DECEMBER
Su	Mo	Tu	We	Th	Fr	Sa
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7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30	31
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December 2008

1 -
See December Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
"St. Francis Xavier is an example for the beautiful apostolic activity: he teaches, travels, visits the sick, catechizes the children, and spends the nights in prayer. Let his example inspire us."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 2, 1927]
1928 – Blessed Conforti, on his visit to his missionaries in China, preaches the Retreat in preparation of the Feast of St. Francis Xavier
1892 - In his letter to Rev. G. Venturini, young Guido Conforti shares that "My goals are becoming clearer each passing day, and even more I feel that the Lord is asking me to found a religious community, a project which has been on my mind for quite some time, and is the object of my lively sentiments."
1955 – Rosa Parks refuses to give up her seat on the bus, and inaugurates the modern civil rights movements

2 -
See December Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
"Francis Xavier preceded you with his example: be imitators of him, and you will partake of the eternal glory which surrounds our Patron in the heavens."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 3, 1924]
1928 – Blessed Conforti announces the First General Chapter of the Xaverian Missionaries
1980 - Martyrdom of four Church Women Missionaries killed in El Salvador

3 -
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER, Patron of the Xaverian Missionaries, and of foreign missions
"St. Francis Xavier’s conversion is admirable… Admirable are his heavenly yearnings for the highest places of Christian perfection; admirable is his apostolic work."
[Blessed Conforti on Jan. 22, 1923]
1895 - Official beginning of the Xaverian Missionaries
See December Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
1898 – Fr. Caio Rastelli and Odoardo Manini profess their vows at the hands of Blessed Conforti
1903 - Starting of the publication of the Xaverian mission magazine 'Faith and Civilization' in Italy
1964 - Opening of the regional house in Makeni, Sierra Leone
1986 - Bishop Biguzzi is named Bishop of Makeni, Sierra Leone

4 -
St. John of Damascus, priest and teacher
See December Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
"I would like to express my wish that the missions of Asia would be given to our congregation, for it is the Continent with a reduced number of Christians, and because it was the field of sublime apostolic ministry of St. Francis Xavier, from whom our congregation receives its name and inspiration."
[Blessed Conforti on March 9, 1897]
1915 – Blessed Conforti sends a Pastoral Letter to the diocese of Parma ‘On the Last Comforts of our Faith’

5 -
First Friday
See December Mission and Church Intentions of the Pope
"As he quickly realized the uselessness of human greatness, St. Francis Xavier turned his mind and heart to the most noble ideals, to greater endeavors, and became the Apostle of the East."
[Blessed Conforti on Nov. 1, 1913]
1897 - Blessed Conforti preaches a week-long retreat to the Xaverian students


6 -
St. Nicholas, Bishop
"St. Francis Xavier understood well the value of obedience, and if he had received the command from St. Ignatius to return to Rome, he would have quickly refused his great projects and embarked on the journey home."
[Blessed Conforti on March 17, 1921]
1998 – Opening of the theology house in Manila, Philippines
Spain - Feast of the Constitution

7 -
Second Sunday of Advent
St. Ambrose, Bishop and composer of sacred music
"The Superior of the Congregation and his councilors need to realize that the prosperity of the Missions depends on their utmost attention on the virtues, ability and character of the students who will be sent as missionaries to those who do not know Christ."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 1, 1898]
1965 - 'Ad Gentes', Decree on the Mission Activity of the Church, by Pope Paul VI, Vatican Council II [Dec. 7, 1965]
1990 - 'Redemptoris Mission', Encyclical Letter by Pope John Paul II, on the permanent validity of the Church's mission mandate [Dec. 7, 1990]

8 -
Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Patroness of the USA, Spain, and the Democratic Rep. of Congo
"Mary loves us with an incomparable love. Hers is not an earthly or human love, for she nourishes herself only from the infinite love with which God has loved us."
[Blessed Conforti on Feb. 15, 1931]
1908 – At Parma's Cathedral, Blessed Conforti officially opens his first Pastoral Visit to the diocese of Parma
1975 - 'Evangelii Nuntiandi', Apostolic Exhortation by Pope Paul VI on the Proclamation of the Gospel
1973 – Beginning of the Xaverian Province in Mexico
2002 - Fr. Pius Devoti dies in Parma, Italy: Missionary to Japan, director at Fatima Shrine, Holliston, MA

9 -
St. Juan Diego, hermit who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Tepeyac, Mexico. Declared Saint by Pope John Paul II in 2002
"Because it is impossible to live a just life, to reach the perfect form of holiness, and to work for the salvation of our neighbor without a special help from God, we need to constantly dedicate ourselves to prayer." [Blessed Conforti on Oct. 6, 1914]
1921 – Blessed Conforti sends a Letter to the priests of Italy introducing them to the rules of the Missionary Union of the Clergy

10 -
"The interior life is a life of constant union with God, a life that brings us to see God and know God in all"
[Blessed Conforti on Jan. 9, 1906]
International Children's Day
1920 – Blessed Conforti takes part at the Diocesan Congress of the Missionary Union of the Clergy
1948 - Universal declaration of Human Rights adopted by U.N. General Assembly
1968 - Death of Thomas Merton

11 -
St. Damasus, Pope
"As every spike tends towards the center, as the river flows into the ocean, so are we invited to reach the truth. We will find perfect peace, true happiness, and complete contentment in it."
[Blessed Conforti on Jan. 14, 1910]
1986 - UNICEF, United Nations Children's Fund, [founded on this day in 1946] receives the 1986 Nobel Peace Prize

12 -
Our Lady of Guadalupe, Patroness of the Americas, and patronal day of Mexico. Today's feast recalls the apparition of Mary at the hill ot Tepeyac from Dec. 9-12 1531 to the native convert, Juan Diego.
"It's useless to be discouraged by sadness and setbacks; let's renew our trust in God who is lovingly vigilant on human events. Let's bring our human prayer to God."
[Blessed Conforti on Oct. 17, 1916]
1907 - Following the sudden death of Bishop Francis Magani, Blessed Conforti becomes Bishop of Parma

13 -
St. Lucy, Virgin and Martyr, patroness of those afflicted with diseases of the eye.
1905 - Blessed Conforti writes to Rev. Ormisda Pellegri, rector of the Motherhouse in Parma: "Regarding the changes we talked about in the Xaverian Rules, I only wish that our Congregation will never lose its religious aspect."
[Dec. 13, 1905]
1930 - Blessed Conforti presides at the religious ceremony of the opening of the school year at Parma's University

14 -
Third Sunday of Advent
St. John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church
"If we were honest, dear brothers and sons, and wanted to diagnose the reasons of the sad moments of our lives, we would find that their main causes are our lack of watchfulness, and the dependence on our own strength."
[Blessed Conforti on Jan. 14, 1918]

15 -
"Our contemplation should increase as we think of God who created us and all the beautiful and marvelous things that surround us, all by God's loving touch."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 17, 168]
1905 – Printing of the first Xaverian Rules, pending approval of the Holy See.

16 -
Start of the Christmas Novena:
"Lo, our King is coming, Lord of creation, who will lift the yoke that binds and makes us captive."
"Break every fear! Aspire to greater things than any human awards! Ask for the best of all goods: the Grace of God and Peace in your hearts. By doing this, Christ will be spiritually born again in your hearts this Christmas."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 25, 1920]
Bangladesh - Victory Day
Philippines: Simbang Gabi is the novena of dawn masses traditionally held in the Philippines beginning Dec. 16. Church bells are rung to call the faithful to prayer, and in some provinces, brass bands play traditional Christmas music. At midnight on Dec. 24 the Misa de Gallo [Mass of the Rooster] is celebrated to welcome the birth of Jesus.
Mexico and Colombia: The Posada [= shelter] is celebrated Dec. 16-24 throughout the Spanish-speaking world. It reenacts Mary and Joseph’s search for shelter on the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. On each of the nine days the participants travel from house to house, taking the role of pilgrims seeking lodging. Those inside the homes are innkeepers who refuse them. At the last home all are invited in for prayer and refreshments.

17 -
Christmas Novena - O Antiphon:
"O Wisdom who proceeded from the mouth of the Most High, and reached forth from end to end, mightily and sweetly disposing all things. Come forth to instruct us in the way of prudence."
"Our God is a God of love and comfort, a God who can make us deeply feel our unworthiness and God's infinite mercy, who joins with us in the depth of our soul, and fills it with humility, joy, trust, and love."
[Blessed Conforti on Nov. 1, 1918]

18 -
Christmas Novena - O Antiphon:
"O Sacred Lord of the house of Israel, who did appear to Moses in the burning bush, and gave him the law on Sinai. Come forth to redeem us with your arm extended."
"Children in Christ, prayer changes us in better: it transfigures us, it sublimes us, it makes us God-like. Only those souls that are superficial and based will forgo of prayers and hate those who trust in this sacred duty, this longing of the heart."
[Blessed Conforti on Jan. 6, 1913]
1919 - Blessed Conforti sends a letter to the priests of Parma diocese on the Encyclical ‘Maximum Illud’

19 -
Christmas Novena - O Antiphon:
"O Flower of Jesse's stem, who are a standard bearer for the people before Whom even the mouths of rulers shall be silent, to Whom shall pray the people of the nations. Come forth to deliver us; hasten now and do not delay."
"I charge you to ever seek the glory of God and the salvation of souls in all the many labors and personal sacrifices. They desire from you the message of redemption."
[Blessed Conforti on Jan. 19, 1906]

20 -
Christmas Novena - O Antiphon:
"O Key of David and scepter that ruled Israel, who opens and no one closes shut, who close and no one opens up. Come forth and release the bonds of those who languish in prison, who sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death."
1895 - Birth of Mother Celestine Healy-Bottego in Glendale, Ohio, Foundress of the Xaverian Missionary Sisters
"It is important that we proclaim... not only our words, but the Word of God. We cannot preach about ourselves, nor seek our own glory; we preach Jesus Christ."
[Blessed Conforti on Sept. 24, 1908]
1923 – Blessed Conforti presides at the hearing on the presumed miracle in Parma through the intercession of Blessed Therese of the Child Jesus

21 -
Fourth Sunday of Advent
Christmas Novena - O Antiphon:
"O Radiant Dawn from the East, splendor of light eternal and sun of justice. Come and enlighten those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death."
St. Peter Canisius, priest
First Day of Winter
"Let us ever live that life of faith which leads us to seek and desire God’s pleasure and not our own. This life of faith should exemplify the life of every just, and be reflective in the priest and apostle in a special way."
[Blessed Conforti on July 2, 1921 - LT #7]

22 -
Christmas Novena - O Antiphon:
"O King of all Nations and the One the world longs, the Cornerstone which is their foundations, who brings us together. Come forth and save us, whom you created."
"We cannot understand our life if we don't know our heart; we cannot possess ourselves if we cannot possess our heart, for life goes where the heart carries it."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, 185]
Jewish Festival of Hanukkah begins

23 -
Christmas Novena - O Antiphon:
"O Emmanuel, our Ruler and Lawgiver, the awaited Messiah of all nations, the salvation of the world. Come forth, redeem us now, You who are our Lord and Savior."
St. John Kanthy, theology professor and defender of the poor
"If health allows me, I would like to visit the community of Vicenza before Christmas. How I long to visit the young seminarians there; how can I not be among them! It is in fact my duty to do so, and I promise to visit more often."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 9, 1925]

24 -
Christmas Novena: "Tomorrow, when the sun shall rise up in the heavens, then you shall behold the King of kings, proceeding forth from the Father like to the bridegroom from his bridal chamber. The Lord is now very near; O hasten to adore Him"
"Even this year, the joy of Christmas is diminished by the heavy clouds of sadness. This very Seminary has its students dispersed in surrounding hills and towns because of the war. Our Congregation also weeps for the fate of three of our dear Missionaries in distant China, who are in the hands of rebels."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 23, 1917]
1917 - Beginning of monthly 'Mission Gatherings' at the Xaverian Motherhouse in Parma
1949 – First Xaverians arrive in Japan

25 -
THE BIRTH OF OUR LORD AND SAVIOR
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL
"Nowadays we talk about universal peace and brotherhood among peoples and nations. The missionary is the most beautiful symbol and the most convinced and ardent apostle of this universal brotherhood."
[Blessed Conforti on Sept. 27, 1931]

26 -
St. Stephen, Deacon and first disciple to be martyred [Acts 6-7]
First of the 'twelve days of Christmas'
"We must see God, love God, and seek God in everything because in this consists our perfection and all of our happiness."
[Blessed Conforti, PdP 1928]
Kwanzaa: Kwanzaa is celebrated for seven days beginning December 26 through January 1. It is an opportunity for the African American people to celebrate their heritage and reinforce positive community values.

27 -
St. John, Apostle and Gospel writer
"When this Child, whom we see today in swaddling clothes in a manger, will send his Apostles to the ends of the world inherited by the Heavenly Father, He will not provide them with powerful armies to conquer the world. He will be happy to say to them, with his divine authority: Proclaim my Gospel to all nations."
[Blessed Conforti on Jan. 1, 1912]
1928 – Tired from the long Transiberian Train ride from China, Blessed Conforti and Fr. Bonardi arrive in Vicenza, and briefly stay at the Xaverian House

28 -
Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
The Holy Innocents, Children Martyrs
"I am ever grateful to all of you for the prayers which you raise up for me during this Christmas season. It is the most precious gift you can give."
[Blessed Conforti on Dec. 30, 1930]
1921 - Card. Van Rossum communicates to Blessed Conforti that he is to remain Superior General of the Xaverian Congregation 'for life.'
1928 - Conclusion of the three-month China visit of Blessed Conforti, with Solemn evening prayers at the Cathedral of Parma, filled with faithful

29 -
St Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, martyred by order of King Henry II
"Whoever does not live in view of the final goal resembles a wandering boat, which is tossed by the waves, with the risk of being crashed and smashed against a rock."
[Blessed Conforti, FCT 20, pg 180]

30 -
"Time is as precious as the grace from above: how precious is paradise; how precious is our God."
[Blessed Conforti on April 6, 1918]
1993 - The Vatican and Israel establish full diplomatic relations.

31 -
St. Sylvester I, Pope of the Early Church
"O Heavenly Father, may your powerful goodness be blessed a thousand times, for you have poured everywhere your blessings, your beauty, your being, your life."
[Blessed Conforti on Jan. 14, 1917]