Saturday, December 18, Third Week of Advent
BLESSED ANTHONY GRASSI (Italy, 1591-1671), Priest
Born in Fermo, northeast Italy, near Loreto, he was a devotee of Our Lady of Loreto
from his childhood. He became an Oratorian father [St. Philip Neri's order] known
for his unflappable serenity and his gifts as a father confessor and spiritual
counselor in his hometown. In 1621, he was struck by lightning while praying at
the Loreto shrine and was electrocuted so badly he was paralyzed and was expected
to die. But he survived, and thereafter, he made an annual pilgrimage to Loreto. In
1625, he was named superior of the Oratorians in Fermo. His basic rule for everyone
was 'ad litteram', meaning follow orders to the letter. His central passion was the
daily Mass and Adoration in a long life that was otherwise unremarkable. In old age,
as he lost his physical faculties, his Archbishop came to give him Communion every
day. He was beatified in 1900.
OR today.
Benedict XVI welcomes the new Italian ambassador to the Holy See:
Bilateral pacts promote 'distinction and collaboration'
Pope reiterates the legitimate role of religion in the public sphere
Other papal stories: The Pope's homily at The Thursday Vespers with Rome's university students; and his remarks to the delegation from South Tyrol who donated this year's Vatican Christmas trees. Also on Page 1: An editorial commentary on the Pope's 'unconventional message' on religious freedom in his message for World Peace Day 2011; the US Congress votes to extend Bush tax cuts for two more years; and street fighting in the Ivory Coast as a result of outgoing president's refusal to accept electoral defeat. In the inside pages, three articles about Titian, in connection with a major exhibit of his paintings in Milan.
THE POPE'S DAY
This morning, the Pope visited the Vatican Apostolic Library for the first time since it re-opened in September
following three years of renovation and reconstruction.
The Vatican released the Pope's message for the next World Day for the Sick, celebrated yearly on the Feast
of Our Lady of Lourdes on February 11.
The Holy Father has named Mons. Antonio Mennini, who until now was Apostolic Nuncio in Russia and Uzbekistan
to be Apostolic Nuncio in the United Kingdom. He succeeds Mons. Faustino Sainz, who, earlier this year, had
a severe stroke that left him seriously debilitated before the Pope's visit to the UK.
[Modificato da TERESA BENEDETTA 18/12/2010 17:20]