August 7 2023 - St. Cajetan - Trust in God at all times

 

Saint Cajetan, the founder of the Clerics Regular, who was born in 1480 and died on this day in 1547, lived at a profoundly troubled time in the life of the Church. There was corruption in the hierarchy. There was Protestant Revolt. There was moral decay throughout society going uncorrected by the clergy, many of whom were either complicit in immorality or indifferent to it. The Church was “sick in head and members”.

The italian priest, Gaetano dei Conti di Thiene, knew something had to be done. He knew that the soundness of life of the Church depended upon a holy clergy, and so renewal in the Church required clerical reform. 

So, Fr. Gaetano, or Cajetan, formed an association of the regular clergy who would model the life of the Apostles. The Ordo Clericorum Regularium, the Ordo of Clerics Regular also known as the Theatines after the birthplace of St. Cajetan.

The Theatines would live in community and take vows of poverty, chastity, obedience, and stability. They endeavored to recall the local clergy to an edifying life of virtue and the laity as well. They founded oratories and hospitals, devoted themselves to preaching the Gospel, and reformed lax morals. and zealously endeavored to combat the errors of Martin Luther. They wore the simple black cassock of the local clergy.

While the Theatines have diminished in number, they are still present in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.S., where they maintain a parish at Durango, Colorado in the Diocese of Pueblo. 

At a most bleak moment in the life of the Church, the light of Christ shown forth in the life and work of Saint Cajetan, of the priests who joined him, and in other saintly faithful who would not permit discouragement to overcome them.

Discouragement is a temptation in this dark time. St. Cajetan, as the collect for his feast said, trusted God at all times. He trusted that God chose him for that moment in history, that dark time.

And so, I repeat my message from Sunday’s homily, the Lord chose us to be born and live in this time. To be beacons of light and reform. We are to ourselves ever more ardently to the service of Christ and the Church, trusting in His word: “Do not be afraid.” Do not be afraid to witness, do not be afraid to pursue virtue, do not be afraid to do penance, do not be afraid of imitating the saints. Do not be afraid of entering religious life, or the priesthood. Do not be afraid to pursue the prayer life you need, in order to witness to Christ as you should. 

If you could do anything for God, what would you do? Maybe that’s the thing you should be pursuing. For the glory of God and the salvation of souls.

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That Pope Francis and all bishops and clergy may lead the Church by example in witnessing to the truth of the Gospel with courage and living the Gospel with charity and perseverance, and for the reform of the clergy where it is needed.

That the light of Christ may radiate in our parish through our reverent worship, works of mercy, preaching and teaching, patience, kindness, generosity, and suffering for the sake of the Gospel.

That politicians and government officials may protect religious freedom, promote virtue, and look to the law of Christ to guide their work for the good of nations and the human race, especially for the protection of the unborn.

For all the needs of the sick and the suffering, the homebound, those in nursing homes and hospitals, the underemployed and unemployed, immigrants and refugees, victims of natural disaster, war, and terrorism, for all those who grieve the loss of a loved one, and those who will die today, for their comfort, and the consolation of their families.

For all who have died, and for all the poor souls in purgatory, and for X. for whom this Mass is offered.

Incline your merciful ear to our prayers, we ask, O Lord, and listen in kindness to the supplications of those who call on you. Through Christ our Lord