Monday, March 29
BLESSED LODOVICO DA CASORIA (Italy, 1814-1885)
Franciscan, Founder of Gray Brothers and Gray Sisters
Born Arcangelo Palmentieri near Naples, he was a cabinet-maker before
he joined the Franciscan Friars Minor in 1832. His first assignment was
to teach chemistry, physics and math in Franciscan schools. In 1847,
he underwent a mystical experience which he called 'a cleansing', after
which he dedicated himself to charitable work with such energy that one
biography calls him 'a cyclone of charity'. Specifically he set up schools
and institutions to serve the poor, children and the elderly. In 1859, he
set up the Gray Brothers (Frati Bigi) from members of the Franciscan Third
Order to carry out this work, and a few years later, the Gray Sisters (Suore
Bigie). He was beatified in 1993.
Readings for today's Mass: www.usccb.org/nab/readings/032910.shtml
No OR today.
THE POPE'S DAY
The Holy Father met today with
- Cardinal Leonardo Sandri, Prefect of the Congregation for Oriental Churches
- Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples
- Cardinal Julián Herranz, Emeritus President of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts
- Mons. Salvatore Fisichella, President of the Pontifical Academy for Live, and
Rector of the Pontifical Lateran University
This evening at 6 p.m., the Holy Father will preside at a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica to commemorate
the fifth anniversary of the death of the Venerable John Paul II. This year, it falls on Good Friday,
therefore the commemorative Mass has been advanced.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 29/03/2010 15:37]