From: rich <
richarra@gmail.com>
March 24th - Blessed Didacus of Cadiz
(1743-1801)
Blessed Didacus Joseph of Cadiz =E2=80=9Cthe Apostle of the Holy Trinity=E2= =80=9D was
Born in Cadiz, Spain, to devout Catholic parents and demonstrated
piety and virtue from an early age. Having learned to serve Mass quite
young, he was often the first to arrive at the local Capuchin Church
every morning, eagerly awaiting the doors to be unlocked. One of the
Capuchin friars presented him with a book on the saints, which we read repeatedly, despite poor academic skills.
Nicknamed the =E2=80=9Cdunce of Cadiz=E2=80=9D by his classmates, Didacus s= truggled
throughout school with his education. Upon achieving the age required
for entry into the religious life, he asked to gain admittance to the
Capuchin Order, but was denied due to his poor education. Only through persistence and hard work did Joseph become Brother Didacus, and
entered the Capuchin monastery in Seville.
Didacus continued to struggle with academic tasks, but was immediately discovered to possess a gift of preaching. He loved preaching to the
people, and traveled throughout Spain, attracting crowds so large that
his homilies were oftentimes held outside by necessity, churches
unable to accommodate his listeners. His simple and humble preaching
style was accessible to all, his love for God apparent, his words
clear and kind. He brought many to Christ, especially through is
preaching of the Holy Trinity, which was his favorite subject. Once,
while preaching, a young boy cried out, "Mother, mother, see the dove
resting on the shoulder of Father Didacus! I could preach like that
too if a dove told me all that I should say!" It is further reported
that at times, when speaking about the love of Christ for His people,
Father Didacus would rise above the crowds, oftentimes so high that he
would require assistance to resume the pulpit. The crowds who
surrounded him were often so moved they would attempt to rip pieces of
his cloak, which they could hold onto as relics.
Blessed Didacus heard confessions every day, bringing those who had
strayed back to the Lord and converting new faithful. His kind and
gentle words were comfort and inspiration to those he served. He found
time to visit those in prisons and hospitals while traveling the
country. Didacus frequently engaged in personal acts of penance, both
prior to preaching and hearing confessions, including scourging
himself until he drew blood. When reprimanded by his superiors,
Didacus replied, =E2=80=9CAh, Father, my sins and the sins of the people
compel me to do it. Those who have been charged with the conversion of
sinners must remember that the Lord has imposed upon them the sins of
all their clients. By means of our penances we should atone for the
sins of our fellowmen and thus preserve ourselves and them from
eternal death. It would hardly be too much if we shed the last drop of
our blood for their conversion."
Blessed Didacus had a simple love for the Lord, a willingness to
suffer for the sins of others, and a heart on fire with faith. His
kindness and humility brought many to the faith, which he never sought
praise or thanks for while on earth. All glory was directed by Didacus
back to the Lord. In thinking of his life, we are struck by the fact
that he wanted to serve, but was initially refused. Only through his
dedication and perseverance did Didacus come to discover his true
abilities, given by the Lord through the Holy Spirit. We are
challenged to look to the life of Blessed Didacus when obstacles arise
in our lives, certain that love of the Lord and perseverance in our
efforts to serve Him, will lead us to great things. As Saint Paul
wrote to the Romans:
More than that, we[a] rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that
suffering produces endurance, 4 and endurance produces character, and
character produces hope, 5 and hope does not disappoint us, because
God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit =
who
has been given to us. [Romans 5:3-5] (RSVCE)
Saint Quote:
It is most important to always seek to preserve the presence of God,
for it excites in us a tender love for His Divine Majesty, and gives
us great purity of conscience.
--St. Teresa
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Prayer To Love God Above All Things
God, my Father,
may I love You in all things and above all things.
May I reach the joy which You have prepared for me in Heaven.
Nothing is good that is against Your Will,
and all that is good comes from Your Hand.
Place in my heart a desire to please You
and fill my mind with thoughts of Your Love,
so that I may grow in Your Wisdom and enjoy Your Peace.
--- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2
* Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4)