January 30, 2024

Hello John,

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Saint of the Day for January 30: Blessed Mary Angela Truszkowska

(May 16, 1825 – October 10, 1899)

Today we honor a woman who submitted to God’s will throughout her life—a life filled with pain and suffering.

Born in 1825 in central Poland and baptized Sophia, she contracted tuberculosis as a young girl. The forced period of convalescence gave her ample time for reflection. Sophia felt called to serve God by working with the poor, including street children and the elderly homeless in Warsaw’s slums. In time, her cousin joined her in the work.

In 1855, the two women made private vows and consecrated themselves to the Blessed Mother. New followers joined them. Within two years, they formed a new congregation, which came to be known as the Felician Sisters. As their numbers grew, so did their work, and so did the pressures on Mother Angela (the new name Sophia took in religious life).

Mother Angela served as superior for many years until ill health forced her to resign at the age of 44. She watched the order grow and expand, including missions to the United States among the sons and daughters of Polish immigrants.

Pope John Paul II beatified Mother Angela in 1993. Her liturgical feast is celebrated on October 10.

Reflection

Like Saints Francis of Assisi and Ignatius of Loyola, Blessed Mary Angela experienced a conversion while convalescing from an illness. The Lord can use sickness as well as other situations to speak to the heart of an individual. This does not imply that God caused the illness; just that he used the opportunity to speak to Mother Angela’s heart.

This Lent connect and pray with the Church’s most beloved saints and holy people—Thomas Merton, Francis, Clare, Damien of Molokai, Teresa of Calcutta, and Gianna Molla, to name a few!

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Ever New, Ever Young

Sometimes we resist conversion to the Lord’s way because we fear giving it full freedom will shrink our world, will make us more closed in. Like every other saint, Francis of Assisi reminds us that conversion to the Lord’s ways will always enlarge our world, stretching us in a good way. Francis “seemed changed into another man” because conversion indeed made him a new man. He retained his original DNA and fingerprints, but his heart became ever new and young.

Have you ever mulled over what deeper conversion might take away from your life or bring to it? How might you give God a bit more room to work in your life? Do it! You won’t regret it.

—from the book Peace and Good: Through the Year with Francis of Assisi
by Pat McCloskey, OFM

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A Prayer for Artists

Reflect

Artists have a unique gift to present eternal truths in a way that enlivens the senses. Let us pray that artists use their gifts for God’s glory.

Pray

Heavenly Father, your works are beyond compare.
The loveliness of the stars, the myriad of creatures that walk the earth,
all give you honor, and shine with your radiant beauty.
May artists, musicians, and authors follow in your example.
May their work give you honor, and inspire the hearts of all to do the same!
Amen.

Act

Choose a piece of artwork, a song, or a poem that gives you inspiration. Pray for the person who made it and thank God for their gift.

Today's Pause+Pray was written by Clifford Hennings, OFM. Learn more here!

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