a year of prayer: 365 Rosaries

“Francesco made the love taught us by Christ the fundamental characteristic of his existence, the basic criterion of his thought and activity, the supreme summit of his aspirations.” (Pope John Paul II)


"In his preaching he spoke in a familiar way, filled as he was with the love of God and neighbor; fired by the Spirit, he made use of the words and deed of Holy Scripture, stirring his listeners and moving them to do penance.” (a witness to his preaching, recorded in the investigation for his canonization)


Today, November 27, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Francesco Antonio Fasani (also known as Saint Francis Anthony, 1681-1742), Franciscan mystic, teacher, confessor, and preacher. Saint Francesco lived a humble life, remaining open to the call of the Lord, and serving Him by serving those he encountered every day.

Francesco was born in Lucera (Southeast Italy) and grew up a pious child. He entered the Conventional Franciscan order at the young age of 14, taking the name Francis. Ordained ten years later. Initially, he was appointed to teach philosophy to the younger friars, served as the guardian of his friary, became the provincial of the order, master of novices, and finally pastor in his hometown. There he lived for 35 years, an unwavering witness to the Gospel life and a zealous pastor.

Regardless of what ministry he was undertaking, Francesco approached his task devoutly, with his whole heart open to God. He was loving and penitential, generous to a fault, charitable, and gentle. Francesco was much sought-after as a confessor and preacher. He further was a gifted alms-gatherer, successfully obtaining from wealthy benefactors the much-needed money and goods for the suffering poor. He was known to all, by all, as “Padre Maestro,” Father Master.

From the Vatican biography of Saint Francesco:

“The spiritual life of Fr. Fasani was characterized by those virtues that made him like his Seraphic Father St. Francis. In fact, it was said in Lucera: "Whoever wants to see how St. Francis looked while he was alive should come to see Padre Maestro." In imitation of St. Francis he built his religious life on the basis of a generous participation in the mysteries of Christ through the most faithful practice of the evangelical counsels, which he considered to be a radical expression of perfect charity. In his constant prayers, inflamed with seraphic love, he called out to God, saying to Him: "O Highest Love, Immense Love, Eternal Love, Infinite Love."


His fervent devotion to the Immaculate Mother of the Lord was nourished by his intense dedication to knowing ever better "who Mary is" and making her known to others, while at the same time knowing and making known the maternal role entrusted to her in the history of salvation with faith and love.”


As a worthy ministry of "the one who uninterruptedly exercises his priestly mission for us in the Liturgy through the Spirit" (PO, 5), Fr. Fasani dedicated himself with zeal-especially the administration of the sacrament of Penance and the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. "He heard the confession of every type of person," asserted a witness, "with the greatest patience and kindness on his face". He was charitable and welcoming to all, giving as his reason the hope of being able one day to say to the Lord: "I was indulgent, I don't deny it; but it was You who taught me to be so."


The most holy Eucharist was the summit of his religious life and wholly represented the goal toward which be ordered his entire priestly ministry. In fact, he always considered the Eucharist "the source and summit of evangelization," and that the faithful were "fully incorporated into the Body of Christ through the Eucharist" (PO, 5). A fervent minister of the Eucharist, Fr. Fasani celebrated the sacrifice of the Mass with an intense ardor that lifted and nourished his spirit while at the same time it edified all who were present. In his preaching he inculcated in the faithful the love of the Eucharist, promoting even daily communion.”


Saint Francesco died peacefully, calling out to the Lord, at the age of sixty one. At his death in Lucera, children ran through the streets and cried out, "The saint is dead! The saint is dead!" Francesco was canonized in 1986.



Year 2: Day 329 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Humble lives devoted wholly to the Lord.
Requested Intentions: Financial security for a mother (M); Health, finances, successful marriage (A); Successful resolution of court case for son (K); Continued sobriety (N); Healing of a chronic health condition (B); Successful employment (A): Peace in a family, recovery of a niece from substance use (L); Blessings on a marriage, healing of a husband (P); For the health and recovery of sisters (B); For a daughter and granddaughter (D); Blessings on overseas employment (M); Healing of mother (L); Successful employment for husband (G); Successful employment, personal fulfillment (C); Health and recovery of ill sister (A); Resolution of legal issues; Grace and protection (E); Successful and meaningful employment (S); Restoration of a marriage (A); Peace and tolerance in a family, support for those with Parkinson’s Disease (M); For the restoration of a daughter’s marriage, end to debt (S); Employment and continued strength (K); Successful examinations for a son (J); Employment and blessings of a child (S); Employment and financial security (F); Successful work placement, continued health (A); Grace and healing for a family (P); Healing of a father (M).

At the grief was tormented,
And when you entirely exhausted, a
That I may impart to us the
And to rouse us from death!


O death in which we as greedy girl,
How merciless man, how bitter,
What his way through the and entered the
In the life of the world which is alive,
Thee, that bites the, most sweet to the heart of!


Because of the death, that thou hast taken,
When grown weary for me,
Of my heart, the heart of the levy, and
The whole in thee bring us the affection;
That is, what I pray that the greatest weight.


Through the marrow of the of my heart,
Of a sinner and,
Let your love be transferred,
In which a power, is wounded,
Whoever you are embraced.


In thee have I, while the spear is bent.


Broaden the spirit, to open,
Wonderfully fragrant with a rose, as it were;
You on my heart, reconcile,
Anoint it, and it compunction;
He that loves thee, does he suffer any!


What he loves, he does not know in very deed,
Nor consider itself to be valid,
There is no manner gives to love, and
The death of many things he wished to die,


Of love for each one was defeated.
Live! You may live! I cry out to thee,
Sweet to the heart, for I love thee;
To bow at my heart,
However that may be able to apply the
Devoted to you in his breast.


In the love of your live.
Do not let him slumber in the torpor;
Let him pray To Thee, to Thee If she cries,
You may rejoice, let him accept of thee
While enjoying the Thee at all times.


Smacks of an odor of sweet.


To you, you will draw my heart
And I do not despise a, reverently, the accused,
That now he be to thee near to being a
Put in your bosom, within the,
However that may be in thee to find it.


Rest Here, here longer;
See, now he is moved after thee,
You with flaming wants to feel, to
Clearly wants to go in,
That well of thee and feel, and


You now of thy sweetness,
I am I give to you me to the whole,
All you from entering in the
I want to, do not, enemies to
Thy heart shall me to welcome.


(Hymn written by Saint Hermann Joseph to the Sacred Heart)

Today, April 7, we celebrate the feast of Saint Hermann Joseph (also known as “Little Herman,” 1150-1241), mystic, visionary, monk, and one of the most beloved of Medieval saints. Throughout his life, from an early age, Saint Hermann Joseph was especially devoted to Our Blessed Mother and the Holy Family, spending his days in prayer and contemplation of the Sacred Heart. In his devotion, he was rewarded with mystical visions and ecstasies, during which Our Blessed Mother spoke with him and provided for him, and the Christ child played with him. Saint Hermann devoted his life to the Lord, becoming a monk, and leaving behind numerous writings, poems, and hymns of praise.

Little Hermann was born in Cologne, Germany. As a child he demonstrated great piety and devotion, picturing himself as a loyal and brave knight, and the Virgin Mary as his lady fair. He demonstrated great strength and presence, as was adept at both athletic and mechanical tasks. Always calm, dignified, and reserved—even as a child—he was a sensitive and sensibly boy whose eyes “gave off little sparks” according to those who knew him. He demonstrated consistent discipline in weaning himself from the temptations of the world, instead focusing on spiritual pursuits.

Hermann was equally adept at his studies, cultivating his mind, learning, and curiosity through the reading of literature—especially the ancient writers of the Church. He enacted great austerities and penance upon himself, expecting near perfection in his bodily life, but was forgiving, courteous, and kind to all he encountered. He remained, throughout his childhood, devoted to Our Lady, carrying her with him everywhere in his heart. Hermann could be found frequently absorbed in meditation before the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He spoke to both her and her precious Son spontaneously, offering poetry and praise. Even as a child, Hermann would enter into rapturous ecstasy while speaking to Mary.

Hermann’s parent was quite poor in material goods, but rich in devotion and spirit. They taught their son to confide in Jesus and Mary, and with childish simplicity, he would visit the local church and tell Them all of his wishes. Living in Germany, it was frequently cold, and he would walk barefoot to the church to pray before the statue of Mary. On one such occasion, Our Blessed Mother spoke to Hermann through her statue:

“Hermann,” said Our Lady, “why do you go barefoot when it is so cold?”

“Because, my Mother, I have no shoes, for my parents are poor,” he replied.

“Go to that stone,” said Mary, “and you will find all the money you need for shoes.” Hermann went to where she directed him and found the price of his shoes as Our Lady had told him, and returned to thank her. “Whenever you are in need of anything,” Our Lady told him, “all you have to do is to go to that stone. But you must always go with full confidence.” Hermann returned to the stone, only in extreme need, and it never failed him.

The next day Herman stopped at church to thank Our Lady for his new shoes, and of course, he wanted to show them to Our Blessed Mother and the Child Jesus. He also wished to light a candle in gratitude, or bring flowers, but being too poor, had neither to give. Instead, he offered Our Blessed Mother the red apple his mother had given him for lunch. Upon reaching the statue, he realized that it was too high for him to reach, given that he was still a child. Standing on his tip-toes, he reached up toward the image of Mary, and said “Here, Blessed Mother.” Miraculously, the statue’s arm and hand reached down to receive the gift, and thanked him. Those who later visited the Church saw the statue reaching down and holding an apple. To this day, the devout leave fresh apples at the foot of this statue in remembrance of this event.

On another occasion, Hermann arrived at the church and saw a vision of the Queen of Heaven in great splendor in the choir. At her side were two children, Saint John the Baptist and the Christ Child playing together. As Herman stood contemplating the scene, the Virgin called to him. He swiftly climbed the steps, but the grilled gate to the choir was closed and locked.

“I cannot reach you,” he said to Mary, “the grill is locked and there is no ladder for me to climb over it.”

The Holy Virgin then directed him where to put his hands and feet in order to climb over the grill. Doing this, he entered the choir and she told him to join the Christ Child and Saint John in play, which he joyfully did.

At the age of 12, Hermann gave up the world, and entered the Premonsratensian monastery at Steinfeld, Germany. Given his young age, the monastery authorities decided that Hermann should complete his studies at the order's school in Friesland prior to admittance. This he did, and upon completion, returned to Steinfeld and was given the name Hermann Joseph, due to his love of the Holy Family. Of course, he protested this name, citing his inadequacies as compared to the earthly father of Jesus. But Our Lady took a fancy to the name, and in a vision put upon his finger a wedding ring to confirm that he was her spiritual spouse. On the basis of this vision, Herman added “Joseph” to his other Christian name.

Initially, Saint Hermann was assigned the most menial duties of the monastic community, such as serving at table. He labored tirelessly, without complaint, taking joy in the service of his brothers. However, as a mystic he would have preferred to be allowed to spend all his time in prayer. Our Lady settled his dilemma in a vision. She told him that nothing pleased God more than seeing a person serving his own brothers and sisters in charity.

Eventually, Hermann was assigned to the duty of sacristan, allowing him to express his piety and devotion through art. He was further assigned to minister to the Cistercian nuns at a nearby convent, a duty he continued to fondly perform until he died.

Hermann’s ascetic practices, which had begun in childhood, continued unabated. He subjected himself to mortifications which eventually had profound physical effect on both his muscles and nerves. Hermann slept on a hard couch, allowing himself only a few hours of sleep per night. Bread and water were his only source of nourishment, and he refused to travel in any manner besides on foot. When he became older, the symptoms that developed were to be aggravated: intestinal troubles, nausea, pains that traveled all over his body, fainting spells, and extreme fatigue that engendered light psychasthenic manifestations: an unreasonable fear of forgetting a particle of the Host, or a drop of the Precious Blood.

Despite these physical pains and struggles, which he offered up the Jesus and Our Blessed Mother, Hermann maintained a spiritual balance without interruption throughout his life. His daily life was one of continuous penance, and he suffered strong temptations, which he viewed as gifts from Our Blessed Mother to purify him and remove his sinfulness. He was afflicted by incessant headaches that only ceased when he approached the altar to celebrate Mass. Their violence used to increase with the approach of Feast Days. In a play on words, he used to say: Festa sunt mihi infesta ("the Feast Days are devastating for me").

Saint Hermann Joseph underwent a final ordeal prior to his death, the likes of which he had never previously experienced. Spiders and flies seemed to invade his cell, crawling upon him and terrifying him. The presence of a priest dispelled the nightmare, and Hermann Joseph died in peace. In accordance with his wishes, he was buried in the Cistercian convent at Hoven, where he had ministered to the sisters. His body was later exhumed and returned to Steinfeld, during which time it was found to be perfectly incorrupt.

The life of Saint Hermann Joseph is one of devotion, suffering, and triumphant mastery over sin through reliance on Our Blessed Mother and the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Saint Hermann recognized his own weakness, and his need of assistance, and turned in faith to the Holy Family. His devotion and confidence in the Lord were never disappointed, and through this devotion, he was able to serve those en encountered with the light and joy of Christ. Today, we pray for that same devotion and confidence, that we might reflect the love of God to those we encounter in our daily lives.



Year 2: Day 97 of 365
Prayer Intentions: Devotion and Confidence
Requested Intentions: Healing of a daughter with congenital heart disease (F); Healing and an end to suffering (J); For the children (M); For a son fighting a rare immune system disease (R); Freedom from imprisonment (J); Employment and end to depression (H); Successful employment (A); Health for a soon to be delivered baby (T); Financial security (L); Healing of tooth pain (A); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Purification of the souls in Purgatory (A); Guidance in studies (J); Healing and security for a displaced family (C); Healing of high blood pressure; Recovery of brother following surgery (A); For a sister in trouble, that she may make better decisions in the light of Christ (M); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Attainment of funds for surgery (J); Freedom from financial difficulties (E); For employment and college acceptance (E); Recovery and healing of a friend (C); For successful outcome to surgery (C); Healing for brother (M); Successful employment (C); For the victims of the Japanese tsunami/earthquake (J); Healing (E); For a son struggling with depression (B); Successful conception (M); Freedom from social anxiety; confidence in the Lord (J); Improved success in employment and studies (D); Freedom from illness (T); For a wife’s employment (E); Healing of a husband’s knee (M); Freedom from sickness (R); Healing (C); Restoration of marriage (F); Freedom from medical difficulties, employment, successful relationship (D); Healing of a father following stroke (S).

Today, March 28, we celebrate the feast of Saint Stephen Harding (died 1134), founder of the Cistercian monasteries, and third abbot of the monastery at Citeaux. Referred to by his brothers as “the Pragmatic Englishman,” Citeaux grew in membership and prosperity under his leadership, allowing the expansion and sustainability of the Order, which he would later formalize in the Carta Caritatis (the Charter of Love).


Stephen Harding was born in Dorset, England, the son of a nobleman. At a young age, Stephen’s parents delivered him to the abbey at Sherbourne, consecrating him to the Lord, and entrusting the monks there to raise their son. Proficient in English, French, and Latin, Stephen demonstrated an incredible aptitude for his studies, but became dissatisfied with the corruption in the monastery at Sherbourne. He became\a traveling scholar, continuing his studies in Paris and Rome. Eventually, Stephen settled at the abbey of Molesme in Burgundy, serving the abbot there, Saint Robert of Molesme.

When Saint Robert left Molesme, attempting to distance himself from corruption and laxity that had developed there, Stephen and Saint Alberic accompanied him. Eventually, twenty-one additional monks deserted Molesme to join Saint Robert, Stephen, and Saint Alberic, and the three leaders formed a new monastery at Citeaux.

Cistercian Monastery at Citeaux

Initially, Saint Robert served as abbot, but left to return to Molesme after one year. Saint Alberic served as abbot until his death in 1108, at which point, Saint Stephen assumed the role. As abbot, Stephen guided the new monastery over a period of great growth. Saint Bernard of Clairvaux visited in 1112 and brought with him his followers. Between 1112 and 1119, a dozen new Cistercian houses were founded to contain the monks coming to the new movement. In 1115, for example, Saint Stephen built the abbey of Clairvaux, and installed St. Bernard as its Abbot. From it 800 abbeys were born.

In 1119, Stephen wrote the Carta Caritatis, ('Charter of Love'), the document which established the charter and unifying principles for the Cistercian Order. The Charter of Love (also referred to as the Charter of Charity) was a six page constitution which laid out the relationship between the Cistercian houses and their abbots, set out the obligations and duties inherent in these, and ensured the accountability of all the abbots and houses to the underlying themes of charity and living according to the rule of Benedict.

Saint Stephen served the monastery at Citeaux for twenty-five years, and while the initial three abbots are considered founders of the Order, none are considered as responsible for shaping the beliefs and growth of the Order as Saint Stephen. Saint Stephen was guided by practicality, in both his administration of the monastery complex and his scholarship. He revised the Cistercian Breviary, eradicating corruptions that had crept in chant, and translated many works personally by consulting ancient texts and consulting with rabbis on the difficult Hebrew passages. The monks at Citeaux labored endlessly to copy and illuminate these passages, and the scriptorium at Citeaux was regarded as famous in its day.

In 1133, Saint Stephen resigned as head of the order, due to age and disability. He died the following year. The account of his death is particularly moving for its humility. When confronted by his contemporaries, who assured him that he had nothing to fear in the next world, Saint Stephen replied: "I assure you that I go to God in fear and trembling. If my baseness should be found to have ever done any good, even in this I fear, lest I should not have preserved that grace with the humility and care I ought."

In the words of author Stephen Tobin, "Stephen Harding found Cîteaux just another reformed abbey, and left it the head of the first (European) religious order ... Nothing like it had ever been seen before ... At the head of a flourishing family of daughter houses, with a clearly defined manifesto and full legal constitution, Cîteaux was a force for change, and a force to be reckoned within a world where (other leaders) vied to outdo each other in accruing and displaying wealth and power.”

Saint Stephen instructed and formalized his brothers in the tenets of monastic life: Obedience, Poverty, Chastity, Silence, Prayer and Work. His life was a balance of practicality and devotion, spending his days in prayer for the blessings of the Lord upon the order, while attending to the practical daily management of many monasteries. Throughout his accomplishments, he remained humble and penitent, never taking credit for the successes and growth of the Cistercians, but instead, attributing all good things to the Lord. Today, we pray for the practicality and devotion of Saint Stephen Harding, as we journey toward Easter.



Year 2: Day 86 of 365
Prayer Intentions: A life balanced in practicality and devotion to the Lord.
Requested Intentions: Health for a soon to be delivered baby (T); Financial security (L); Healing of tooth pain (A); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Purification of the souls in Purgatory (A); Guidance in studies (J); Healing and security for a displaced family (C); Healing of high blood pressure; Recovery of brother following surgery (A); For a sister in trouble, that she may make better decisions in the light of Christ (M); Health of expectant mother and child (R); Attainment of funds for surgery (J); Freedom from financial difficulties (E); For employment and college acceptance (E); Recovery and healing of a friend (C); For successful outcome to surgery (C); Healing for brother (M); Successful employment (C); For the victims of the Japanese tsunami/earthquake (J); Healing (E); For a son struggling with depression (B); Successful conception (M); Freedom from social anxiety; confidence in the Lord (J); Improved success in employment and studies (D); Freedom from illness (T); For a wife’s employment (E); Healing of a husband’s knee (M); Freedom from sickness (R); Healing (C); Restoration of marriage (F); Freedom from medical difficulties, employment, successful relationship (D); Healing of a father following stroke (S).