Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi (20th Century)
for November 28
Two of the first people Pope John Paul II beatified in the new millennium were Luigi and Maria (Corsini) Beltrame Quattrocchi. They were an Italian couple who were married for forty-six years. They had four children, three of whom entered religious life. The Quattrocchi family was busy and active in the world around them. Maria wrote books on the mother's role in the education of her children. She accompanied sick people on pilgrimages to Lourdes, in France. Luigi was a lawyer and worked for the Italian government. He was an active participant in several Catholic organizations. Every day the Quattrocchi family prayed the Rosary together, and they shared a daily devotion to the Eucharist. The Quattrocchis knew what it meant to live in modern times, with the threats of war, disease, terrorism, and poverty. The family was involved in helping Jewish people escape Nazi persecution in Italy. Their strength was in their faith. Pope John Paul II beatified Luigi and Maria in October 2001. Beatification is the final step before being named a saint of the Church. Luigi and Maria and their family remind us of Jesus' family of ancient times. Both families are models for us today. The Quattrocchis' feast day is November 28.
Read more about Blessed Luigi and Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi (20th Century)
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Reflection
Who is my family? We can actually answer the question in more ways than one. We think first of our immediate family at home. Regardless of what it is like—one parent or two, one sibling or many—it is our family. You may also belong to other groups—close friends, teams—that feel like family to you. You also have your Church family. Catholics are never Catholic Christians alone. The Holy Spirit brings us together as a community, a family of believers. And just as in your biological family, you can be either a passive member or a contributing member. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
Prayer
Father of us all, thank you for the gift of the family of believers. Help me to notice others in my faith community. Help me to consider how I might be helpful to other members of that family. (Taken from "Take Ten: Daily Bible Reflections for Teens”)
