From: rich <richarra@gmail.com>

24 February =E2=80=93 Bl Thomas Mary Fusco/Tommaso Maria Fusco
=C2 (1831-1891 died aged 59)

=C2 Priest and Founder called an =E2=80=9CApostle of Charity=E2=80=9D =E2= =80=93 Patron of
Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood

Thomas was born to a noble family in 1831 in Pagani, Italy. He was the
seventh of eight children. When he was only six years old, his mother
died of cholera. A few years later, his father also died. His uncle, a
primary school teacher, took charge of Thomas' education.

The canonization of St. Alphonsus Liguori in 1839 stirred aspirations
for the priesthood in Thomas' heart. He entered the seminary in 184=
7
and was ordained a priest in 1855. Immediately Thomas opened a morning
school for the formation of boys and organized evening prayers for
youth and adults. During these years, Thomas nurtured a deep devotion
to the crucified Christ and to his Blessed Sorrowful Mother because of
the deaths of his uncle and younger brother.

In 1862 he opened a school of moral theology in his home to train
priests for the ministry of confession. That same year he also founded
the priestly Society of the Catholic Apostolate for missions among the faithful.

In 1873, Thomas was deeply moved by the plight of an orphaned street
girl. After careful discernment, he founded the Congregation of the =E2=80=9CDaughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood=E2=80=9D.

For the remainder of his years, he was completely dedicated to his
priestly ministry, preaching spiritual retreats and missions, teaching catechism to youth and organizing prayer for young people and adults
at his parish. He worked to build a strong devotion to the Most
Precious Blood of Jesus among the people he served.

In 1891, Thomas died of liver disease at the age of 59.
The cause for his beatification was opened in 1955 and the decree of
his heroic Christian virtues was published in 2001. At Thomas'
beatification, Blessed John Paul II presented him as =E2=80=9Can example an=
d a
guide to holiness for priests, for the people of God and for his
spiritual daughters, the Daughters of Charity of the Most Precious Blood.=E2=80=9D

https://anastpaul.com/2017/02/24/


Quote of the Day =E2=80=93 24 February
=E2=80=9CPatience is the safeguard
and pillar of all the virtues=E2=80=9D.
~~~ Blessed Thomas Mary Fusco


Thought for the Day =E2=80=93 24 February
It was not long before Fr Tommaso Maria, envied for the good he
achieved in his ministry and for his life as an exemplary priest, was
faced with humiliation and persecution and, in 1880, even a brother
priest's slanderous calumny.=C2 However, sustained by the Lord, =
he
lovingly carried that cross which his own Bishop Ammirante had
foretold at the time of his institute's foundation: =E2=80=9CHave y=
ou chosen
the title of the Most Precious Blood? Well, may you be prepared to
drink the bitter cup=E2=80=9D.
Know that we are all called to drink His Cup and carry His Cross but
never forget =E2=80=93 he carries and drinks with us all!
(St John Paul at the Beatification of Blessed Thomas).


Therefore, do not throw away your confidence; it will have great recompense=
..
You need endurance to do the will of God and receive what he has promised=E2=80=A6Hebrews 10:35-36

REFLECTION =E2=80=93 =E2=80=9CMay work and suffering for God always be your=
glory and
in your work and suffering, may God be your consolation on this earth
and your recompense in heaven.=E2=80=9D=E2=80=A6Bl Thomas Mary Fusco

PRAYER =E2=80=93 O Lord my God, give me the strength to endure with patienc=
e
the sufferings I encounter in my life. Teach me to do my daily work
for You alone and to do more than that in every way I can, for your
greater glory. Blessed Thomas Mary Fusco, pray that we may achieve the
crown of glory in heaven, amen.

--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)