[MaryVitamin] St. Peter Canisius

Mary Vitamin for December 21st

(Feast of St. Peter Canisius,  S.J., December 21, Doctor of the Church)

 

Topic: Trusting in Our Lady's Help

 

Quote:

St. Jerome

"Even whilst living in this world, the heart of Mary was so filled with tenderness and compassion for men, that no one ever suffered so much for his own pains as Mary suffered for the pains of others."

St. Aphonsus di Liguori,  

The Glories of Mary, (Tan Books) 186.

 

Meditation:

St.  Peter Canisius is best known as the Doctor of the Catechism. In his simple, straightforward way, he was able to communicate the richness and breadth of the Catholic Faith in uncomplicated terms. Active during the Catholic Counter Reformation, he was one of the first followers of St. Ignatius. In addition to the comprehensive catechism, (his name in German is synonymous with the word “catechism”) he also wrote the Opus Marianum garnering high praises as a great Marian teacher from St. John Eudes.

 

With sincere Marian devotion, St. Peter wrote the following words to his step Mother:

"Dear Mother,

            I am sending you a picture of Our Lady as a pledge of affectionate remembrance. May it serve you as a mirror and bring you comfort when sorrow floods into your soul. All her life long holy Mother Mary endured a thousand sorrows and anxieties on account of her dear Son, because even while He was still a child she saw clearly in the light of her heavenly meditations all the sufferings that awaited His tender limbs. Her tears used to fall on the little hands and feet that one day great nails would violently pierce, and she used to kiss the holy brow destined for its crown of thorns. So, dearest Mother, offer up all your affliction in union with the sorrows of the holy Mother of God. Place all your troubles and anxieties in the stricken heart of the Queen of Heaven, for she can protect you better than could all mankind put together. Do not take so much to heart what cannot now be changed."

Fr. James Brodrick, S.J. Saint Peter Canisius,  ( Jesuit Way  -- an imprint of Loyola Press) 62.

 

Resolution:

St.  Peter sent his mother an image of Our Lady and counseled her to turn all her troubles and anxieties over to the stricken heart of the Queen of Heaven. Today, when I see my image of Our Lady, I will follow the advice of St. Peter Canisius, Doctor of the Church, and turn my troubles over to Our Lady.

 

Marian Vow:

Consecration to the Immaculate is a daily process.  St.  Peter reminds us in his commentary on the Hail Mary that our Lady already watches over us in a daily way:

 

"To be sure, walking in the footsteps of the Holy Fathers, we not only salute the praiseworthy and admirable Virgin, who is as a lily among thorns, but we also believe and profess her to be endowed with such great power that she can listen to, assist and favor poor mortals as long as they especially commend themselves and their desires to her and suppliantly expect daily grace through her motherly intercession."

Fr. Christopher Rengers, O.F.M. Cap. The 33 Doctors of the Church, (Tan Books: 2000), 473,

 

I give this resolution to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

 

Thanks be to God for graces received.

 

Related sites: Castle of the Immaculate & AirMaria

 

For further reading, please see an article by Fr. John Hardon, S.J.,  called:

St. Peter Canisius and Christmas Joy

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