TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 27 OCTOBER
October 27, 2026
FEAST OF SAINTS SIMON AND JUDE, APOSTLES AND MARTYRS – 28 OCTOBER
October 28, 2026
WHEN GOD LEADS US ALONG AN UNEXPECTED PATH
Teresa initially desired a contemplative life but discovered that God was calling her to educate and guide young people through the Daughters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways”
— Isaiah 55:8
Her journey teaches us to trust God’s plan even when it differs from our expectations.
THE SEARCH FOR GOD ALONE
Teresa sought to make God’s love the centre of her life, surrendering personal ambitions and desires to His will.
“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart.”
— Matthew 22:37
Her example teaches us to serve selflessly, seeking God’s glory rather than human recognition.
FAITH IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS
Despite experiencing spiritual dryness and darkness, Teresa persevered in prayer and trusted God’s providence.
“We walk by faith, not by sight”
— 2 Corinthians 5:7
Her life reminds us that faith remains alive even when God’s presence is not felt.
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THE CROSS AS A SCHOOL OF SURRENDER
Teresa endured spiritual trials while remaining faithful to her vocation and united with Christ in suffering.
“Take up his cross daily, and follow me”
— Luke 9:23
True surrender means trusting God through difficulties while continuing to choose love and truth.
THE SACRED HEART OF JESUS AS OUR MODEL
Teresa placed devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus at the centre of her congregation’s spirituality and mission.
“Learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart”
— Matthew 11:29
Her example calls us to imitate Christ’s compassion, humility, mercy and selfless love.
PREVENTIVE LOVE AND THE YOUNG
Teresa dedicated herself to educating young people through loving guidance, discipline and Christian formation.
“Train up a child in the way he should go”
— Proverbs 22:6
Her approach teaches parents and educators to correct with compassion while recognising every child’s dignity and potential.
FREEDOM THROUGH EDUCATION
Teresa believed that education should help young people freely recognise and choose what is good.
“Choose life”
— Deuteronomy 30:19
True formation develops conscience, responsibility and the freedom to make wise choices.
CHARITY TOWARDS EVERYONE
Teresa encouraged her sisters to practise charity even towards those who were difficult to understand or serve.
“Love your enemies”
— Matthew 5:44
Christian love respects every person’s dignity while maintaining necessary boundaries and upholding truth.
PERSEVERANCE THROUGH OPPOSITION
After Canon Giuseppe Benaglio’s death, Teresa faced difficulties in guiding and establishing her congregation, yet persevered in her mission.
“Let us not be weary in well doing”
— Galatians 6:9
Her life teaches us to face opposition with prayer, humility, discernment and perseverance.
LEADERSHIP THAT FORMS OTHERS
Teresa formed her sisters to continue the congregation’s mission with faith and responsibility.
“Commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also”
— 2 Timothy 2:2
True leadership prepares others to serve faithfully and independently.
CONTEMPLATION THAT BECOMES COMPASSION
Teresa’s deep prayer life inspired her dedication to educating and caring for young people.
“As ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me”
— Matthew 25:40
Authentic prayer draws us closer to Christ and moves us to serve those in need.
A LEGACY THAT LIVES ON
Teresa died in 1852, but her congregation continued her mission of Christian education and formation.
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase”
— 1 Corinthians 3:6
Her life reminds us that faithful service bears fruit beyond our lifetime.
PRAYER THROUGH THE INTERCESSION OF SAINT TERESA EUSTOCHIO VERZERI
Loving Father, through the intercession of Saint Teresa Eustochio Verzeri, teach us to trust Your providence, persevere through trials and seek You above all things.
May the Sacred Heart of Jesus inspire us to love compassionately, serve selflessly and guide young people with wisdom and patience.
Strengthen us in spiritual darkness, grant us courage amid opposition and make our lives instruments of Your mercy and love.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint Teresa Eustochio Verzeri, pray for us.
