Saint Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648)

Founder of The Piarist Fathers 


 
Saint Joseph Calasanz (1557-1648) was a holy priest and the founder of both the world's first Christian public school and later the Order of the Pious Schools (known today as the Piarist Fathers,) and he devoted his life to the education of poor children. 

He was born in Spain on September 11, 1557, in a little village in Aragon called Peralta de la Sal.  He was the youngest of five children born to Don Pedro Calasanz and Donna Maria Gastonia. His mother and brother died while he was still in school. He studied at Estadilla, Valencia, and Alcala de Henares.  His father wanted him to become a soldier, to marry, and to continue the family, but a near fatal illness in 1582 caused him to seriously examine his life, and he realized that he was called to the religious life.  

He was ordained as a diocesan priest on December 17, 1583, after receiving a doctorate in both canon law and theology from the University of Lereda.  Calasanz served as a parish priest at Albarracin and was given high ecclesiastical positions.  He did his work well, serving as both secretary and confessor to his bishop, synodal examiner, and procurator. He helped revive religious zeal among the laity and discipline among the clergy in his small section of the Pyrenees. He also served as Vicar-general of Trempe, Spain.  Both his father and his bishop died in 1587, and following a vision, he gave away much of his inheritance and renounced most of the rest. 

In 1592, just nine years after his ordination, he traveled to Rome,  where it seemed he would have a promising career.  He worked in the household of Cardinal Ascanio Colonna as a theological advisor for the cardinal and as a tutor to the cardinal's nephew.  Yet, he felt that God was calling him to do something more. He was shocked by the ignorance and the poor morals of the common people, especially the youth he encountered in the Trastevere, one of the poorest suburbs of the city.  

He joined the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, and his heart was filled with pity for all of the orphans and homeless children he saw everywhere.  They were ignorant and neglected. He was convinced that the best way he could help the people was to make sure that ALL of the children had a good education. It seems that God wanted Calasanz to be a mediator so that he could enrich the Church with a new charismatic gift. 

Being unable to interest any of the city's religious orders and institutes in the education of poor children, he undertook this task himself.  He began to gather them together to teach them both all the regular secular subjects, and especially their religion. Soon, other priests joined him, and in 1597, in the Church of St. Dorothy, he and two fellow priests opened the first free public school in Europe.

So overwhelming was the response of the people that Fr. Calasanz and his companions received, that there was a constant need for larger and larger facilities to house their free school. In 1602, they moved to larger quarters and reorganized the teaching priests into a community. In 1612, they moved to the Torres palace to have even more room. Soon thereafter, Pope Clement VIII gave support to the school, and this financial aid continued under Pope Paul V.  Soon other schools were opened and more men attracted to their work joined them. 

On March 25, 1617, he and his fourteen assistants formed the Poor Clerics Regular of the Mother of God of the Pious Schools.  They were the very first priests to have as their primary ministry teaching in elementary schools.  Emphasizing love, not fear, St. Joseph wrote, "if from the very earliest years, a child is instructed in both religion and letters, it can be reasonably hoped that his life will be happy." 

While residing in Rome, Joseph endeavored to visit the seven principal churches of that city almost every evening, and also to honor the graves of the Roman martyrs. During one of the city's repeated plagues, a holy rivalry existed between him and St. Camillus in aiding the sick and in personally carrying away for burial the bodies of those who had been stricken. On account of his heroic patience and fortitude in the midst of trouble and persecution, he was called a marvel of Christian courage, a second Job. 

This is the context where his vocation originated. He heard the voice of God calling him: "Joseph, give yourself for the poor. Teach these children and take care of them." Soon Calasanz became the superior of the new religious order, but he never let his duties as founder and superior stop him from teaching his beloved children.  He would even sweep the classrooms himself.  He often led the little ones to their homes after school was over.  

At the insistence of Calasanz, Jewish children were admitted to the Pious Schools, and he ensured that they were treated as equals.  Many textbooks were written in vernacular languages rather than Latin, and the study of mathematics and science was a priority. In 1621, Fr. Joseph Calasanz's "Free Schools" received Papal recognition as a religious order under solemn canonical vows called "Le Sciole Pie" (Religious Schools), which in English became the Piarists. 

However, Joseph encountered many difficulties, including his friendships with the controversial astronomer Galileo Galilei (1564-1642) and the Italian Dominican friar and philosopher Tommaso Campanella (1558-1639), who sought to reconcile Renaissance humanism with Roman Catholic theology.  As a result, he was investigated by papal commissioners.  Some of the ruling class objected that to educate the poor would cause social unrest. Other   Orders that worked with the poor were afraid they would be absorbed by the Piarists. But the group continued to have papal support and to do good work. He also had much to suffer from people who wanted to take over his order, and he also suffered through the rebellion of one of his subordinates in the order.  

Once, he was even led through the streets like a criminal, and he was almost put in jail, although he had done nothing wrong. Also, there were still those who felt that the poor shouldn't be educated, as this would only make them dissatisfied with their lot in life. A papal commission charged with examining the  Order acquitted Joseph of all accusations, and in 1645, returned him to superior of the  Order, but internal dissent continued, and the following year Pope Innocent X dissolved the   Order, placing the priests under control of their local bishops. St. Joseph was removed from office, and his order was suppressed in every country save Poland, but he, like the wise Old Testament figure Job, remained humble and obedient. Despite this suffering, Joseph only said: "The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away." 

St. Joseph Calasanz died a calm and peaceful death on August 25, 1648, and soon after, his order was fully restored by Pope Clement IX.  He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Clement XIII in 1767.  In 1948, Pope Pius XII declared him to be the "Heavenly Patron Saint of all Christian Public Schools."  He shares his Feast Day on August 25 with St. Louis IX of France and St. Genesius, the patron of actors. 

   

PRAYER:

Lord,

you blessed Saint Joseph Calasanz

with such charity and patience

that he dedicated himself

to the formation of Christian youth.

As we honor this teacher of wisdom

may we follow his example in working for truth.

Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,

who lives and reigns with you

in the unity of the Holy Spirit,

one God, for ever and ever.

Amen.

 

NOVENA TO SAINT JOSEPH CALASANZ

First day: LOVE

“Love one another as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” (Jn 15, 12-13)


Text by Calasanz: Here everything will be accepted from the hand of God, who loves us much more than we love ourselves ourselves, for whose love everything should seem easy to us. Because love, when it's true, makes all things easy” (4-3-1628 and 4-5-1647)


Reflection: Jesus and Calasanz invite us to do things out of love; not for interest or vain glory. This attitude will help us live life with peace and joy: "There is more joy in giving than in receiving." Sometimes it 
burdens us to study, our relationship with parents and friends. It is difficult for us to be good cooperators at home and in school. If we put our thoughts on the love of Jesus, everything will be easier for us.


Closing prayer: Lord our God, who has enriched Saint Joseph Calasanz with charity and patience, so that he could give himself tirelessly to the human and Christian formation of children, grant us, we pray,
imitate in his service to the truth the one we venerate today as a teacher of wisdom. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.




Second day: HOPE

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to his great mercy has given birth again to a living hope, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from among the dead (1 Pe 1, 3).


Calasanz Text: Our affairs proceed as usual, and when I see that they go more to the contrary of what is desired, I have more hope of the remedy and with the grace of God I persuade myself that it will still work
favor of the Institute (To P. V. Berro, Naples. 4267-1645).


Reflection: The Pious Schools grew and expanded in the midst of many difficulties and obstacles. However, Calasanz always held firm to the hope that God would maintain a work that did so much good to poor children in many European cities. In some moments of our life, we have lived very hard events that can discourage us; but if we have our hope in God, we will go forward with renewed spirit.


Closing prayer: Lord our God, who has enriched Saint Joseph Calasanz with charity and patience, so that he could give himself tirelessly to the human and Christian formation of children, grant us, we pray, imitate in his service to the truth the one we venerate today as a teacher of wisdom. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen

Third day: TRUST IN GOD

And this is the confidence that we have in him: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us (1 Jn 5, 14)


Text of Calasanz: We have to maintain our trust in God and not in men; let's try to serve him and trust him, that our affairs will go well (To Fr. Castilla, Frascati. 388-1626).


Reflection: From an early age, Calasanz learned to trust in the providence of God who never abandons his children and less, in times of trial and difficulty. He is convinced that the Pious Schools are sustained
thanks to the trust that teachers place in God who wants the good of their children. In the decisions that we take in our life, we must have the confidence that God gives us wisdom to take them and strength
to keep them.


Closing prayer: Lord our God, who has enriched Saint Joseph Calasanz with charity and patience, so that he could give himself tirelessly to the human and Christian formation of children, grant us, we pray, imitate in his service to the truth the one we venerate today as a teacher of wisdom. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.




Fourth day: HUMILITY

"That each one clothe himself with sentiments of humility towards others, because God opposes the proud and gives his help to the humble” (1P 5,4)


Text by Calasanz: If you consider the absurdities that pass through your imagination from morning to evening, always having to be in the presence of God, he will see that he does not know how to take two steps without falling, because he has stopped looking to God, to look with imagination or thought at the creature.
Whoever reaches the practice of knowing how to maintain himself like a two-year-old child, who falls many times without help, he will always distrust himself and will always invoke the help of God.
And this means that sentence little understood and much less practiced: 'Unless you become like children, you will not enter the Kingdom of God' Learn this practice and try to reach this great simplicity, which then
You will find the truth of that proverb that says: ‘(God) has his intimacy with the simple’” (4-8-1628)


Reflection: Calasanz learned humility in the school of life. As you know, he came to Rome with the intention of seeking an ecclesiastical position, he wore a silk cassock and associated with the noble people of Roman society.
In contact with the poor of Rome he learned to be more simple and humble; attitude that earned him to be an excellent educator of poor children. He took great care to instill this virtue in his students and to his fellow teachers for being essential for a good education.


Closing prayer: Lord our God, who has enriched Saint Joseph Calasanz with charity and patience, so that he could give himself tirelessly to the human and Christian formation of children, grant us, we pray,
imitate in his service to the truth the one we venerate today as a teacher of wisdom. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.

Fifth day: GENEROSITY

But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly; and the one
who sows bountifully, he will also reap bountifully. Each one gives as proposed in his heart: not sorrowfully, nor out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver (2 Cor 9, 6-7) And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that, always having all sufficiency in all things, may you abound to every good work; as it is written: ‘He distributed, he gave to the poor; His righteousness endures forever' And the one who gives seed to the sower and bread to the eater, will provide and multiply your seedbed, and increase the fruits of your righteousness, so that you may be rich in all for all liberality, which produces through us thanksgiving to God. 
(2Cor 9:6-12)


Calasanz Text: I would like him to have a wide heart like those who, with little human strength, did great things in the service of God, relying more on God's help than on human advice."
(24-6-1616)


Reflection: Calasanz invites us to “have a wide heart…” to do “great things in the service of God”. God has a beautiful purpose for us and our task is to discover and follow it. Bet on the Lord and the gospel is to sow generously; implies investing time, efforts, money and one's own life project to have a "full life". We must be generous in everything we do.


Closing prayer: Lord our God, who has enriched Saint Joseph Calasanz with charity and patience, to
that he could give himself tirelessly to the human and Christian formation of children, grant us, we pray,
imitate in his service to the truth the one we venerate today as a teacher of wisdom. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord.
Amen.



Sixth day: OBEDIENCE

Jesus emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, becoming like men; and finding himself in the form of a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, and death on the cross (Phil 2, 7-8)


Text of Calasanz: Put all diligence in making these two Brothers return to the good path of humility, that like blind people they want what they do not know and there is not the greatest perfection or merit in being a priest, confessor or preacher, but in loving God and fulfilling with the greatest fervor what obedience commands only for the love of
God, and this can be done by a simple person who does not know how to read as well as by a great doctor (Al Fr. Cananea, Narni, 248-
1624).


Reflection: Jesus was obedient to the Father even in moments of trial: «Father, if you want, I ask you to remove this cup of suffering from me. However, I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Lk 22,42) . Calasanz
learned well from the example of Jesus when he also sought the will of God in obedience to the Word, to the brothers and the Church and at the end of his life, in the great trial he had to endure. Through obedience
we can achieve many spiritual blessings.


Prayer: Lord, our God, who has enriched Saint Joseph Calasanz with charity and patience, so that he could give himself tirelessly to the human and Christian formation of children, grant us, we pray, to imitate
in his service to the truth whom we venerate today as a teacher of wisdom. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.

Seventh day: JOY

“Always rejoice in the Lord. I insist again, rejoice” (Phil 4,4)


Calasanz's text: Do not admit melancholic thoughts, which tend to tighten the heart and disturb the mind, but think of things that can cause you joy. For example, the prize that God has for those who help
the poor, mainly in spiritual things and in the holy fear of God. 
Says the Wise: 'Those who teach to many they will perpetually shine like stars. Therefore, this exercise should be done with joy as we
learn from Saint Paul: 'God loves the one who gives with joy'" (23-11-1623)


Reflection: Calasanz writes to a fellow teacher who was sad about some personal problem that affected him in how dealt with the students. It encourages you to put your mind and heart on God where true joy comes from. Sometimes, we too are sad and bitter about something that has happened to us. The example of our Father Calasanz helps to overcome sadness, loving God and the brothers.


Prayer: Lord, our God, who has enriched Saint Joseph Calasanz with charity and patience, so that he could tirelessly dedicate themselves to the human and Christian formation of children, grant us, we pray, to imitate in their service the
truth whom we venerate today as a teacher of wisdom. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.




Eighth day: PATIENCE

You need patience in suffering to fulfill the will of God and thus achieve what He promised" (Heb 10:36).


Calasanz's text: For a cup to be worthy of being presented to any lord, the metal first needs to be well beaten. The same thing happens in the service of God: it is good to patiently endure all things and return with all charity and meekness good for evil, in such a way that the neighbor is edified.
(Calasanz 22-9-1621)

Reflection: As an educator, Saint Joseph Calasanz had to learn to be very patient with his students. He endured problems, slander and persecution from people close to Him. However, he took everything patiently and without protest. That is one of the reasons why Pope Pius XII called him the "Job of the New Alliance". Let us think of the times in our lives when we must be patient: at home, at school, with ourselves and learn from Calasanz and Jesus of Nazareth.


Prayer: Lord, our God, who has enriched Saint Joseph Calasanz with charity and patience, so that he could give himself tirelessly to the human and Christian formation of children, grant us, we pray, to imitate
in his service to the truth whom we venerate today as a teacher of wisdom. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen.




Ninth day: KINDNESS

For the servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but kind to all, able
to teach, suffered; that meekly correct those who oppose, in case perhaps
God grant them to repent to know the truth (Tim 2, 24-25)


Text of Calasanz: I urge you to be kind to everyone and try to encourage everyone to holy observance with gentleness and paternal patience, so that they forget that opinion and have love for him as a Father and not as a severe judge (Calasanz 1641).


Reflection: Kindness is an indispensable virtue for everyone; especially for those who have some management responsibility and teachers who have frequent dealings with students. With father's love, the teacher awakens in his students an interest in learning letters and piety.


Prayer: Lord, our God, who has enriched Saint Joseph Calasanz with charity and patience, so that he could give himself tirelessly to the human and Christian formation of children, grant us, we pray, to imitate
in his service to the truth whom we venerate today as a teacher of wisdom. Through Jesus Christ Our Lord. Amen

NOVENA A SAN JOSÉ DE CALASANZ

Primer día: AMOR
“Ámense los unos a los otros como yo los he amado. No hay amor más grande que dar la vida por los amigos” (Jn 15, 12-13)

Texto de Calasanz: Aquí se aceptará todo de la mano de Dios, que nos ama mucho más de lo que nos amamos a nosotros mismos, por cuyo amor toda cosa nos debería parecer fácil. Porque el amor, cuando es verdadero, hace fáciles todas las cosas” (4-3-1628 y 4-5-1647)

Reflexión: Jesús y Calasanz nos invitan a que hagamos las cosas por amor; no por interés o vanagloria. Esta actitud nos ayudará a vivir la vida con paz y alegría: “Hay más dicha en dar que en recibir”. A veces se nos hace pesado el estudio, la relación con los padres y con los amigos. Nos cuesta ser buenos cooperadores en casa y en el colegio. Si ponemos nuestro pensamiento en el amor de Jesús, todo nos resultará más fácil.

Oración final: Señor, Dios nuestro, que has enriquecido a San José de Calasanz con la caridad y la paciencia, para que pudiera entregarse sin descanso a la formación humana y cristiana de los niños, concédenos, te rogamos, imitar en su servicio a la verdad al que veneramos hoy como maestro de sabiduría. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.



Segundo día: ESPERANZA
Bendito el Dios y Padre de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, que según su gran misericordia nos ha hecho nacer de nuevo a una esperanza viva, por la resurrección de Jesucristo de entre los muertos (1 Pe 1, 3).

Texto de Calasanz: Nuestros asuntos caminan como de ordinario, y yo cuando veo que van más al contrario de lo que se desea, tengo más esperanza del remedio y con la gracia de Dios me persuado que todavía resultará a favor del Instituto (Al P. V. Berro, Nápoles. 4267-1645).

Reflexión: Las Escuelas Pías crecieron y se expandieron en medio de muchas dificultades y obstáculos. Sin embargo, Calasanz siempre mantuvo firme la esperanza de que Dios mantendría una obra que tanto bien hacía a los niños pobres en muchas ciudades de Europa. En algunos momentos de nuestra vida, hemos vivido acontecimientos muy duros que nos pueden desanimar; pero si tenemos la esperanza puesta en Dios, saldremos adelante con ánimo renovado.

Oración final: Señor, Dios nuestro, que has enriquecido a San José de Calasanz con la caridad y la paciencia, para que pudiera entregarse sin descanso a la formación humana y cristiana de los niños, concédenos, te rogamos, imitar en su servicio a la verdad al que veneramos hoy como maestro de sabiduría. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor.
Amén.



Tercer día: CONFIANZA EN DIOS
Y esta es la confianza que tenemos en él: que, si pedimos alguna cosa conforme a su voluntad, él nos oye (1 Jn 5, 14)

Texto de Calasanz: Nosotros nos ha de mantener en pie la confianza en Dios y no en los hombres; procuremos servirlo y confiar en Él, que nuestros asuntos irán bien (Al P. Castilla, Frascati. 388-1626).

Reflexión: Desde pequeño, Calasanz aprendió a confiar en la providencia de Dios que nunca abandona a sus hijos y menos, en los momentos de prueba y dificultad. Tiene la convicción de que las Escuelas Pías se sostienen gracias a la confianza que los maestros ponen en Dios que quiere el bien de sus hijos. En las decisiones que tomamos en nuestra vida, hemos de tener la confianza en que Dios nos dé sabiduría para tomarlas y fortaleza para mantenerlas.

Oración final: Señor, Dios nuestro, que has enriquecido a San José de Calasanz con la caridad y la paciencia, para que pudiera entregarse sin descanso a la formación humana y cristiana de los niños, concédenos, te rogamos, imitar en su servicio a la verdad al que veneramos hoy como maestro de sabiduría. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.



Cuarto día: HUMILDAD
“Que cada uno se revista de sentimientos de humildad para con los demás, porque Dios se opone a los orgullosos y da su ayuda a los humildes” (1P 5,4)

Texto de Calasanz: Si considera los despropósitos que le pasan por la imaginación desde la mañana a la tarde, debiendo estar siempre en presencia de Dios, verá que no sabe dar dos pasos sin caer, porque ha dejado de mirar a Dios, para mirar con la imaginación o el pensamiento a la criatura. Quien llegue a la práctica de saberse mantener como un niño de dos años, que sin ayuda cae muchas veces, desconfiará siempre de sí mismo e invocará siempre la ayuda de Dios. Y esto quiere decir esa sentencia poco entendida y mucho menos practicada: ‘Si no se hacen como niños no entrarán en el Reino de los Cielos’. Aprenda esta práctica y procure llegar a esta gran sencillez, que entonces encontrará la verdad de aquel proverbio que dice: ‘Tiene (Dios) su intimidad con los sencillos’” (4-8-1628)

Reflexión: Calasanz aprendió la humildad en la escuela de la vida. Como sabéis, llegó a Roma con la intención de buscar un cargo eclesiástico, vestía sotana de seda y se relacionaba con la gente noble de la sociedad romana. En el contacto con los pobres de Roma fue aprendiendo a ser más sencillo y humilde; actitud que le valió para ser un excelente educador de niños pobres. Se preocupó enormemente por inculcar esta virtud a sus alumnos y a sus compañeros maestros por ser imprescindible para una buena educación.

Oración final: Señor, Dios nuestro, que has enriquecido a San José de Calasanz con la caridad y la paciencia, para que pudiera entregarse sin descanso a la formación humana y cristiana de los niños, concédenos, te rogamos, imitar en su servicio a la verdad al que veneramos hoy como maestro de sabiduría. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.



Quinto día: GENEROSIDAD
Pero esto digo: El que siembra escasamente, también segará escasamente; y el que siembra generosamente, generosamente también segará. Cada uno dé como propuso en su corazón: no con tristeza, ni por necesidad, porque Dios ama al dador alegre (2 Cor 9, 6-7) Y poderoso es Dios para hacer que abunde en vosotros toda gracia, a fin de que, teniendo siempre en todas las cosas todo lo suficiente, abundéis para toda buena obra; como está escrito: ‘Repartió, dio a los pobres; Su justicia permanece para siempre’ Y el que da semilla al que siembra, y pan al que come, proveerá y multiplicará vuestra sementera, y aumentará los frutos de vuestra justicia, para que estéis enriquecidos en todo para toda liberalidad, la cual produce por medio de nosotros acción de gracias a Dios. (2Cor 9,6-12)

Texto de Calasanz: Quisiera que tuviera un corazón ancho como aquellos que, con pocas fuerzas humanas, hicieron grandes cosas en el servicio de Dios confiados más en los auxilios de Dios que en los consejos humanos” (24-6-1616)

Reflexión: Calasanz nos invita a “tener un corazón ancho…” para hacer “grandes cosas al servicio de Dios”. Dios tiene un propósito hermoso para nosotros y nuestra tarea es descubrirlo y seguirlo. Apostar por el Señor y el evangelio es sembrar generosamente; implica invertir tiempo, esfuerzos, dinero y el propio proyecto de vida para tener la “vida plena”. Hay que ser generosos en todas las cosas que hagamos.

Oración final: Señor, Dios nuestro, que has enriquecido a San José de Calasanz con la caridad y la paciencia, para que pudiera entregarse sin descanso a la formación humana y cristiana de los niños, concédenos, te rogamos, imitar en su servicio a la verdad al que veneramos hoy como maestro de sabiduría. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.



Sexto día: OBEDIENCIA
Jesús se despojó a sí mismo, tomando forma de siervo, haciéndose semejante a los hombres; y hallándose en la condición de hombre, se humilló a sí mismo, y se hizo obediente hasta la muerte, y muerte de cruz (Flp 2, 7-8)

Texto de Calasanz: Ponga toda diligencia en hacer volver al buen camino de la humildad a estos dos Hermanos, que como ciegos desean lo que no saben y no está la mayor perfección ni el mérito en ser sacerdote, confesor o predicador, sino en amar a Dios y cumplir con el mayor fervor lo que manda la obediencia sólo por amor de Dios, y esto lo puede hacer tanto un simple que no sabe leer como un gran doctor (Al P. Cananea, Narni, 248- 1624).

Reflexión: Jesús fue obediente al Padre aún en los momentos de prueba: «Padre, si quieres, te pido que quites esta copa de sufrimiento de mí. Sin embargo, quiero que se haga tu voluntad, no la mía». (Lc 22,42) . Calasanz aprendió bien del ejemplo de Jesús cuando también buscó la voluntad de Dios en la obediencia a la Palabra, a los hermanos y a la Iglesia y al final de su vida, en la gran prueba que tuvo que sufrir. A través de la obediencia podemos alcanzar muchas bendiciones espirituales.

Oración: Señor, Dios nuestro, que has enriquecido a San José de Calasanz con la caridad y la paciencia, para que pudiera entregarse sin descanso a la formación humana y cristiana de los niños, concédenos, te rogamos, imitar en su servicio a la verdad al que veneramos hoy como maestro de sabiduría. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.



Séptimo día: ALEGRÍA
“Alégrense siempre en el Señor. Vuelvo a insistir, alégrense” (Flp 4,4)

Texto de Calasanz: No admita pensamientos melancólicos, que suelen apretar el corazón y turbar la mente, sino piense en cosas que le puedan causar alegría, por ejemplo, el premio que tiene Dios para los que ayudan a los pobres, principalmente en las cosas espirituales y en el santo temor de Dios. Dice el Sabio: ‘Los que enseñan a muchos brillarán perpetuamente como estrellas. Se debe hacer, pues, este ejercicio con gozo como nos exhorta San Pablo, diciendo: ‘Dios ama al que da con alegría’” (23-11-1623)

Reflexión: Calasanz escribe a un compañero maestro que estaba triste por algún problema personal que le afectaba en su trato con los alumnos. Le anima a poner la mente y el corazón en Dios de dónde procede la verdadera alegría. A veces, nosotros también estamos tristes y amargados por algo que nos ha sucedido. El ejemplo de nuestro Padre Calasanz nos ayua a superar la tristeza, amando a Dios y a los hermanos.

Oración: Señor, Dios nuestro, que has enriquecido a San José de Calasanz con la caridad y la paciencia, para que pudiera entregarse sin descanso a la formación humana y cristiana de los niños, concédenos, te rogamos, imitar en su servicio a la verdad al que veneramos hoy como maestro de sabiduría. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.



Octavo día: PACIENCIA
«Necesitáis paciencia en el sufrimiento para cumplir la voluntad de Dios y conseguir así lo prometido» (Heb 10,36).

Texto de Calasanz: Para que un vaso sea digno de ser presentado ante cualquier señor, se necesita primero que el metal sea bien golpeado. Lo mismo sucede en el servicio de Dios: conviene soportar con paciencia todas las cosas y devolver con toda caridad y mansedumbre bien por mal, de tal manera que el prójimo quede edificado. (Calasanz 22-9-1621)

Reflexión: Como educador que era, San José de Calasanz tuvo que aprender a ser muy paciente con los alumnos. Soportó problemas, calumnias y persecuciones por parte de persona cercanas a Él. Sin embargo, todo lo llevó con paciencia y sin protestar. Esa es una de las razones por la cueles el Papa Pio XII le llamó el “Job de la Nueva Alianza”. Pensemos en las ocasiones de nuestra vida en que debemos ser pacientes: en la casa, en la escuela, con nosotros mismos y aprendamos de Calasanz y Jesús de Nazaret.

Oración: Señor, Dios nuestro, que has enriquecido a San José de Calasanz con la caridad y la paciencia, para que pudiera entregarse sin descanso a la formación humana y cristiana de los niños, concédenos, te rogamos, imitar en su servicio a la verdad al que veneramos hoy como maestro de sabiduría. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.



Noveno día: AMABILIDAD
Porque el siervo del Señor no debe ser contencioso, sino amable para con todos, apto para enseñar, sufrido; que con mansedumbre corrija a los que se oponen, por si quizá Dios les conceda que se arrepientan para conocer la verdad (Tim 2, 24-25)

Texto de Calasanz: Le exhorto a mostrarse amable con todos y procure animar a todos a la santa observancia con suavidad y paciencia paterna, de modo que olviden aquella opinión y le tengan amor de Padre y no por juez severo (Calasanz 1641).

Reflexión: La amabilidad es una virtud indispensable para todos; especialmente para los que tienen alguna responsabilidad de dirección y los maestros que tienen un trato frecuente con los alumnos. Con amor de padre, el maestro despierta en sus alumnos el interés por aprender las letras y la piedad.

Oración: Señor, Dios nuestro, que has enriquecido a San José de Calasanz con la caridad y la paciencia, para que pudiera entregarse sin descanso a la formación humana y cristiana de los niños, concédenos, te rogamos, imitar en su servicio a la verdad al que veneramos hoy como maestro de sabiduría. Por Jesucristo Nuestro Señor. Amén.

 

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St. Pompilio Maria Pirrotti,
a Piarist Saint - Feast July 15


It is very important to Pray to Mary

Domenico Pirrotti was born in Montecalvo, Italy on September 29, 1710, the sixth of the eleven children of Jerome and Donna Pirrotti.  His father was a lawyer and was of the noble class.  At the age of 16, he left home and joined the Piarist fathers in Benevento, where on February 2, 1727, he took the religious habit of the Piarists at the novitiate of Santa Maria di Caravaggio and professed the four religious vows made by all Piarists:  poverty, chastity, obedience, and the education of youth.  

At the end of the first year of his novitiate, he obtained a special dispensation allowing for him not to proceed into the second; he made his solemn profession on March 25, 1728, in Brindisi and at that time changed his name to that of "Pompilio Maria of Saint Nicholas". He had already assumed his deceased brother's name (Pompilio Maria) when he commenced his novitiate.

He was sent to Chieti to study philosophy, but he became ill and was transferred to Melfi to finish his studies.  Before his priestly ordination, he was sent to Turi for a year to teach religion and then to Lecce to teach literature.  He was ordained on March 20, 1734, by the Archbishop of Brindisi.  For the next ten years, he traveled throughout Italy preaching and hearing confessions.  

The Lord gave him extraordinary gifts.  In 1746, while he was in Lanciano, he rang the church bells at two in the morning and people flocked alarmed.  He told them that they had to pray to Mary to save their town from an impending earthquake.  The people did as he instructed, and a powerful earthquake struck the Abruzzo region causing severe damage, but Lanciano was spared.He was accused of being too lenient in giving penances, and he was expelled from Naples. 

For the next six years, he traveled from community to community, preaching and hearing confessions, and during this time he experienced atrocious physical suffering.  Finally, he was invited to live in the Piarist community at Campi Salentino by a pious Sacred Heart group.  There, he reorganized the schools and made sure that education was available to all children and not just those from wealthy families, and he intensified the religious life of the inhabitants.  

During the famine of 1765, he had the people of Campi Salentina also pray to Our Blessed Mother, and the famine never struck the village.  Even today in this city every year on July 15, the day of his feast, they distribute blessed bread baskets in memory of his protection.

He lived during a time when Jansenism and anticlericalism were growing in popularity, and many Catholics had stopped receiving the Eucharist, but St. Pompilio emphasized the importance of receiving it frequently along with spreading devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, which served as the focus of his preaching and spiritual direction.  From this sprang complaints and accusations, resulting in his abrupt departure from Lanciano in 1747.

He spent the next eleven and a half years in Naples spreading the same devotions, and he founded there a confraternity called the Charity of God, which had as its purpose praying for the dead and practicing the Sacraments of Christian virtues, especially the reception of daily Communion. In 1765, he wrote a Novena to the Sacred Heart which spread rapidly throughout the Kingdom of Naples.

From 1747 he began to suffer persecutions from detractors which led to him being suspended from hearing Confessions on the orders of the Cardinal Archbishop of Naples Antonio Sersale. King Charles III later signed a decree that led to Pirrotti's expulsion from the Kingdom of Naples, but he rescinded the order upon increasing public pressure.

After celebrating Mass on Sunday, July 13, 1766, he became ill while hearing confessions.  He was brought to his bedroom and died there two days later at the age of 56 while reciting the First Vespers of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel.  He was beatified in 1890 by Pope Leo XIII and was proclaimed a saint on March 19, 1934, by, Pope Pius XI.  His remains are preserved and venerated by the faithful in the Piarist church in Campi Salentina.

On July 2, 2006, a park in Campi Salentina was named in his honor. A "Pompiliano Year" was initiated in 2010 to commemorate the third centenary of his birth, and in August 2010 his remains were briefly moved to his birthplace for the commemorations that took place in his hometown.

 

San Faustino Miguez
Escolapio
(1831-1925)


 

San Faustino Míguez, de nombre secular Manuel Míguez González (en religión Faustino de la Encarnación Sch. P.) (Xamirás, Acevedo do Río, Celanova, Orense, 24 de marzo de 1831 - Getafe, Madrid, 8 de marzo de 1925) fue un sacerdote de la Orden de las Escuelas Pías, fundador del Instituto Calasancio Hijas de la Divina Pastora; educador y botánico, también fue fundador de los laboratorios Míguez. Es venerado como santo por la Iglesia católica. Su canonización tuvo lugar el 15 de octubre de 2017. 

Biografía

Nació en 1831 en Xamirás, aldea de Acevedo, en el municipio de Celanova, y fue bautizado con el nombre de Manuel. Era el cuarto hijo de una familia cristiana trabajadora. A los siete años se marchó a estudiar Latín y humanidades al Santuario de Nuestra Señora de los Milagros, en Orense, para hacerse sacerdote; Allí estará desde 1847 hasta 1850, y decide dedicar su vida a la enseñanza siguiendo el carisma de San José de Calasanz.

Ingresa en el noviciado de los escolapios de (Madrid) en 1850 y toma los hábitos el 5 de diciembre del mismo año, tomando el nombre de Faustino de la Encarnación Sch. P. (había nacido la víspera del día de la Anunciación y la Encarnación del Señor). Las persecuciones religiosas del gobierno de Baldomero Espartero, en 1855, y el cierre de seminarios coinciden con el fin de su formación. El mismo año es ordenado diácono, y el 8 de marzo de 1856, sacerdote en San Marcos de Madrid, por el obispo de Burgos.

Fue enviado a Cuba, a la casa de los escolapios, donde se formaban buena parte de los futuros maestros de la entonces colonia española. Desde el colegio de Guanabacoa (Cuba), regresa a España en 1860, al colegio de Madrid, Getafe (1861) y Celanova. Será bibliotecario del Monasterio de El Escorial, y pasará por los colegios de de Monforte de Lemos (Lugo), donde es rector, y al de Sanlúcar de Barrameda (1879). En ellos fue profesor de latín, historia, álgebra, geometría, retórica, geografía, agricultura, física y química, historia natural, higiene y francés. Destaca especialmente en les ciencias naturales y su didáctica. Aquí destacan los libros de texto que escribe: Nociones de historia natural, Nociones de física terrestre i Diálogos sobre las láminas de historia natural.

Es libre en la enseñanza convencido de la bondad del aprendizaje continuado y dedica especial atención a los mas pequeños y necesitados. Concibe la escuela como un lugar de encuentro con Dios y como un lugar de formación de la sociedad, que no es posible hacer feliz y justa mientras concibe la educación como;

« la obra más noble, la más grande y la más sublime del mundo porque abraza a todo el hombre tal como Dios lo ha concebido"

Dedica especial atención a las niñas de las que piensa que son "las esposas y madres del mañana" y "la parte más interesante de la sociedad, la portadora de paz, y el alma de la familia". Por tanto promueve la educación humanocristiana de las niñas, trabajo entonces mas abandonado que el de los niños: Piensa entonces en fundar una congregación que, siguiendo el carisma escolapio, se dedique preferentemente a la educación de las niñas. Nace hacia el Instituto Calasancio Hijas de la Divina Pastora o Hermanas Calasancias el 2 de enero de 1885.

Al mismo tiempo desarrolla su faceta científica. En Guanabacoa observa el uso tradicional que sus habitantes hacen de las plantas para el tratamiento de enfermedades y decide estudiar de forma científica las plantas medicinales y la fitoterapia. De regreso a la península, el ayuntamiento de Sanlúcar de Barrameda le encarga en 1872 el análisis de las propiedades de las aguas de la localidad. Elabora unos preparados medicinales que son registrados en 1922 con el nombre de "Específicos Miguez", origen del futuro Laboratorio Míguez, dedicado a la preparación de extractos de plantas medicinales y encara el proyecto del Instituto Calasancio.

En 1888 retorna a Getafe y aquí permanecerá hasta su muerte, durante 37 años. Jubilado como maestro, seguía su actividad científica y como director espiritual. Murió a los 94 años en Getafe en 1925.

Veneración

El 25 de octubre de 1998, el padre Faustino Míguez fue beatificado en Roma por el papa Juan Pablo II, en un proceso que había comenzado en 1953. El Colegio Divina Pastora de Getafe ha instalado un museo dedicado al fundador, que recoge su trayectoria y su obra. El 15 de octubre de 2017 fue canonizado en el Vaticano por el papa Francisco.

 

St. Faustino Miguez, Sch.P.

Fidelity in Love

Father Faustino Míguez, Sch.P., is the founder of the Calasanctian Sisters, Daughters of the Divine Shepherd and will be canonized as a saint on October 15. He was born on March 24, 1831, in Xamirás, a village of Acebedo del Río, in Orense. Spain. His family is of humble origin, and as a youth, he was dedicated to the work of the field, which was where he forged the fundamental elements of his personality: faith in God, prayer, work, devotion to Mary, and solidarity with the most needy.

After finishing his elementary school studies in his home, he moved to the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Miracles, in Celanova, to study Humanities and Latin. It was there that he discovered his vocation: to be a priest and an educator, in the manner of Saint Joseph Calasanz. Determined to realize the dream of God for his life, in December 1850, he entered the Novitiate of the Piarist Fathers in Madrid. After three years of initial formation, he made his Profession of Solemn Vows as a Piarist Religious on January 16, 1853, and on March 8, 1856, in the parish of San Marcos in Madrid, he was ordained a priest.

In 1857 he was sent to Guanabacoa (Cuba), where his gifts as an educator and his inclinations to the study of botany and his investigations into the therapeutic properties of plants were manifested. In 1860, he was sent again to the Peninsula and then successively to San Fernando, Getafe, Celanova, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. In 1873, he was sent as the librarian to the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, where he continued his research of the healing properties of the local flora. He was then assigned to Monforte de Lemos as the rector and, in 1879, for the second time to Sanlúcar de Barrameda. And it was in this town of Cadiz where Father Faustino discovered the need to educate the Sanluean girls, just as Calasanz had done with the street children of Rome years before. And thus, impelled by the Holy Spirit, he initiated a new religious community, the Congregation of the Daughters of the Divine Shepherd, which was dedicated to the integral education of children and youth and the promotion of women. Finally, in 1888, he was assigned again to Getafe, where he remained until his death on March 8, 1925.