Blessed Eurosia Fabris Barban (Feast Day January 8)

September 27, 1866-January 8, 1932

Eurosia, or Rosina, as she was known by her family, was born and raised on a farm in Italy. She learned dressmaking from her mother and made her own First Communion dress when she was 12 years old. As a teenager, Rosina taught catechism and sewing classes to children. She was asked more than once to marry, but always declined, believing that she was called to religious life.

In 1885, Rosina's neighbor died, leaving behind her husband and two children. Rosina offered to help take care of the two young children. The following year, after much prayer and discernment, Rosina married the children's father, Carlo Barban. The couple had nine more children together and adopted three others. With this, Rosina became known as "Mamma Rosa." The Barban family's home became a gathering place for many of the local children.

Mamma Rosa continued to work as a dressmaker while raising her family. She took vows as a Third Order Franciscan and gave much of her earnings to the poor. She was a working mother, a wife, and a faithful Catholic. With great joy, she watched three of her sons enter the priesthood. Blessed Eurosia died in 1932, just two years after her husband's death.

• Who are the sheep in today's Gospel?

• What is Jesus trying to teach us in this story?

• Share a time when you've heard Jesus' voice.

• Blessed Eurosia watched three of her sons enter the priesthood. Do you know anyone who you think is called to the priesthood? If so, what are some ways you can encourage that person to pursue discernment of this vocation?

Honor Mom

Motherhood is a vocation. Just as Jesus the Good Shepherd takes care of his sheep, moms take care of us. On this Mother's Day, do something special for your mom or a mother figure in your life.

Here are some ways to treat mom today:

• Serve her breakfast in bed.
• Prepare a special meal (and clean up afterward).
• Do a photo shoot with mom.
• Help mom in the garden.
• Write her a letter.
• Light a candle in church for her.
• Pray a rosary for her.

Mini Shepherd's Pot Pies

In honor of the Good Shepherd, make this recipe today!

1 box refrigerated pie crusts, softened as directed on box
½ pound ground beef
1 small onion, chopped (½ cup)
4 tsp all-purpose flour
¾ cup beef flavored broth
½ tsp salt
⅛ tsp pepper
1 ½ cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 package (24 oz.) refrigerated mashed potatoes or homemade mashed
potatoes (about 3 cups)

Heat oven to 375 F. Unroll pie crusts. On lightly floured surface, roll or press each crust to 12 inches diameter. Using 4-inch round cutter, cut 6 rounds from each crust. Gently press rounds floured-side-down in bottoms and up sides of 12 ungreased regular-size muffin cups. Bake 9 to 11 minutes or until lightly browned. Meanwhile, in 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook beef and onion over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes or until beef is thoroughly cooked; drain. Stir in flour until blended. Add broth, salt, and pepper. Cook about 2 minutes or until mixture thickens. Stir in frozen mixed vegetables. Fill each muffin cup with about 1/4 cup beef mixture. Top each with slightly less than 2 tablespoons potatoes. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until potatoes are lightly browned.

Adapted from https://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/mini-shepherds-pot-pies/63263714-df2c-4204-aed5-8b132081d1b0?crlt.pid=camp.mqfwvd0vp5vx

Hail Mary

On this Good Shepherd Sunday, Mother's Day, and World Day of Prayer for Vocations call on our mother, Mary.

Hail Mary, full of grace;
all generations call you blessed.
Hail Mother of God; when asked by the angel
to bear the Son of the Most High,
filled with faith, you responded:
"Let it be done unto me."

Holy Mother of Jesus, at the wedding feast at Cana,
you prompted your Son to perform his first sign.

Be with us as we discern our life's work
and guide us in the way we are called to follow
in the footsteps of your Son.

Holy Mother of the Savior, at the foot of the cross
you mourned the death of your only Son.

Bless and embrace the loving parents of all priests,
deacons, religious brothers and sisters, and single people.

Holy Mother of the Good Shepherd,
turn your motherly care to this nation.

Intercede for us to the Lord of the harvest
to send more laborers to the harvest
in this land dedicated to your honor.

Queen of Peace, Mirror of Justice, Health of the Sick,
inspire vocations in our time.

Let the word of your Son be made flesh anew
in the lives of persons anxious to proclaim
the good news of everlasting life.

Amen.

Adapted from Prayer #6 from
http://www.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/prayers/prayers-for-vocations.cfm

World Day of Prayer for Vocations is always celebrated on Good Shepherd Sunday. Listen to the Prayers of the Faithful after the homily to see how your church is praying for those discerning and living out vocations to ordained ministry and consecrated life.

During the month of May, the Church honors Mary, the mother of God. This week, pray the Angelus each day. The Angelus is a Marian devotion that dates back to the 13th century. This prayer is traditionally prayed at 6 a.m., 12 p.m., and 6 p.m., but you can pray it at the time that works best for your family.

Angelus
V/. The Angel of the Lord declared unto Mary,
R/. And she conceived of the Holy Spirit.

V/.Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you;
blessed are you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
R/. Holy Mary, Mother of God,
pray for us sinners
now and at the hour of our death.
Amen.

V/.Behold the handmaid of the Lord,
R/. Be it done unto me according to your Word.
Hail Mary...

V/. And the Word was made flesh,
R/. And dwelt among us.
Hail Mary...

V/. Pray for us, O holy Mother of God,
R/. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray. Pour forth, we beseech you, O Lord, your grace into our hearts: that we, to whom the Incarnation of Christ your Son was made known by the message of an Angel, may by his Passion and Cross be brought to the glory of his Resurrection. Through the same Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Shepherds used to "anoint" the heads of their sheep to prevent sunstroke and to prevent parasites. The oil ran into the crevices around the sheep's ears, eyes, and nose to repel flies, fleas, and other parasites that could make it sick and even die.