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November 2008

1 -
ALL SAINTS DAY
Oct. 27 - Nov. 4: Sixth Day of the Novena of Blessed Guido M. Conforti
See November Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
"When God sends me a generous soul to guide, I try my best to ignite the fire of the Love of God in the four corners of the house."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 187]
1895 - The Bishop of Parma Francesco Magani announces the starting of the 'Mission Seminary for Foreign Missions' with Fr. Guido M. Conforti as the first Rector
1928 - Blessed Conforti is welcomed with joy by the Christians of Cheng-Chow, China, who gather in the Cathedral for Solemn Benediction and Thanksgiving

2 -
Commemoration of All Souls - All Souls Novena begins
Oct. 27 - Nov. 4: Seventh Day of the Novena of Blessed Guido M. Conforti
USA - Daylight-saving time ends: Turn clocks back one hour
See November Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
"Let the Commemoration of All Souls be celebrated every year in all the Xaverian communities, with the intentions of all departed missionaries of our Congregation and of our good benefactors."
[Blessed Conforti in Const. 1921, 215]
1928 - Blessed Conforti celebrates the All Souls Eucharist in the Cathedral of Cheng-Chow and goes to the cemetery to visit the tombs of the Xaverians who died in China: Frs. Sartori, Dagnino, and DiNatale

3 -
St. Martin de Porres, brother who ministered to the poor and the sick; patron of social justice
Oct. 27 - Nov. 4: Eighth Day of the Novena of Blessed Guido M. Conforti
See November Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
World Community Day
"What is most dear to my heart is the fact that my heart and life will be in order at the moment of my death."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 182]
1928 - Blessed Conforti celebrates Mass at the Seminary of Cheng-Chow, first burial place of Fr. Caio Rastelli, Xaverian Martyr in China

4 -
St. Charles Borromeo, founder of seminaries and model pastor
Oct. 27 - Nov. 4: Final Day of the Novena of Blessed Guido M. Conforti
See November Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
"We die of sicknesses and ailments which weaken our bodies. But we also die because of the void which surrounds us as we grow older and the diminishment of personal worth."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 182]
1876 - Young Guido M. Conforti enters the diocesan seminary in Parma
1931 - Blessed Conforti, at about 11 am, professes the Creed and receives the Eucharist for the last time, in the presence of Xaverians and diocesan priests

5 -
XAVERIAN FOUNDER'S DAY
1931 - Blessed Guido M. Conforti dies peacefully at 1:53 pm in Parma, Italy. He was 66 years old.
See November Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
"There will come a time in our lives when we feel falling behind, almost like strangers among friends. Our words will not echo any longer on the people around us, and the youthful flames won't be enlivened by the fireplaces of our souls."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 182]
1936 - On the 5th anniversary of the death of Blessed Conforti, Fr. Bonardi publishes the first biography on the Founder of the Xaverians
1940 - First book in Chinese on the life of Blessed Conforti, published by Fr. Alessandro Chiarel, in Tientsin, China

6 -
"All of these forms of partial death in our personal lives are practices in preparation of our final death."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 182]

7 -
First Friday
"I will consider each day as if it was the last day of my life. So it will be for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, which I will receive each week."
[Blessed Conforti on June 12, 1927]
1789 - Opening of the first U.S. diocese, Baltimore
1901 - The Xaverian Community moves to Campo di Marte, the present Xaverian Motherhouse in Parma
1962 - Anna Eleanor Roosevelt dies. Instrumental in preparing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She stated, 'It isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. And it isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it.'

8 -
"As I start the main actions of my day, I will treasure the good habit of repeating the saying: Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam! Everything for you, o Lord, anything for you!"
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 188]
1897 - Birth of Dorothy Day
1931 - The body of Blessed Conforti is carried, like a triumphal march, through the streets of Parma
1942 - Solemn procession for the translocation of the tomb of Blessed Conforti from Parma's Cathedral to the Chapel of the Xaverian Motherhouse, Parma
1970 - Beginning of the Xaverian presence in the diocese of Jakarta, Indonesia

9 -
Dedication of the Lateran Basilica
"I will do my best to please the Lord, faithfully accomplishing my duties in every moment of the day."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 182]
1893 - Blessed Conforti is named Director of the Propagation of the Faith, at the age of 28, 5 years after his Priestly Ordination
1931 - Solemn Funeral of Blessed Conforti in Parma's Cathedral

10 -
St. Leo the Great, Pope
"Before my daily prayers, I will reflect deeply in my mind on the great deed I am undertaking."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 11, 1917]
1916 - Blessed Conforti writes a Pastoral Letter against the habit of swearing and bad language

11 -
St. Martin of Tours, soldier turned Christian, Bishop and Founder
"I will be gentle with everyone without distinction, available without weaknesses, dignified without status, so as to inspire with respect and affection all those who approach me."
[Blessed Conforti on June 12, 1927]

12 -
St. Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
"I will not speak of my pains and afflictions with anyone, except with holy and wise people, so as to receive counsel from them."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 11, 1917]
1986 - 'To the Ends of the Earth' - U.S. Bishops Pastoral Statement on World Mission
1962 - Xaverian Gianni Gazza is elected Bishop of Abaete do Tocantins, Brazil

13 -
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Religious Foundress, patroness of immigrants
"Knowing that I will speak in public, I will do my homework to prepare myself well, so as to not repeat the same things, and be more efficacious."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 11, 1917]
1983 - Fr. J. Henry Frassineti dies in Parma, Italy, Pioneer of the US Foundation
1986 - 'Economic Justice for All' - U.S. Bishops Pastoral Letter on Catholic Social Teaching and the U.S. Economy

14 -
"I will react against my natural indolence. I will choose to do the hardest and most unpleasant things first, never postponing to tomorrow what can be done today."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 190]
1928 - Blessed Conforti confirms 15 adult Christians in a celebration in Shan-Chow, China

15 -
St. Albert the Great, Bishop and Writer
"In moments of sadness and melanchony, which I experience so often, I will not give room to discouragement, but I will depend on God and double my efforts."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 192]
1895 - Official opening of the first Xaverian Seminary in Parma, with 17 seminarians. On this day, Blessed Conforti professes privately the religious vows.
Brazil: Feast of the Proclamation of the Republic

16 -
33rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
St. Margaret of Scotland, Mother and Helper of the poor; St. Gertrude, Benedictine mystic
"I will have to respond to God on the many people he entrusted under my care, for I am a debtor to all in my ministerial service. I need to show interest in them, and at least pray for them."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 193]
1924 - Blessed Conforti gives the mission Cross to departing China missionaries Frs. V. Vanzin, L. Fontana, A. Lampis and P. De Martino, in the Cathedral of Parma.

17 -
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, religious, patroness of the Franciscan Third Order
"To the Congregation of St. Francis Xavier, which has such a great place in my heart, I will dedicate all the duties which may be assigned to me by the government of the Diocese."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 193]
International Student's Day

18 -
St. Rose Philippine Duchesne, Religious and founder, who worked with native Americans
Dedication of the Basilicas of Saints Peter and Paul
"I will be diligent to answer to all the social affairs, visits and correspondence. These are part of the practice of love."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 193]
1923 - Blessed Conforti gives a moving homily during the Solemn closing liturgy of the celebrations in honor of Blessed Therese of Lisieux.

19 -
"On March 13, I am sending you our dear Fathers Fusato and Ambrico. Unfortunately I do not have anyone else for the moment. But I will ordain nine priests on Easter day, and I will be happy to assign them to China."
[Blessed Conforti on March 8, 1928]
1904 - Blessed Conforti writes a Letter on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Dogma of the Immaculate Conception.
1863 - Gettysburg Address.

20 -
"From the words of our Redeemer, we receive mercy, pardon, and forgiveness. Our Lord calls us with the voice of the heart, with a word of love."
[Blessed Conforti, on May 11, 1913]
1959 - UN Declaration on the Rights of the Child

21 -
Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
"People who care about themselves are cruel, for their pride brings them to love only themselves. God's mercy defeats even this cruelty, transforming them into compassionate people. It shares the miseries of others through compassion and words."
[Blessed Conforti on Sept. 11, 1913]
1922 - Blessed Conforti presides at the Congress of the Missionary Union of the Clergy, in Naples
1928 - Blessed Conforti visits the Seminary in Cheng-Chow with Bishop Calza.

22 -
St. Cecilia, Virgin and Martyr, patroness of sacred music
"Whatever happened in the past is fruit of circumstances, but not for lack of good will. At the Motherhouse, we will continue to support through prayers, thoughts, and charity the works of our Xaverian family in China, with our humble means."
[Blessed Conforti on April 13, 1927]
1963 - President John F. Kennedy assassinated in Dallas

23 -
FEAST OF JESUS CHRIST THE KING
St. Clement I, Pope and Martyr; St. Columban, Irish monk and missionary; Blessed Miguel Agustin Pro, priest and martyr from Guadalupe, Mexico
"I hope that my visit brought great good, deepened our love, and gave all of us greater encouragement to work willingly and constantly for the missions. I'm amazed at what you have accomplished for the good of the Chinese people."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 14, 1928]
1899 - Bishop Francis Magani of Parma writes a Pastoral Letter suggesting to build the new Xaverian Mission Seminary as a diocesan monument honoring Christ, our Redeemer, on a piece of land acquire by Conforti
1987 - Starting of the Center for interreligious Dialogue in Seimezan, Japan.

24 -
St. Andrew Dung-Lac and companions, martyrs of Vietnam during the 17th-19th centuries
"After your last letter, I checked if our finances would help us open another house in Vicenza, but... God have Mercy! We can only trust in Divine Providence if we want to accomplish this project."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 27, 1924]
1895 - Fr. Caio Rastelli, Xaverian Martyr in China, is Ordained a Priest

25 -
St. Catherine of Alexandria, learned woman of the 4th century, martyr
"With your eye fixed on Him, and inspired by Him, you will never forget that the thoughts, affections, words and actions of an apostle of Jesus Christ should never have anything of the earthly, the carnal, the mundane, the vile."
[Blessed Conforti on Jan. 25, 1907]
1881 - Birthday of Pope John XXIII
1908 - Blessed Conforti writes a Pastoral Letter on his First Visit to the parishes of Parma
1920 - The Propagation of the Faith officially approves the Xaverian Constitutions.
1961 - Start of the prelature of Abaeté do Tocantins in Brazil
1981 - UN Declaration against Religious Intollerance

26 -
"If all our intentions were pure and righteous, how many divisions would disappear, almost like magic!"
[Blessed Conforti, on Jan. 14, 1914]
1883 - Sojourner Truth dies
1964 - Beginning of the Xaverian centers of Bujumbura [Burundi], and Padang [Indonesia]

27 -
USA: THANKSGIVING DAY
"In my studies I will try to be more diligent than in the past. I will arrange a method and a schedule to accomplish all that will be assigned to me, even at the cost of some sacrifice."
[Blessed Conforti on Sept. 12, 1885]
1940 - Fr. J. Henry Frassineti, Pioneer of the US Foundation, arrives in San Francisco

28 -
"Jesus Christ lived detached from all earthly things, and St. Francis Xavier too, through the Gospel, detached himself from everything: his family, his homeland, his riches... and embraced the poverty of Christ."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 3, 1924]
1964 - Martyrdom of Xaverian Fr. Louis Carrara, Fr. John Didonè and Br. Victor Faccin, in Congo
Burundi - Anniversary of the First Republic

29 -
End of Liturgical Year A
"Let us find inspiration in the example given us by St. Francis Xavier, and let us always remember that if we wish to be worthy apostles of the Gospel, we also must live completely for God, completely for our neighbor, and completely for ourselves. Only in this way, shall we be able to give the Lord all the glory that should be his."
{Blessed Conforti, The Father's Word, pg 138]
1892 - Conforti publishes his first article entitled 'The Catholic Hero.'
1920 - Blessed Conforti presides at the Congress of the Missionary Union of Clergy in Vicenza, Italy
1973 - Opening of the Xaverian Theology House in Chicago
1980 - Dorothy Day dies

30 -
First Sunday of Advent - Beginning of Liturgical Year B
St. Andrew, Apostle, patron of Scotland
"In the midst of his apostolate, St. Francis Xavier felt so much joy which brought the Xavier to cry out to God: Enough, o Lord, enough!"
[Blessed Conforti on Nov. 1, 1913]