Quote
“The pope has a family, too. We were five siblings, and I have 16 nieces and nephews. One of these nephews was in an accident. …”
–Pope Francis, speaking at his weekly general audience Aug. 20, a day after the car accident that left his nephew in critical condition and killed his nephew’s wife and their two young children. “I thank you, I thank you very much, for your condolences and prayers,” the pope told the crowd of about 7,000, which included a delegation from his favorite soccer team. (Catholic News Service)
PROFILE
Evelyn Rosqueta
Youth ministry leader, St. Anthony Parish, Kalihi
- Favorite Scripture quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
- Favorite saint: St. Therese
- Best church: St. Anthony, Kalihi
- PC or Mac: Mac
- Favorite island: Magic Island
- Favorite book: “The Fault in Our Stars”
- Breakfast this morning: panini
- Tattoo: I really want one of my favorite scripture
Saints under 40
Defending her dignity
Blessed Pierina Morosini committed to chastity early in her life, which was cut short when she defended her vow against a would-be rapist.
Before she was killed, Pierina — born in 1931 to a poor family in Italy — was a devoted Catholic who was a catechism instructor and even considered religious life. However, the oldest of eight children instead stayed at home to help care for the family. She underwent seamstress training and at age 15 began working in a factory.
In 1957 Pierina encountered an attacker on her way home from work. The man tried to rape her but she fought back, and in anger he stoned Pierina to death.
Pierina was beatified in 1987 by Pope John Paul II, who called her a symbol of purity in today’s violent world. She is the patron of rape victims and is a martyr to chastity. (catholicnewsagency.com, marypages.com)