The Saint of the day
Tuesday 31st May 2022
Today we celebrate Santa Battista (Camilla) Varano Clarissa Francescana
Camerino, April 9, 1458 - Camerino, May 31, 1524
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Daughter of Prince Giulio Cesare da Varano, she was born in Camerino on 9 April 1458 and at the age of 23, on 14 November 1481, she embraced the rule of the Poor Clares of Urbino, taking the name of Sister Battista and being able to wear the habit of the Order. . Shortly afterwards she will found a monastery in Camerino of which she will become abbess. His book "The mental pains of Jesus in his Passion" was famous. It became a point of reference for the whole Camerino. He died on May 31, 1524, the funeral took place in the courtyard of the paternal palace. She is currently blessed for the Church.
Roman martyrology: In Camerino in the Marche, blessed Battista (Camilla) Varano, abbess of the monastery of the Poor Clares founded by her father, who experienced great suffering and mystical consolations.
GOSPEL OF THE DAY
From the Gospel according to Luke
Lk 1: 39-56
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In those days, Mary got up and went quickly to the mountainous region, to a city of Judah.
Entering Zaccharia's house, she greeted Elizabeth. As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leapt in her womb.
Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out in a loud voice: «Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb! To what do I owe the mother of my Lord to come to me? Behold, as soon as your greeting reached my ears, the child leapt for joy in my womb. And blessed is she who believed in the fulfillment of what the Lord said to her. "
Then Maria said:
«My soul magnifies the Lord
and my spirit rejoices in God my savior,
because he looked at the humility of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed.
The Almighty has done great things in me
and Holy is his name;
his mercy from generation to generation
for those who fear him.
He unfolded the power of his arm,
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts;
he has overthrown the mighty from their thrones,
he exalted the humble;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
he has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering his mercy,
as he said to our fathers,
for Abraham and his descendants, forever ».
Maria stayed with her for about three months, then returned to her home.
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WORDS OF THE HOLY FATHER
The evangelist recounts that "Mary got up and went quickly" (v. 39) to Elizabeth: quickly, not anxious, not anxious, but quickly, in peace. "He got up": a gesture full of concern. She could have stayed at home to prepare for the birth of her child, but she cares more for others than for herself, proving in fact that she is already a disciple of that Lord she carries in her womb. The event of Jesus' birth began like this, with a simple gesture of charity; after all, authentic charity is always the fruit of God's love. (Angelus, 23 December 2018)