From: richarra@gmail.com   
      
   April 6th - Blessed Zefirino Agostini (AC)   
      
   Born in Verona, Italy, September 24, 1813; died there on April 6, 1896;   
   beatified October 24, 1998.   
   Blessed Zefirino was the elder son of the physician Antonio Agostini and his   
   wife Angela Frattini. Upon the death of the pious Antonio, the two boys were   
   raised by their mother with a gentleness and wisdom that left its mark on   
   the souls of her children and led Zefirino to his priestly vocation.   
      
   Following his ordination on March 11, 1837, at the hands of Bishop Grasser   
   of Verona, Zefirino was assigned to the poor parish of Saint Nazarius, where   
   he had been baptized on September 28, 1813. The first eight years he had   
   responsibility for teaching the catechism and running the recreational   
   program for boys.   
      
   In 1845, he was named pastor. Although the parish was large and poor, Father   
   Agostini never allowed his fatherly heart to be overcome by its problems. He   
   knew that his first priority was to develop his relationship with God   
   through personal prayer because God was the source of his joy and power to   
   do good.   
      
   God filled Father Agostini with apostolic zeal. He established an   
   after-school program for girls and catechetical instruction for their   
   mothers. To inspire women, he held up the ideal of Saint Angela Merici and   
   celebrated her feast. Three young women followed that inspiration and   
   devoted themselves to the neediest in the community.   
      
   Realizing that this was indeed God's will, Father Agostini founded the Pious   
   Union of Sister Devoted to Saint Angela Merici, even though he lacked the   
   means to support them. Their rule was approved by Bishop Ricabona in 1856   
   and the first charitable school was opened in November. The first women who   
   assisted him in this endeavor continued to live with their families until   
   after 1860 when Father Agostini wrote a rule that was approved for the first   
   Ursuline community. On September 24, 1869, the first twelve Ursuline   
   Daughters of Mary Immaculate made their professions. They had the option of   
   living in community or with their families.   
      
   Father Agostini's humility and trust in the providence of God was revealed   
   clearly in his 1874 statement to the sisters: "Do not be dismayed by toil or   
   suffering, nor by the meager fruit of your labors. Remember that God rewards   
   not according to results, but effort" (L'Observattore Romano).   
      
      
   <><><><>   
   Whoever taketh not up his cross and followeth Me, is not worthy of   
   Me. -Matt. 10:38   
      
   "The way is narrow. Whoever expects to walk in it with ease must go detached   
   from all things, leaning on the staff of the Cross; that is firmly resolving   
   to be willing to suffer in all things for love of God"   
    -St. John of the Cross   
      
   Taulerus relates that he knew a great servant of God who had many visions   
   and revelations, and was acquainted with the interpretations of Scripture   
   and the secrets of hearts. But becoming afraid that gifts of one sort might   
   prove a hindrance to favors of another kind, and so prevent him from being   
   loved by God, he earnestly besought the Lord to be pleased to take away from   
   him every consolation; and he was heard. For five years in succession, he   
   never had the slightest spiritual joy nor any celestial inspiration or   
   illumination, but always led a life full of afflictions, temptations and   
   spiritual aridity. Finally, the Lord was moved with pity at so much   
   suffering, and one day sent two angels to console him a little. But he,   
   contented in his sorrows, refused this consolation, and turning his heart to   
   God said: "0 Lord, I do not desire any pleasure in this world, nor do I wish   
   that anyone should enter my heart save Thyself, 0 my Beloved! for it is   
   enough consolation for me if Thy holy will be done in me." This beautiful   
   act of detachment pleased God so much that the Eternal Father proclaimed him   
   His beloved child.   
      
   (Taken from the book "A Year with the Saints".  April - Patience)   
      
   Bible Quote   
   6 Then Jesus said to them: My time is not yet come; but your time is always   
   ready.  (John 7:6)   
      
      
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   Jesus began His ministry by being hungry,   
    Yet He is the Bread of Life.   
      
    Jesus ended His earthly ministry by being thirsty,   
    Yet He is the Living Water.   
      
    Jesus was weary,   
    Yet He is our rest.   
      
    Jesus paid tribute,   
    Yet He is the King.   
      
    Jesus was accused of having a demon,   
    Yet He cast out demons.   
      
    Jesus wept,   
    Yet He wipes away our tears.   
      
    Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver,   
    Yet He redeemed the world.   
      
    Jesus was brought as a lamb to the slaughter,   
    Yet He is the Good Shepherd.   
      
    Jesus died,   
    Yet by His death He destroyed the power of death.   
      
    *Written by Gregory of Nazasazus   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)