On Resisting Temptation [7]

Some suffer great temptations in the beginning of their conversion,
and some in the end. And some there are who are much troubled in a
manner all their life time. Some are but lightly tempted, according to
the wisdom and equity of the ordinance of God, who weighs the state
and merits of men, and pre-ordains all for the salvation of his elect.
--Thomas à Kempis --Imitation of Christ Bk 1, Ch 13

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November 19: - Mary, Mother of Divine Providence

This title celebrates the role that the Lord entrusted to Mary, whose
“loving providence is always wise and unfailing.” Established by Pope Benedict XIV in 1744, and granted to the Congregation of Clerks
Regular of Saint Paul (also known as the Barnabites), devotion to Mary
as Mother of Divine Providence celebrates the wisdom of the loving
mother of Christ.

Pope Benedict XIV declared this feast in honor of our mother, who
cares for each of her children “entrusted to her by Christ Jesus while
He hung upon the cross.” He further proclaimed her the “handmaid of
God’s love who interceded with her Son at Cana of Galilee for the
bridegroom and bride.” Lastly, Pope Benedict XIV stated what all
Catholics believe, that Mary, “now enthroned as Queen at her Son’s
right hand, provides for all the needs of the Church.” We trust in the
divine Providence of Our Lord, who chose Mary to bring forth the
Savior of the World.

The devotion to Our Lady, Mother of Divine Providence is intimately
connected to the history of the first Barnabite house in Rome, where
it began. Since that time, devotion to Our Lady under this title has
spread throughout the Church, as we recognize that Mary is the perfect
teacher of what Providence should mean in our lives. Through the life
of Mary, we learn not only about the Providence of Our Lord, but also
to trust in that Providence, even when we are scared, the journey is
difficult, or the moments we find ourselves in are more painful than
we can tolerate. In those moments, in examining the life of Our
Blessed Mother, we see her complete trust, and her cooperation with
that which the Lord put before her.

In 1611, during the construction of the first Barnabite church in
Rome, the Church of Saint Charles ai Catinari, money was sparse, and
the pastor, Father Blaise Palma, was forced to halt construction. Not
willing to give up on the completion of the project, however, Father
Palma made a pilgrimage to Loreto to beg the aid of Our Lady who he
was certain would hear his plea. Miraculously, upon his return to
Rome, the order received the necessary financial means to continue
building the church, and in 1650, construction was completed. Wishing
to document the role of the Blessed Virgin in completion of the
church, Father Palma wrote a lengthy and factual account and placed it
in the parish archives. He recommended that everyone appeal to Mary
with the greatest confidence whenever difficulties presented
themselves.

Years later, the Barnabites were forced to abandon their home in Rome,
and while fleeing, wished to remove a portion of the wall of the house
on which was painted a miraculous image of Mary. Sadly, when they
attempted to hang the secured mural over the altar in their new home,
it shattered. The architect responsible for the destruction of the
priceless image offered a remarkable painting of Our Blessed Mother
holding the Infant Jesus in her arms.
This painting, completed by Raphael’s disciple Gaetan,
depicts Jesus confidently clasping the hands of his mother, Our
Mother. The Barnabites interpret this pose to be a symbol of the
sacred source of the power of the Mother of God. The Child seems to be
saying: "Mother, I place in your hands the authority to act in my
name. From my infinite treasure, you are to provide good things to all
those who implore your aid."

This beautiful painting was placed on the altar of a chapel on the
first floor of the Saint Charles rectory behind the main altar. The
Barnabites used to gather there daily for the recitation of the Divine
Office and their spiritual exercises. Upon discovery of the writings
of Father Palma in the archives, the community came to be devoted to
Our Lady of Divine Providence, as evidenced in the confident love of
Father Palma and the confidence of Christ in Gaetan’s portrait.

When we consider Mary, Mother of Divine Providence, we are reminded
that Our Lord does not make mistakes. Nothing happens by accident, but
rather everything has it’s divine purpose. That purpose is always to
bring us closer to the Lord who created us, through the intercession
and grace bestowed upon us through His Mother. We are reminded that,
like Mary, every event of our lives, every person we encounter, every
mistake we make, can lead us even closer to God—if we trust in Him and cooperate with Him. Humbly, obediently, and patiently, we must place
ourselves at the Lord’s disposal, trusting in His goodness, His
wisdom, and His plan—however incomprehensible it may be!
-- by Jacob

Saint Quote:
"I fear the good opinion which my friends have formed of me: they will
believe me in Heaven and leave me to suffer."
--St. Francis de Sales

Bible Quote:
"Rebuke is more effective for a wise man Than a hundred blows on a
fool." (Proverbs 17:10)


<><><><>
PRAYER TO MARY, MOTHER OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE

Virgin Mary, Immaculate Mother of Divine Providence, protect our life
and sanctify us with the gift of grace. Obtain for us from the Father
of mercy and the God of consolation pardon for our sins,
reconciliation with our brothers and sisters, and comfort in the midst
of afflictions. Renew our hearts that they may be come worthy dwelling
places of your Divine Son, Jesus. Help us in our struggles against
mediocrity, self-seeking, and pride so we can generously serve our
neighbor. We entrust ourselves to you, 0 Mary, in our pilgrimage in
this world. We invoke you as our guide and our defense against
dangers. In the present tribulations, give us secure refuge. 0 sweet
Mother of Divine Providence, turn your eyes to ward us, you who are
our hope on earth. Grant that we may have you as our Mother in the
glory of heaven. Amen.

See Pictures
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Our_Lady_of_Providence

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