Who We Are - Formation 2003

FORMATION 2006

Foreword & Segments

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session NO 5

topic: “eurosa fabris”

Wife and mother – sanctity for all

opening prayer:   As for the Order Prayers

introduction:

Eurosia Fabris - “Mamma Rosa”, was a model of holiness in what should be the daily life of a Catholic family. She was an apostle of good will in her family, among her friends, and in her parish, where she taught catechism to the children and sewing to the girls who came to her home. Her three sons who became priests were encouraged in their vocation by her example of holiness. She was proclaimed Venerable on the 7^th of July, 2003, by Pope John Paul II who recognized the testimony of her heroic and singular virtues. It was the wish of Pope Pius XII that the life of this marvellous woman be known among all Christian families of our day.

word of god

            A Reading from the Book of Proverbs 31: 10-28

           The Word of God is now read aloud slowly and prayerfully

When one finds a valiant woman, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life.

She obtains wool and flax and makes cloth with skilful hands. She rises while it is still night, and distributes food to her household. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs at the days to come. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and on her mouth is kindly counsel. Her children stand up and proclaim her blessed. Many women have done admirable things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her a reward of her labours, and let her works praise her at the city gates.



Allow a few moments reflective silence and then read the following:

word of reflection

Eurosia Fabris (1866 - 1932)

Eurosia Fabris was born in an agricultural area, some kilometres from Vicenza in Italy, on the 27th of September, 1866. Her parents, Luigi and Maria Fabris, were farmers. In 1870, at the age of four, Eurosia moved with her family to Marola, a village in the municipality of Torri di Quartesolo (Vicenza). She lived there for the rest of her life. She attended only the first two years of elementary school between 1872 and 1874 because even at such a young age, she was forced to help her parents with farm work and her mother in particular with the household chores. It was enough, however, for her to learn to read and write. Besides her domestic tasks, she helped her mother in her work as a dressmaker, a practice which Eurosia would also take on later. Even as a child, she was rich in virtue and spirituality, always very careful in providing for the needs of her family. She was twelve years old when she made her First Holy Communion. From then on, she received Holy Eucharist on all religious feasts, since at that time daily communion was not the practice. At the age of eighteen, Eurosia was a dedicated, pious and hardworking young lady.

In 1885, Rosina, as she was called by her family, was affected by a tragic event. A young married woman near her home died leaving three very young daughters. The first of them died shortly after her mother. The other two girls, Chiara Angela and Italia were only 20 months old, and 2 months old, respectively. The father of these girls was away, living with his uncle and a grandfather who suffered from a chronic disease. For six months, every morning, Rosina would go to care for the children and take care of their home. Later, following the advice of her relatives and that of the parish priest, and after praying about this turn of events, she decided to marry and wed Carlo Barban in 1886. In addition to the two orphaned babies, they were blessed with nine other children. Her home was always opened to other children as well. To all these children, “Mamma Rosa”, as she was called since her marriage, offered affection and care, sacrificing her own needs to provide for them a solid Christian formation. She showed the greatest love and respect for her husband, becoming his confidant and adviser. She had a tender love for all her children. She was a hard worker and a person who could be counted on to fulfil her duties.

Mamma Rosa lived an intense life of prayer, which was evident by her great devotion to God, to the Holy Eucharist and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Like the strong woman in Sacred Scripture, she became a real treasure to her family. She knew how to balance the family budget and at the same time exercised great charity towards the poor, sharing her daily bread also with them. She cared for the sick and gave them continuous assistance, showing heroic strength during the final illness of her husband Carlo, who died in 1930.

Mama Rosa’s family home was an ideal Christian community where her children were taught to pray, to obey, to respect the will of God, and to practice Christian virtues. In her vocation as a Christian mother, Mamma Rosa sacrificed and consumed herself day by day like a lamp burning brightly on the altar of charity. She died on the 8^th of January 1932 and was buried, with the hope of final resurrection, in the church of Marola. The canonical process of beatification and canonization was initiated on the 3^rd of February 2005.

       For the next five minutes silently read and reflect on the readings.

           Underline what you consider to be key words and/or phrases for you.

the sharing

Share your insights in discussion of the following:                                             (10 mins)

     What struck you most strongly about the life and role of Eurosa Fabris?

     How can we, as Knights of the Southern Cross, contribute to the strengthening of Christian families in today’s world?

conclusion

Leader:         As a s a wife and mother Eurosa lived, with evangelical simplicity, a daily family life, accepting its pains and suffering in the constant search for the will of God.
and so we pray:

All:                  Lord God,

Bless and strengthen all wives and mothers that they may always remain close to you and build Christian families for the future. Amen

The meeting proceeds

closing prayer: As for the Order Prayers at the Closing of the Meeting

Last updated: 12/02/2006