Category: Bulletins and Newsletters

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin May 16, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 7^th Sunday of Easter, we recall The Ascension of the Lord with the observance traditionally celebrated on Thursday, May 13^th.  The Roman Catholic Church does not consider the feast as a public holiday; but the Vatican has given permission to move it on the Sunday before Pentecost, encouraging  Christians to observe this important feast.  The Ascension commemorates the Christian belief of the going up to heaven forty days after his resurrection.  In Latin, Ascensio  refers to Christ being raised up by his own powers, in the Catholic Church this day  is ranked as a Solemnity and a Holy Day of Obligation.  The Ascension shows us He exists in corporal form with the Father outside time and space, thus this concluding work of redemption and the pledge of our own eventual ascension into heaven. 

The Western Church started commemorating the Ascension on the 40^th day of Easter as early as the 4^th Century.  At that time the feast was celebrated with plays, candlelit processions with a banner of a Lion (Christ) carried in front of one showing a Dragon (Devil).  It is a tradition in some churches to celebrate with the blessings of first fruits as a thanksgiving for our Lord blessing us with produce, as  processions with  banners decorating the church with the blessed fruits being  consumed after the liturgy.   May 16^th is also the Feast of St. Brendan the Navigator recalling his 9^th Century Voyage to the Isle of Blessed as he  searched  for the Garden of Eden.  Also known as one of the 12 Apostles of Ireland, St. Brendan’s achievements are displayed in a large stained glass window at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. 

A Prayer for The Ascension: “Almighty God, whose blessed Son Our Savior Jesus Christ ascended far above all heaves, that he might fill all things:  Mercifully give us faith to perceive that according to his promise abide with his Church on earth, even unto the end of the world; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

After Mass on this Sunday we will offer blessed prayer squares to take home.  These knitted squares were donated by Donna (D’Angelo) Smith as a small way to let someone know that God cares for them.  As the knitters cast their stiches, they recited a short prayer that would be felt by the donor of the square.  As their busy hands worked with the yarn  they prayed:  “Lord keep my hands and heart focused on whoever receives this prayer square, that they know You love them and care for them and all their concerns.  Amen.”  All the parishioners from San Antonio Church appreciate this kind and thoughtful gesture from Donna, her family and friends.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin May 9, 2021

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church community wishes the women of our parish  a very Happy Mother’s Day on this 2^nd Sunday of May.  We honor all mothers on this   “Festa della Mamma” to  celebrate motherhood, maternal bonds, and the influence mothers have in our society.  In our Italian culture, parents and family are not only to be honored on their special days, but also throughout the year.  The Italian mother is considered the center of the family and the glue that holds her family together.   Before the traditional Mother’s Day the Romans celebrated from the end of April to the 1^st week in May  with lavish banquets.  This celebration  was called “Floralia” – to welcome springtime, flowers, warmer weather, and the rebirth of a new season.

The 1^st actual Mother’s Day celebrated in Italy was in 1933 with the Giornata della madre e del fanciullo “The day of the Mother and Child” to publicly reward a notable  Italian woman.  In 1957, a Parish Priest, from the town of Assisi, the Rev. Otello Migliosi  reinstated  Mother’s Day  at his church.  It became so popular from that year on that the Italian Senate made the holiday official.      

We also honor the Blessed Mother today with our traditional procession and May Crowning.  In the Roman Catholic Church, Mother’s Day is strongly associated with showing reverence to  the Virgin Mary.  During our years attending Parochial School  many of us recall the month of May being dedicated to Mary and the many May crowning’s we attended.  We would gather flowers from our home gardens to honored Mary for the  procession to the grotto  on the school grounds where the statue of Mary was located.  On this day we have another crowning at our church and  we appreciate all the children who have participated in the May Crowning this morning and we thank Tina (Roberto ) Kroeger for working with them.  The next time we honor the Blessed Mother will be on Sunday, August 15 with the “Feast of the Assumption of Mary”.  This feast honors the death, assumption into Heaven and coronation of the Blessed Virgin Mary; making it the most important of all the Marian feasts.

As we anticipate the feast of our Patron, St. Anthony of Padua on Sunday, June 13^th, please remember how important the Franciscans were to the survival of our humble church.  We will be donating all monies that are pinned to the blue ribbon adorning the St. Anthony statue to the Franciscan Order along with the monies  from the Saint Anthony Bread that will be blessed and  distributed on that Sunday after our 9:00 AM Mass. 

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin May 2, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 5^th Sunday of Easter, San Antonio Church  parishioners are looking forward to next Sunday; the Mother’s Day Mass our May Crowning and Breakfast.    The May Crowning  dates back to the early days of  San Antonio Italian Church when  the young daughters of our church members participated  in the procession and crowning to honor the Blessed Mother.  At that time those young ladies  were required to write an essay about the Blessed Mother that was then read and judged by our Parish priest.  Those young ladies were chosen with the  lucky girl and her court feeling very honored to be apart of this tradition.  On Mother’s Day, they entered the church at the start of Mass  attired in long taffeta dresses very proud to be the ones from their families to honor the Blessed Mother in this way.  Over the years those young ladies married and had children and grandchildren and even great grandchildren  who have also participated in this wonderful tradition.

Next week, May 9^th we will continue this day with new generations of young girls and boys from our church who will honor and remember how important Mary, the Blessed Mother is to our Catholic upbringing.  Please let Tina (Roberto) Kroeger know the names of the children as she will meet with them in the Hall before Mass.  Also we will be able to bring back our Mother’s Day Breakfast as we follow all Covid Guidelines with family groups seated together by table reservation only.  Please see David Sabatelli or Victor Minella for more information about the limited seating.    

On May 6^th, the first Thursday in May is the National Day of Prayer.  Designated by the United States Congress, this day is set aside for everyone “to turn to God in prayer and meditation”.  Every year the President of the United States signs a proclamation urging all Americans to pray for the future of our country.  Most presidents in the history of the United States attend church services and hold special events at the White House to promote respect for God.  The intention of the National Day of Prayer is that all great religions could come together to unite in prayer and bring renewed respect for God to people all over the world.  It is celebrated by Protestants, Catholics, Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus and Jews.  Many Americans will plan to assemble in prayer in front of their local courthouses, churches, mosques, synagogues and temples  with some  observances  including  musical  performances that conclude with prayers recited  for our nation.

We send our condolences to the Wall family on the passing of Rev. John Wall who graciously celebrated Mass with us over the years.  Rev. Wall passed away on April 20 at the age of 89 years.  His funeral was held at St. Ignatius Church on April 30^th.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin April 25, 2021

by Terrie Evans

This 4^th Sunday of Easter marks the 58^th Anniversary of the World Day of Prayer for Vocations; a day set aside  to show appreciation for all those who choose vocations within the Church.  Also  known as Good Shepherd Sunday, it’s  to remind us as a way to full fill the Lord’s Instruction and to “Pray the Lord of harvest to send laborers into his harvest”.  We are asked to  pray  for those young men and women who have heard the call and chosen  to serve in  ordained ministries in  consecrated life in all its forms, or  in secular institutes, and to those who dedicate their lives to the missionary life.   

Sunday, April 25^th is also a National Holiday throughout Italy with the anniversary of the liberation of Italy from the Nazi-Fascists in World  War ll.  The liberation was the end result of 23 years of Fascist leadership, 5 years of war and the victory of the Resistance in Italy (Anniversario della Resistenza).  All of Northern Italy was liberated by May 1^st with Bologna (April 21), Genoa (April 23), Milan (April 25),Turin and Venice (April 28).  On this date in 1945, the National Liberation Committee of Upper Italy  officially proclaimed  the insurgency in a radio announcement and the death sentence  for all Fascist leaders including Benito Mussolini.  A decree created  April 22, 1946 making this date the liberation of the Italian territory; a National holiday.

On this Sunday in Venice, the Feast of St. Mark, the Evangelist is commemorated  with  La Festa di San Marco,  a public holiday in Venice where it honors the city’s patron saint.  St. Mark was one of Jesus Christ’s disciples and is thought to be the author of the Gospel of Mark.  He died on April 25^th and his relics where moved to Venice years later which then attracted pilgrims from around Europe.  In Venice the Feast Day of St. Mark begins with Mass and then a day filled with concerts, carnivals and markets.  One of the highlights is the boat race, Regata di Traghetti, featuring competing gondoliers while transporting their passengers.  Also on St. Mark’s Day, men will present a single rosebud to the women they love.  This tradition comes from the legend of a humble troubadour, Tancredi and his devotion and love for Lady Maria Partecipazio.  So every year in St. Mark’s Square in Venice the festival of the Blooming Rose to recall the dying Tancredi sending a rose to Maria, signifying his love for her.     

Our mother’s Day May Crowning and Breakfast will be held on Sunday, May 9^th.  Due to Covid Restrictions, there will be limited seating at Mass and in the Hall.  Please contact Tina Kroger to sign up for the May Crowning and organizing family seating groups for Mass.  Also please contact Dave Sabatelli (513-405-6444) or Vic Minella (513-520-5594) for a reservation in the Hall. 

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin April 18, 2021

by Terrie Evans

Our San Antonio Church Community sends its sincere condolences to the Einhaus, Burns, Sabatelli and  Accurso Families on the passing on their son, husband, brother, father, nephew and uncle, David John Einhaus at the age of 43 years.  David was the son of  Earl and Rose (Sabatelli) Einhaus and the much loved brother to sister Charity, her husband Tony And their children A.J., Luken and Boden.  David along with his beloved wife Karen (Burns) were the new proud parents of sons Chris and Justin.  David grew up on the West Side attended La Salle high School and found his calling when he enrolled in an auto apprentice program where he spent his entire career in the auto industry.  He learned everything one needed to know by starting out in the service department where he scheduled appointments and worked with customers on estimates for their repairs.  David was a valued employee at Glenway  Auto Center for 20 years eventually moving from the service department to manager of the auto body shop. 

When the auto body shop was closed in 2020, David moved to Schmoes Auto Body Shop in January 2021 as Manager  where he became their newest valued employee.  He was not only a good son, husband and father and family member, he also volunteered his time for the yearly events at San Antonio Church.  David along with his parents Earl and Rose worked the annual Spaghetti Dinner and Pizza Party to give our crew an extra hand.  He also was a regular at the Cincitalia  Fest where he  helped set up the space and also  worked the grill at the Spiedini Booth for the yearly fundraiser at the  United Italian Society.  David also leaves his Mother-in law, Barbara Burns, Dave & Sandy, Phil  Sabatelli  and Larry& Elaine Vickery and many Family Members to mourn his untimely passing.  Please keep them and all David’s  family and friends in your prayers.  David John Einhaus’ final resting place is at St. Joseph New Cemetery where he was buried on Monday, April 12^th. 

Within the history of San Antonio Church we have always relied on prayer, special intentions and the connections of the Franciscan Ministry to our church.  There is a weekly Novena  to St. Anthony held every Tuesday at 2:30 P.M. at the national Shrine of St. Anthony in Cincinnati leading up to the Feast of St. Anthony on June 13^th.  Held for the 9 weeks this Novena started on April 13^th as a way to pray for your specific needs for the duration with this petition.  St. Anthony of Padua is the Patron of our Church and we always need to invoke his name for all the special intentions we have for our church and our families.  To feel the power of united prayer, attend in person at the Shrine of St. Anthony or visit:  https://www.stanthony.org/PrayNovena/  to sign up for email reminders.  You will receive reminders each week with prayers and audio recordings.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin April 11, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 2^nd Sunday of Easter, we honor Divine Mercy Sunday, based on the devotion that Faustina Kowalska originated after her encounter with Jesus.  A Polish Nun, Faustina Kowalska told of visions and conversations with Jesus and the things he asked her to do in his name.  One request was for her to paint the vision of Divine Mercy with his merciful  divinity pouring from his Sacred Heart.  In her diary she wrote that Jesus told her:  “Paint an image according to the pattern you see, with the signature “Jesus, I trust in you” (in Polish: ( “Jezu, ufam Tobie”).  “I desire that this image be venerated, first in your chapel, and then throughout the world.  I promise that the soul that will venerate this image will not perish.”  The other favor he asked of Faustina was to establish a feast of Divine Mercy to be scheduled on the Sunday after Easter for mankind to take refuge in him. “ I want the image solemnly blessed on the 1^st Sunday after Easter, and I want it to be venerated publicly so that every soul may know about it.” 

This day is associated with special promises from Jesus and also indulgences that will be issued by the Catholic Church.  With this devotion, a person who goes to a sacramental confession, even going days prior and then receives holy communion will obtain expiation of all sins and punishment.  The Roman Catholic Church will also grant plenary indulgence after reciting some simple prayers. The 1^st Mass displaying  the image of the Divine Mercy occurred on April 28, 1935 on the 2^nd Sunday of Easter with Faustina Kowlaska in attendance. 

In July of 1937, the 1^st Holy Cards with the Divine Mercy image were printed and by 1941, the devotion had reached the United States with millions of Divine Mercy prayer cards printed and distributed throughout the world.  She lived to see the beginning of  devotion to the Divine Mercy she had started  before her death at the age of 33 on October 5, 1938 in Krakow, Poland.  Her final resting place is at the Basilica of Divine Mercy in Krakow, Poland. 

In June 2002, Pope John Paul II granted indulgences to Catholics who will recite specific prayers held in honor of Divine Mercy, or pray the Our Father and the Creed in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament (If not able to attend a church or chapel, recite the prayers before an image of Jesus)  then add this short prayer  “Merciful Jesus, I trust in you.”  The other conditions to receive a plenary indulgence are:  making a sacramental Confession, going to Communion and prayers for the intentions of the Pope. 

`In 1965, then Archbishop of Krakow, Karol Wojtyla (who later became Pope John Paul II)  opened the process into Faustina Kowalska’s life and virtues while interviewing witnesses.  In 1967, the official process was started for her beatification which lasted until it was official on April 18, 1993.   The Roman Catholic Church canonized Faustina Kowalska as a saint on April 30, 2000 by Pope John Paul ll.  She is venerated within the church as the “Apostle of Divine Mercy”. 

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin April 4, 2021 EASTER

by Terrie Evans

Happy Easter, Buona Pasqua!  On this Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as described in the New Testament occurring on the 3^rd day after his burial and crucifixion.  Jesus’ resurrection is one of the chief tenets of the Christian Faith and establishes  Jesus as the Son of God and is proof that God will righteously judge the world.   In Latin and Greek the Christian celebration is called Pascha originating from the Jewish Festival known as Passover which commemorates the Jewish Exodus from slavery in Egypt.  In Western Christianity, Easter Season begins on Easter Sunday, lasts for 7 weeks, and ends on the 50^th day, Pentecost Sunday. 

There are many traditions associated with  Easter to celebrate with family and friends.  Dying Easter Eggs originated in the early Christian Community of Mesopotamia who stained their eggs red to honor the memory of Christ.  The Easter egg is also  a symbol of the resurrection and also  to symbolize an empty tomb.  In Poland and other Slavic countries, they consider the colorful Easter Eggs as a symbol  of new life.  In Italy, families will use the palms blessed on Palm Sunday to dip into Holy water and bless everyone at their Easter Table. 

On Easter Sunday, we will light our new Paschal Candle that is blessed and lit every year at Easter.  Our Paschal Candle  will be lighted for the next 50 days of the Easter Season and throughout the year on special occasions such as baptisms and Funerals.  Our  new Twelve Apostles Easter  candle was donated to San Antonio Church by the La Societa Fuscaldese Femminile; in honor of their Patron Saint San Francesco di Paola and in Memory of all their past members.   Our parishioners have become close to the ladies from their  organization who have donated funds for scholarships and to other charities.  We have always appreciated their kindness and we feel honored to have their Patron saint grace our church.  We hope they will be able to have their yearly Mass and Breakfast in July.

We thank all those individuals who sent in monies for the flower fund in memory of a loved one.  Those lovely lilies donated to grace our altar are a sign of Christ’s Resurrection.  An Easter Prayer to recite at your Easter Table:  “ May the glory and promise of this Joyous time of year bring peace and happiness to you and to those you hold most dear.  And may Christ Our Risen Savior, always be there by your side to bless you most abundantly and be your loving guide.  AMEN”.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin March 28, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this last Sunday before Easter, we have the blessing of the palms and the beginning of Holy Week.  On palm Sunday we recall the triumphant entry of the savior into Jerusalem a week before his crucifixion.  On this day, Jesus rode a donkey with people spreading  palm branches on the road before him.  In the  Greco-Roman Culture  the palm branch is considered a symbol of goodness, and victory.  In the Eastern tradition, the donkey Jesus Christ rode in on was considered an animal of peace.  In Italy, palm leaves and small olive branches are used and placed above a door until  the next Palm Sunday.  This Sunday is also referred to as Yew or Branch Sunday for the substitution of native trees such as box, olive, willow or yew branches in place of palms. 

 March 28 – April 3^rd  is the start of Holy Week and the Last week of Lent.  The days between  Palm Sunday and Maundy or Sheer (Holy) Thursday are known as Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday and Holy or Spy Wednesday.  On Holy Monday, some will observe the anointing of Jesus at Bethany according to John 12:1-11.  On Holy Tuesday, some will observe Christs prediction of his own death as described in John 12:20-36 and John 13:21-38.  On Holy Wednesday we recall the story of Judas and his betrayal of Jesus.  Judas arranged this  with the chief priests as  he acted as a spy among the disciples of Jesus with this day also  called Spy Wednesday. Some other events on this date include the events at the home of Simon the Leper and  the anointing of Jesus by Mary of Bethany.  These events directly preceded the betrayal by Judas.  Within Western Christianity in the Roman Rite, a Tenebrae (Latin for shadows) Liturgy will be held by extinguishing candles, chanting or reciting  readings and psalms. 

On Holy or Maundy Thursday, we commemorate the Last Supper with Jesus predicting his betrayal, the Denial of Peter and his own death and resurrection.  In the Catholic Church, on this solemn day a private celebration of Mass is forbidden.  The only Mass on this day is the evening Mass of the Lords Supper that inaugurates the three days known as the Easter Triduum which includes Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Sunday.  On Holy Thursday, the Mass of the Lords Supper commemorates Jesus with his  Twelve Apostles and the Commandment of brotherly love that Jesus gave by washing the feet of his disciples.  This day also introduces the institution of the Eucharist and Priesthood. 

On Good Friday, we remember the Crucifixion and death of Jesus.  The only sacraments  celebrated on Good Friday  are penance and the Anointing of the Sick.  Observed as a fasting day with the Stations of the Cross, or a time of self- reflection as a way to commemorate the Lord’s Passion.  Holy Saturday or Black Saturday is the day between the Crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus.  Mass is not celebrated  until after the Easter Vigil occurring after sundown when Easter Sunday will then be celebrated.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin March 21, 2021

by Terrie Evans

Our 14^th San Antonio Pizza Event was very successful with over 150 pies sold.  Because of all the restrictions, we prepared for the unknown with scheduling a Carry Out only date on Saturday, March 6^th.  Dave Sabatelli took care of all the presale orders with a list of all the pizzas and  ingredients that the crew put together for all to enjoy.  They even thought of reserving a time for pick up for your pizzas.  It seemed the Carry Out option was an efficient and great idea.  As the PIZZA RUNNERS brought the very hot pizzas right to our cars – perfect take out service!   

Leading up to this big day, the kitchen crew did a few run through trials to make sure the final product was what everyone expected from our church.  After all the trials were over, our volunteers were ready to offer the pizzas we have been known for since those early days of our Festival.  Because of those wonderful “Ladies of the Lot”  delicious pizzas, we have a reputation to uphold.  Those  Nonnies perfected the dough, added the right amount of sauce and ingredients to serve the best pan pizza.  They would be very proud of the whole line of  volunteer/cooks who were there on Saturday, March 6^th to carry on their tradition.  Many sets of hands were involved in the assembly line of pizza makers; who brought their friends and families along for this great way to promote San Antonio Church.  We appreciate all of them for making  memories for the  families who had  remembered those pizzas from  all those past San Antonio festivals.  We are very proud to have  introduced  new generations to the old world pan pizzas brought to our great country from the  small towns and villages of Southern Italy.  All of the parishioners are grateful to  those women and men and especially the eight new members of our church  who gave up their time to add another page in the history of San Antonio Church. 

Our Split the Pot was won by Lynn Sparks who  graciously donated the funds ($247.00)  to the church for Our Ring the Bell Fund.  We thank Lynn and all those who  support our fundraisers and Split the Pot Raffles.  Benedict and God Bless to all of you!

On Friday, March 19^th we honor St. Joseph, the spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Legal Father of Jesus who is also known as the Patron of the Universal Church.  St. Joseph is invoked for  those seeking employment, daily protection,  a happy marriage and a happy death. Many prayers are said to him as Therese of Lisieux stated she did daily for protection from danger.  In Sicily and many Italian American communities St. Joseph is regarded as their Patron Saint with devotees  making  a 3 tiered Altar (to represent the Trinity) to honor him.  The special altar will be adorned with flowers, cookies and foods containing bread crumbs to represent sawdust as he was a carpenter and the patron saint of workers. To experience the Year of St. Joseph speaker series, log on to: www.RelevantRadio.com/yearofjoseph  to join in.

We would like to thank everyone who has continued to contribute to the ongoing expenses of San Antonio Church by mailing in their weekly envelopes or by contributing electronically utilizing WeShare . The buttons at the bottom of this post allow you to make online donations directly to the listed account for San Antonio Church.

Weekly Bulletin March 14, 2021

by Terrie Evans

On this 4^th Sunday of Lent, we celebrate Laetare or Rejoice Sunday, the midpoint of this solemn time in the Liturgical season, exactly 21 days before Easter.     Laetare Sunday is also known as Dominica de Rosa or Rose Sunday for the Golden Rose that Pope Francis will bestow on Catholic Sovereigns as a way to thank them for their dedication to the Catholic Church.  Also on this Sunday; Notre Dame will announce the recipient of the Laetare medal.

The Friar Works, Franciscan Ministry and Mission has  provided our church with a daily Reflection booklet, Lent with 20^th Century Saints. The Franciscan Media wanted to introduce  us to Saints who lived during the last century.  One of those saints, St. Guido Maria Conforti (PAGE 22) has  family members from the Conforti and Stath families living in Northern Kentucky and Southern  Ohio who were invited to his Canonization on October 23, 2011 at St. Peters Square by Pope Benedict XVI.  St. Guido Maria Conforti; an Italian born in 1865, entered the Seminary in Parma being drawn to the life and works  of St.  Francis Xavier, the Jesuit Missionary.  Guido developed a unknown lung  illness that delayed him being ordained until 1888.  He felt his calling was missionary work, but because of his health, Guido was assigned to assist seminary students.  He founded the Xaverian Missionary Fathers in 1895 and planned to do work in China just as Xavier had done. 

The Pope felt his work was in  “The China of Italy “ in Parma so Guido founded The Catholic Action to defend the rights of workers, assist  prisoners of war, work with veterans, and those displaced by war.  He finally made the journey to China where  he visited Xaverian Missionaries in 1928, that he established before he passed in 1931 at the age of 66 years.  Sadly St. Conforti  was not able to establish a women’s community, the Xaverian Congregation Sisters, as he stated, “For I consider it of great importance”. 

 A woman  with ties to Cincinnati and Parma, Italy was also inspired by St. Conforti to establish a Missionary Order, the Xaverian Missionaries of Mary in 1945 when she was 50 years old.   Venerable (Judged to have lived the heroic virtues) Celestine Bottego was born in Glendale, Ohio on December 20^th, 1895.  At the age of 15, her Irish Mother, Mary Healy  and Italian Father Giambattista  Bottego  moved back to Parma, Italy to care for the aging Bottego Grandparents.  After her sister Maria entered the Congregation of Franciscans Missionaries of Mary, she visited  Maria in India and decided at the age of 40 to devote her life to missionary work.  

Within the Xaverian Congregation of sisters, her 1st first assignment was in Massachusetts (1954), Brazil ( 1957), Japan(1959), and Burundi (1961).  Other missions were established in Italy, United States, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Chad, Congo and Thailand.  Celestine  died in 1980 at the age of 85 and on December 1, 2013  Ven. Celestine Bottego  was declared a Servant of God.  The Xaverian Sisters lived and worked among  people whose journey, sufferings, hopes, and expectations became theirs.