St. Anthony Messenger | December 2011 issue of St. Anthony Messenger magazine

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December 2011

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Web Plus

Roma Downey's Little Angels
John Feister

The star of Touched by an Angel is back with angels for young parents.

WEB+

Check out the Little Angels Facebook page.

Las Posadas: A Mexican Christmas Tradition
PHOTOS BY DAVID MAUNG, TEXT BY CHRISTOPHER HEFFRON

Many parishes in the U.S. take to the streets in the spirit of Joseph and Mary.

When East Meets West
Marianne C. Sailus

The Ukrainian Catholic Church is Catholic but not Roman Catholic. What’s the difference?

WEB+

What All Catholics Should Know About Eastern Catholic Churches

Are Eastern Catholics Really Catholic?

Understanding How Icons Are Written

Christmas Light in Winter's Darkness
Kathleen M. Carroll

Ever wonder why we celebrate Christmas on December 25? Here's why.

WEB+

View our Christmas feature

Brother Al and the Canticle Cafe
Text and photos by Marylynn Hewitt

A Franciscan brings a song of love to the streets of Detroit.

WEB+

The Canticle Cafe website

Video of Father Al in action

Father Al's website

to St. Anthony Messenger Print Edition

Felix of Cantalice: Felix was the first Capuchin Franciscan ever canonized. In fact, when he was born, the Capuchins did not yet exist as a distinct group within the Franciscans.
<p>Born of humble, God-fearing parents in the Rieti Valley, Felix worked as a farmhand and a shepherd until he was 28. He developed the habit of praying while he worked. </p><p>In 1543 he joined the Capuchins. When the guardian explained the hardships of that way of life, Felix answered: "Father, the austerity of your Order does not frighten me. I hope, with God’s help, to overcome all the difficulties which will arise from my own weakness." </p><p>Three years later Felix was assigned to the friary in Rome as its official beggar. Because he was a model of simplicity and charity, he edified many people during the 42 years he performed that service for his confreres. </p><p>As he made his rounds, he worked to convert hardened sinners and to feed the poor–as did his good friend, St. Philip Neri, who founded the Oratory, a community of priests serving the poor of Rome. When Felix wasn’t talking on his rounds, he was praying the rosary. The people named him "Brother Deo Gratias" (thanks be to God) because he was always using that blessing. </p><p>When Felix was an old man, his superior had to order him to wear sandals to protect his health. Around the same time a certain cardinal offered to suggest to Felix’s superiors that he be freed of begging so that he could devote more time to prayer. Felix talked the cardinal out of that idea. Felix was canonized in 1712.</p>

I think of all the women religious in the United States who touch countless lives, alleviate the suffering of so many, strive to offer a voice to the voiceless, remember the forgotten, care for those most in need, and focus their lives on the greater good of all God's people, without concern or regard for what they could receive in return.

PICKS OF THE WEEK

	The Month of Mary
	Discover daily insight into truths about the Mother of God.

	Sober Intoxication of the Spirit
	Learn about how the first Pentecost affected Jesus's followers.

	When the Spirit Comes in Power
	Catholic evangelist Peter Herbeck describes the work of the Holy Spirit in the personal lives of Christians.

	In the Footprints of Francis and the Sultan
	In 1219 during the Fifth Crusade, Francis took it upon himself to cross battle lines and reach out to Muslims.

	For Mothers (and Fathers!)
	Author Curtis shares personal stories and advice for helping your children find God's voice amid the messages that target them.

CATHOLIC GREETINGS

	Sympathy
	Our faith reminds us that those who believe in the Lord will never die.

	Graduation
	If you’re not able to attend the graduation in person, send an e-card expressing your affection and pride.

	Ordination Anniversary
	Use Catholic Greetings to acknowledge your pastor’s ordination or pastoral anniversary.

	Happy Birthday
	Make the most of God’s graces and blessings throughout the coming year.

	Pentecost
	As Church we rely on the Holy Spirit to form us in the image of Christ.

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