Servant of God Luis de Cáncer, O.P. (Feast Day June 26)

Fr. Luis de Cáncer de Barbastro, O.P., was a Dominican priest and Spanish missionary to the New World. In 1542 he went to the territory of Guatemala and successfully ministered to the Mayan people. Aware of their sensitivity for music and their mistrust of Europeans, he used song as a first means of contact. The Dominican friars translated the content of their preaching into rhythmic poetic form using the different languages of the region and employing images and musical expressions from the local cultures. Fr. Cáncer mastered the different dialects of the area and was the composer of Christian canticles in these native languages. His evangelization efforts were so successful that an area that was known for violence was renamed the “Province of True Peace.” He believed that aggression and violence were counter-productive to the spread of the Gospel and that the native peoples needed to be treated with dignity.

Following his missionary success in Guatemala, Fr. Cáncer went on a mission to Florida in 1549. His expedition set sail from Mexico and landed just north of modern-day Tampa Bay. Fr. Cáncer celebrated Mass in Florida on the Feast of Corpus Christi. At first the missionaries were welcomed by the native peoples, who knelt in prayer as Fr. Cáncer chanted litanies to God and to the saints. However, this welcome did not last long. Two of Fr. Cáncer’s companions went ashore to stay with the natives, but soon perished at the hands of their hosts. When Fr. Cáncer heard word of the killing, he resolved to continue with the mission despite the danger. On June 26, he made his way ashore where he was clubbed to death in sight of the rest who were still in the boat. Though not a canonized saint, he is nevertheless regarded by those working for the canonization of the martyrs of La Florida as the “proto-martyr” of Florida.

‍‍FAMILY FUN: Plant a Garden

Create your own garden in a dedicated space in your backyard or in pots. Plant your seeds in rich soil and water them as needed. Be sure they get the right amount of sunlight. Over time, you will see your seeds grow and be reminded of today’s parable!

 
RECIPE OF THE WEEK:   

Make Ahead Breakfast Bake

This delicious breakfast recipe contains dry mustard, which reminds us of today’s parable of the mustard seed. Dry mustard is made by toasting mustard seeds for 20 seconds in a dry skillet and grinding them in a spice grinder.

‍1 lb. bulk sausage (breakfast or mild/sweet Italian work well)

3 cups day old bread, cut into ½ inch cubes

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 4 ounces)

6 eggs, lightly beaten

2 cups whole milk

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. black pepper

½ tsp. dry mustard (you can substitute 1 ½ tsp of prepared Dijon or Yellow mustard)

‍

Crumble sausage in skillet, cook over medium heat until browned, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and drain well. Spread bread cubes into bottom of buttered 13x9x2 dish. Top bread cubes with crumbled, browned sausage, and cheese. Combine eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and mustard. Beat well and pour over bread/sausage/cheese. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake, uncovered, at 350 F until knife inserted in center comes out clean – about 40-50 minutes. Yield: 6-8 servings.

Used with permission from: Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver, Court 247, “All of Our Favorites Millenium Cookbook”

‍                                                                        FAMILY PRAYER:  Litany of Humility

The mustard seed is neither large nor impressive. However, it has its purpose according to God’s will. The Litany of Humility reminds us that we need not be large nor impressive to carry out God’s will for our lives. Invite one family member to lead this litany; responses are in bold.

O Jesus, meek and humble of heart, Hear me.

From the desire of being esteemed, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being loved, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being extolled, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being honored,
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being praised, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being preferred to others, Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being consulted, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the desire of being approved, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being humiliated, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being despised, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of suffering rebukes, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being calumniated, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being forgotten, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being ridiculed, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being wronged, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

From the fear of being suspected, 
Deliver me, Jesus.

That others may be loved more than I, 
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be esteemed more than I, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That, in the opinion of the world, others may increase and I may decrease, 
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be chosen and I set aside, Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be praised and I go unnoticed, 
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may be preferred to me in everything, 
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, 
Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.

Amen.

Superhero Training Camp
is from June 28 - July 2
 9 AM - 12 PM
at St. Theresa's Rosmini Parish Hall
Cost is $10 per child

Deadline to register is June 23!

Click below to register:
https://vbsmate.com/SuperHero

What does Fratelli Tutti, the Encyclical of Pope Francis on fraternity and social friendship, have to say that is relevant for believers today? Our three-part series explored the major themes of the document and gave participants a chance to embrace Pope Francis’ vision for a new and better future. Watch the recordings below.

Session 1: Overcoming Indifference. Presenter: Jill Rauh, M.A., Director, Education & Outreach, USCCB Dept. of Justice, Peace and Human Development

The Annual Pastoral Appeal (APA) is a direct appeal to all parishioners of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, asking them to directly fund over 50 ministries, services and programs across the diocese. This includes outreach to the poor and marginalized, Catholic education and faith formation, Christian discipleship and faithful support to the life and ministry of our clergy, religious, and all who serve the Church.

Our theme this year is Hope in the Lord, which is very relevant considering all we have been through over the past year. This theme comes from Isaiah 40:31: …but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

La Apelación Pastoral Anual (APA) es una apelación directa a todos los feligreses de la Diócesis de  St. Petersburg, para que ayuden a financiar más de 50 ministerios, servicios y programas diocesanos. Esto incluye la asistencia a los pobres y marginados, la educación católica y programas de formación de fe, el discipulado cristiano y el apoyo fiel a nuestro clero y su ministerio, religiosos y religiosas, y todos los que sirven a la Iglesia.

Este año nuestro lema es Esperanza en el Señor, el cuál es muy relevante al considerar todo lo que hemos vivido en este pasado año. Este lema se basa en Isaías 40, 31: Pero aquellos que ponen su esperanza en el SEÑOR, renuevan sus fuerzas; les nacen alas como de águila, corren y no se cansan, caminan y no se fatigan.