From the Fogy’s Mouth

Today we celebrate the memorial of St. John 23, Pope. Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli was born in 1881 in Italy, the fourth of 13 children. He reigned as pope from 1958 to his death in 1963. He is best known for convening the Second Vatican Council. Earlier in his career, when he was made apostolic nuncio to France, a rival for the position characterized him as an “old fogey.” And when he first saw himself in the mirror in his new papal vestments, he remarked "this man will be a disaster on television!” Remembering this “old fogey” saint, pray today for someone you know who may not measure up to cultural standards of beauty but is beatified in God’s eyes. (Take Five for Faith)

Here are few of his wise quotes which may bring you closer to God today:
❦ Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential. Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do. (Pope John XXIII)
❦ What unites us, is much greater than what divides us. (Pope John XXIII)
❦ Whoever has a heart full of love always has something to give. (Pope John XXIII)
❦ I live by the mercy of Jesus, to whom I owe everything and from whom I expect everything. (Pope John XXIII)
❦ The Rosary is a magnificent and universal prayer for the needs of the Church, the nations and the entire world. (Pope John XXIII)
❦ Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age. (Pope John XXIII)
❦ The family is the first essential cell of human society. (Pope John XXIII)
❦ The Rosary is a school for learning true Christian perfection. (Pope John XXIII)

❦ O Jesus, come back into our society, our family life, our souls and reign there as our peaceful Sovereign. Enlighten with the splendor of faith and the charity of Your tender heart the souls of those who work for the good of the people, for Your poor. Impart to them Your own spirit, a spirit of discipline, order and gentleness, preserving the flame of enthusiasm ever alight in their hearts... May that day come very soon, when we shall see You restored to the center of civic life, borne on the shoulders of Your joyful people. (Pope John XXIII)

What is/are the best heart touching statement/s for you and why? Share with someone about it.

O Virgin Mary, Queen of peace. It’s you who stood at the foot of the cross, obtain from your Son pardon for our sins, I ask you to watch over the people of Syria, that God may strengthen the resolve of leaders to end the fighting and choose a future of peace. Hail Mary full of grace…

St. John XXIII, pray for us.

Peace in Christ,
Father Vincent-Vuong Nguyen