Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria

Letters of St. Anthony Zaccaria - Listy Sw. Antoniego Zaccarii

2011-12-07T00:40:00.001-05:00

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Hymn to Mary, Mother of Divine Providence

2011-11-18T23:43:00.001-05:00

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Letter to Francesco Cappelli from Anthony M. Zaccaria

2011-10-12T00:35:00.002-04:00

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Study Guide to Letter to Francesco Cappelli

1. SPIRITUAL-THEOLOGICAL THEMES OF THE LETTER

Loss of Light

“I have buried my talent of helping my neighbor. And little by little I have lost the initial fervor to bring people to Christ. As a result, I have lost also the clear vision of the spiritual state of my own soul.”
-“And so now…I tarry in lukewarmness because, as I have already said, I lost my pristine light.”
“It was that light that animated my spiritual life.”

Gift of Light

“I have decided to devote myself to the care of the spiritual welfare of my neighbor. By so doing, I hope to grow in Jesus’ love; and the good Lord crucified will give me back the spiritual light and fervor, which used to keep me spiritually alive.”

2. REFLECTIONS

That which causes us to fall into a state of spiritual apathy, that is, the lack of concern toward other people for fear of appearing proud, cannot be humility.
Fear blocks spiritual growth which is always a going forward on God’s way.
God himself will see to it that we are gradually cleansed of every trace of pride.
Fear of making mistake should not stop us from moving forward. He who stops makes an even greater mistake.

QUESTIONS

Did I sometimes stop doing good for fear of being praised by people, as if doing good, even without any hint of pride or self-aggrandizement, were evil?
Am I humble enough to let God be the judge of my deeds and intentions, and am I ready to ask forgiveness from him when I do wrong?
Do I believe that acting imperfectly is better than not acting at all?

Those Who Trespass

2011-10-08T23:36:00.006-04:00

Meditation by Fr. J Kubicki, J.S. "Ark of forgiveness of St. Anthony Zaccaria."

An Exhortation Given by Anthony Mary Zaccaria October 4, 1534, feast of St. Francis of Assisi.

2011-10-03T23:04:00.000-04:00

Anthony Mary exhorts his companions 288 in the wake of bitter accusations, threats, and persecutions from evil and worldly people.

1. Our Persecutions: Pre-announced by Christ.

We are fools for Christ's sake,” 289 said St. Paul, our most holy guide and patron, of himself, of the other Apostles, and of those who profess the Christian and apostolic faith. But there is no reason to be surprised or afraid, my dear brothers, if we are troubled by the snares and deceits of the devil, or by the open attacks and insults of people with minds set on earthly things.290 For “a disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. If they persecuted me”—said our Teacher and Lord—“they will persecute you.”291 The world cannot help hating you; “if you were of the world, the world would love its own.”292 “Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you [falsely] on account of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven.”293 As you well know, our Savior and heavenly Teacher foretold that similar things would happen to us, so that we would not be surprised as if they were new and unexpected. He confirmed it by His example, so that we would not fear to experience them as being unbearable. However, those who persecute us are hurting themselves, because they provoke God's wrath against themselves. At the same time they benefit us, because they enhance our crown of eternal glory.

2. Our Attitude in the Face of Persecutions

We, therefore, instead of hating and detesting them, have to pity them and love them. Indeed, we have to pray for them 294 and, as our Apostle warns us, we should not allow evil to control us but instead we should conquer it with good and heap on their heads acts of mercy as so many burning coals of charity, 295 so that they, seeing our patience and confounded in their iniquity, may return to a better life and be inflamed with God's love.

3. The Advantages of Patience

As for us, God in His mercy has taken us, though unworthy, out of the world, so that we may serve Him, advancing from virtue to virtue, and through patience, bear abundant fruits of charity, boasting not only of the hope of God's children but also of our afflictions. For we know “that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint us.”296

4. The Example of Jesus Christ and of St. Paul

But what is there so great and worthy of admiration, my brothers, if the worldly scorn us for being fools for Christ's sake, and persecute us when Christ Himself, the very Son of God and God's Wisdom, willed to be treated as a fool and be scorned and despised for our sake? And didn't our Apostle—the most excellent Doctor of the Nations—show himself and the other Apostles, as we have already said, a pattern of derision for us when he said, “We are fools for Christ's sake [...] when slandered, we try to conciliate.”297 Are we, perhaps, wiser than the Apostles? Are we perhaps, or do we claim to be, in a better position than Christ? Is there anyone of us who thinks he is wiser than the others? But if someone is that wise, let him become a fool that he may become wise.298

5. Our Vocation: A Participation in the Suffering of Christ

Well then, “consider your own calling, brothers,”—I speak to you with the very words of the Apostle,—“not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. Rather, God chose the foolish of the world to shame the wise, and God chose the weak of the world to shame the strong, and God chose the lowly and despised of the world, those who count for nothing, to reduce to nothing those who are something.”299

Consider your own calling, my dear brothers. If we examine it carefully, we would easily recognize that this is what it demands of us. As we have started to follow, though from afar, in the footsteps of the Holy Apostles and of the other Knights of Christ, so let us not refuse to share in their suffering; bearing these trials which are much lighter than theirs.

As a result, just as in times past, the Catholic Church, despite the hardest persecutions she had to endure, did not diminish in number, but rather increased more and more; so this little part of her body will not be weakened by outrages, but will increase if we endure; and while it is subjected to hardships, it will grow stronger.

By walking on this road, the holy Martyrs, the glorious Confessors, and all the Saints of God, after having gone through fire and water, 300 reached heaven. And “indeed all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”301

6. The Model Offered by the Liturgy of the Day: St. Francis of Assisi

Let us look, among others, at St. Francis whose feast day we are celebrating, “so that we may not loathe imitating that which we delight in celebrating.”302 In him, in fact, as if in a mirror, there shine the most splendid example of Christian patience, profound humility, and, above all, the most ardent charity. Oh, how ready was he to accept reproaches! How strong in despising himself and the world! How firm when offended, how joyous when scorned! How prepared at enduring the most painful things for the love of Christ! He welcomed all kinds of abuses as the most precious jewels sent him from heaven; to him offenses were far more precious than praises; suffering for Christ's sake was more desirable than being happy in the world. Now he sits the higher and more glorious in heaven, the humbler and more despicable he was to his own eyes and the eyes of others while on earth.

Let us then, beloved brothers, imitate this saint, and let it not be a burden for us to follow in our own life and conduct the one we venerate with religious devotion and honor with praises.

7. Conclusion: St. Paul, Our Father and Guide:

And, concluding with the Apostle, let us run with perseverance “the race that lies before us while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the leader and perfecter of faith. For the sake of the joy that lay before him he endured the cross, despising its shame, and has taken his seat at the right of the throne of God. Consider how he endured such opposition from sinners, in order that you may not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.”303

And let us also “commend ourselves, as servants of God, in every way: through great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, beatings, imprisonments, tumults, labors, watching, hunger; by purity, knowledge, forbearance [...] with weapons of righteousness for the right and for the left, in honor and dishonor, in ill repute and good repute, as impostors and yet true.”

Therefore, since we have chosen such an Apostle as guide and father and have committed ourselves to follow him, let us strive to put into practice his doctrine and his example. It would not be proper that in the ranks of such a captain there should be soldiers who are cowards and traitors, or that the children of such a great father should be degenerate.

❦

________

NOTES:

288 One of these religious, Fr. Battista Soresina (1512-1601) who had treasured this famous speech in his heart, and could later on repeat it almost word for word, did enact it to our second–generation Fathers, among them Fr. Giovanni Antonio Gabuzio (1551-1627), our first official historian, who paraphrased it in elegant Latin in his History of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Rome: Salviucci, 1852) 52-56.

289 1Cor 4:10.

290 cf. Phil 3:19.

291 Jn 15:20.

292 Jn 15:19.

293 Mt 5:11–12.

294 cf. Mt 5:44.

295 cf. Rom 12:20–21.

296 Rom 5:3–5.

297 1 Cor 4:10ff.

298 cf. 1Cor 3:18.

299 1 Cor 1:26–28.

300 cf. Ps 66:12.

301 2 Tm 3:l2.

302 PL 39.2161.

303 Heb 12:1–4.

304 2 Cor 6:4–8.

Barnabite Fathers started - Online Giving

2011-08-30T22:08:00.001-04:00

Barnabite Fathers of the North America now offers Online Giving! Online Giving is an option for all who wish to financially support Barnabite Fathers and their efforts.

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Launching a new website

2011-07-12T21:06:00.001-04:00

Welcome

to the website of the Barnabite Fathers of the North American Province.

Welcome to the website of the Barnabite Fathers of the North American Province.

Our goal for this website is to get you acquainted with our religious family, officially known as the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, which since its beginnings in Milan, Italy in 1531 until now, strives to live out its spiritual motto: “Caritas Christi urget nos” – “the love of Christ impels us.” (2 Cor 5:14)

Barnabites.com is designed with an easy and friendly layout to navigate, along with a search engine that will allow you a faster and more accurate search of specific topics regarding us, Barnabites, our history and spirituality, our Holy Founder, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, and our own Barnabite saints and outstanding religious in the fields of spirituality, theology and science. If your search takes you beyond the content presented in this site you may contact us via email at info@barnabites.com.

Thank you for visiting our site. May your interest in the Barnabite Fathers bring you to spiritual fulfillment and renewal and inspire you to fully live out your God-given vocation by rushing toward God without counting the cost.

God bless you.

In Christ,

Fr. Robert B. M. Kosek, CRSP, Ph.D.

Opening Remarks on the Occasion of the 20 Anniversary of the the Frist Thursday Adoration Group at the Barnabite Spiritual Center.mp34 MB

2011-07-09T17:08:00.003-04:00

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2011-07-09T17:08:00.001-04:00

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Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria and the 40 Hour Devotion

2011-07-09T16:15:00.001-04:00

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Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria and the 40 Hour Devotion

2011-07-09T16:14:00.001-04:00

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Eucharist as a Sacrament of Conversion and Transformation

2011-07-09T16:01:00.003-04:00

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Eucharist as a Sacrament of Conversion and Transformation

2011-07-09T16:01:00.001-04:00

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Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria as a Reformer

2011-07-09T15:51:00.004-04:00

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Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria as a Reformer

2011-07-09T15:51:00.001-04:00

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The Relationship Between the Eucharist and Vocation

2011-07-09T15:13:00.001-04:00

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Correte Come Matti - Run Like a Madman

2011-07-08T21:57:00.001-04:00

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Hymn to St. Anthony Zaccaria

2011-07-04T22:50:00.001-04:00

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St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria with other Saints, blessed, Venerable, and Barnabites servants of God

2011-07-03T15:31:00.002-04:00

A Conversation with Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria on how to be in a constant union with God in the middle of an extremely busy life.

2011-06-27T00:27:00.004-04:00

A Conversation with Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria on How to be in a Constant Union with God in the Middle of ...">

A Conversation with Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria on how to Overcome Irresoluteness in Spiritual Life

2011-06-27T00:19:00.006-04:00

A Conversation with Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria on How to Overcome Irresoluteness in Spiritual Life. ❦

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria in audio form (MP3)

2011-06-15T21:52:00.003-04:00

The proceeds from the donations of the CD will benefit

the Barnabite Seminarians in India and the Philippines.

Thank you for your generous support.

For more information please contact Fr. Robet Kosek, CRSP

@ Barnabitespiritualcenter@gmail.com

Introduction to the CD

Audio recording of St. Anthny's letter 8

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria's Portrait

2011-06-14T23:19:00.001-04:00

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Untitled

2011-06-14T20:05:00.001-04:00

St. Anthony Mary's letter to Battista Soresina

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St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria's Letter to Battista Soresina

2011-06-14T18:07:00.001-04:00

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2011-06-14T17:59:00.001-04:00

Memorial of Saint Barnabas, Apostle

2011-05-26T12:48:00.000-04:00

In Memoriam of the Deceased Barnabites of the North America Province.

2010-11-01T22:47:00.001-04:00

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Reflections on Priesthood with fr. Augusto Pucci

2010-10-19T14:31:00.000-04:00

Letter 5 of St Anthony Zaccaria to the Angelic Sisters (in Polish)

2010-08-21T23:48:00.002-04:00

LETTER 5

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To my Angelics and divine Daughters in Christ: Mother Prioress, Mother Vicar,
Madonna and Angelic Paola Antonia [Negri]
and all the others who are both my daughters,
and daughters of St. Paul the Apostle, in Christ,
at the convent of St. Paul the Apostle.
In Milan

[IC. XC. +]

My sweetest and beloved daughters, my only strength and consolation, I am overwhelmed with joy when I think that soon I will be among so noble and generous souls as you are, amiable daughters. You are my crown and my glory, so much so that some day I will make our holy Apostle Paul feel envious of me on account of you. In fact you are not inferior to his [spiritual] daughters in your great desire to suffer for Christ, in your total contempt of worldliness and self-denial, and in your striving to lead people to a spiritual renewal and to Jesus Crucified who is despised so much. Moreover, you, my daughters, all of you, not just one, by wholly renouncing any desire for recognition as well as the interior consolation which Paul's disciples in general used to cherish very much, are filled with apostolic zeal in removing from the hearts of people not only idolatry and other big, big defects, but also in routing out the most pernicious and greatest enemy of Christ Crucified, which is nowadays triumphing almost everywhere-I mean, Lady Tepidity.
Unfurl your flags, my dear daughters, for Jesus Crucified is about to send you to proclaim everywhere the vital energy of the Spirit. Infinite thanks to you, Lord, for giving me such generous daughters.
In the meantime, my beloved, please make every effort to gladden my spirit so that on my arrival I may find that you have made great spiritual progress as you compete with one another. May I find that some of you have acquired such stability and fervent perseverance in spiritual matters that you will never again be victim to a will that fluctuates between fervor and tepidity, but rather will enjoy a steady and holy fervor, nourished by life-giving water and enriched by new vigor. May I find that another one has received such great faith that even the hardest things seem quite easy to her, without being deceived in her confidence by either presumption or vainglory. May I find that someone else believes that she has reached perfection by doing her daily chores, no matter how insignificant they may be, with constancy and persistence, not allowing herself to become bored or feel humiliated. May I find that another one has utterly denied herself, putting aside her own interests to care for others, since she has convinced herself that it is a great gain for her not to worry about herself but about others, and mindful to be at all times prudent and mature in her activities. May I find that others have arrived respectively at overcoming their irrational sadness or their discouragement at having lost control in the war against self, or their hardness of spirit, voluntary distractions, or this or that shortcoming. And so from all this progress of yours may I conclude that you have received the teacher of justice, of holiness, and of perfection: the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete. He, of course, will not let you go wrong; rather He will teach you everything. He will not let you lose heart, but will always remain with you. He will not leave you in need, but will provide you with everything. He will grant you, in particular, a continuous spirit of self-abandonment on the ignominious cross, and lead you to a life conformed to Christ's according to the pattern of the great saints. Consequently, you will be able to say with your Father, "be imitators of us as we are of Christ."
Be mindful only of this: both our Blessed Fathers, St. Paul and Fra Battista, have left us such a great example of noble and profound love for Jesus Crucified, love for their own sufferings and humiliations, and love for the thorough conquest of souls, that, if we had no such unbounded desire for the aforementioned things, we would not be considered their children, but bastards and mules. You, of course, do not want to be in such company. Your generous hearts want to belong above all to Christ and to please me, your beloved father. And I always think of you with loving care, anxiously awaiting the moment when I can return to you.
To Christ Crucified I recommend you through your worthy Superiors: that they may not fail in their usual care for you, both because of their love for you and because of my prayers, the prayers of this faithful servant who constantly offers you to Him.
I ask you to tell them to cheer up my heart by bringing about your progress and mine too.
May Christ make this a reality. May He bless you all with a special blessing of His, a blessing complete and perfect.
My mother, Cornelia, and our Battista send their greetings.
Special greetings from my dear Isabella and Giuditta.
May Jesus Christ bless you.
From Cremona, May 26, 1537.
Greetings to my Giuliina. I remind you to be generously responsive to the holy and zealous effort of our noble Paola [Torelli] and to give joy to our common Father, our saintly Father Superior.
Your Father in Christ and indeed your Spirit in Christ,
Anthony Mary Zaccaria, Priest.

List 12 - Do Pana Franciszka Cappellego

2010-08-21T13:23:00.001-04:00

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List 11 - Sw. Antoniego Zaccarii do Pana Bernarda Omodei i Madonny Laury Rossi

2010-08-21T13:06:00.003-04:00

Guastalla, 20 czerwiec 1539

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List 8 - Sw. Antoniego Zaccarii do Pana Battisty Soresiny

2010-08-21T12:23:00.001-04:00

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List 9 - Sw. Antoniego Zaccarii do Paoli Antonii Negrii

2010-08-21T12:17:00.001-04:00

Letter from the Reverend Father Anthony Mary Zaccariego to its spiritual leader - Mother Superior of the Sisters Anielanek Paola Antonia Negri's initiative Barnaby

Guastalla, 10 czewiec 1539

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Mowa Sw. Pawla Marii Zaccarii skierowanej do wspolbraci Oct 4, 1534

2010-08-21T12:03:00.001-04:00

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Letter 2 of St Anthony Zaccaria to Mr. Ferrari & Mr. Morigia

2010-08-21T01:07:00.004-04:00

Cremona, 4 January, 1531
To the very honorable
Mr. Bartolomeo Ferrari and Mr. Giacomo Antonio Morigia,
my venerable brothers in Christ.
In Milan

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IC. XC. +

My very dear and honorable brothers,

May God, the Changeless One, ever ready to do whatever is good, save you and make you steadfast and determined in all your undertakings and desires according to my deepest expectations.

It is quite true, my very dear friends, that God has made man’s spirit unstable and changeable in order that man would not abide in evildoing, and also that, once in possession of the good, he would not stop short, but would step up from one good to a higher one, and to a loftier one still. Thus, advancing from virtue to virtue, he might reach the summit of perfection. Hence it flows that man is fickle in doing evil, namely, he cannot persevere in it because he does not find repose in it. Therefore, instead of persisting in evildoing, he moves to do good; and moreover, since creatures did not give him peace, he returns to God. Now of course, I could give other reasons for man’s being fickle, but, to our purpose, what I have said is enough.

Oh, how wretched we are! For, when trying to do good, we use the very instability and indecisiveness we should have and exercise to avoid evil. And, indeed, I am often bewildered at seeing such great irresoluteness reign in my soul, and for so many years.

I am sure, my dear friends, that, had I reflected hard enough on the evils which irresoluteness causes, I would have uprooted this evil from my soul long ago. First of all, it hampers man’s progress because man finds himself, as it were, between two magnets without being pulled by either; namely, on the one hand, he neglects to do the present good as he looks at the future one. On the other hand, he leaves aside the future good by lingering on the present and even having doubts about the future. Do you know who he is like? He is like the person who wants to love two opposite things and gets neither one. As the proverb teaches, "he who hunts two hares at the same time will see one fleeing, the other escaping." As long as a man remains undecided and doubtful, he will surely never accomplish anything good. Experience teaches this. There is no need for me to go any further.

Moreover, irresoluteness causes man to change like the moon. Yes, the irresolute person is always restless and can never be content even amidst great joys; for no reason he gets sad and angry and easily looks after his own satisfaction.

In all truth, this weed of irresoluteness grows where divine light is lacking because the Holy Spirit quickly reaches the core of things rather than stop at the surface; man, instead, because he does not fathom the heart of things, is unable to decide what to do. This indecisiveness is at one and the same time cause and effect of lukewarmness. For the lukewarm person, when called upon to give advice on a subject, will give you plenty of reasons but will not decide which are the good ones. Thus, he will never tell you where to go or what to avoid. Consequently, if you were somewhat uncertain before, you are now left completely in doubt. He becomes eternally irresolute. On the other hand the indecisive person loses fervor and becomes lukewarm.

A whole year would not be enough to enumerate the evil results and the causes of irresoluteness. The truth is that if indecision, which we have been talking about, were the only evil, it would be itself more than enough; for, as long as man is in a state of doubt, he remains inactive.

To get rid of this defect, two means or ways have been found for our journey to God. The first helps us when we are unexpectedly forced either to do or not to do something. It consists of lifting up one’s mind to God and imploring the gift of counsel. Let me explain: when something unforeseen and sudden presents itself, demanding that a choice be made, we lift up our minds to God asking Him to inspire us as to what we should do. Thus, following the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, we shall not be mistaken. The second means or way consists of seeking out our spiritual director, when, of course, we have the time and opportunity to do so, to ask for advice and then act according to his suggestions.

If we, dear friends, do not take the proper measures against this evil weed, it will produce in us a pernicious effect, I mean negligence, which is totally contrary to God’s ways. Therefore, when a man has something important to do, he must think it over and over and, as it were, ruminate upon it; but after such serious reflection and after having sought proper advice, he should not delay executing his project; for the primary requirement in God’s ways is expeditiousness and diligence. That’s why the prophet Micah says, "What does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness, and to walk eagerly with your God?"; and Paul, "Sollicitudine non pigri" ("avoid with care all negligence"); and Peter, "satagite ut per bona opera ..." ("be prompt through good works ..."). "Satagite" ("Be prompt to action") he says. You will find this sense of urgency commanded and praised in innumerable passages of the Scriptures.

My very dear friends, I have to tell you the truth: it is mainly this irresoluteness in my soul, besides, perhaps, some other shortcoming, that has caused in me this great and blamable negligence and sluggishness to the point that either I never start anything at all or at least I linger on it for so long that I never accomplish it. Consider closely those brothers, the children of a recently deceased father who, having heard Jesus’ counsel, "Let the dead bury their dead," right away followed Christ. And also Peter, James and John, once called, immediately followed Christ. And so, again and again, you will find that those who truly love Christ have always been, to our shame, fervent, diligent, and not sluggish.

Take courage, my brothers, stand up now and come along with me, for I mean we should root out these pernicious plants if perchance they are present in your souls; but if they are not, do come and help me as they are rooted in my heart; and, for God’s sake, cooperate so that I may uproot them and imitate our Savior, who, by His obedience unto death stood up against irresoluteness and, to avoid being negligent, ran toward the cross regardless of its shame. And, if you can now offer me no other aid, help me at least with your prayers. Alas, dear friends, to whom do I dare to write? Indeed, to those who do act and do not merely talk, as I do. If this is the case, at least on my part, I can assure you that only my love for you has impelled me to write these few lines to you.

But I have to tell you something else: I am very much afraid that the two of you are very careless about finalizing the publication of the book. And I mean here in particular Mr. Bartolomeo [Ferrari] with regard to that poor fellow, Giovanni Hyeronimo; for not only have you allowed so many days to pass without sending any information but you have not even written a word about what you have done so far. As far as I am concerned, I am willing to excuse you, but search your conscience to see whether or not you deserve reproach or excuse.

Come then, brothers! If, up to this time, irresoluteness and, side by side with it, negligence have taken hold of our souls, let us get rid of them; and let us run like madmen not only toward God but also toward our neighbors, who alone can be the recipients of what we cannot give to God, since He has no need of our goods.

Give my greetings to Rev. Mr. Don Giovanni. Fra Bono asks him and the two of you to keep him in your prayers. Do the same for me.

From Cremona, January 4, 1531.

Your loving brother in Christ,

Anthony M. Zaccaria, Priest

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List 3 Sw Antoniego Marii Zaccariego do Pana Carlo Magni (in Polish)

2010-08-21T00:30:00.002-04:00

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Letter III

Milan, July 28, 1531
To the honorable Mr. Carlo Magni,
a most upright attorney, whom I honor as a father.
At St. Anthony’s.
In Cremona

IC. XC. +

Very dear father and brother in Christ, greetings,
I have received your letter of the 23rd of this month, and I set out to answer it only after kneeling a long time before the Crucifix on your behalf, for I think it is necessary to learn from Him what I have to teach you. Had you not employed such a warm and amiable insistence, I would have almost preferred to keep silent; but moved by your entreaty, I will stammer out what I am unable to express clearly.
Thus, dear father in Christ, since your professional activity is quite binding, taking much of your time and energy, necessity suggests choosing a fitting method of prayer. That’s why I would like you to practice, as much as you can, the following three exercises:
First, give yourself to prayer in the morning and at night, as well as at any other hour within a set schedule or not,
--at any time, that is, day or night,
--in any position, that is, in bed or out of it, kneeling or sitting or as you think best,
--and most of all before you start your professional work, usually without any set order, for a short or a long time, as God may grant it to you.
Discuss with Christ everything that may be happening to you: your doubts and your difficulties, especially the hardest ones. Present to Him your reasons, thoroughly but as briefly as possible. Then, only propose to Him the solution you think is the right one or, even better, ask for His opinion; for He will not refuse it if you gently insist. I can assure you that He will let Himself be compelled to give it to you, if, again, you really want to have it.
I am indeed deeply convinced that we can learn more about human laws directly from the legislator than from anybody else, especially when that legislator is himself the rule and the pattern of all things, and knows how to explain and disentangle the sophisms of the devil. Indeed how much more thoroughly will he be able to unravel those of men? Needless to say, if one does not believe this truth, he believes still less that God takes such good care of us that He will not let a single hair of our heads be lost; and again, that He is so wise that He will show the wise of this world for what they are: fools and know-nothings.
Well, then, if in favor of those who have recourse to Him God destroys all the sophistic stratagems of modern men, who seem so intent in separating man from God, can’t you imagine how He will disperse other less complicated machinations much more easily? And if, in a sense, one can unite himself to God, even in the midst of worldly distractions, how much more easily will he be able to unite himself to Him in circumstances more favorable to recollection?
Then, my very dear father in Christ, enter into conversation with Jesus Crucified as familiarly as you would with me; and discuss with Him all or just a few of your problems, according to the time at your disposal. Chat with Him and ask His advice on all your affairs, whatever they may be, whether spiritual or temporal, whether for yourself or for other people.
If you practice this way of prayer, I can assure you that little by little you will derive from it both great spiritual profit and an ever-greater love relationship with Christ. I am not going to add anything else, for I want experience to speak for itself.
The second exercise, which will help you practice the first one and will obtain from God a greater abundance of grace, is the constant lifting up of the mind to God. You, my dear friend, cannot do without it; for the greater the danger and the more important the matter, a steadier application and sharper sight are required from you.
By nature, man finds it difficult to be recollected and, much more so, to be united with God because his spirit is naturally driven in different directions and is unable to focus on one thing. This exercise of lifting up one’s soul to God is, of course, more difficult for the person who has gotten into the bad habit of being dissipated. But the most difficult thing for anybody is to find oneself involved in activities that, by their very nature, (according to my judgment) are not conducive to union with God, and still not be distracted. Who would think it possible to stand in the rain and not get wet? This is true. But what seems to be impossible in itself becomes very easy with God’s help if only we do not refuse Him our cooperation and that diligent practical commitment with which He has endowed us.
Thus, if we want to maintain our union with God and, at the same time, to go on working, talking, thinking, reading, and taking care of our affairs as usual, let us often lift up our minds to God for a long or a short period as, for example, someone would do while entertaining a friend. If he were unable to entertain him on account of pressing business as, for instance, keeping track of the goods which were to be shipped at that moment, he might tell him: "Will you excuse me if I don’t chat with you? I’ve this and that to do; but if you don’t mind waiting, as soon as I’m finished, we’ll talk at leisure." Then, interrupting his writing for a moment, he will occasionally turn his eyes and look at him; sometimes he will utter a word or two about what he is doing; at another time, while still writing, he will say: "In a short while, I’m almost finished." In these and similar ways, he will entertain his friend, though unable to talk at leisure with him. At the same time, he will not be distracted from his job by these gestures nor hindered in his work by such forms of entertainment.
You, too, dear friend, should act in this way, and your studies and works would suffer almost no disadvantage.
Before starting your activities, offer Jesus a few words of your choosing; then during your work often lift up your mind to God. You will benefit much and there will be no detriment to your job.
First and foremost, watch how anything concerning yourself or others is begun, whether foreseeable or not, whether at work or at play. Direct it first to God with any short prayer with which He may inspire you, mentally or also in words that express your thoughts and wishes or in some other manner; then, while working, thinking, or planning, frequently lift up your mind to God. Should your activity continue, break it up, perhaps, for the time it takes to say a "Hail Mary," or as it may seem convenient to you, always, of course, following God’s inspiration. Depending on the length of your activity, you can interrupt your work more than once.
If you follow this practice, you will get used to praying easily and without detriment to your work or to your health; you will be praying incessantly, even while drinking, eating, acting, talking, studying, writing, etc.; and the external actions will not hinder the interior ones and vice versa. If you act otherwise, you will be a decent person but not the Christian Christ wishes, and has called, you to be. This will be clear to you if you consider closely the way by which Christ has been trying to bind you to Himself. I warn you and offer you the means to become such a Christian (if you really want to be one, as I truly think you do), so that you may not change your mind. If this were to happen, it would cause me very great pain indeed.
My very dear friend, if my words have any value in your eyes, I invite you, I entreat you, and I compel you in Christ and for Christ to open your eyes and consider well what I have written to you and try to practice it by deeds, not just by words. I can assure you that you will become a new person, such as you should be in view of the charge that God has placed and will continue to place on your shoulders in different ways. But, if you act otherwise, you will not fulfill your obligation toward God and your neighbor, and, far from being justified, you will be condemned as a transgressor.
Try hard, then, to understand what I have just said, and apply yourself to practicing it; but above all else, while observing the first exercise, keep the third one which I am about to show you; otherwise all your works will be of little value and honor before Christ.
Now, here is the third exercise. In your meditation, prayers, and thoughts, strive to pinpoint your principal defects, most of all the chief one, the Captain-General, as it were, which dominates all the others. While concentrating on trying to kill that one, make every effort also to kill the other defects which may come under your attack, thus imitating the soldier who wants to kill the Commander-in-chief of the enemy who is in the middle of his army. Striving to reach him, the soldier keeps his eyes fixed on him as the target, but at the same time he fights his way toward him by killing the other enemies he may encounter. Do likewise with your defects.
Now, if you asked me which defect, in my judgment, is the dominant one in you, I would answer that, according to my poor insight, there is some sensuality in you. But no, your main defect is not sensuality (you understand what I am talking about, don’t you?), but anger and a sudden change of mood caused by pride, which, in turn, is born of the knowledge and education that you have acquired by your studies and by the expertise which you have obtained naturally and through long practice. Think about it and you will see that this is what makes you discontent, disturbed, prone to use bad manners and to say unbecoming words. Besides, this root of pride produces other bad fruits and effects in you.
I have just shown you the evil that in you is the mother of all vices. Kill it, then, and it will not produce any more offspring. It is up to you now to search the manner and the means of how to do it. But, if you do not know how, at some other time I might possibly write to you about it or explain it to you in a conversation. If perhaps this were not your main defect (although for many reasons I am convinced that it is), find out which one it is and kill it.
If you treasure the counsels that I have just given you, you will fall in love with Jesus Crucified quite easily. Any other way will keep you away from Him: a sad thing that I hate to see in you, for I love you and feel impelled to love you and see you forever in Christ Crucified. Amen.
I have bought a device to produce good and updated printing, and I will send it to you. It costs three liras and ten pennies.
I am about to send out some books on the spiritual life, which I believe to be more useful than any others you might read. I will send them to you. Try to convince the A. to buy them, for they will serve well those who want to make progress here in this life.
Our Fra Bono? Well, both you and I have lost him. He keeps away from me, or just seems to avoid me, on account of some obstacle. Some three or four days go by without seeing each other; and when we do, I can barely speak to him. He must be afraid that I want to convince him to join us. I like the letter you wrote to him, but he needs stronger exhortations; so do give them to him.
I will be writing to the A. Greet them all, each and everyone, on my behalf. Recommend me very warmly to the prayers of our ReverendPrimicerio, etc.
From Milan, July 28, 1531
Your son and brother in Christ,
Anthony M. Zaccaria, Priest

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A Man of God: Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria

2010-08-19T17:20:00.001-04:00

The Holy Card published on the occasion of Anthony Zaccaria's canonization in 1897

2010-08-06T22:53:00.002-04:00

The Holy Card published in 1897 on the occasion of the canonization
of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria which took place on
May 27, 1897 at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.

In His Own Words Pope Leo XIII on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

2010-08-02T02:12:00.001-04:00

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In His Own Words Pope John Paul II on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria (2002)

2010-08-02T02:11:00.001-04:00

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In His Own Words Pope John Paul II on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria (2000)

2010-08-02T02:09:00.001-04:00

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In His Own Words Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict VI) on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

2010-08-02T02:07:00.001-04:00

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The main altar at St. Barnabas church, at the Barnabite Fathers' mother house in Milan with relics of St. Anthony Zaccaria

2010-08-01T22:53:00.005-04:00

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Fr. Peter M. Calabrese, CRSP - Sermon -part 1

2010-06-22T22:04:00.000-04:00

Fr. Peter M. Calabrese, CRSP - Sermon -part 2

2010-06-22T22:03:00.000-04:00

Fr. Peter M. Calabrese, CRSP - Sermon -part 3

2010-06-22T22:02:00.000-04:00

HINO (em Portugues) A SANTO ANTONIO MARIA ZACCARIA

2010-06-22T20:45:00.002-04:00

HINO (em Portugues) A SANTO ANTONIO MARIA ZACCARIA

1. Teus filhos queridos, que pai te proclamam,

E sempre te amam com todo o fervor,

Ao santo teu nome seus hinos elevam

Com preces e votos em grato favor (BIS)

Lançai-nos a benção do trono sagrado

Dos nossos altares, Jesus Redentor,

Ó Deus escondido, por nós imolado,

De Antonio Maria nos dai o santo ardor (BIS)

2. Assim como os anjos, que a Deus adorando

A ti se ajuntaram em torno do altar,

Aqui nós estamos a Ti circundando,

A fim de que nos possas o céu apontar (BIS)

3. Nos duros combates que marcam a vida,

A cruz tu nos mostras que fortes nos faz;

Nos fortes perigos, nos dias de lida

Nos levas à mesa que é fonte de paz. (BIS)

4. Nas trevas, nas ânsias, em nosso embaraço,

Ó Antonio Maria, vem nos iluminar.

A fé e a ciência num íntimo abraço,

Nos mostre sereno teu cândido olhar. (BIS)

HINO (das Angélicas) A SANTO ANTONIO MARIA ZACARIA

Salve, Santo Antonio Maria! Ó Pai amado, o Santo Fundador,

Nossa proteção e alegria, dos seus filhos junto a Deus intercessor,

Para celebrarmos um dia, ao seu lado no Céu, o Amor.

1. Paulo foi seu guia e modelo; na vocação seguiu-lhe os passos,

sempre avante./ Pelas almas, cheio de zelo, se ofereceu em sacrifício a cada instante./ Junto ao irmão pobre e doente.

via Jesus Cristo presente./ Para bem servir ao Senhor,

Santo Antonio escolheu, assumiu e viveu o amor.

2. Quando Santo Antonio Maria, o pregador que arrebatava as multidões, /glória dava à Eucaristia,/ no coração levava Cristo aos corações./Ia procurar no Sacrário todo seu ardor missionário.

Soube, no sinal redentor, aprender com Jesus o mistério da cruz, o Amor.

3. Sempre aos fiéis transmitia, com seu fervor tão filial, por toda a vida,/terna devoção a Maria,/ a Mãe de Deus, da Providência mãe querida.

Tinha nos cuidados maternos graças e valores eternos./

Seja na alegria ou na dor, Santo Antonio encontrou, e a Maria entregou, o amor.

Un Uomo Di Dio - Sant'Antonio Maria Zaccaria (in Italian)

2010-06-08T10:49:00.000-04:00

Um homem de Deus Santo Antônio Maria Zaccaria - (in Portuguese)

2010-06-07T16:50:00.006-04:00

Cartoon about life of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, (1502 -1539). Founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites) and Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and Laity of St. Paul (in PORTUGUESE)

Un Homme De Dieu Saint Antoine Marie Zaccaria (in French)

2010-06-07T16:49:00.002-04:00

Cartoon about life of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, (1502 -1539).
Founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites) and Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and Laity of St. Paul
(in FRENCH)

Monstrance supported by St. Anthony M. Zaccaria (a new post card)

2010-05-11T23:18:00.002-04:00

Monstrance supported by St. Anthony M. Zaccaria
(P. Trani, 1955)

Reflecting on Priesthood. with Fr. Augusto Pucci, CRSP (Part 3)

2010-03-30T13:57:00.001-04:00

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Reflecting on Priesthood. with Fr. Augusto Pucci, CRSP (Part 2)

2010-03-30T13:56:00.001-04:00

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Reflecting on Priesthood. with Fr. Augusto Pucci ( Part 1)

2010-03-30T13:52:00.001-04:00

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Meditating with St. Anthony Mary on the meaning of Cross...

2010-03-16T23:22:00.009-04:00

"Religious life is a cross to be carried a step at a time and in a steady fashion, "for your sake we face death all day long,"[1] as the Apostles used to say;[2] and the Lord told us to take up our cross daily.[3] Are you disciples of Christ? Then, carry your cross, mortify your bodies with fasting and toiling, watch in prayer, spend your time helping your neighbor, nail yourselves to holy obedience never withdrawing from it. So, for Christ's sake, do not make any more idols." (Sermon 1)

_________________
[1]Ps 44:22 [2]Rom 8:36 [3]Luke 9:23

"He will grant you, in particular, a continuous spirit of self-abandonment on the ignominious cross, and lead you to a life conformed to Christ’s according to the pattern of the great saints. Consequently, you will be able to say with your Father, “be imitators of us as we are of Christ.”[1] (Letter V)

[1]1 Cor 4:16; 11:1

"O Father dear, you have constantly sweated and suffered and we enjoy the fruits of your zeal. The cross was your dowry, and we will inherit abundant rest. In other words, by always carrying and, as it were, eating up crosses, we will yield fruits, both yours and ours."

(Letter 7)

Un Uomo Di Dio Sant'Antonio Maria Zaccaria - 1502-1539

2010-03-09T22:36:00.006-05:00

A history of St Anthony Zaccaria in Italian

_________________________________________

To SEE THE MOVE PLEASE COPY AND PASTE IN:

"Un Uomo Di Dio - Sant'Antonio Maria Zaccaria"

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From the Introduction to Dilectus Domini nostri, Bull of Canonization of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria by His Excellency Bishop Sergio Pagano, CRSP

2010-03-04T17:10:00.003-05:00

From the Introduction to Dilectus Domini nostri,

Bull of Canonization of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

by BISHOP Sergio Pagano, CRSP,
Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives

(....)

The canonization of the Founder of the Barnabites occurred many years following his death (1539). His canonization also followed experiences of various vicissitudes related to the events of history that pertained to the Congregation between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. (...)

The ordinary process began in 1802. However, the first stage had already taken place in October 1800 during the provincial chapter of Lombardy. The Barnabite who must be acknowledged as the prime animator behind the future canonization of Anthony Mary Zaccaria was Reverend Father Francesco Fontana (1750–1822). (...)

Without going into all the merits of the long procedural process, we shall only say that the many efforts of the Barnabites were in the end rewarded. The figure of their Founder was enriched both by the precious circles of contemporary and latter witnesses. This outcome led His Holiness Leo XIII to beatify Anthony Mary Zaccaria on January 3, 1890, given that the Congregation of Rites had already approved three miracles that were attributed to this future saint. This opened the way to canonization as requested by Father Granniello, who adduced an abundance of canonical arguments.

During the Consistory of May 20, 1897, His Holiness Leo XIII decreed the canonization of Anthony Mary Zaccaria. On May 27, 1897, the pope issued the Bull of Canonization Dilectus Domini nostri. In truth, this Bull had been signed by the pontiff and twenty-three cardinals several days prior to the actual issuance of the Bull. (...)

On May 27, 1897, St. Peter’s Basilica housed this great ceremony: under the rays of Bernini were the portraits of two future saints, Anthony Mary Zaccaria and Peter Fourier. The basilica was illuminated by 950 chandeliers, and was filled with faithful. In solemnity, His Holiness Leo XIII pronounced the formal act of canonization and, indeed, the Bull bears the very date of the ceremony. The Barnabites in Italy, particularly those in Cremona where Zaccaria was born, and the entire Church could now begin to venerate our Founder as a saint – we could even say, a great saint – who, on the example of the Apostle Paul, dedicated himself tirelessly to the Church until his death at a young age, leaving a fertile legacy.

Vatican City

September 5, 2008

The Foreword to the Novena to St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria by His Excellency Bishop Andrea Erba, Barnabite

2010-03-04T16:58:00.001-05:00

In the first half of the fifteenth century in Italy shone the luminous figure of Anthony Mary Zaccaria. This young saint, full of passion for God’s love, was a great reformer of religious customs of the clergy and the Christian people. Above all, he was the founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites), the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and the Laity of St. Paul.

Anthony Mary Zaccaria, born in Cremona, Italy in 1502, was a student and graduate in medicine from the University of Padua; a doctor of body and soul in his native city; a fervent catechist and a zealous priest in Milan and elsewhere. For a decade his apostolate was characterized by an intense devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament of the altar (he was the promoter of the Forty Hours Devotion), and by a passionate love of the cross and the crucified Christ (he instituted the ringing of bells on Friday afternoon to commemorate Christ’s death). Anthony Mary was guided by an extraordinary zeal of St. Paul, chosen by him to be his master and model on earth, and his special patron in heaven.

Exhausted from his pastoral work, Anthony Mary died at only 36 years old, leaving behind admirable examples of penance and of spirituality. In the novena here presented, his ascetic-mystic thought continuously emerges. This thought can be found in his six Sermons and eleven Letters, which remained as his testament and a mirror of his soul and his missionary call: in these writings resounds an unceasing appeal against vices, and toward holiness.

Cardinal Ratzinger wrote: “I have to say that the image of this saint is dear to me because he is one of the great figures of Catholic reform… an authentic man of God and of the Church, a man burning with zeal, a demanding forger of consciences, a true leader able to convert and lead others to good.”

Like all the saints, Zaccaria is a figure of permanent relevance: an encounter with him symbolizes an invitation to return to a charism of a unique vocation, a return desired by the Second Vatican Council, as an indispensable element of true renewal. The Church venerates the saints and honors their images. Celebrating their names and their memory, she proclaims Christ’s marvels in his servants and proposes to the faithful examples to imitate (Sacrosantum Concilium, 11).

Anthony Mary Zaccaria merits to be known and followed in his teachings: he counts among the category of priests, who in the course of centuries, have left a splendid example of holiness. As a spiritual master, he continues to spread and proclaim the Word of God and to teach the “sublime wisdom of Jesus Christ” (Liturgy of July 5)

______

PHOTO FR. ROBERT KOSEK, CRSP

Christmas Wishes

2009-12-29T17:01:00.002-05:00

Give this Christmas a spiritual gift

2009-12-05T13:28:00.005-05:00

This beautifully prepared calendars with
the spiritual sayings of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria may
be requested in the Philippines by calling or writing to

Sr. Rorivic Israel, ASP at
Tel. Nos.: 948-4477; 941-2993
314 General Ordoñez Street, Marikina Heights
Marikina City, Philippines 1810

Relic of Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria

2009-11-08T00:04:00.003-05:00

A reflection of the Basilica's dome to signify

universality of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria's message

National Shrine of Our Lady of Fatima in Lewiston , NY. USA, served by the Barnabite Fathers where is relic of Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria, founder of the Barnabite Fathers, The Angelic Sisters, and Laity of St. Paul.

The Polish Publication about St. Anthony Zaccarian entitled "Inflamed a Fire of Faith" by Angelo Montonati

2009-10-23T19:08:00.008-04:00

“Inflamed a Fire of Faith”

Something completely new.

2009-10-14T12:54:00.007-04:00

Coming soon to your catholic store !

A new beatifully designed in Italy

holy card of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria

St. Anthony's Calendar sold at Our Lady's Gifts in San Diego, CA

2009-10-07T23:56:00.007-04:00

In the Barnabite Fathers' Parish at Our Lady of Rosary in San Diego

is located the shop of Our Lady's Gift.

There Mary Anne Gleason warmly welcomes all.

Among many many beautiful religious articles and books you will find the calendar of St. Anthony Zaccaria, the Founder of the Barnabite Fathers, the Angelic Sisters, and the Laity of St. Paul.

If you are interested in finding a perfect gift for the special occasion

please give Mary Anne a call @ 619-234-4820 ext 313 or email her at ma@olrsd.org

or visit at their web @ www. ourladysgiftshop.org

God Bless.

So see you soon!

A Statute of St. Anthony at Our Lady of the Rosary in San Diego

2009-10-06T03:07:00.003-04:00

The statute is located at the Barnabite Fathers' Parish at Our Lady of Rosary in San Diego

St. Anthony's Calendar sold in Abundant Graces in Bethlehem

2009-10-06T03:05:00.001-04:00

CURRICULUM VITAE - of Fr. Giovanni Rizzi, CRSP

2009-09-26T23:15:00.004-04:00

Fr. Giovanni Rizzi, a member of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites), was ordained to the priesthood in 1975. He studied theology at the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome, and obtained the STD in Biblical Theology in Jerusalem with the thesis "Sermoni poetici geremiani sul pericolo proveniente dal nord" (Jeremiahn poetical sermons about the danger coming from the North), of which a selection has been published. His teaching experience has been from 1980 to 1997 at the PIME (Pontifical Institute of Foreign Missions) in Milan, at the ISSRM (Superior Institute for Religious Sciences and Magisterium) in Monza, at the Vigevano Seminary of the archdiocese of Milan, and the Novitiate of the Salesian Sisters in Missaglia. From February 1997 he has been teaching at the Pontifical Urbanian University in Rome, where at present he is professor of Sacred Scripture for the Old Testament, giving lectures at the Theology and Missiology departments; he has been an invited professor at the Marianum Theological Department in Rome, and at the "St. John the Evangelist" Theological Department of Sicily in Palermo, where he has given lectures and has participated in various international symposiums.

The ancient versions in Greek, Latin, Aramaic, Syrian, and Latin of the Old Testament are his specialization. He has published a series of studies on the Biblical Hermeneutics, and on the interdisciplinary relationship between Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Paul of Tarsus: A Historical-literal Reexamination in the Post-biblical Tradition by Fr. Giovanni Rizzi, CRSP

2009-09-26T22:44:00.007-04:00

ISBN 978-1-61623-752-3

Offering: $17.95 + shipping

e-mail: barnabitespiritualcenter@gmail.com

CONTENTS

Preface

1- The Life and Letters of Paul: A Summary

2. Paul in the Pauline Corpus

-Paul the Writer
-The literary genre of the letter in the New Testament
-Authenticity, pseudonymy, pseudepigraphy and the commission of a letter
-Epistolary Style and Authenticity in the Pauline Corpus
-Epistolaries in comparison
-Originality and Content of Paul the Writer
-The epicenter of Paul’s thought
-Jesus Christ the New Adam
-Gospel and Mission
-The Community
-In expectation of the return of the Lord

3. Paul’s Gospel

-The ‘gospel’ before Paul in the Jewish and Hellenistic world
-The Gospel which Paul received and transmitted
-To walk according to the Spirit

4. Paul in the Acts of the Apostles
-An established hermeneutic of the Acts of the Apostles
-Towards an hermeneutic more in harmony with the literary genre of the work
-The function of the figure of Paul in the Acts of the Apostles

5. The Anti-Pauline Polemic in the Tannaite Teacher’s
-Preliminary questions of hermeneutical perspectives
-Questions related to the dating of the intertestamental and rabbinical literature and of the bet- midrush
-Does there exist a literary genre of ant-Christian polemic?
-Traces of anti-Christian polemic in the Targums?
-Anti-Pauline polemical elements the Tannaite teachers and traditions.
-A different concept of ‘faith’
-Pauline antinomianism
-Biblical-Jewish anthropology
-Universalism and the true Israel
-The election of Israel
-Messianism, eschatology, redemption and Christology
-The Divine Name

6. Relecture of the Figure of Paul in the Christian Apocryphal Literature
-Relecture of Paul in the patristic traditions
-Relectures of Paul in popular Christian traditions
-The apocryphal Christian literature
-The ancient catalogues of the Christian apocrypha
-The material of the apocryphal traditions relating to Paul of Tarsus
-The apocryphal traditions concerning Paul from the 2nd to the 3rd centuries
-The Letter to the Laodicaeans
-The Letter to the Alexandrians
-The Kerygma or Preaching of Paul
-The Kerygma Petrou
-The literary genre of apocalyptic
-The Gnostic Apocalypse of Paul
-The Acts of Peter
-The Acts of Paul
-The Apocalypse of Paul
-The apocryphal traditions about Paul in the fourth-fifth centuries
-The Correspondence between Seneca and Paul
-The Passion of Paul of pseudo-Linus
-The Acts of Peter and Paul of the pseudo-Marcellus
-Acts and Martyrdom of the Apostle St. Barnabas
-The Revelation of Stephen and the Epistle of Lucian
-Epistle of Titus, disciple of Paul, concerning the mode of living in the state of chastity
-Acts and martyrdom of Peter and Paul of the pseudo-Abdias
-The Dominical Letter
-The Apocalypse of Andrew and Paul
-The Acts of Andrew and Paul
-The Letter of James to Quadratus
-A proposal for a synthesis

New Publication on St. Paul of Tarsus by Fr. Giovanni Rizzi, CRSP

2009-09-26T22:35:00.008-04:00

Preface

The author of this publication is the Barnabite priest, Fr. Giovanni Rizzi. Fr. Giovanni Rizzi is a professor of Sacred Scripture (Old Testament) at the Theology and Missiology Department of the Urbanian Pontifical University in Rome, a prestigious learning institution ran by the Congregation of "de Propaganda Fide," with 1,400 students coming from the different parts of the world, and oriented towards mission.

The text here presented is the fruit of a series of conferences given to the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabite Fathers) in September 2008 in Lewiston, New York (USA), on the occasion of the Pauline Year, as they celebrate their great patron saint, St. Paul the Apostle, after whose name they are named.

In reality this study does not have any celebrative character, but it is a profound rereading of the Apostle's figure as written in the canonical Christian literature, with an alert attention to the modern exegetical developments.

Let us say right away that this is a truly original research, very technical in its language, scientifically drafted with painstaking accuracy, very rich with bibliographical documentation, up-to-date with the latest professional studies, and therefore is not an easy reading for anyone who does not have a specific preparation in biblical studies.

After a comprehensive look at the present bibliography on St. Paul, including a revisit to his letters and his missionary journeys, the author dwells on the description of Paul in the "corpus paulinum" with particular attention to the writer, the literary genre of the correspondence, the problem of the authenticity of the individual letters and their style, the rhetoric figure used, as well as the analysis of the content. The epicentre of the Pauline thought is the discovery of the figure of Jesus Christ, which, solicited by varied experiences of evangelization and the handling of the Christian communities, includes the themes of the "justification by faith, the mystical union with Christ, the theology of the cross, the apocalyptic dimension of God's revelation in Christ."

Of true interest is the analysis of the term "Gospel" in St. Paul, studied in the Judaic tradition and the Hellenistic world, while it appears about sixty times in the "corpus paulinum," without any specification: the Apostle transmitted it the way he received it.

In the Acts of the Apostles the function of Paul's figure is explained through the specification of the literary genre of the work, starting from the well-established hermeneutics to reach a consonance with history, written in complex parts. Fr. Rizzi takes the scheme drafted by the modern exegetes of the Acts of the Apostles as the theology of the witness to Jesus Christ, from Jerusalem to the ends of the world.

With the same richness of documentation, the anti-Pauline polemics are recalled and described among the Tannaitic masters and traditions; for example, the different concepts of faith, the Pauline antinomies, the biblical anthropology of Judaism, the election of Israel, the Messianism, the eschatology, the redemption and Christology, and the Divine Names. These questions are well known among biblical scholars and critics, who deal with neo-testament and pre-testament Rabbinic literature and the beth midrash. These problems are certainly complicated and less appreciated by the secular and by those who are not adept to this kind of work.

We, at the most, record an extraordinary and complete rereading of Paul in the Christian apocryphal literature with more than 150 bibliographical notes and numerous references to the fundamental studies done by Mario Erbetta and Luigi Moraldi. There is a review of the ancient catalogues of Christian apocrypha, the traditions about Paul of the second and third centuries, and even of the fourth and fifth centuries (the correspondence between Seneca and Paul would have been a Christian legend on Seneca’s Christianity).

The dissertation concludes with a general proposal about the figure and the events of Paul in the apocryphal world. The Apocrypha are not canonical books, or are they heretical, but they have contributed in celebrating Paul’s memory through the centuries.

At the end of this course Paul's figure appears in its greatness and novelty, thanks to a severe hermeneutic approach, with the discussion and in-depth literary study of the texts and the accurate exegetic method.

In conclusion, I take the liberty of expressing one desire, that the eminent author may also take into consideration, at his level, the spiritual and pastoral context under the guidance of Paul. Nevertheless, I thank him for having accompanied us and enlightened us in this journey.

+ Andrea Maria Erba, barnabita
Bishop Emeritus of Velletri-Segni, Rome, Italy

Rome, October 15, 2008

St. Anthony's calendar now @ Hope Center of Claretian Publications, Philippines

2009-09-25T00:25:00.009-04:00

Sr. Rorivic P. Israel, A.S.S.P. shares with us some pictures on the display of St. Anthony's calendar at Hope Center of Claretian Publications located in Quezon City (Metro Manila, Philippines)

Sr. Rorivic P. Israel, A.S.S.P. with Karen Visperas, one of the Hope Center's staff.

_________

Photos by Sr. Rorivic P. Israel, A.S.S.P.

Physician's Prayer

2009-09-18T12:43:00.007-04:00

The prayer was composed by His Holiness Pius XII.

The Holy Father declared St. Anthony Zaccaria the Patron and Protector of the Physicians.

The Eucharist and St. Anthony Zaccaria - by Fr. Gabriel M. Patil, CRSP, S.T.L., S.S.L.

2009-09-14T21:47:00.015-04:00

A talk given by Rev. Fr. Gabriel M. Patil, CRSP, S.T.L., S.S.L.

at the closing of the 40 Hour Adoration of

the Most Blessed Sacrament

at the Barnabite Spiritual Center in Bethlehem, PA on Sept 12, 2009

- Opening Remarks on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary of the First Thursday Group at the Barnabite Spiritual Center (audio)

The First Thursday of the Month Adoration Group
Happy twentieth birthday to the young women and men of the adoration group!With our St. Paul I say to you, "We, Barnabite Fathers, give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers, unceasingly calling to mind your work of faith and labor of love and endurance in hope" (1 Thes 1). Your endurance, your faithfulness, your perseverance, your dedication for these past 20 years are to be publicly acknowledged and gratefully commended.

Hearing that you have been praying for vocations for 20 years, people with a business mentality would probably ask, "How successful have you been?"

A story comes to my mind, the story of an elderly Jewish man who goes to pray at the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem three times a day, every day, even when it rains or snows. He has done that for more than 30 years. When a news reporter asks him how he feels, he answers, "Like talking to a wall!" Considering the visible outcome of your praying for vocations, you would be fully justified in "feeling like talking to a wall." But you are persons of faith and in faith you know that the seed of vocation planted here through your prayers will produce fruit, if not in this field, in other fields, in far away fields, fruits that you may never see, fruits that nevertheless will grow and mature thanks to your prayer.

Another factor to consider is the possibility that God, who called you to worship and pray 20 years ago, might have had other purposes in mind in addition to your perceived purpose of fostering vocations. I’m thinking of another story in which God tell a man, "Push that big boulder." The man tries with all his energies all his life but is nor able to move the boulder the fraction of an inch. Frustrated and humbled, he apologized to God for failing. But God tells him, "I didn’t want you to move it, I wanted you to develop strong muscles. Look at the muscles on your arms and legs, how big and strong they are!" Have you failed? Who knows what was God’s true intent when he called you together 20 years ago! Look at your faith, your love of God and service to the Church…how great and lively they are!

- St. Anthony Zaccaria as a Reformer (audio)

- St. Anthony Zaccaria and the Development of the 40-Hour Devotion (audio)

Historians dispute about the origin of the 40-hour Devotion. Did it originate with St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria and the first Barnabites? Or the Augustinians?

The practice of private adoration of the Blessed Sacrament reposed in the tabernacle for a period of 40 consecutive hours, from Good Friday to Easter morning, existed before the time of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria.

What Anthony Mary Zaccaria and the early Barnabites did in 1534 – 475 years ago - was to ask the authorization the expose publicly and solemnly the Blessed Sacrament for 40 hours in the Cathedral of Milan and to repeat that solemn exposition in turn in all the churches of Milan. The authorization was granted in 1537 and the practice took place for the first time from March to October 1537.

- The Relationship between Eucharist and Vocation (audio)

There is a close relation between the Holy Eucharist and vocations to the priesthood and the consecrated life.

This relation is based on the fact that every vocation is a special grace from God, and the greatest source of grace we have is the Eucharist.

It is the living Lord who offers Himself in Holy Communion who inspires men and women to give themselves to Him in the service of their sisters and brothers. Persons who attend Mass and receive Communion obtain the light they need to discern God’s call and strength they need to respond to the call.

The Eucharist is also the best way to recognize vocations. Show me a man or woman devoted to the Eucharist and I will show you a person who is an apt subject for the priesthood or the religious life.

The Eucharist is finally the infallible way of preserving one's vocation. Is it any wonder that saintly priests and religious over the centuries have been uncommonly devoted to the Blessed Sacrament? They know where to obtain the help they need to remain faithful to their vocations. It is from the same Christ Who called them and Who continues to sustain them in His consecrated service.

The best way to celebrate this 20th anniversary of our Adoration Group is to renew our commitment to continue to pray for the gift of new vocations and the gift of perseverance in one’s vocation by kneeling in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament professing our deep conviction that vocations begin with the Eucharist, are developed through the Eucharist, and are preserved by the Eucharist.

- Eucharist as a Sacrament of Transformation and Conversion (audio)

Why this emphasis on the Eucharist?

To appreciate the significance of Anthony Mary’s initiative, we should bear in mind the conditions surrounding the Eucharist at that time. Mass was celebrated on rare occasions. Holy Communion was a privilege denied, ordinarily, to the laity. Hence, the Blessed Sacrament was not kept, most of the time, at the main altar, but in the sacristy or in some dark church corner, even in a grimy wooden box where ants and other bugs could easily enter. Churches became places for anyone to stroll around, for lovers to meet, for people to hold conversations or games, or warehouses of sort for people to store household tools and goods. Against this background it is easier to understand the reason why St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria put so much emphasis on public and solemn display of devotion to the Eucharist.

For him the Eucharist is the crucified Lord alive and living among us. The two poles of his spirituality are the crucified Lord and the Eucharist and the two are obviously connected.

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria was a reformer, that is, a prominent figure of that 16th century spiritual revival movement known as the Catholic Reformation.

While Martin Luther sought to reform the Church as institution, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria and other reformers were convinced that reformation of the Church had to start with the individual person, with personal conversion, with commitment to radical "self-reform."

What does personal conversion imply? It implies the possibility of saying with St. Paul, "I live, no longer I, but Christ lives in me" (Gal 2, 20). What can effect this radical personal conversion, thin transformation into Christ? St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria has no doubts: the Eucharist; the Eucharist is the sacrament of conversion. In his Sermon 3 he writes, "You turn to God… by offering Him sacrifices: the sacrifice of your bodies kept under control by penance for the love of God, the sacrifice of your souls eager to unite themselves with Him, but above all the sacrifice par excellence, the most holy Eucharist. No wonder that people have grown lukewarm and turned into beasts, as it were. It is because they do not receive this sacrament. The surest proof, then, of your return to God is that you go back to receive this food. Go back, my friends, go back to receive this sacrament. Nothing can make you holier than this sacrament, for in it is the Holy of Holies. Remember that Augustine exhorts you to receive Holy Communion at least once a week." And following St. Augustine exhortation, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria prescribes in his Constitutions, "Let everybody, according to one's disposition, go to communion at least every Sunday and Holy Day of obligation" (Ch.1).

- How to Measure a Spiritual Effectiveness and How to Discover God's Purpose in One's life? (Audio)

40 Horas de Adoración Del Santisimo Sacramento

2009-08-23T23:19:00.004-04:00

40 Horas de Adoración

Del Santísimo Sacramento

En Honor a San Antonio Maria Zaccaria

10 de Septiembre al 12 de Septiembre de 2009

Querido amigo de los Padres Barnabitas,

¡ Saludos con la paz de Cristo !

Nosotros en el Centro Espiritual Barnanbita llevaremos a cabo la Adoración de las 40 horas en honor a nuestro Santo Fundador, San Antonio María Zaccaria, empezando el 10 de Septiembre a las 7: 00 PM y terminando el 12 de Septiembre de 2009 con la Santa Misa a las 11: 00 AM. Esta será presidida por el Reverendo Gabriel M. Patil, CRSP. Cordialmente les invitamos a que vengan y se unan a nosotros.

Luego de la misa, todos están bienvenidos a compartir en fraternidad con Jesús, un almuerzo al estilo “ Potluck”.

Yo estoy muy contento de poder anunciar que este año nosotros celebramos el veinte aniversario de celebrar la Adoración del Santísimo el primer Jueves del més; por lo tanto esto le dá doble significado a esta celebración de las 40 horas de Adoración del Santísimo Sacramento.

Adjunto, está el programa de las 40 horas de Adoración desde el 10 de Septiembre hasta el 12 de Septiembre. Por favor, llene la hora que sea mas conveniente para usted poder venir y dedicar tiempo con Jesucristo de una manera mas espiritual y personal, y mándeme su contestación.

Yo estoy muy entusiasmado con esta celebración en la cual estaremos juntos rezando y adorando a nuestro Señor.

Sinceramente suyo en Cristo,

Padre Roberto B. Kosek, CRSP. Ph.D.

Superior

____________

Barnabite Spiritual Center

4301 Hecktown Road

Bethlehem, PA 18020

Phone: 610-691-8648

E-mail. Barnabitespiritualcenter@gmail.com

40 Hours Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in Honor of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Sept 10-12

2009-08-20T23:20:00.004-04:00

40 Hours Adoration of the Most Blessed Sacrament in

Honor of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

September 10-12, 2009

Dear Friend of the Barnabite Fathers,

Greetings of Christ’s peace to you!

We at the Barnabite Spiritual Center will hold a Forty-Hour Adoration in honor of our Holy Founder, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria beginning on September 10 at 7:00 p.m. and ending on September 12, 2009, with a Holy Mass at 11:00 a.m., to be presided by Rev. Fr. Gabriel M. Patil, CRSP. We cordially invite you to come and join us.

After the Mass, all are welcomed to share a "potluck" meal and continue to celebrate Jesus by breaking bread together.

I am glad to announce that this year we celebrate the 20th Anniversary of our First Thursday Adoration ministry; hence, the twofold significance of the Forty-Hour Adoration.

Attached herewith is the schedule of the Forty-Hour Adoration from September 10 to September 12. Please, fill in a time that is convenient for you to come and spend time with Christ in a very personal and spiritual way, and send your reply to me.

I look forward to this time when we will be praying and adoring the Lord together.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP, Ph.D.

Superior

You may contact us @

Barnabite Spiritual Center

4301 Hecktown Road

Bethlehem, PA 18020

Phone: 610-691-8648

E-mail. Barnabitespiritualcenter@gmail.com

Newest Polish publication on St. Anthony M. Zaccaria

2009-07-08T04:43:00.010-04:00

Just this May, 2009 came out newest Polish translation

of Andrea M. Erba, CRSP and Antonio M. Gentili's, CRSP book entitled

Reformator - Święty Antoni Maria Zaccaria (1502-1539)

REFORMER - St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539)

The book is published by Wydawnictwo SALWATOR 2009

Over 150 images of St. Anthony Zaccaria

2009-07-07T04:55:00.004-04:00

Enjoy over 150 images of St. Anthony Zaccaria,

founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Pual -Barnabites

Angelic Sisters of St. Paul , and Laity of St. Paul

in Power Point format prepared by Fr. Luigi Rusnati , CRSP

and uploaded by Sr. Rorivic Ma. P. Israel, ASSP

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria in the Philippines

2009-07-07T03:55:00.006-04:00

St. Anthony Zaccaria’s perpetual calendar thanks to the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul is being distributed among the elementary and high school students of – Mother of Divine Providence School in the Philippine, Marikina Heights.

photo: Sr. Rorivic Ma. P. Israel, ASSP

Unknown painting of St. Anthony Zaccaria

2009-07-07T03:52:00.002-04:00

Anonimo Veneziano, Sebastiano del Piombo (?)
S.Antonio M. Zaccaria 1537
Austin [ Texas,USA ], Blanton Museum

Thanks to Fr. Michele P.Morgillo, a Barnabite

Happy Feast Day of St. Anthony Zaccaria - July 5

2009-07-05T15:48:00.012-04:00

May our Holy Father

bless each one of us

with the zeal and fervor of St. Paul.

May his spirit continue

to inspire us to spread

God's love and forgiveness

to those we serve in the world.

Happy Feast Day of St. Anthony Zaccaria

From Angelic Sisters of St. Paul and the Barnabite Farhers

Zaccarian Spirituality Lived Today - No. 3

2009-07-02T23:59:00.003-04:00

2. How does the life and vocation of St. Anthony Zaccaria inspire priestly and religious vocations?

by. Sr. Rorivic Ma. P. Israel, ASSP

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Left All for Christ

Behind and before him, lay a promising life. St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria left such a promising life for Christ.
St. Anthony was a son of a noble family. His father, Lazzaro, died when he was only a boy, making him an heir of a patriarchal inheritance – but all this he relegated to another relative to possess, not wanting his soul to be catapulted by its appeal.

He obtained his degree in medicine at 22 years old (1524): certainly this educational feat – and at such a very young age – held for him surmounting possibilities and a bright future. But he left them all for Christ.

St. Anthony Mary felt the call of Christ in his heart while serving the sick in their homes and in the hospitals. He realized deep within that Christ’s call was not only for the "physically" sick, but for the "spiritually" sick as well.

Four years later (1528), St. Anthony Mary was ordained a priest. Anyone would notice the promptness of his yielding to Christ. "Not later", but "now" seemed to be his word.
The fervor of his youth was "wantonly" used for Christ: which would explain his death of exhaustion at a young age of 36. Yes, he exhausted all his physical and spiritual energy: serving, proclaiming, and accomplishing every task Christ Crucified called him to do.

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria proves to be an inspiration for anyone who wants to follow Christ. His example was: promptness and fervent service for Christ and His Kingdom.

______

St. Anthony Mary is the founder of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites), the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and the Laity of St. Paul.

For more information you may write to:

Vocation Director

Clerics Regular of St. Paul
P.O. Box 167,
Youngstown, NY 14174-0167
USA
BarnabitesUSA@fatimashrine.com
Or visit:
www.catholic-church.org/barnabites
www.stanthonyzaccaria.blogspot.com

Vocation Directress
Angelic Sisters of St. Paul
770 Washington St.
Easton, PA, 18042
USA
Or visit:
www.angelicsistersofstpaul.blogspot.com

Zaccarian Spirituality Lived Today - No. 2

2009-07-02T23:54:00.003-04:00

1. How does the life and example of St. Anthony Zaccaria help the average Catholic in living a more Catholic life?

by. Sr. Rorivic Ma. P. Israel, ASSP

A Saint for All Time

A reformer of the early 16th century, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, tracks the same path as St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Francis de Sales, and St. Philip Neri. His pervasive and overriding entreaty was: "renew the Christian fervor" everywhere! And which generation would claim it never needed any renewal?

Any Catholic, living in this generation marked by secularism and an apparent decadence of moral values, can certainly look up to St. Anthony Mary, who in his life had shown a great example of how it is to "circumnavigate" the world without being subdued by its lure and oppressive mundane principles. St. Anthony Mary exemplifies a man, or a woman, who keeps his Catholic principles and beliefs despite the warring ideologies around him (one can go back to the history of Catholic counter-reformation), mindful only of doing what is right in God’s eyes and before his neighbor.

St. Anthony reformed "within" the Church, not "without." His way was "ordinary, done in an extraordinary way": as a young fellow, he was sensitive to the needs of his time and showed great kindness toward the poor and the disadvantaged; as a medical doctor, he served the sick with great care and compassion; as a priest, he preached with the fervor of St. Paul, longing only to save souls, and served the spiritual needs of those who came to him for confession and spiritual direction; as a Catholic, he was deeply devoted to the Eucharist: He "promoted devotion to the Eucharistic Christ in the form of the Forty Hours devotion, public and solemn adoration of the Blessed Sacrament by turn in various city churches, which he first celebrated in Milan in 1537," and also "promoted frequent Holy Communion." and to the Crucified Lord: "To promote devotion to Christ Crucified Anthony Mary instituted the practice of the tolling of church bells at 3 p.m. every Friday in remembrance of Christ's death on the cross."

St. Anthony Mary remained "Catholic," notwithstanding the barrage of protests his mother Church experienced in his days. St. Anthony Mary remained a true son – in his fervent and joyful service and love for God and neighbor.

May St. Anthony Mary renew in each one of us that "fervor" of a true Christian, of a true Catholic.

Zaccarian Spirituality Lived Today - No. 1

2009-07-02T23:43:00.004-04:00

1. How does the life and example of St. Anthony Zaccaria help the average Catholic in living a more Catholic life?

by: Mary Gambino

The life and example of St. Anthony Zaccaria can help us to live a more authentic Catholic life in the midst of the modern world. By familiarizing ourselves with the life and times of this priest and doctor, we can apply his principals of holiness to our daily lives. These principals are clearly defined in St. Anthony Zaccaria's letters, famous sayings, sermons, constitutions and teaching on various topics. However, all the teaching in the world would be meaningless if the life did not reflect the writing. In the study of St. Anthony Zaccaria, we learn how he put his preaching into practice. His life is a concrete example of his teaching. In fact, it is sometimes difficult to determine which came first, the practice or the preaching.

As a young boy in Cremona, St. Anthony displayed a love for poverty and for the poor. He gave away his clothes and food to those less fortunate. He shunned the luxuries associated with the nobility into which he was born. In order to better serve the poor, he gave to his widowed mother his inheritance and requested from her only the basic necessities. He excelled at his studies and became a physician. In treating his patients, he realized their need for spiritual as well as physical healing. He answered the call to the priesthood and took for his inspiration and model the tireless Apostle Paul. In order to effectively treat the illness that surrounded him, he became a great reformer of the Church.

Pope Clement VII, in 1533, granted St. Anthony's request to form a congregation dedicated to the reform of the Church and of the people; the Clerics Regular of St. Paul. Because this congregation had as its "home" the Church of St. Barnabas, they became known as The Barnabites. He later founded the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, which proved to serve as an example for the reform of other monasteries, and also a Congregation of Laity of St. Paul. In all his undertakings, St. Anthony contemplated Christ Crucified. He spread Eucharistic Piety through the establishment of the Forty Hours Devotion. In short, St. Anthony employed all his strength in serving the Lord and His Church durning his short life. His writings serve as a reflection of his deeds.

In the midst of our everyday busy lives, we can look at St. Anthony's writings and reflect on his busy life as an inspiration to grow in holiness. When we consider his love for the poor, we can also listen to his advice: "If you are generous, you will learn to conduct yourselves with the law engraved in your hearts, rather than with external laws". In shunning luxuries we hear him tell us, "reflect and see what great harm is caused by seeking one's comfort......do not foolishly try to be equal to others by imitating their way of behaving and talking". In contemplating his excellence in his studies we hear him tell us, "While working, thinking, or planning, frequently lift up your mind to God".

When we consider his compassion on those who need physical healing, we can heed his advice to "Take great care of the sick and diligently look after them". In considering his ability as a doctor we can contemplate his thoughts on spiritual surgery: "Anyone willing to become a spiritual person begins a series of surgical operations in his soul. One day he removes this, another day he removes that, and relentlessly proceeds until he lays aside his old self".

In his love for Christ Crucified, St. Anthony shares the benefit he gains from this practice, "Enter into conversation with Jesus Crucified as familiarly as you would with me and discuss with Him all or just a few of your problems....if you practice this way of prayer, I can assure you that little by little you will derive from it both great spiritual profit and an ever-greater love relationship with Christ....Remember that Jesus Crucified has always been abundantly generous with you".
Lastly, St. Anthony's words and example encourage us to follow him in the path of saintliness which transcends time. "Do not think that my love for you or the good qualities you are endowed with may have me desire that you be just little saints. No, I greatly desire that you become great saints.....All that is required to become great saints is that you really mean to develop and give back to Jesus Christ Crucified the good qualities and graces He has given."

Zaccarian Spirituality Collection - No. 3

2009-07-01T01:12:00.009-04:00

Click it to download

To commemorate the closing of Pauline Year ( June 29, 2009)

we present issue no 3 of the Zaccarian Spirituality Collection entitled:

In the Footsteps of St. Paul: The "Paulism" of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Most Faithful Follower of His Paul

I. St. Paul in the Life of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria
1. The Witnesses
2. Later Contribution
3. The ‘Vision of St. Paul’ Before His Death
4. Although Dead, He Still Speaks (Heb 11:4)
5. Similarity of Character

II. St. Paul in the Writings of St. Anthony Zaccaria
1. Preamble
2. Pauline Titles
3. Pauline Quotations
3.1. Number of the Quotations
3.2. The Way of Quoting
3.3. Source of the Quotations
3.4. Purpose of the Quotations
4. Pauline Doctrine
5. Reference to St. Paul’s Life
6. Comments to the Letters of St. Paul
7. Familiarity with the Apostle
8. Affinity in the Epistolary Style

III. The Origins of the Zaccarian Paulism

IV. Which Paul?
1. The Theologian
2. The Apostle
3. The Martyr
4. The Mystic

Conclusion: Anthony Alter Paul

Foreword to the NOVENA by Bishop Andrea M. Erba, CRSP

2009-06-27T22:27:00.009-04:00

Novena to St. Anthony M. Zaccaria starts on June 26 and ends on July 4

(Click on the image to see the text of the novena)

Exhausted from his pastoral work, Anthony Mary died at only 36 years old, leaving behind admirable examples of penance and of spirituality.

In the novena here presented, his ascetic-mystic thought continuously emerges. This thought can be found in his six Sermons and eleven Letters, which remained as his testament and a mirror of his soul and his missionary call: in these writings resounds an unceasing appeal against vices, and toward holiness. Cardinal Ratzinger wrote: “I have to say that the image of this saint is dear to me because he is one of the great figures of Catholic reform… an authentic man of God and of the Church, a man burning with zeal, a demanding forger of consciences, a true leader able to convert and lead others to good.”

The saints manifest the face and the presence of God in the world. They contribute to the spiritual life of the Church on earth, and form with us one mystical body. As friends and coheirs of Christ, they intercede for us. As our brothers and benefactors, they teach us the way to reach heaven. (Lumen Gentium, 49-50) Anthony Mary Zaccaria merits to be known and followed in his teachings: he counts among the category of priests, who in the course of centuries, have left a
splendid example of holiness. As a spiritual master, he continues to spread and proclaim the Word of God and to teach the “sublime wisdom of Jesus Christ” (Liturgy of July 5)

Bishop Andrea M. Erba, CRSP
Bishop Emeritus of Velletri-Segni,
Rome, 15 November 2008
Solemnity of Mother of Divine Providence

Anthony Alive

2009-06-24T15:04:00.019-04:00

Published by The Clerics Regular of Saint Paul • BARNABITES
4301 Hecktown Road • Bethlehem, PA 18020 • USA
Director: Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP
Executive Editor: Sr. Rorivic P. Israel, ASP
Assistant Editors: Fran Stahlecker, Mary Grace
Design:

- Greg T. Gambino greggam@rcn.com

Volume I, Issue 1

INTRODUCTION by Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP
ST. ANTHONY’S DOCTRINE
• The Life of a Saint…
• The Spiritual Treasures
• The Teachings on PRAYER
• The Famous Sayings
• The Constitutions of 1539

REFLECTIONS & MEDITATIONS…
- Walking with St. Anthony by Fr. Tony Sarno
- You Could Have a Life… by Mary Grace
- Prayer and Suffering… by Fr. Anthony Bianco, CRSP
- Prayer Without Ceasing by Mary Gambino
- Anthony’s Lift to God by Sr. Rorivic P. Israel, ASP
- Make Your Home in Me… by Fr. Speranza
- Prayer Is Placing Oneself… by Fr. R. Delzingaro, CRSP
- Kids Page by Elizabeth, Peter, & Matthew Gambino

OUTSTANDING BARNABITES: A Servant of the Orphans: Fr. Giovanni Semeria, CRSP
- Peace and Peace by Fr. Giovanni M. Semeria, CRSP

OBLATES OF SAINT PAUL - St. James Parish, Oakville, Ont.

Volume I, Issue 2

INTRODUCTION by Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP

ST. ANTHONY’S DOCTRINE
- The Teachings on CHARITY
- The Famous Sayings
- Sermon IV on CHARITY

REFLECTIONS & MEDITATIONS
- Eucharist - The Bread of Life by Fr. Tony Sarno, CRSP
- The Most Holy Eucharist by Fr. L. Visconti, CRSP
- St. Anthony & The Forty Hours by Fr. Peter Bonardi, CRSP
- Our Spiritual Umbilical Cord by Mary Grace
- Awesome Wonder by Sr. Rorivic P. Israel, ASP
- SAMZ Rhyme by Sr. Rorivic P. Israel, ASP
- And the Bridge is Love by Fr. R. Delzingaro, CRSP
- My First Holy Communion by Elizabeth, Peter, & Matthew Gambino

OUTSTANDING BARNABITES - "Apostle of Corsica" Saint Alexander Sauli, Bishop
- The Little Flowers of Saint Alexander Sauli

OBLATES OF SAINT PAUL, (OSP)
- Love for the Eucharist… by Rosaire Johnson, OSP

Volume II, Issue 3

INTRODUCTION by Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP

ST. ANTHONY’S DOCTRINE
- The Famous Sayings on Penance

REFLECTIONS & MEDITATIONS

- Pauline Year: A Gift to the Church by His Holiness Benedict XVI
- On St. Anthony Zaccaria by His Holiness Benedict XVI
- In the Footsteps of St. Paul…by Fr. Giovanni Scalese, CRSP
- The Paulism of St. Anthony… by Fr. Mike M. Mancusi,CRSP
- Spiritual Writings by Angelica PaolaAntonia

OUTSTANDING BARNABITES - St. Francis Xavier Bianchi
- The Apostle of Naples… by Fr. Felix M. Sala, CRSP
- The Ascetical Writings of…

ANTHONY’S ANGELS
- Choices by E. Gambino & T. Marlin

Hymn to St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

2009-06-20T16:42:00.011-04:00

Music: Federico Caudana
Text: Fr. Luciano M. Visconti, CRSP
Organ: Ms. Regina R. Reale
Soloist: Mrs. Anna Marie Falcinelli-Ziemian

Hymn to St. Anthony M. Zaccaria

(the link to the Hymn of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria is located on right column)

Saint Anthony Mary, O model of virtues
Our glorious Protector, our homage accept.
As we celebrate you, in heavenly glory,
Our oath of allegiance to you we renew.
Our oath of allegiance to you we renew.

As standard you lifted, the Cross of salvation,
The faithful inviting to fight and to win:
To banish lukewarmness, the worst foe of Christians,
The Church making perfect, rejoicing in Christ.
The Church making perfect, rejoicing in Christ.

The Eucharist preaching, you lover of Jesus,
The means of perfection to souls back you gave.
Will you be more faithful to Christian perfection?
You told them: come, share in the breaking of bread.
You told them: come, share in the breaking of bread.

You took as a pattern Saint Paul, the Apostle,
The Doctor of Nations you followed and loved.
We also your children, with love and in study
Do promise to follow exemplar so great.
Do promise to follow exemplar so great.

Remember O Father, Saint Anthony Mary,
Your family grateful here kneeling in prayer.
Present as your children, to God of all Mercy;
May ever you lead us to heaven above.
May ever you lead us to heaven above.

ST. ANTHONY M. ZACCARIA - THE PHYSICIAN (no1)

2009-06-19T15:22:00.005-04:00

Click it to download

TABLE OF CONTENTS

A brief life history of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria — The Doctor –– 1524 from a book entitled “An Illustrated Life of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria: Founder of the Barnabites and of the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul” (chapter 2)

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria — The Wonder Worker from a book entitled “An Illustrated Life of St. Anthony M. Zaccaria: Founder of the Barnabites and of the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul” (chapter 10)

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria –– The Physician by Giovanni Gigli, MD
The Physician — St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria by Fr. Giuseppe M. Cagni, CRSP

Some pictures from the recording sessions of the Letters of St. Anthony Zaccaria

2009-06-19T14:41:00.007-04:00

From the right: Mrs. Anna Marie Falcinelli-Ziemian, Ms. Regina R. Reale, and Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP

Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP

Ms. Regina R. Reale (music) and Ms. Michelle Handy (voice)

Dr. Robert Piccone (reader)

St. Anthony M. Zaccaria and Lukewarmness (no. 2)

2009-06-18T16:00:00.018-04:00

Click it to download

ST. ANTHONY M. ZACCARIA AND LUKEWARMNESS

Fr. Giuseppe M. Cagni, CRSP

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction.

Part I:Theoretical Aspect - Why Lukewarmness Must Be Banished

1. The Cry of the Time

2. The Answer by the Saint

3. Union with Christ

4. The Doctrine of "Going Always Forward"

4.1 Distinction between Precepts and Counsels

4.1.a. Existence

4.1.b. Nature

4.1.c. Explanation.

4.1.d. Dangers in the Distinction

4.2. The Natural Instinct

4.2.a "Natural Instinct" or "Supernatural Instinct"

4.2.b. Qualities and Shortcomings of the Natural Instinct

4.3. The Honor of One’s Own Family

5. Conclusion: The Banishment Against Lukewarmness

Part II: Practical Aspect - How to Banish Lukewarmness

1. The Fight According to St. Anthony M. Zaccaria

2. The Fight and Its Stages Inside Us

2.1 Presuppositions

2.1.a Natural Presuppositions

2.1.b. Supernatural Presuppositions

3. Stages of the Work

3.1. Negative Stage

3.1.a Community Life

3.1.b. Personal Life

3.2. Positive Stage

3.2.a The Mind

3.2.b. The Heart

3.2.c. Giving Power

4. Conclusion

Endnotes

Zaccarian Spirituality Collection

2009-06-18T15:55:00.004-04:00

MISSION STATEMENT of the Zaccarian Spirituality Collection

“Consider well what I have written to you and try to practice it by deeds, not just by words”

(St. Anthony M. Zaccaria, Letter 3)

The Zaccarian Spirituality Collection is an anthology of works on St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria written or compiled by recognized members of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites), the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and the Laity of St. Paul.

The collection is meant to spread, promote, and renew the spirituality of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria in the English-speaking world.

BARNABITE PUBLICATIONS

Address:

Barnabite Spiritual Center
4301 Hecktown Road
Bethlehem PA 18020, USA

E-mail: BarnabitePublications@gmail.com

Compiled and Edited by:

Robert B. M. Kosek, CRSP
Rorivic Ma. P. Israel, ASSP
Frances Stahlecker
Lynda Stefanski
Anthony M. Bianco, CRSP

Translation by: Frank M. Papa. CRSP

Letters of St. Anthony Zaccaria - iZac

2009-06-18T15:17:00.012-04:00

The Barnabite Fathers of the North American Province are about to release all the 12 Letters of their Holy Founder, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, in audio form (MP3 format). This new media presentation of St. Anthony’s writings will be referred to as iZac

At this time, we are proud to present the first letter of the Saint to Fra Battista da Crema.

Produced by Barnabite Publications

Music: Ms. Regina R. Reale

Reader: Dr. Robert Piccone

Jacket Design: Mr. Greg Gambino

Producer: Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP, Ph.D.

St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria Statue in Vatican

2009-06-05T21:26:00.006-04:00

Are you trying to locate the statue of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria in St. Peter's Basilica?

A website entitled, "STPETERSBASILICA.ORG," provides the information on the specific location of his statue.

The statue was designed by Cesare Aureli, 1909.

ST. ANTHONY'S CORNER OF MY WORLD

2009-05-26T00:41:00.002-04:00

Over the last few years I have become familiar with the many writings and teachings of St. Anthony Zaccaria. Two years ago a Barnabite friend gave me a statue of St. Anthony Zaccaria. The statue has the Saint holding a crucifix of Christ Crucified in his right hand close to his heart. His left hand holds the Holy Eucharist atop a Bible, and near his feet is a medical shield to commemorate his years as a physician prior to becoming a priest. The statue is absolutely beautiful.

When I moved to a new apartment earlier this year, I knew that I wanted to give this statue a prominent place in my living room. I created a little nook devoted to St. Anthony. Gazing at the statue each day brings to mind St. Anthony's many fine attributes. For example, his energy knew no bounds and he was never too busy to help those less fortunate.

He persevered in the face of adversity. That is an inspiration to me when some of life's challenges seem overwhelming. Having the statue nearby, for that reason, has a calming effect on me.

The Saint's disdain for "lukewarmness" is another source of inspiration. Sometimes taking the easy way out of a difficult situation is very tempting to me. If I think of Saint Anthony, I'm reminded that we are all called to do our best in order to be worthy servants of the Lord. St. Anthony's deep, deep love for Jesus inspires me to be more appreciative of the friends and family who the Lord has placed in my life. These individuals help to make my life journey a little easier.

The statue is, and will remain, a very cherished possession.

By Fran Stahlecker

The Layout Artist

2009-05-05T23:59:00.005-04:00

Mr. Greg Gambino, the layout artist of the English Edition of the Bull of Canonization of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria, shows a copy of the document in front of the painting of St. Anthony, Patron of Physicians, at the Barnabite Spiritual Center in Bethlehem, PA.

Photo taken on May 5, 2009

The Original Bull of Canonization in Latin

2009-05-05T23:45:00.002-04:00

The cover page of the Bull

The first page of the Bull

My personal Reflection ..

2009-05-01T13:43:00.009-04:00

No man is an island,

entire of itself;

every man is a piece of the continent,

a part of the main...

John Donne, Meditation XVII

The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and

though all its parts are many,

they form one body.

1 Cor 12:2

Dear Readers,

Without doubt it was Thomas Merton’s book entitled, No Man is an Island, which made John Donne’s expression so noted among general population. This insightful statement carries within itself a lesson to be learned for each of us, just as it was in my case while working on a project that I undertook.

It all started almost a year ago, in June 2008, when I was searching for the homily that Pope Leo XIII made during the canonization of our Holy Founder, St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria. I contacted my confrere, Fr. Filippo M. Lovison, CRSP who was stationed in Rome, for some direction on this matter. It was during my conversation with Fr. Lovison that I had learned about the Bull of Canonization of St. Anthony by the Supreme Pontiff, Leo XIII, entitled, Dilectus Domini nostri, and dated May 27, 1897. This was truly a great blessing and was an answer to my search. However, the document was in the original language, in Latin. So then, I began to look for the person to help me with the translation. I communicated with our Provincial Superior in the North-American Province, Fr. Gabriel M. Patil, CRSP and asked for his assistance. Fr. Patil in turn took upon himself the task to contact our confrere, Bishop Sergio Pagano, CRSP who is at present the Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives, and requested him to have the document translated into English. Fr. Patil and I were also one in asking Bishop Pagano to write the preface to the Bull, owing to his expertise and his position as prefect. Bishop Pagano accepted our requests.

Regarding the translation, we learned that the search for a translator of the document had become a real hurdle almost impossible to overcome. In the final account, the document was translated only into Italian and not into English, as it was originally intended. And so the search for a translator continued. Finally, Fr. Robert F. Slesinki, a friend of mine, who is in Connecticut, USA, agreed to translate the document into English. At this time there was a need for the final work of editing and correcting the document. For this delicate and vital task to the final presentation of the Bull of Canonization to be accomplished, I turned to my friend in the Philippines, an Angelic Sister, Sr. Rorivic Israel. Her editorial work was one of the final touches given to the final form of the document. Now I was left only with finding the person who would creatively and originally provide a graphic form to the document. Mr. Greg Gambino, who is another friend of mine, and who is a graphic designer, did the job, and did it excellently.

These people became instrumental to the completion of the project. From my experience of working with them, I have realized that any endeavor must be done with others. Indeed, no man is an island. I could have not accomplished this project had I done it all by myself.

To all of them, I am deeply grateful.

Fr. Robert B. Kosek, CRSP

________

Photo by Renata Bardecka. Greece

Bull of Canonization of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

2009-04-25T00:09:00.007-04:00

The Bull’s first English translation

comes on the occasion of

Fr. Augusto M. Pucci’s

70th year of dedicated and faithful service

as a Barnabite priest to God and His people.

Rome, Italy 1939 - 8 IV - 2009- Oakville, Canada

__________________________

From the Introduction to Dilectus Domini nostri,

Bull of Canonization of St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria

by †Sergio Pagano, CRSP, Titular Bishop of Celene Prefect of the Vatican Secret Archives

(....)

Vatican City

September 5, 2008

Listening to our Readers..

2009-04-20T23:28:00.004-04:00

Hi Fr. Robert,

Greetings in the Lord! Thank you for sharing Sr. Rorivic Ma Israel's reflections on the calendar. She is indeed a real treasure.

While navigating around the blog, I chose theme #3 to read. I was inspired by the choices that St. Anthony Mary Zaccaria made as a youth and how these choices affected his life. These thoughts were particular meaningful to me as I struggle to raise holy children.

The quote at the top of the page "Enter his world and you will be forever changed" made me laugh out loud! WOW! This is so true for the Gambino family. I feel like St. Anthony is a part of our family and, in fact, it's hard to imagine life without him now. Actually, I think the saying could be modified by changing the wording a little...."Enter the world of the Barnabites, (whose founder was Saint Anthony Zaccaria) and you will be forever changed". I am certain that this is what happened to us. Sometimes, it feels like we've been swept up into a spiritual cyclone! The profound and concrete changes that have taken place within each of us are truly remarkable. One really needs an abundance of stamina to keep up! Thanks be to God and thank you, Fr. Robert, for opening this treasure to us. We are eternally grateful!

Your sister in Christ,

Mary