Born in Italy in the middle of the 13th century, Nicholas of Tolentine was a humble Augustinian priest who touched the lives of many during his lifetime. He was known for his spirit of prayer and for living a simple, austere life. He was devoted to visiting the sick and caring for the needy. He gave special attention to those who had fallen away from the Church, calling them back to the faith.
A story is told of Nicholas heard the voice of a deceased friar he had known while he was asleep in bed. This friar told Nicholas that he was in purgatory. He urged him to celebrate the Eucharist for him and for other souls there, so that they would be set free by Christ’s divine power. Nicholas offered up the eucharist for him for seven days. The friar again spoke to Nicholas in the middle of the night, thanking him and assuring him that a large number of souls were now with God because of Nicholas’ actions. Because of this Nicholas was proclaimed patron of the souls in purgatory. Nicholas died in Tolentine, Italy in 1305. He was canonized a saint in 1446.
Our psalm refrain is the same as yesterday: the Lord is compassionate to all his works. The Lord shows mercy and compassion to the faithful departed. It is our task to show that same mercy and compassion by praying for the dead. We unite our prayers with the prayers of Nicholas of Tolentine today.
No comments:
Post a Comment