who came near him. For this reason he had been abandoned by the others, and he even had a great loathing for himself. He was called another Job, so afflicted and decayed did he appear. Nevertheless, reduced to such great and distasteful suffering, he did not complain about his lot. Rather he endured this wasting away and torment with tranquil spirit, trusting in the words of the Apostle, who says that virtue is made strong in weakness.

6. A fellow townsman and physician named Paul de Salaghi, grieving over Peregrine’s sickness, came to see the suffering servant of God at home. He examined the leg, and sought more detailed information about the strength of the disease. Finally, with the consent of all, he came to the conclusion that no remedy now remained for Peregrine to regain his health except that the swollen leg be immediately amputated, for the disease would soon spread and infect the rest of his body. All agreed and it was decided to carry out his decision. They thought it was better to sacrifice on limb than lose the entire body.

7. On the night preceding the operation, Peregrine meditated long on that decision and he decided to seek refuge in Jesus Christ his Saviour. He therefore arose, as best he could, and unassisted dragged his body with great difficulty to the chapter room, in which there was an image of the crucified Jesus Christ. He humbly spoke these words to him: “O Redeemer of the human race, you willed to undergo the torment of the cross and a most painful death  to wipe away our sins. While you were on earth among mortals, you healed many afflicted by various diseases. You cleansed the leper, you gave sight to the blind man when he said, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me.” In the same way, deign, O Lord my God, to free this leg of mine from this incurable disease. Unless you di this, it must be cut off.” When he had said this, he fell asleep in great pain from his disease and while asleep saw the crucified Jesus come down from the cross  and take away all sickness from the leg. Soon he awoke, and felt the leg healed. It was as strong as if it had never been diseased. Then  he gave thanks to the most kind God for so great a gift, and returned to his cell.

8. In the morning, when day brought its light, the doctor arrived with the instruments and ointments to amputate the leg. Peregrine said to him, ”Go home, you who have come to cure me. That doctor who restored me to perfect health spoke thus to me: ‘I am he who gives and takes away both health and sickness. I undertake the care of both soul and body together. I am he who gave sight to the blind; I cleansed lepers; I cured the paralytic; I brought the dead back from the lower world. Behold, I am he who refused no effort, so shame, nor the cruellest kind of death for your salvation.’ He who spoke thus has completely freed me, doctor.” When the doctor heard this, he thought Peregrine had become delirious because of the disease and said, “Show me your leg so that I can free you from this contagion which is spreading to your whole body.”

Peregrine replied, “Doctor, cure yourself. I do not need your skill. The prince of medicine and author of human salvation has by his divine power taken away all my sickness”. Then he showed the doctor his leg. “See with your own eyes ,” he said, “and understand whom I have had as my doctor.” The doctor was amazed beyond belief when saw the leg thus healed and well, for no signs of the great swelling, no scars of the devouring cancer could be seen, and he said to his companions, “What a great miracle!” He then left and spoke about the wonderful work of God in his servant to all he met and spread the word throughout the entire city. Report of such great happiness quickly spread in all directions, and brought with it  a great veneration of all toward the friend of God, Peregrine. He was made  even more pleasing to God after this and followed the way of the Lord with his strength, longing for the heavenly joy prepared for all who keep the life-giving commands of the Lord.

9. He died at the age of almost eighty, consumed by a burning fever. The Virgin Mary accompanied by blessed Philip of Florence and blessed Francis of Siena of the same Order conducted his soul to the dignity of the heavenly kingdom. Immediately after his death, his lifeless body gave off a most fragrant odour, so that those present wondered in amazement at this sweetness.

The holy body which had covered the now triumphant soul lay, as is the custom, on a litter in the choir. Then as if the death of the holy man had been announced by a trumpeter, it was on the mouth of all the townspeople and they rushed to see the remains  venerated in the choir. Likewise the inhabitants of the countryside poured through all the city gates, drawn by the report  of the death of the holy servant of God. Indeed that night the gates of the city could not be closed because of the multitudes coming in.

Nor was Blessed Peregrine lacking the heaven-sent confirmation of his holiness by means of miracles. We shall content ourselves here to mention two or three, while in the church of the Servants of the Virgin Mary in Forlì the memory of many others is conserved with authentic writings and notarized documents.

Miracle of the blind man who saw.

10. While the body of Blessed Peregrine was lying in state in the choir, a poor blind beggar approached the

holy remains and from the depths of his heart asked that his sight be restored. O the infinite power and grace of God who manifests himself in his servants! Then the body of Blessed Peregrine rose up and, in front of an innumerable crowd, blessed the blind man with a sign of the cross and immediately scales were seen to fall from his eyes11. The man who had been blind shouted for joy and before all declared that he could see well; then, after having thanked God and Blessed Peregrine, went away a happy man.

Healing of a possessed woman.

11. A woman of Forlì was possessed by one or many of the worse type of demon. She was so filled with anger and enraged that she could not be restrained by fetters or chains. On the contrary, she had such great power that she would break the bonds or escape from them. Since the renown of the miracles had spread rather widely, her family members dragged her to the sacred relics of Blessed Peregrine which had been placed in the church. As soon as she touched them, the evil spirit was expelled with a horrendous shriek, while those present saw many animals being spewed from the mouth of the possessed woman and they

heard these words: “Your prayers, O Peregrine, have tormented me most harshly”. The woman, freed from all power of the devil, gave great thanks to God and to Blessed Peregrine, and then she returned happy with her family to her home.

Healing of a men who fell from a tree.

A man had climbed a rather tall tree; but then he  slipped and fell to the ground. Because of this his intestines

burst forth and there was no hope that he could live. But then, through the intercession of Blessed Peregrine, he regained perfect health. Mindful of this grace, he gave due thanks.

Saint Juliana Falconieri

June 19

Florentine by birth, Juliana was attracted by the holy lives of the first Friars of the Servite Order. She consecrated her life to God, devoting her time to prayer an works of penance and charity. She is properly considered among those women who, while continuing to live in their own homes, adopted a Servite way of life. She received the habit of the "mantellates".

Juliana occupied a singular position among these women, so that the tradition of the Order has considered her the foundress of the Servite sisters. She is noted for her devotion to the Mother of the Lord and her love for the Eucharist. Her body is venerated in the Basilica of the SS. Annunziata in Florence. She was canonized by Pope Clement XII in 1737.

From Liturgy OSM

This city of ours (Florence) was the birthplace of Juliana, a brilliant example of virginity and a remarkable pride of the women.  She was one who became famous for her great sanctity.  She did not adorn herself with vain splendor nor was she attracted to passing things or the outward appearance of fame or beauty but rather by the reward of virtue, in which true beauty and the glory of victory reside.  That she was a devoted follower of holy sermons is proven by the testimony of what she did.  Among other things, she assumed the mourning clothes of the Blessed Mother and obtained thereby an immortal place for herself in heaven, wearing the habit of the Virgin into eternal life.

In regard to the ever-to-be-feared divine judgment, consider an amazing example of which we read.  The noble Juliana, as exceptionally beautiful as she was rich, was born into the Florentine senatorial family of the Falconieri.  When she was about the age of fifteen, she used to hear her uncle Alexis preach things like this about the judgment.  He was one of the Seven Holy Founders of the Order of Servants, at whose death angels in the form of brilliant birds were heard singing heavenly hymns and already canonizing him.  She too saw him transformed in the pulpit into the likeness of a seraph.  This kindled in her such a contempt of earthly things and the desire for heaven that she never ceased to beg her parents and the Queen of Heaven with tearful prayers until, with divine approval and the common consent of all, she was invested in the Order of the Servants of the Blessed Virgin.

As Clare of Assisi had been for the Franciscan Order and Catherine of Siena for the Dominican Order, she became the great leader of the sisters and nuns of Mary's Order; first among them during her lifetime and renowned for miracles at her death.  Led by fear as well as by love of the divine judgement, she is acknowledged as outstanding in a threefold order of excellence: birth, allegiance and theology.

Hers was, first of all, the natural excellence of birth by reason of the Falconieri family, which was one of the outstanding families of the city.  But even more so by reason of her native Florence, since in Tuscany an abundance of all the goods of body, wealth and spirit blossom and prosper; as its poet says, art and nature worked together to bestow choicest blessings on it and to offer it as a teacher for the world.

Secondly, she is even more highly praised for the excellence of her allegiance, for she was outstanding as a faithful soldier of Jesus and the glorious Virgin, one who always won victory, in fact glorious triumph, over the flesh, the world and the devil.  She always imitated the courageous spirit of her uncle Alexis by offering to the men, in my opinion, an example of virtue even as a girl.

Thirdly, she is exalted by the excellence of her relationship with God, which is a "grace which makes one pleasing," as Bartolus says.  I This was apparent in many signs and wonders, but especially at her death when Juliana, wasted away by hair shirts, vigils, prayers, fastings and iron belts which had by now become imbedded in her flesh, could no longer hold anything in her stomach.  She yearned ardently for the Body of Christ, which could not be given her because of the danger of inducing vomiting.  She pleaded earnestly and tearfully that at least her breast be washed and covered with a clean cloth and that the Eucharist be placed over that burning heart where she was experiencing the strong longing of love.  When this was happily permitted, a miracle took place never before heard of in this world, one that would be celebrated everywhere.  She became more beautiful, more like an angel and, dissolved by the extremes of delight, quietly passed away.  The host could no longer be found anywhere.  Only God knows, not I, whether this was because Jesus, on the strength of that love of hers, had draw out and transformed her soul; or because he had returned to heaven with such a bride to celebrate the everlasting wedding feast.

If you don't weep over these facts, my dear reader, tears shed for anything else are meaningless.  See how wonderful is the fruit of meditating always upon the judgment!

Inspiration and model of communities of Servite women

Juliana was born in Florence in the thirteenth cen­tury when some of the Founders of our Order were still living. It is said that she was a member of the Falconieri family.

In the fifteenth century Fra Paolo Attavanti re­corded a living tradition about this Florentine virgin in his Dialogus de origine Ordinis Servo rum and the Paulina praedicabilis. According to Attavanti, when Juliana was fifteen years old, she heard Saint Alexis speak on the final judgment; she was so inspired by his words that she dedicated herself to the contempla­tion of God and the following of Christ. The evangel­ical life of the recently founded community of Ser­vants so edified her that she began to visit them regu­larly, and she implored both the Queen of Heaven and her parents to allow her to receive the habit of the Servants. Together with some other young women who were inspired by the same desire for a life of pen­ance and charity, she often went to the Servite church at Cafaggio, near the city gates. There they as­sisted at divine office, sang the praises of the Virgin, and dedicated themselves to serve the needs of others, especially the poor. Juliana was so great an example for her companions who were striving to follow Christ more closely under the protection of Our Lady, that Attavanti in the Paulina praedicabilis says that "she be­ carne the renowned leader of the sisters and nuns of Mary' s Order."

As a true disciple of Jesus and his Mother, with newfound strength she overcame the world, the flesh and the devil. Though young in years, he outshone her elders in virtue. Her holiness was demonstrated in many ways during her .life, but most especially as she approached death. After so many physical penances, vigils, prayers and fasting, at the end of .her life she could no longer eat any type of food. Desiring to re­ceive the Body of Christ, Juliana asked that the host be placed over her heart. This was a recognized prac­tice during the Middle Ages when someone desired to receive communion but was unable to consume the host because of illness. In these cases the priest would pray that God who had placed the soul in the body might sanctify the soul of the sick person through the Body of Christ. Her final request granted, Juliana died joyfully. It is said that the host could not be found afterwards, as if it had miraculously penetrated her body. The body of Juliana is preserved in the basilica of SS. Annunziata in Florence. Pope Clement XII canonized Juliana in 1737.

Saint Philip Benizi

August 23

Philip was born in Florence in the early thirteenth century. He entered the Order and was ordained a priest.

In 1267 he was elected prior general and remained in office almost until his death. He served with wisdom, developed excellent laws, and fought to keep the Order from being suppressed.

Recognized or his holiness, he attracted many to enter religious life and follow his example of Gospel values and the service of Mary.

Because to his strong influence, he has been considered a  "father of the Order. He died in 1285 at Todi and was canonized in 1671.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, through Philip, you cared for the first Servants of Mary, increased their number and gave them a rule of life. Grant that we like Philip, in faithful service to the Blessed Virgin may zealously proclaim your kingdom. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Life of Saint Philip Legenda "Vulgata"

 1. In the year of the Lord 1244, in the Oltrarno district of the city of Florence, there lived a very rich man, born of noble parents, James and Albaverde, of the noble family of the Benizi.  The man's name was Philip.  He was skilled in medicine and a God-fearing man.  Well-versed in divine wisdom, his whole heart was set on the law of the Lord, and on that law, day and night, his thoughts dwelt.  He tamed the impulses of the flesh by modest use of food and drink.  He set aside regular hours of the day for prayer; out of devotion he also recited the office of the holy Virgin, the penitential psalms and the office of the dead.  In the middle of the night he would rise to sing praise to God.  All this, in fact, he had begun to do from his youth.

 2. When he was thirty years of age, urged on by divine love, he conceived the desire to leave behind the attractions of the world and devote his entire energy and love to the service of the most high God.  During the whole of Lent he had been visiting the churches of Fiesole, performing penitential acts and giving assistance to the poor of Christ.  After Easter he continued to visit the churches both at Fiesole and in Florence.  It happened one day that he entered the church of the Servants of St. Mary at Florence in order to take part in the mysteries of the holy Mass.  As soon as he had knelt down, he began to pray.  Now, the liturgy which the friars were celebrating was that of the Thursday after Easter, and when they came to the Epistle, Philip heard these words of the Scriptures: "Phflip, go up and join that chariot."' Philip took these words to heart; filled with holy fervor, he immediately became oblivious to all about him and was carried away by the spirit of the Lord.  In this state he was granted the following vision.

 3. He saw himself on a very deserted road, groping his way laboriously through briars, stones and mud and threatened by serpents.  Philip cried out to God to come to his aid and, when he had insisted for some time, he heard repeated the words of the Epistle, "Philip, go up and join that chariot." At that, he looked up to heaven and there before his eyes was a golden four-wheeled chariot upon which sat the Blessed Virgin, surrounded by a multitude of angels and saints and covering the chariot with a black mantle.  The golden chariot was drawn by a lamb and a lion and round it circled a white dove.  Eagerly, blessed Philip tried to reach the chariot.

 4. While he was thus rapt in vision, the Mass had come to an end. The sacristan was about to close the church door, when he saw blessed Philip praying before the statue of Our Lady and asked him to leave the church. But so transported by the Holy Spirit was Philip that he did not hear him speaking. Again the sacristan said to him, "Man of God, rise up. The divine services are over and it is time for you to be going back home." Then blessed Philip was roused from his dream, rose up and said to the friar, "May the Lord be merciful to you, Fra Alexis, for you have deprived me of a tremendous joy." Then, humbly leaving the church, he went back home, restored by heavenly nourishment.

 5. That night, God's servant Philip was visited in vision by the glorious Virgin accompanied by a multitude of angels. She said to him, "Philip, go to my Servants, that is, to the friars who are called Servants of St. Mary." As soon as morning had come, with this voice stiff sounding in his ears, he hurried to the Servants of St. Mary and asked to see the prior. Now, the prior at that time was a certain worthy father called Fra Bonfilius. He came immediately to see Philip and together they spent several hours conversing about holy things. Point by point, Philip expounded his vision to Bonfilius and in conclusion begged to be received into the company of the friars. The prior was overjoyed at Philip's words and gave thanks to God that he should direct to the Order such an outstanding man.

 6. He spoke very kind words to Philip, pointing out to him the splendid joys of divine life. Then he gave him a clear explanation of the vision he had received. The deserted road, he told him, so full of obstructions, was to be understood as that empty love of this world which not only tosses man about but torments him with eternal fire and suffering. The golden chariot, gloriously decorated as it was, stood for the Order of the holy Virgin Mary; its four wheels were the four holy Gospels, in which our life consists, as we read in Ezechiel, "The spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels." And our Savior tells us in the Gospel, "Do this and life will be yours”. The animals drawing the chariot were a lamb and a lion. From this we should understand that two things above an are required of the servant of God; first of all, gentleness, for the Psalm says, "The gentle shall inherit the land;" and secondly, strength, in order to resist vices and sin, for our Savior says, "Be strong in battle and fight against the ancient serpent and you will receive an eternal kingdom." In the dove is symbolized simplicity, of which the Gospel says, "You must be simple as doves." They continued talking of these things for a long time.

 7. Since the hour for the midday meal had now arrived, God's servant Philip joined the friars for dinner. When they had finished, they gathered together in chapter and received Philip among them as a brother and companion. Thus, in the year of the Lord 1259 or thereabouts, blessed Philip was clothed as a lay brother in the Order. He received, as it were, the armor of humility and obedience with which to resist all the tactics of the evil one.

 8. He had been following this pattern of life for some time when it pleased the Almighty to look favorably on the friars of the Order and to manifest to them the wisdom of this man destined to illuminate the whole Order. It happened that Philip, out of obedience, went on a journey to Siena with a friar by the name of Victor. On the road they were met by two religious of the Order of Preachers coming from Germany. These were puzzled at seeing our friars' habit. Their curiosity soon led them to a conversation with blessed Philip and they enquired what kind of life they led and what Order's habit they were wearing. The man of God, Philip, in true humility and with marvelous wisdom, made the following reply: "If your question is about our place of origin, we are sons of this land. But if you wish to know our status, we are called Servants of the glorious Virgin, the habit of whose widowhood we wear. We lead the life instituted by the holy Apostles, and follow the rule of the saintly doctor Augustine." As they continued their conversation, they began to discuss profound questions, to which the man of God replied with great wisdom and conviction, proving his adherence to true doctrine in every case and his ability to support it with numerous authorities and examples from the lives of the saints. When they had finished, each went his own way.

 9. Then blessed Philip’s companion said to him, "Brother, when you were received into the Order, why did you not make known the knowledge you possess, as we are so short of men of learning? just now, you have shown great scholarship in debating with those religious. I can tell you for a certainty that this very day the light of learning has begun to shine in our Order." Then blessed Philip begged him on his knees, for the love of God, not to reveal this to anyone. But as soon as they had both returned to Florence, Fra Victor began to speak and make known to all the others how blessed Philip had dealt with those strangers. This caused much rejoicing among the friars. They promoted Philip to the clerical state and gradually advanced him to sacred Orders.

 10. The day came when the prior, Fra Bonfilius, went the way of all human flesh. Then, in the year of the Lord 1266, the friars gathered to celebrate the chapter in the city of Florence. In that year Fra Manettus of Florence, the General of the Order, resigned his office. Elected in a previous chapter, he had succeeded Fra James of Siena in that office. Then the entire chapter, inspired by the Holy Spirit, unanimously elected blessed Philip, even though he was at that time resident at Cesena. Humble and gentle as he was, he did not wish to accept the office. But eventually, after much urging, he agreed. His learning and his fame increased daily. That is how it should be with any prelate and worker in the vineyard of the Lord of Hosts, as St. Isidore says: "A learned ecclesiastic should shine both by his doctrine and his life, for doctrine is true when it is ratified by one's way of living." In both of these ways the man of God, blessed Philip, proved himself fully proficient. God the Father endowed him with many miracles, in supplying the poor with what they needed, curing numerous illnesses, correcting offenders, recalling sinners to repentance and in many other works too numerous to mention here.

 11. We read of him that he governed the Order in the office of prior general for nineteen years. Every year at the chapter he besought the friars with tears to release him from the office, asserting out of humility that he was not equipped for such a task. But the friars took into consideration Philip's holiness and the good of the Order, and so were never willing to grant his request. He would then spend days weeping to himself because he was not able to carry out his desire. When the holy man saw that it was in vain for him to try to obtain the consent of the friars to his resignation, and unable to put the matter out of his mind, he contemplated achieving his goal through the Holy See. An occasion to do this presented itself when he had to go to Rome with some companions to see to affairs of the Order.

12. Therefore, on the appointed day he took with him Fra Lotharingus of Florence, who afterwards succeeded him in office, and went to the papal palace with all the privileges of the Order. Without mentioning anything to his companion, he intended handing to the Pope his resignation from the office of General, fearing that if he were to reveal his intention, Fra Lotharingus would prevent him. But Fra Lotharingus, a prudent and wise man, knowing Philip's mind from other occasions, became suspicious of what blessed

Philip wished to do, although he was not yet certain. Besides, the previous night blessed Philip had seen in a vision that he would have cut off his own hand if he had not been prevented by a certain friar, and in the morning he had revealed this vision to his companion. And so, while Fra Lotharingus was going with blessed Philip to the palace of the lord Pope, fearing what he had heard, he asked why they were going there. He said that he would not move another step until he learned the truth. Then blessed Philip, since he could not hide or change the truth, revealed to him his real intention and begged of him sincerely to help him carry out his wish. Fra Lotharingus was very upset on hearing this, and insisted that Philip should banish the thought from his mind, since it would be to the Order's disadvantage and contrary to the wish of all the friars, adding that he would never help him in such a matter in the audience with the Supreme Pontiff. So, this time also blessed Philip could not effect his purpose.

 13. I heard also from his nephew, Fra Forte of Florence, that when blessed Philip was made prior general, he concealed the office from his parents for almost eight years; and whenever he visited them, which was rarely, he was accustomed to go not as General but as a simple friar.

 14. At a time when the people of Florence were waging war against Arezzo and had destroyed all the vegetation of the countryside, a great famine arose there. For the friar Servants of blessed Mary in Arezzo this occasioned such a shortage of food that they scarcely could keep alive. When blessed Philip heard of their necessity and hunger, he hastened to them as fast as he could, as the good shepherd who always goes to the aid of the desolate. One day, when the friars had passed beyond the hour of dinner, the man of God Philip tried to comfort them as best he could. Entering the church, he turned to the Blessed Virgin, begging and imploring her that, as a loving mother, she would not allow her servants to die of hunger. While he was thus praying, an unexpected knock was heard at the priory door. One of the friars rushed out at once and found no one there, but instead, two baskets of beautiful white bread. He brought them to the friars and they went to their meal. So, together with blessed Philip, they were all miraculously revived. And from then on, through the merits of Philip, they were never short of bread or other provisions.

 15. On a certain occasion when the man of God Philip was traveling on a visitation of the Order, he approached the village of Gagliano and came across a leper sitting by the roadside, who begged alms of him. Blessed Philip gave him his tunic. As soon as he put it on, the leper was cured and ran after Philip crying, "Please wait for me, man of God, so that I may give you thanks." Philip, when he saw him, replied, "Give glory to God the Father and go in peace; but make sure you tell nobody." The cured man ran and came to the town of Montalcino, and there he soon made known how he had come to be healed.

 16. The fame of this reached the ears of the whole people and was even circulated openly in the Roman Curia; and, since the Holy See was then vacant, some cardinals of the Church declared blessed Philip worthy of the office of pontiff. Among these cardinals was the venerable father and most revered Cardinal Ottaviano degli Ubaldini. The cardinals, hearing of the immediate cure of the leper and many other miracles worked by blessed Philip, were of one opinion that this man was most suited for the office of Supreme Pontiff. But blessed Philip out of Christian humility withdrew from all human contact and hid for some days. When this miracle was performed there were two friars with blessed Philip, traveling a little distance ahead of him. They were Fra Sostene and Fra Hugh. They saw the holy man speaking with the leper and immediately suspected what in fact had happened, but only when they were back in Florence did they learn for certain.

 17. Another time, the man of God Philip was journeying through the province of Lombardy on his way to Milan, in order to pass on from there to Germany. It was the season when kings are wont to go to war, when the zodiac sign Leo prevails and the whole land burns in the heat of the sun. He came across a huge leafy tree along the road and took shelter under it. There was already a crowd of men there, sheltering from the heat also, and to them Philip spoke in the following manner: "There are here among you, my beloved brothers, certain men on whom the wrath of God will descend this day unless they do penance for their sins." But some of the men, being evil-minded and not fearing divine judgement, immediately broke out into filthy language against the man of God. Philip replied to them, "You are the very ones on whom God's anger will descend today to devour you." Then blessed Philip called the others and went out from under the tree. When they had gone just a short distance, a cloud suddenly appeared over the tree; then a fierce storm arose and a flash of lightning came down and destroyed the tree and those evil men along with it, before the very eyes of Philip and the others. Thus, blessed Philip possessed the spirit of prophecy, for he had foretold the sudden death of those men. But those who had gone with the holy man changed their lives and turned back to the Lord.

 18. On another occasion blessed Philip was on his way towards Germany to visit newly-founded houses of the Order. He came to a lonely wood where there was neither bread nor water to be found. His companion was overcome by the heat of the sun and began to cry for God's help, that he might not die of hunger. Moved to pity, the man of God prayed with tears to the Lord in these words: "Lord God, almighty Father, you provided nourishment for your people, and you never cease to feed all your creatures. I beg you to give food to this child of yours, the servant of your most blessed mother." On finishing the prayer, blessed Philip looked around and saw a hut which was used by shepherds for a resting place. The man of God went over to it, went inside and saw - put there by Providence - some very white bread and a jar of water. So they were provided with wonderful nourishment and went on to Germany.

 19. When the time arrived for the man of God Philip to receive heavenly glory with the blessed, he was enlightened by the Lord about it. He immediately directed his steps towards the region of Todi, where there was a newly-erected priory of the friar Servants, the poorest and least important of the whole Order. As the man of God approached the vicinity, a great crowd of people began to gather in the city. Then they all made their way out through the city gate, broke off branches from the trees and with great rejoicing rushed in the direction of the man of God chanting, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." When Philip saw this, he felt contempt for the deceptive joys of this world and fled from their praises. He took another route, crossed the river Tiber and made towards the Orvieto gate, in order to enter the city of Todi and arrive at the priory with the utmost secrecy.

 20. As he was making this detour, Philip encountered two prostitutes who were plying their trade. To them the man of God said, "May God pardon you, wretched women! I beg of you to be mindful of God, who redeemed you with his precious blood. Think of the punishment due for sin and do not delay in abandoning your sinful ways." The women, however, replied that they could not desist from sinning since they had no other means by which to live. Then Philip said to them, "I ask this favor of you, out of love of the Virgin Mother of God: for the next three days do not sin with anyone, and here is enough money to support you!" As soon as they had received the money from the holy man, they were touched in their hearts by the grace of the Holy Spirit.

21. The man of God left the women and continued on his way. just as he was entering the city, the crowd came upon him and surrounded him, waving branches and shouting loudly and repeatedly, "Here is the man of God! Here is the holy man, the healer of the sick, the helper of the afflicted. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" But blessed Philip addressed himself to them: "Friends, people of Todi, why do you torment me? Give glory to God the Father and go back home." Having said this, he entered the church and, immediately approaching the altar, exclaimed, "This is my resting place forever."

 22. On the following day the two prostitutes whom the man of God had called to penance arrived. Crying aloud, they asked Philip to obtain forgiveness for them. Then, weeping at his feet, they confessed their sins. The man of God, therefore, gave them absolution and they returned no more to their sinful ways. Instead, they withdrew to a kind of recluse cell and lived there in great holiness until God called them to his glory; and thus they died in the Lord.

 23. When the feast of the Assumption of Our Lady in August was over, it was the will of God that his servant Philip be raised up by the. angels. On the octave of this feast, a Sunday, while all the friars were praying, the man of God was taken to heaven. It was the year of the Lord 1285.

24. While blessed Philip was dying, a woman, paralyzed for her entire life, called to her father from her bed: “Father, if you want your daughter to regain her health, hasten to send me to Saint Mark’s, because a holy man has just gone up to Christ. Through his merits I will regain my health”. He then carried his sick daughter in great haste and placed her on the bier of the man of God. And immediately she began to recover her health. Thus through the prayers of this holy man she left that place healthy and, walking by herself, she returned happy to her home.

 25. In those days this miracle also took place. It happened in this way. In the territory of Orvieto there was a peasant who had an only son, blind from his birth. He heard of the fame of the holy man, that is, how he would heal the sick. He hastened to the tomb of the saint with his son and began to pray for him. When the prayer was finished, the son regained his sight.

 26. In the city of Todi there was a widow who had sent her only son into the vineyard. While he was going  along the road, he met a wolf which seized him by the throat. A man, who was passing along the same road, saw the wolf attack the boy and he began to cry out. The wolf then fled and the man approached the boy and carried his dead body to his mother. The mother, sobbing and shouting, went to the tomb of blessed Philip and began to cry out: “Man of God, Philip, pray for my son”. While she was saying this, suddenly before all the people the dead boy came back to life.

 27. In the same city a woman had been tormented by a devil for a long time. Her parents brought her, tied with ropes, to the tomb of the man of God; and she was immediately freed.

 28. One day, there was a great fire near the church of Saint Mark of the Order of Servants of Saint Mary in Todi. A man named Benedettuccio, who was most devoted to blessed Philip, saw that his house was surrounded on all sides by the fire. He took two sandals of woven reeds that blessed Philip, while he was alive, had given him. He put these in front of the fire and immediately the flames receded and thus that section of the city was saved through the merits of blessed Philip.

 29. Also in the city of Todi there was a man who in his house had the mattress on which blessed Philip had slept and on which he died. The man’s name was James. In his house there was a great fire and nothing remained except the mattress on which blessed Philip had slept.

 30. In addition, one day in the month of May a great storm broke out around the city of Todi. It was so violent that the grain and vineyards were in danger of being destroyed. Then the friars took the scapular of blessed Philip and put it atop a cross and went in procession through the city, praying in a loud voice: “Have mercy on us, O God, for you do not want anyone to perish; free your servants who hope in you, through the merits of blessed Philip, your faithful servant, and grant calm to your devoted people”. When they had finished saying these words, immediately blue sky and joy reappeared in the heavens.

 31. And again, in this city there was a man who almost his entire life had suffered a serious illness, commonly called epilepsy. He went to the tomb of blessed Philip and he was completely cured.

 32. Again in the same city while a certain friar of San Fortunato37 was preaching, out of envy he said inane things about the man of God, speaking in this way: “Senseless citizens of Todi, you have indeed become blind as to render such honor to this friar Philip. Don’t believe what they say about him”. And while he was saying this, he was struck dumb and fell paralyzed, while all watched with astonishment.  The friars devoutly carried him to the body of the holy man, through whose merits he immediately regained his health and they placed an image there. [Translation of blessed Philip]

 33. In the year of the Lord 1317, the 10th day of the month of June38, the friars wished to move his body. They called the bishop of the city and many other clerics and, by means of town- criers, they invited everyone. A large crowd came from all sides to witness this event. And while they were transferring the body from the grave to a beautiful altar, suddenly a strong perfume filled the place and the city, and all the images that were in the church miraculously turned toward the holy man.

 34. On the same day, there was a woman who had a withered hand, with which she could no nothing. She could not even lift it to her head. She made a vow and then near his tomb she was cured, so that she was able to move her hand up and down, forward and backward, and she was able to do all sorts of work. To make the miracle more evident, she went to the fountain and with the same hand she placed a jar of water on her head.

 35. On Monday, the day after the translation, there was a poor man who for a long time had been sick and was paralyzed over almost all of his body to the point that even with a cane he could scarcely move. He came to blessed Philip’s tomb at the third hour, and tearfully prayed to blessed Philip. Suddenly he smelled the fragrance of perfume and pleasant odors, and he fell asleep for a short time. When he awoke, he found that he had been cured and from that time he always walked without a cane.

 36. On the same day and at the same hour in which this man, freed from his illness, showed himself to the people, another man came to the tomb with his wife, carrying a young boy in his arms. In the presence of all he cried out in a loud voice that the boy, their son, on the evening of the preceding day, that is the day of the translation, had been at the point of death because of a serious attack of fever. They had prayed to blessed Philip and immediately he was healed, as if there had been no sickness.

 37. The same day at the ninth hour, a young girl, who for six years could not see with her left eye and kept it closed, was brought to his tomb and she made a vow. She opened her eye and she had recovered her sight.

 38. On the same day a boy, who for a very long time had suffered from epilepsy and was tormented by violent attacks of this illness, so much so that he fell ten or twelve times a day frothing at the mouth and shaking. He came to declare that the morning of the translation of the holy man he had prayed to blessed Philip and from that moment he had not had any more epileptic fits either in the daytime or at night. He said that he was therefore freed from that illness.

 39. On Tuesday, that is the third day39 after the translation, there was a neighbor of ours who, because of a serious fall two years earlier, limped so badly that he could not walk without a cane and even with the cane only with great effort was he able to move his foot. He came to the tomb of the holy man and, putting his foot within, was healed, and after that he was able to move about without a cane.

 40. Then in evening of the same day, there was another neighbor of ours, whose father had received two sandals of reeds from blessed Philip, when he was still alive. His father had conserved them with great devotion for all his life, and when dying he entrusted them to his son. This son and neighbor of ours suffered from a painful illness of both knees so that he could get no rest, He had the sandals of blessed Philip brought to him with great reverence. He covered one knee with a linen cloth and with devotion and respect he placed one of the sandals on the knee thus covered; and immediately that knee was healed. But as the pain ceased in one knee, it seemed that the other gave greater pain than before. He then covered the other knee with a clean cloth in the same manner and he placed the other sandal on it, and when he did this he was completely

healed.

  41. On Wednesday, the third day after the translation, woman tormented by a devil came to blessed Philip’s tomb. For six years she had anxiously looked for a rope, cord or some other thing to hang herself. For this reason her parents had to watch her constantly so that she would not do this. She prayed to blessed Philip and immediately fell asleep. In a dream she saw blessed Philip approaching her in a great light and he said to her: “Have confidence, daughter, for I shall restore you to health and I shall free you from the power of the devil and from the evil desire which you have had till now. And the Holy Spirit will be with you from now on”. With those words she awoke and found herself freed; and in the future she never had any temptation to hang herself.

  42. On Thursday, the fourth day after the translation a boy came to blessed Philip’s tomb to be cured of a stone in the bladder, which gave him great pain. He devoutly prayed to God and blessed Philip to free him and immediately the calculus was expelled near the tomb and he was cured.

 43. The same day there was a woman who for nearly three years had suffered from a flow of blood, so that, when her monthly period came, it would last for eight continuous days, taking away all her strength and giving great suffering. She came to blessed Philip’s tomb and, praying devoutly, recovered completely.

 44. On Friday, the fifth day after the translation, there was a poor girl from Monte Castello, in the district of Todi, who had suffered for many years an uns upportablepain in her body and kidneys, so that she could not stand upright without helping herself with her hands and a cane. Her right hand was so withered that she could not open her fingers nor could she make the sign of the cross or do any work. Her father carried her to blessed Philip’s tomb, and there she prayed with great devotion to be freed. After having entered the tomb, she was cured, so that by herself, without effort and without a cane, she was able to rise and sit; and she could use her right hand just as the other. With it she made the sign of the cross and was able to do other work.

 45. Every day down to the present miracles of this holy man have flourished and they more numerous than we can imagine; etc. Here ends the history of blessed Philip, of the Order of Servants of Saint Mary.

4 Ps 132, 14.

35 Tradition says that the names of the two women were Helen and Flora and that they withdrew to a village between Acquasparta and Narni. Renowned for holiness, they died in 1310 (Annales OSM, I, 137).

36 In 1285 the octave of the Assumption fell on Wednesday. The combination of the octave of the Assumption and Sunday indicates symbolically the perfect conformity of Saint Philip to Our Lady and to His Virgin Mother.

37 The church of San Fortunato, located in the upper part of Todi, belonged to the Franciscans.

38 It should read “12th day”, if the translation really took place on Sunday, for in 1317 June 10th fell on Friday.

39 In reality this would have been the second day. Perhaps the day of translation itself was included; something which was not done in numbers 4l, 42, and 44.

Saint Clelia Barbieri

July 13

Clelia Barbieri was born on 13 February 1847, at Le Budrie in the Diocese of Gologna, Italy. Her early years were passed in the great poverty.

In 1868, together with three companions, she founded a community to care for abandoned girls and to provide for their education. She died at the age of twenty-three on 13 july 1870, at Le Budrie where her  body is venerated. She was canonize by Pope John Paul II on April 9, 1989. From the smal goup at Le Budrie was born the religious family of te Minims of the Sorrowful Virgin.

God has chosen the weak o/ the world

Clelia was born in the town of Le Budrie, in the Diocese of Bologna, on 13 February 1847, of very re­ligious parents, Giuseppe Barbieri and Giacinta Nanetti. Her fellow villagers and neighbors eked out a meager living by the work of their hands, but, because of the lack of resources, were often ill. When Clelia was eight her father died of cholera.

The young girl learned from her mother not only how to sew and weave wool, but, more importantly, how to love God and live a religious life. She often asked her mother: "Tell me about God," or "What can I do to become holy? " She regularly went to church, and spent time at prayer. She earnestly applied herself to the study of the catechism. By na­ture she was gentle and sweet, and remarkably innocent. When she wove hemp for marketing, she used to say to her mother who was urging her on to great­er speed: "Mother, we're being paid for this work, so we have to do it as well as we can."

She developed her soul and mind by spiritual read­ing, especially the work of Saint Alphonsus Liguori entitled  Practica di amare Gesù Cristo, and the Filotea of Giuseppe Riva. She availed herself of the compe­tent spiritual guidance of Don Gaetano Guidi, pastor of the town of Le Budrie, and with his help made great strides forward in love of God and Christian perfection.

Urged on by this man of God and her own natural inclinations, she wanted to dedicate herself entirely to the service and well-being of her fellow human beings. With this in mind she and other young people of the town began to work zealously at helping the poor and instructing the young in Christian doctrine. After Ves­pers on Sundays she and her three companions met regularly and they would speak together about God. Gradually they decided upon sharing a common life. "We're so poor," Clelia used to say, "that we won't be accepted into any institute. So we'll join together in a common life, dedicating ourselves entirely to God and neighbor."

As a result, on 1 May 1864, the four young girls, trusting in God alone, moved into a small house, 10­cally known as "The Master's House." There they established a quiet place withdrawn from the world, called "The Retreat of Le Budrie," which is rightly considered the cradle of the Congregation of the Minims of the Sorrowful Virgin. At first the primary concern of the members was to care for girls deserted or neglected by their parents, and train them in good living and domestic work.

A little later, during a retreat, Clelia wrote a rule of common life, which stressed prayer, sacrifice, work and love. The group of sisters chose as their patrons the Sorrowful Virgin Mary, whose devotion the Friar Servants of Mary had fostered in the Diocese of Bologna, and Saint Francis of Paola, the most humble of the servants of God whose help they sought in the necessities of life.

Gaetano Guidi, the pastor, appointed Clelia superior of the group, for God had enriched her with heavenly gifts. This is shown by the only handwritten letter of hers which we have, a letter entitled "Jesus, my be­loved Spouse."

Meanwhile, while Clelia progressed rapidly through the stages of sanctity, the first stages of tuberculosis appeared in her fragile body. For seven months she was confined to bed. Finally, on 13 July 1870, after saying: "Be of good cheer! l'm going to Paradise, but 1'11 always be with you, and never desert you," she went to the Lord.

On the first anniversary of her death, as if in fulfill­ment of her promise, while her companions were gathered in prayer in what had been her bedroom, a voice-which all present thought to be that of Clelia -was heard responding to the prayers of the sisters. From this modest beginning, the Congregation of the Minims of the Sorrowful Virgin grew. Clelia was beatified by Pope Paul VI on 27 October 1968. Her body is venerated in the chapel of the Congregation's motherhouse at Le Budrie.

Prayer

Father, in Clelia Barbieri you gave the Christian community an example of Gospel life celebrated in the service of others. Grant that, like her, we may do the work of the Lord, as servants of his kingdom. We ask through our Lord Jesus Christ.