- Bishop Madrigal drove from Southern California to Waterloo in order to celebrate the Bishops' anniversary of Episcopal Consecration on August 24th. He also delivered some hand-embroidered vestments and statuary from the faithful in Guadalajara. Lamentably, he was here for barely 24 hours. You are viewing in this photo a newly professed member of the Third Order of St. Francis, Bishop Luis Alberto Madrigal. He has been given the name of the great Mexican martyr of Japan- Frater Philippum. There are now 3 Franciscan Bishops. Deo Gratias!
- September 7, 2011 5:52 AM
That is such good news! So Father J told me about two young men in Mexico who want to become Franciscans. Any news on them?
ReplyDeleteNo but perhaps Fr. Bonaventure can fill us in!
ReplyDeleteThis is wonderful news - it has been a joy to discover how many, many saints and blesseds were also members of the Third Order of Saint Francis.
ReplyDeleteIs this Phillip of Jesus, born in Mexico, but martyred in Japan? What date in the Franciscan calendar is he commemorated?
Regarding the two Mexican hopefuls, Bishop Madrigal said that they are not ready just yet, and that we must be patient. In our patience we will possess our souls, as the Lord so often gently reminds us.
ReplyDeleteYes, anonymous, the Bishop's Third Order patron is Blessed Philip of Jesus, fellow Mexican and one of the Nagasaki martyrs, who followed their fearless leader, St. Peter Baptist, to a glorious death in 1597. We celebrate their heavenly birthdays together on February the 5th.
Thank you, Father. I thought so, hoped so. Looked it up again, and yes, he is one of the Franciscans, first to be martyred of the 26, and is said to have foretold, while hanging on his cross, the destruction of Nagasaki by fire, which we know occurred towards the end of WWII, by 'fire from above,' one of the two atomic bombs dropped by the US.
ReplyDeleteSt. Peter Baptist was the last of the 26 to die.
God is wonderful in His Saints!