Fr. Stephen with the Angelic Host and all the Sainted, named each by the Father

Fr. Stephen (88) Monk of Nunraw died 6/2/2013

Ordinary Time: February 7th

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Ordinary Time

MASS on the death of Father Stephen

This morning it was the occasion of offering Mass for our Father Stephen who died yesterday.

We celebrated chasuble and stoles in white in favour of the monk who dedicated his 68 years of Monastic Profession.

In the Communion Hymn, seeing the dawn of the colourful skies, we sang the phrase, “I trace the rainbow through the rain”, reminding again that 2dawn shall tearless be.”

Words of Saint Catherine of Siena, ‘it is time for harvesting and sowing’ applied to the climax of the life of Fr. Stephen, as his powerful prayer for vocations to the community.

MEDITATION OF THE DAY

SAINT CATHERINE OF SIENA

'They cast out many devils"

I Caterina, servant and slave of God's servants, am writing to encourage you in the precious blood of God's Son.

I long to see you so strong and filled to overflowing with that Holy Spirit who came upon the holy disciples, that God's gentle Word will be able to grow and bear fruit in you and in your neighbours as well.

After the fire of the Holy Spirit had descended on them they mounted the pulpit of the blazing cross, where they felt and tasted the hunger of God's Son, his love for humankind.

Then their words came forth as does a red-hot knife from a furnace, and with its heat they pierced their listeners to the heart and cast out the devils.

Since they had lost themselves, they saw not themselves but only God's glory and honour and our salvation."

So...I beg you-it is my will in Christ Jesus-make your home in the pulpit of the cross.

There be engulfed, lose yourself completely, with insatiable desire.

Draw the red-hot knife and strike the devils, seen and unseen, who want continually to disturb your conscience by nipping people's fruit in the bud.

Don't give in to this wicked devil-especially now, when it is time for harvesting and sowing.

Tell the devil to deal with me instead of with you! Forward then, courageously!

Saint Catherine of Siena (+ 1380), Doctor of the Church was a Dominican, stigmatist, and papal counselor.