Liturgical Calendar

Saint of the day

Saint Seraphin of Montegranaro (1540-1604)

Saint Seraphin was born into a poor family in Italy. He spent his youth as a prayerful shepherd. After young Seraphin and his brother were orphaned, his brother began to mistreat him. Seraphin felt called at the age of 16 to become a Capuchin Franciscan. He astounded everyone with his humility and selflessness. Seraphin emulated the life of Saint Francis by fasting, dressing simply, and showing consideration for all. He also spent many hours each day praying before the Blessed Sacrament and ministering to the poor who came begging at the monastery. Seraphin stretched to remarkable spiritual heights, and has had miracles accredited to him. Saint Seraphin of Montegranaro was canonized in 1767.

Reflection

If you have been treated unfairly or unkindly by a friend or family member, have you become an unkind or unfair person yourself? Or, have you been able to overcome the poor treatment that you received and to show consideration and love for all?

Prayer

Blessed Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, strengthen me to know you are present with me, especially when I am lonely and despairing. Let me know that your strength is there for me. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens.")

Meditations

Meditation for Reading 1

As you grow older, you will probably experience an intense longing for something more in life. We try to fill this empty place in our hearts with relationships, activities, and often addictive behaviors. But it cannot be filled with those things. The longing in every human heart can only be filled by God. People may describe it in different ways: finding a purpose in life, hoping there's more than this world, wanting to belong to something bigger. You will truly be a wise person if you realize at a young age the folly of trying to fill this longing with anything other than your relationship with God. (Taken from “Take Ten – Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)