Blessed James Alberione (Feast Day November 26)

April 4, 1884-November 26, 1971

James grew up on a farm in northern Italy. He knew from a very young age that he wanted to be a priest. While in seminary, he would pray before the Blessed Sacrament and could feel Jesus' deep desire to draw others close to him. After he was ordained in 1907, Fr. Alberione was asked by his bishop to manage the diocesan newspaper. Inspired by his experiences before the Blessed Sacrament, he knew the Church needed to use the newspaper, and every other form of modern media as means of proclaiming the Gospel.

In 1914, Fr. Alberione founded the Society of St. Paul. The following year, he founded the Daughters of St. Paul. The Paulines' mission is to use modern media in the service of evangelization. Today the Paulines produce books, magazines, radio programs, CDs, television programs, and content on the internet in 40 different countries around the world.

• Why do you think the rich man ignored the poor man in today's Gospel story?

• What lesson is Jesus trying to teach us with this story?

• What is it like to help someone in need?

• Blessed James Alberione knew that every form of communication could be used to evangelize. What are some popular Catholic media outlets today? What are some that are aimed at kids and youth?

Create a Chalice

Do this activity in honor of Priesthood Sunday!

Display a special chalice in your home to remind you to pray for vocations to the priesthood. Here are some ways to create a chalice:

• Buy a chalice-shaped ceramic cup and paint it.
• Cut a chalice shape out of cardboard to paint or color.
• Cut chalice shapes out of construction paper. Have each family member color or decorate one. Then, paste them on a poster board or cardboard box so each side displays one or more chalices.

Place it on a shelf or in your family prayer space so that you can see it.

Spicy Pollo Pumpkin Pasta

Fr. Leo Patalinghug is a priest and an award-winning chef, radio host, and TV host. Through his cooking ministry, he uses his priestly vocation to proclaim the Gospel and strengthen family life. Try one of his recipes this Priesthood Sunday.

1 box rigatoni pasta
1.5 pounds chicken tenders
1 tsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic
½ cup white onion
1-2 tsp red pepper flakes
½ cup brandy
1 can pumpkin pie filling
1 tsp ground sage
1 cup milk
2 Tbsp Parmesan cheese
4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
2 tsp salt
1-2 tsp black pepper

Heat olive oil and sauté garlic, onions, and red pepper flakes. Cut chicken into 1⁄4-inch-thick pieces and season with salt, pepper flakes and sage. Add chicken to pan and cook for 1-2 minutes. Add brandy and flambé. Add pie mixture, milk, and Parmesan cheese, and mix. Add pasta, incorporating 2-4 Tbsp of the heated starchy water. Add fresh baby spinach leaves and incorporate all the ingredients in the pan. To serve, you could add a few more fresh spinach leaves around the pasta, with a light drizzle of oil, and then top with a light dusting of Parmesan cheese.

https://www.eilee.net/recipes/collections/leo.html#g

Prayer for Priests

Blessed James Alberione knew from an early age that he was called to be a priest. Today, we pray for those who serve as priests and those who are called to the priesthood.

Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of our priests.
Through them, we experience your presence in the sacraments.

Help our priests to be strong in their vocation.
Set their souls on fire with love for your people.

Grant them the wisdom, understanding, and strength they need to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.
Inspire them with the vision of your Kingdom.

Give them the words they need to spread the Gospel.
Allow them to experience joy in their ministry.

Help them to become instruments of your divine grace.

Bless those who are discerning a call to the priesthood.
Give them models to turn to and guide their steps.

We ask this through Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns as our Eternal Priest.

Amen.

Adapted from https://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/prayer-for-priests

The chalice is a cup the priest uses at Mass to consecrate the wine and turn it into the Blood of Christ. 

Describe the chalice that is used at your church. Why is it so special?

Write a note of encouragement to your parish priest or a priest who has inspired you. 

Pray also for those discerning the priesthood.

In the US, priests must have a four-year university degree in philosophy plus an additional four to five years of graduate-level seminary formation in theology. During this period, they also serve at parishes to get practical experience.