Vincentian Spirituality

FEAST OF BLESSED* PIER GIORGIO FRASSATI

Gospel: (Matthew 11: 25-30)

Jesus exclaimed: “I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to little ones. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. …Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves”.

Reflection:

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati was born in 1901 in Italy. His mother taught him verses from the Gospels, and Pier Giorgio deeply moved by them, developed an exceptional relationship with God. Indeed, God reveals his love to “little ones.” 

From the time he was twelve until his death at twenty-four Pier Giorgio received Holy Communion daily. At 17, he joined the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and committed himself to serving the poor. 

Pier Giorgio said: “Jesus visits me every morning in Holy Communion. I repay him with my poor means, visiting the poor.” When asked how he could stand the bad odors and dirt of the poor, he answered: “Don’t forget that even if the house you visit is very dirty, there you may find Jesus.” 

The last months of his life were filled with suffering,  he contracted poliomyelitis and became paralyzed. When he died, hundreds came to view his body and there was a line of unknown faces who loved this good and generous young man who always had a good smile for everyone. Pier Giorgio was beatified by Pope Saint John Paul II on May 20, 1990. (The Manual, p.91)

Vincentian Meditation:

“Help then becomes honorable, because it may become mutual, because every one who gives a kind word, a good advice, a consolation today, may tomorrow stand themselves in need of a kind word, an advice, or a consolation; because the hand that you clasp clasps yours in return; because that indigent family whom you love loves you in return, and will have largely acquitted themselves toward you when the old man, the mother, the little children shall have prayed for you.” (Ramson, Praying with Frederic, p. 93)

Discussion: (Share your thoughts after a moment of silence)

How have you experienced God’s love, God’s generosity and God’s service?

Closing Prayer:

Inspired by Frederic and Pier Giorgio, we know that:

When we encounter the brokenness of the poor,

Jesus will be our strength.

When the burdens of ministry overwhelm us,

Jesus will be our strength.

When we proclaim the Gospel to the abandoned,

Jesus will be our strength. 

Amen

Opening Prayer for Society Meetings:

L:  In the Name of the Father, etc.

All:  Amen.

L:  Come, Holy Spirit, live within our lives.

All:  And strengthen us by Your Love.

L:  Send forth your spirit and new life will be created.

All:  And the whole face of the earth will be renewed.

L:  Our Father, etc.

All:  Give us this day our daily bread, etc.

L:  Let us reflect on the words of Our Lord Jesus Christ, recalling His unity and presence among us: “Where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Silence)

All:  Lord Jesus, deepen our Vincentian spirit of friendship during this meeting and make us responsive to the Christian calling to seek and find the forgotten, the suffering, or the deprived so that we may bring them your love. Help us to be generous with our time, our possessions, and ourselves in this mission of charity. Perfect in us your love and teach us to share more fully in the Eucharistic Sacrifice offered for all.

L:  Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, All:  Have mercy on us.

L:  Immaculate Heart of Mary, All:  Pray for us.

L:  St. Vincent de Paul,  All:  Pray for us.

L:  St. Louise de Marillac, All:  Pray for us.

L:  Blessed Frederic Ozanam, All:  Pray for us.

L:  Blessed Rosalie Rendu, All:  Pray for us.

L:  In the Name of the Father, etc.

All:  Amen.

Closing Prayer for Society Meetings: 

All:  Father, grant that we who are nourished by the Body and Blood of Christ in the Holy Eucharist may realize the depth of our needs, respond more spontaneously to the suffering of others, and come to love You more deeply by service to our neighbor.

Grant us also the wisdom and strength to persevere when disappointed or distressed. May we never claim that the fruitfulness of our apostolate springs from ourselves alone. United in prayer and action, may we become a visible sign of Christ and may we give witness to His boundless love, which reaches out to all and draws them to love one another in Him.

We thank You, Lord, for the many blessings which we receive from those whom we visit. Help us to love and respect them, to understand their deeper needs, and to share their burdens and joys as true friends in Christ.

L: That the Cause for the Canonization of Frederic Ozanam, who excelled in the virtue of Christian love, be advanced.

All: Lord, hear us.

L: That our departed friends and relatives, our Vincentian Brothers and Sisters, and those whom we have served, be welcomed into your Kingdom and joined in love.

All:  Lord, hear us.

L: In the Name of the Father, etc.

All:  Amen.