St Theophilus’ Faith & Trust in God’s Providence – May 19 – Homily – Fr John Lawrence

 

Fr John Lawrence gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on May 19, 2025, on how St. Theophilus of Corte exemplified Franciscan humility and trust in God’s providence, dedicating his life to prayer, penance, and spreading spiritual retreats despite numerous challenges.

St Theophilus of Corte, born in 1676 in Corsica, lived a life of profound Franciscan humility and trust in God’s providence, echoing the psalmist’s call, “Not to us, O Lord, but to your name give the glory” (Psalms 115: 1). His early brilliance led him to study philosophy and theology, but a pivotal meeting with St. Thomas of Cori at the Civitella retreat revealed his true calling: spreading the Franciscan retreat model of prayer, penance, and poverty (CCC 2697). Despite an injury preventing a teaching career, he embraced this mission, trusting God’s plan (Romans 8: 28). He tirelessly preached, heard confessions, and comforted the dying, often prioritizing others’ salvation over his own comfort, reflecting Christ’s self-emptying love (Philippians 2: 7). His establishment of retreats, like in Zuano, Corsica, faced initial failures, but his faith that “God will provide” mirrored Abraham’s trust (Genesis 22: 8). Facing opposition in Fucecchio, he remained steadfast, believing trials were permitted for a greater good (James 1: 2-4). His ministry facilitated conversions, such as a young man’s transformation into a zealous priest, embodying the call to repentance (Luke 15: 7). Even in death, he rejected personal necessity, affirming God’s sovereignty (CCC 600). Father Theophilus died on May 19, 1740, his life a testament to living hidden with Christ (Colossians 3: 3) and serving through the sacraments (CCC 1123). His legacy inspires trust in divine providence and dedication to God’s glory.

For Further Reading:

Psalms 115: 1 - NAB - Not to us, O Lord, give glory - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/115?1
Romans 8: 28 - NAB - All things work for good - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?28
Philippians 2: 7 - NAB - Christ emptied himself for us - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/philippians/2?7
Genesis 22: 8 - NAB - God will provide the lamb - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/genesis/22?8
James 1: 2-4 - NAB - Trials produce endurance and perfection - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/james/1?2
Luke 15: 7 - NAB - Joy over one repentant sinner - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/15?7
Colossians 3: 3 - NAB - Life hidden with Christ in God - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/colossians/3?3
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2697 - Prayer as a way of life - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2697.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #600 - God’s plan in suffering - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/600.htm
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1123 - Sacraments for conversion and service - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1123.htm

00:00 – Introduction
00:33 – Early Life, Corsica
01:15 – Franciscan Vocation
02:00 – Priesthood, Education
03:11 – Retreat Life Begins
05:10 – Confession Ministry
07:24 – Corsican Retreat Efforts
09:26 – Final Missions, Death

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Crispin of Viterbo
Readings: Monday 5th Week of Easter - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/051925.cfm
1st: act 14:5-18
Resp: psa 115:1-4, 15-16
Gsp: joh 14:21-26

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=649&r=1714

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