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Mother Scholastica and John Paul II |
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Mother M. Scholastica Rivata welcomed the election of John Paul II with great joy. Together with this joy, however, she also had the impression that he was facing danger and, therefore, felt the need to pray and to have prayers said for him.
These sentiments are contained in some letters addressed to Sr. M. Edvige Wronska, the first Sister Disciple from Poland, who made her novitiate in Italy from 1940-1941. She had a deep spiritual relationship with Mother Scholastica. For Easter of 1979, Mother Scholastica wrote: “In the last election for the Head of the Church, the most joyful choice came upon the dear and holy Pope Wojtyla, your Polish compatriot. We are grateful to God for this most precious gift we have been given and we pray for him every day. May the Lord preserve him from danger and make him always holier. You should also pray for him, that the jealous demon will not harm him”.
Sending an image of the Pope to Sr. M. Edvige, the Servant of God exhorted her: “We all wish the best for him. Let us help him with prayer. May the Lord always protect him, in every moment, that we may obtain the salvation of all from God.
Almost in response to this affectionate interest toward him, on April 8, 1981, following the Eucharistic Celebration in his private chapel, attended by the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master at the conclusion of the III General Chapter, Blessed John Paul II, with gestures more eloquent than words, “conversed” with the Servant of God Mother M. Scholastica Rivata, who experienced an intense moment of joy with “the sweet Christ on earth”, leaning forward to invoke upon him always the protection of the Lord. |
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YOU HAVE CHOSEN ME: A song for Mother Scholastica |
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From the words which flow forth from the heart of the Servant of God, M. M. Scholastica Rivata e revclothed with the musical notes of Fr. Paolo Lanzoni ssp, the song "You have chosen me" was born.
It is presented with the voices from the choir of the Disciples of the Divine Master under the direction of Sr. Fiorella Schermidori and Sr. M. Regina Muscat as soloist.
“YOU HAVE CHOSEN ME” helps to contemplate how much the Lord carries out in whoever responds to his call and walks with Him always, " in the good and bad of life".
“YOU HAVE CHOSEN ME” is not just the song of Mother Scholastica but of every person – man or woman, young or old - who desires to rediscover how in Christ Jesus, the Father “has chosen us before the creation of the world as that we can be found in him, holy and immaculate in love” (Eph,4)
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Holiness in ordinary life |
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How to become saints Sanctity consists not in doing rare things well, but to do one’s own duty well; without vanity or tepidity, but solely out of love for God. Distrust ourselves and have confidence in God. Humility and trust form the sanctity of the soul. The Lord wants to give, give, give! Welcome this, but remember that he cannot renounce to this: that everything is done for his glory. The heavenly Father is much, much better than any earthly father; he will give you his spirit. He will give you the holiness you desire if you ask with confidence. The other things he will give you to the extent that they are for his glory and your benefit. Prayer must arise from this: the need for God in order to be more united to him, for our perfection, to fight well, to conquer each day a little of that which is holiness, that is, the love of God and love for our sisters, the love of neighbor which fulfills the two commandments which, if lived well, constitute holiness. Divine Master, “doce nos”: teach us the wisdom of the saints which proceeds from the Holy Spirit and leads to holiness. From the preaching of Blessed James Alberione to the Sister Disciples of the Divine Master
Holiness in ordinary life
In her letters to the sisters, Mother Scholastica never omitted a thought, an invitation to holiness. They were counsels derived from the book of her life. She proposed a way that she herself followed, always ready to give a hand in order to journey together. Go ahead joyfully in daily life, fulfilling your duties each day without denying anything to Jesus. This is the way to holiness and the fulfillment of your own desires, as well as those of Jesus. (1948) The one who wants to be holy always has many occasions, now as then, each one in her own specific area. It will not be the same for everyone, but each one sincerely demonstrates her love for God, with the generous and faithful fulfillment of her own duties; without measuring the sacrifice this fidelity may require, rather, the sacrifice becomes the source of joy, because it is a means of offering all to the Lord, as a proof of our love. (1968) Never become discouraged because of difficulties and trials; these are most useful for our sanctification and these graces are given by the Lord only to those souls he loves most (1933).
Mother M. Scholastica Rivata |
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Mother Scholastica Remembers March 25, 1924 |
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That blessed day came. At 5 in the morning we were already all in Chapel… Primo Maestro and Signor Maestro were seated near the altar, and Prima Maestra was kneeling on the altar step. Primo Maestro began to call us one by one, and the first name called was mine… The ceremony continued according to the Ritual, and finally Prima Maestra led me into the sacristy to dress me in the new blue habit. The other seven followed one by one…Primo Maestro began the meditation, explaining the function that had just taken place and how this new Family would fulfill the mission of adoring Jesus day and night as well as fulfilling his apostolate for their benefit and that of the entire Pauline Family. Then he celebrated Mass and we received Jesus in Communion: the one who surpasses the limits of the universe came to dwell within me forever as the Heavenly Spouse. (from the recollections of Mother M. Scholastica Rivata) |
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How do we honor and celebrate the saints? |
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Shining examples “Through beatifications and canonizations, the Church gives thanks to God for the gift of her children who responded generously to divine grace. She honors and invokes them as intercessors. At the same time, she presents these shining examples for the imitation of all the faithful, called through baptism to holiness, which is the proposed goal for every state in life. By their existence, the saints and blesseds bear witness to Christ, his person, his doctrine. They remain closely united to him and thus become a living illustration of one aspect or another of the perfection of the Divine Master”. Benedict XVI, December 17, 2007
How do we honor and celebrate the saints? Mother Scholastica suggested a way to evaluate whether the celebration of the patron saint of one sister, that is, Saint Peter: “Did you ask him for his apostolic zeal? His ardent love for Jesus? Have a holy ambition to compete with him in love, since you must honor him in this way. He is very pleased with this contest since it brings great glory to God. Joyfully love your good Savior. Bear with something for him whom you encounter daily, and make prayer the breath of your soul”. Mother M. Scholastica Rivata |
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