Blessed Lucien Botovasoa, O.S.F. (Feast Day April 14)

1908-April 14, 1947

Lucien Botovasoa was born in Vohipeno, Madagascar. He was the oldest of nine children. At the age of 10, Lucien began attending public school, and then continued his studies at the Jesuit College of St. Joseph. When he finished school in 1928, Lucien went to work as a teacher. He was known for his love of the saints, and his willingness to stay after class to talk with his students and tell the saints' stories.

In 1930 Lucien married Suzanna Soazana. Shortly after their wedding, a nun asked Lucien if he ever regretted getting married, because she thought he would have made an excellent priest. Lucien responded immediately that he had no regrets, because he was serving the Lord in his vocation as a married man. Lucien and Suzanna went on to have five children together. Lucien later joined the Secular Franciscans, where he was dedicated to his work as a teacher and to his most important role as a husband and father.

In 1946, political unrest was on the rise in Madagascar as the native Malagasy people began to revolt against French colonial rule. The Malagasy viewed Catholics as French loyalists and began targeting religious people and families. By 1947, Lucien's parish had been burned down, many of the Catholics in the city had already been arrested, and it became known that Lucien was next to be taken away. Lucien spent the day with his family and allowed himself to be arrested. His executioners were his former students, and Lucien was beheaded while praying for them. Blessed Lucien is known as the patron of married couples, fathers, and teachers.

• In today's Gospel, Jesus continues to teach his disciples how to behave. Share one way you have lived as a disciple of Jesus this week.

• What does today's Gospel teach us about criticizing others?

• Jesus also talks a lot about fruit in today's Gospel. Jesus teaches us that a person with a loving heart produces good things, but a person with an evil heart produces bad things. What kind of fruit do you want to produce?

• Blessed Lucien Botovasoa loved the saints and telling their stories. Who is your favorite saint?

Honor a Saint

Blessed Lucien Botovasoa loved the saints and telling their stories. Do the same today!

Pick one or more saints that are special to your family. Do an Internet search to find a picture or illustration of the saint. Then pick a way to artistically display them in your home. Some ideas include:

• Paint their picture on wooden laundry pins, canvas, paper, fabric, or a different surface.
• Draw the saint's face on paper plates.
• Find clothes from around your house. Stuff the clothes with newspaper to give it form. Blow up a balloon, draw a face on it, and add felt or yarn for hair and other decorations. Seat the "saint" at your table as an extra guest at a meal tonight.

Take some time to share what you know about this saint and ask for his/her prayers for a specific intention this week.

African Peanut Soup

Enjoy this African dish in honor of Blessed Lucien Botovasoa, O.S.F.

1 - 2 Tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped (about 1 - 2 cups)
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 - 2 Tbsp ginger, minced
1 jalapeno, cored and diced
2 tsp cumin
2 - 3 Tbsp tomato paste
4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 can chickpeas, drained
¾ cup creamy peanut butter (can be unsweetened)
1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
1 can crushed tomatoes
(optional) 1/4 tsp cayenne
(optional) 1 bunch collard greens, chopped
(optional) 1-pound shredded chicken
(optional) Garnish: fresh cilantro, lime juice, crushed peanuts

Heat the olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Sauté the onions for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the garlic, ginger, jalapeño, cumin, and cayenne (if desired). Stir for 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste and stir. Add the broth, chickpeas, peanut butter, sweet potato, tomatoes, and additional water if needed. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and let simmer until the sweet potato is tender, about 15 minutes. Add collard greens and/or chicken if desired, and cook for an additional 5 to 15 minutes. Mash the sweet potatoes with a fork or spoon. Add salt as needed for taste, garnish, and enjoy.

Prayer for All Saints

In recognition of Blessed Lucien Botovasoa's love of the saints, pray today for all saints.

Almighty and everlasting God,
You gave us Saints so that we can honor You by recognizing Your redemptive work in them and that we have shining examples and powerful intercessors in our lives. They received blessings and righteousness from You because they belonged to a generation that sought only You. Allow me today to appreciate them for their past merits and their present prayers offered in the sight of Your divine majesty so that my life, too, may become an oblation pleasing to You.

Amen.

What color is the vestment the priest is wearing today? This color represents the liturgical season we are in, Ordinary Time. This is the last weekend of Ordinary Time for a while.

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. Spend time discussing and planning what you will do or give up individually and/or collectively for Lent this year. Commit to helping each other with these plans throughout the Lenten season.

The day before Ash Wednesday is known as Mardi Gras, which means "Fat Tuesday" in French. Traditionally, Mardi Gras is a day to indulge in all the sweets and other foods you are giving up for Lent. In the past, this included all fats and sugars, hence the name "Fat Tuesday."