August 3, 2023

Our Annual Educational Conference (Sept. 7-9) is rapidly approaching! It is not too late to register.

In keeping with the theme of our conference, the FIRE Committee suggests this month’s focus be The Courage to Shine a Light on Social Media. Many young people today feel “connected” to others through social media but are lacking in interpersonal skills. Do not be afraid to question young patients on their smartphone use and social media as the suicide rate for 10-14 year olds doubled and in girls it quadrupled from 2007 to 2019. We suggest Jean Twenge’s book Generations to learn more.

We have several important feast days this month, including the Transfiguration of Our Lord (Aug. 6), explained in Pope Benedict XVI’s 2011 homily and the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Aug. 15).

Today is Saint John Vianney’s feast day (Aug. 4). Getting lost on his way to his assignment in the small town of Ars, he received directions from two young shepherds. He told them, “You have shown me the direction to my parish. I will one day show you the way to heaven.”

Saint Clare (Aug. 11) was born in 1194 in Assisi to a noble family. Before her birth, her mother received a sign that her daughter would be a bright light of God in the world. Under St. Francis’ guidance, she founded the Poor Clares. Devoted to the Blessed Sacrament, she said: “Love God, serve God; everything is in that.” She is the patron saint of television because she saw a vision of the Mass on the wall of her sickroom.(Image of her pictured above.)

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (Aug. 14) organized the Militia Immaculata prior to WW II, praying for the conversion of the enemies of the Church through Our Lady’s intercession. He is the patron saint of drug addicts. The National Shrine of St. Maximilian Kolbe at Marytown is near Mundelein Seminary.

Our ZOOM Prayer Group will meet August 12 at 2:00 PM EDT. Come pray with us!

The next short video in the Thomistic Institute’s series Aquinas 101 is The Principle of Non-Contradiction by Father James Brent, OP.

Suggested further reading:

The Cure d’Ars: St. Jean-Marie Baptiste Vianney by Abbe Francois Trochu

Saint Maximilian Kolbe: Knight of the Immaculata by Fr. Jeremiah J. Smith, O.F.M. CONV.

The Life of St. Maximilian Kolbe: Apostle of Mass Communications by William L. LaMay

Mother Teresa’s Lessons of Love & Secrets of Sanctity by Susan Conroy

Mother Teresa: Come Be My Light – The Private Writings of the Saint of Calcutta edited by Fr. Brian Kolodiejchuk, M.C.

Beautiful Eucharist by Matthew Kelly and other contributors