St. Robert Bellarmine

September 17, 2013:  St. Robert Bellarmine, Doctor

Readings

• 1 Tm 3:1-13  Bishops must be irreproachable, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, gentle, manage household well (else how can you take care of Church?), have good reputation.  Deacons must be dignified, hold to the faith, tested, manage household well, will gain good standing.  Women should be dignified, temperate, faithful.

• Ps 101:1b-2-3, 5, 6  "I will walk with blameless heart."  I'll sing praise for your mercy, judgment, persevere, walk with integrity.

• Lk 7:11-17  Nain:  Lord to dead son of widow, moved with pity:  "Arise!”  News spread.

St. Robert

Like Pope Francis, St. Robert was a Jesuit bishop devoted to St. Francis who practices poverty.  He was an outstanding reformer, preacher, and writer, and by example an inspiration to those who struggle with their health.  He died on the feast of St. Francis's stigmata, still celebrated on this day by Franciscans (recent homily).  See Fr. Hardon's profile of St. Robert (but ignore the Assent/Ascent typo on the page)

References

• Robert Bellarmine, Saint and Scholar/ Brodrick (recommendation)

• Spiritual Writings by Saint Roberto Francesco Romolo Bellarmino (Classics of Western Spirituality)  (note bibliography, pp. 43-44)

Music

No new links today, but note that over the past few days I've linked to Michael Jackson, Amy Grant, Christopher Walker, Fr. Bob Fabing, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Stainer, and the 18th century, not to mention my own tune and the bluegrass.  Please listen if you haven't yet...

• "Houses" tie:  manage your house well (1st reading)

• "People" tie pin:  manage your children well (1st reading)

• "Hearts" suspenders:  walk with blameless heart (psalm), Jesus moved with pity at sight of widow's son (gospel)

• "Medical" pin:  St. Robert as "doctor" of the Church (feast)

• Red shirt:  Stigmata of St. Francis (Franciscan feast)