From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
May 19: Pope Saint Peter Celestine V
(1215-1296)
Pope Saint Peter Celestine V , example of profound humility, and
reluctant pope. Saint Celestine serves as a remarkable example of
obedience to the Lord, serving only to glorify God, and running from
personal glory during his life. He is referred to as the =E2=80=9CPhoenix o=
f
the Church,=E2=80=9D and was truly unique in that upon being placed on the Throne of Saint Peter, he spontaneously abdicated from his position,
though none contested his election, for the glory of the Lord and the
good of the Church and her people.
Peter was born in Isernia, Italy, in 1215, the 11th of 12 children of
humble, pious parents. His father died when he was very young, and his
mother, a hard-working woman, raised her 12 children herself. His
mother, instructing them in their daily prayers, would frequently ask,
"Which one of you is going to become a saint?" Without exception,
Peter would answer "Me, Mama! I'll become a saint!" In his daily
prayers Peter received visits from Angels, Saints and the Virgin Mary.
He recounted everything with simplicity to his mother. Recognizing his
piety and faith, Peter's mother ensured that he was well educated,
preparing him for a religious life.
At age 17, Peter entered the Monastery of Santa Maria di Faifoli, near Montagano, Italy, becoming a Benedictine monk. Here he began to pursue
a life of solitude, and at age 20, became a hermit, moving into a cave
on Mount Morrone, and receiving his surname, Celestine. Peter spent
his days preaching and reading the Scriptures, attracting a large
crowd who would come to him for spiritual guidance and counseling. At
age 30, Peter moved to Mount Majella with two other companions, where
he began to apply to himself a life of strict mortification rules. He
would fast for 6 days a week, undertake long prayers, wear hair shirts
and iron chains. If he was not praying or reading, he would copy books
or do some hard work so that the devil would not find him doing
nothing, and tempt him. As many continued to flock to him, he founded
the order of the Celestines. During this time, he studied for the
priesthood, becoming ordained and receiving Papal approval for his
order.
During the years he spent on the mountain, Peter's life was filled
with miracles. The mysterious sound of celestial bells seemed to ring
all day and frequently heavenly voices were heard singing in the air.
A mysterious dove, whiter than snow, often lit on Peter's oratory, and
when the new church he had built reached completion, angels appeared,
clothed in gowns of white, and were overheard to say, "Let us attend
the dedication." While celebrating the office, a beautiful seamless
garment, like that worn by the angels, fell upon the shoulders of
Saint Peter, a sign of Heaven's approval of his sanctity.
Despite his ordination and years of prayer and mortification, Peter
considered himself unworthy of serving the Lord. Moreover, he
considered himself unworthy of celebrating Mass, and only changed his
mind after hearing a Divine Voice that convinced him. =E2=80=9CI am not wor= thy
of offering the Holy Sacrifice,=E2=80=9D Peter protested. The Lord replied: =E2=80=9CAnd who is worthy of such a thing? Celebrate it, despite your unworthiness, but offer it in fear.=E2=80=9D
Following the death of Pope Nicholas IV, the cardinals convened a
conclave to elect a new pope, but could not come to a decision. As the
conclave stretched into it's second year, Peter received a message
from God, which he personally delivered to the cardinals. Upon hearing
his message--that the Lord was not pleased with the delay in selecting
a successor--the cardinals promptly elected Peter as the 192nd pope.
Peter Celestine became Pope Celestine V, although reluctantly. In
delivering his message from the Lord, he had not sought the position,
nor did he consider himself qualified. Such was his humility that upon
hearing of his appointment--at age 84-- he wept sorrowfully, but
accepted the will of the Lord obediently.
Saint Celestine served as pope for only approximately five months. The
primary objective of his pontificate was to reform the clergy, many of
whom were using spiritual power to obtain worldly power at the time.
Celestine sought a way to bring the faithful to the original Gospel
spirit, and he settled on "Pardon" - he called for a year of
forgiveness of sins, and return to evangelical austerity and fidelity.
Despite these positive reformations, during Celestine's five month
papacy, due to his humble nature and simplicity--many took advantage
of him. He was, in his simple trust, no match for the corruption that
plagued the Church at that time. He could not say "no" to anyone, and
soon the Vatican found itself surrounded by great confusion. At last,
the humble man, also quite wise, decided to give up his position as
Pope, lest he do permanent damage to the Church and place his own
position above that of the will of God. Therefore, on December 13,
1294, clothed in full pontifical vesture, he read before the Cardinals
this act of his great renunciation, asking for forgiveness for his
inability to lead the Church:
=E2=80=9CInspired by many legitimate reasons, desiring a more humble state = and
a more perfect life, fearing to compromise my conscience and seeing my
weakness and incapacity, considering the malice of men and yearning
for the rest and spiritual consolation I enjoyed before I was raised
to this position, I, Celestine V, Pope, do hereby freely and
voluntarily renounce the Sovereign Pontificate and abandon the dignity
and position to which I was raised.=E2=80=9D
Saint Celestine hoped to return to the mountains, living the remaining
days in one of his monasteries in peace. However, the newly elected
pope, Boniface VIII (who ushered in the years of great schism in the
papacy), was worried that Celestine may try to reclaim the papacy. He
had him locked in a cell, stating it would be =E2=80=9Csafer to keep him wh= ere
wicked people could not take advantage of him.=E2=80=9D Pope Saint Celestin=
e V
was put in a hidden cell in a Roman house, where he eventually died
after 10 months of solitude. During this time, he was cheerful and
close to God. "You wanted a cell, Peter," he would repeat to himself,
"and a cell you have."
Saint Celestine died on May 19, 1296 and was buried in the church of
Saint Agatha in Ferentino, Italy. He was later re-interred in the
Church of Saint Maria di Collemaggio, in Aquila, Italy--the church
that he was asked to build by the Blessed Virgin in a vision while
living as a hermit. The church was greatly damaged during an
earthquake in 2009, but the saint's relics, still venerated
today--were spared destruction. While inspecting the earthquake
damage, Pope Benedict XVI visited Celestine's remains in the badly
damaged Santa Maria di Collemaggio and left the woolen pallium he wore
during his papal inauguration in April 2005 on his glass casket as a
gift. To mark the 800th anniversary of Celestine's birth, Pope
Benedict XVI proclaimed the Celestine year from August 28, 2009
through August 29, 2010. The Apostolic Penitentiary has granted a
special plenary indulgence to those who pray before the remains of
Saint Celestine V during the year dedicated to him.
Saint Quote:
Our Savior's passion raises men and women from the depths, lifts them
up from the earth, and sets them in the heights.
--St. Maximus of Turin
Bible Quote:
But at that time Michael shall rise up, the great prince, who standeth
for the children of thy people: and a time shall come, such as never
was from the time that nations began, even until that time. And at
that time shall thy people be saved every one that shall be found
written in the book. (Daniel 12:1) DRB
<><><><>
Perfection
True perfection does not consist in abandoning a life of sin as a
slave might for fear of punishment; nor in doing good in the hope of
receiving a reward. Expecting the virtuous life to yield a profit
would be making it a matter of trade and commerce. No, it seems to me
that to be perfect we must look beyond even the hoped-for blessings
which we have been promised are stored up for us. Our only fear should
be the loss of God's friendship, and the only honor or pleasure we
covet should be that of becoming God's friend. You can attain such perfection--and I know that you will attain it abundantly--if you
raise your mind to the majesty of God. The gain will surely be shared
by all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
--St. Gregory of Nyssa
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)