today, everyday..

I was wondering what to share, when the thought came to me of saints and angels and favorites of God in our family, I love them so much.

I know not how many give the needed thoughtfulness to our family and to those who are most close to papa. I personally have felt many a time that, a miracle happening right in front of us, one of the most powerful and loving way Pa has given Jesus to us and next to the Altar along with Mama Mary they are all present during the consecration.

Each day I used to get mails from a community of Franciscans – The saint of the day. It used to give me a brief detail of all those who have passed away completing their race, accomplishing as much possible by them.

Sufferings are always well rewarded.

Servant of God Francis Garces and Companions*
(c. 1781)

Government interference in the missions and landgrabbing sparked the Indian uprising which cost these friars their lives.

A contemporary of the American Revolution and of Blessed Junipero Serra, Francisco Garcés was born in 1738 in Spain, where he joined the Franciscans. After ordination in 1763, he was sent to Mexico. Five years later he was assigned to San Xavier del Bac near Tucson, one of several missions the Jesuits had founded in Arizona and New Mexico before being expelled in 1767 from all territories controlled by the Catholic king of Spain. In Arizona, Francisco worked among the Papago, Yuma, Pima and Apache Native Americans. His missionary travels took him to the Grand Canyon and to California.

Friar Francisco Palou, a contemporary, writes that Father Garcés was greatly loved by the indigenous peoples, among whom he lived unharmed for a long time. They regularly gave him food and referred to him as "Viva Jesus," which was the greeting he taught them to use.
For the sake of their indigenous converts, the Spanish missionaries wanted to organize settlements away from the Spanish soldiers and colonists. But the commandant in Mexico insisted that two new missions on the Colorado River, Misión San Pedro y San Pablo and Misión La Purísima Concepción, be mixed settlements.

A revolt among the Yumas against the Spanish left Friars Juan Diaz and Matias Moreno dead at Misión San Pedro y San Pablo. Friars Francisco Garcés and Juan Barreneche were killed at Misión La Purísima Concepción (the site of Fort Yuma).

Comment:

In the 18th century the indigenous peoples of the American Southwest saw Catholicism and Spanish rule as a package deal. When they wanted to throw off the latter, the new religion had to go also. Do we appreciate sufficiently the acceptable adjustment our faith can make among various peoples? Are we offended by the customs of Catholics in other cultures? Do we see our good example as a contribution to missionary evangelization?

Quote:

On a visit to Africa in 1969, Pope Paul VI told 22 young Ugandan converts that "being a Christian is a fine thing but not always an easy one."

(This entry appears in the print edition of Day by Day With Followers of Francis and Clare.)


*the above mentioned are added to this post from the mails recieved from - "AmericanCatholic. org" goodnews@americancatholic.org
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A good friend of mine, shreedhar (http://www.orkut.com/Profile.aspx?uid=4285683754807292048), used to pen me daily with the word of god for that day, at times from the reading of that day or otherwise. And what I used to like so much is the prayer and thought that he is used to add. With his permission I have added it below, so will do everyday possible.

Today's Scripture

"Where there is strife, there is confusion and every kind of evil." (James 3:16)

Today's Word Strife is a powerfully destructive force that the enemy uses to try to bring confusion and turmoil into our lives. Marriages are torn apart, businesses are destroyed, and lifelong friends are divided by strife. Satan will make sure that you have plenty of opportunity each day to get upset with those whom you care about the most. Things often happen on a daily basis that can aggravate you and make you want to be rude or angry toward your family and those around you.

We encourage you to make peace a priority in your life. Don't give the enemy a foothold. If you will do your part and honor God by being a maker and maintainer of peace, God will honor you. He will fight your battles for you. He will pour out His blessings in your life and you will live the overcoming life of victory that He has in store just for you.

A Prayer for Today -

God, I choose to pursue peace. I refuse to argue, to be sarcastic or disrespectful. I am going to keep peace in my home and my life, even if it means I have to swallow my pride. As a peacemaker, I realize that sometimes I have to release my "right to be right." In Jesus' Name – Amen.
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Thank you, God bless.
With lots of love and prayers.