First Sunday in Lent
Sermon by His Excellency Bishop Louis Vezelis, OFM
From Our Lady of the Angels in Rochester, NY
Province of St. Peter of Alcantara
http://www.songweetrains.com/sermons/1stSundayinLent.mp3

The simple wisdom of Saint John Vianney

This glorious saint, a Franciscan Tertiary, was responsible for the conversion of over 30,000 wayward sinners; "big fish" as he would call them. His words are simple and profound, and he proved himself to be most pleasing in the eyes of the Sovereign Lord.

The devil hated him with an especial fury, and once, out of utter frustration, revealed to him this gem: "If there were 3 such men as you on this earth, my kingdom would crumble."

He spoke most forcefully against calumny and detraction, in these and similar words:

"As long as our neighbor's faults are concealed he preserves his good name; but as soon as you make them known his reputation is injured and you thereby cause him a greater injustice than if you robbed him of his belongings, for the Holy Ghost tells us that a good name is above riches. "

"This vice spares neither good nor bad; it is enough for me to tell you, that this vice is one of those that are responsible for most of the souls that go to hell."

"To speak badly of persons consecrated to God, of the servants of the Church, is a much greater sin, on account of the lamentable results to religion and of the detriment of their position. The Holy Ghost speaking by the mouth of the prophet says: "To abuse and revile His servants is to touch the apple of His eye"; that means, nothing can offend Him more. This sin consequently is a crime, the enormity of which surpasses all comprehension. Christ also said: 'Whosoever despises you, despises Me.'"

God is good

Here is Bishop Louis' sermon from Quinquagesima Sunday.
It has been converted to the mp3 format, and runs about 58 minutes in length.
May God bless you all.

http://www.songweetrains.com/sermons/07quinquagesimasunday.mp3

Sexagesima Sunday at the Portiuncula

Bishop Louis Vezelis, OFM

http://songweetrains.com/sermons/07sexagesima.dvf

"Discernment of Spirits"
By His Excellency Bishop Louis Vezelis, OFM
Now available from St. Anthony Friary
This marvelous collection of the writings of the Doctors and Fathers of the Church, numerous holy mystics, and Holy Scripture, was originally printed in the Seraph over 20 years ago as a series of articles. It was made into a complete book at the request of many souls who are seeking to advance in the Spiritual Life. St. Anthony of the Desert explains that although the holy desert monks, for example, fasted, kept vigils, and endured all the rigors of a disciplined spirituality; yet they lacked discernment of spirits, and therefore failed to make any progress if they were at all able to persevere.
Do not be ignorant concerning the marks of the divine, human, and evil spirits, as we do not always have our spiritual director close at hand.
This priceless gem will cetainly enrich the spiritual life of any pious soul seeking the guidance of our Good Shepherd.
The suggested donation for this most excellent book is just $10; as mendicant Friars, a larger sum would certainly be accepted and graciously appreciated.
May God bless you all.

Prayer of St. Augustine
Made public by order of Pope Urban VII

Before Your eyes, O Lord, we bring our offences, and we compare them with the stripes we have received.
If we consider the evil we have wrought, what we suffer is little, what we deserve is great.
What we have commited is very grave, what we have suffered is very slight.
We feel the punishment of sin, yet withdraw not from the obstinacy of sinning.
Under Your lash our inconstancy is visited, but our sinfulness is not changed.
Our suffering soul is tormented, but our neck is not bent.
Our life groans under sorrow, yet mends not in deed.
If you spare us we correct not our ways: if you punish we cannot endure it.
In time of correction we confess our wrong-doing: after Your visitation we forget that we have wept.
If You stretch forth Your hand we promise amendment; if You withhold the sword we keep not our promise.
If you strike we cry out for mercy: if You spare we again provoke you to strike.
Here we are before You, O Lord, shameless criminals: we know that unless You pardon we shall deservedly perish.
Grant, then, Almighty Father, without our deserving it, the pardon we ask for; You who made out of nothing those who ask You. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
V. Deal not with us, O Lord, according to our sins.
R. Neither requite us according to our iniquities.
Let us pray.
O God, You are offended by sin and pacified by penance; mercifully regard the prayers of Your suppliant people, and turn away the scourges of Your wrath, which we deserve for our sins. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

"The priests, ministers of my Son, the priests, by their wicked lives, by their irreverence and their impiety in the celebration of the holy mysteries, by their love of money, their love of honours and pleasures, the priests have become cesspools of impurity. Yes, the priests are asking vengeance, and vengeance is hanging over their heads. Woe to the priests and to those dedicated to God who by their unfaithfulness and their wicked lives are crucifying my Son again! The sins of those dedicated to God cry out towards Heaven and call for vengeance, and now vengeance is at their door, for there is no one left to beg mercy and forgiveness for the people. There are no more generous souls, there is no one left worthy of offering a stainless sacrifice to the Eternal for the sake of the world."

Let us give thanks to the Almighty God of mercy that He has vouchsafed to grant us true Franciscan Fathers in these days which wound Our Mother's Immaculate Heart so deeply.

"Sola perseverantia coronatur."

"The crown is given only to perseverance."

The Seraphic Doctor

Saint Bonaventure of Bagnorea

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