{"id":1986,"date":"2025-10-08T19:48:40","date_gmt":"2025-10-08T19:48:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/?page_id=1986"},"modified":"2025-10-25T20:32:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-25T20:32:47","slug":"sparkie","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/sparkie\/","title":{"rendered":"Sparkie"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n<\/svg>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"Maria\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Sparkie <\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
St. Maria DeMattias
Foundress of
The Adorers
of the
Blood of Christ<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\u00a0<\/h5>
\u00a0Well, folks,
I have a most unusual story to tell you
about and unusual angel\u2014
a guardian angel, no less.
He is commonly referred to \u201cup here\u201d as
Sparkie<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
You may think being a guardian angel is no big deal,
<\/strong>and most of us handle the job
<\/strong>without too much stress or sweat.
<\/strong>But that all changes when the angel is
<\/strong>SPARKIE
<\/strong>And the protected one is
<\/strong>GIRL IN A HURRY named MARIA<\/strong><\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
As long as that girl was just a baby of Vallecorsa
or a growing child
or even an adolescent,
life was pretty normal here in the Heavenly Mansions.
BUT
once that girl celebrated her 17th<\/sup> birthday
things changed\u2026
she changed\u2026
SPARKIE changed\u2026
and life up here in heaven changed!<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Yes, it began with the Mission in Vallecorsa in 1822.
Maria De Mattias, this girl,
was praying a lot
and making important decisions like:
giving up vanity,
wanting to help save souls,
wanting to be a nun.
And what did that have to do with Sparkie?
Well, he became a living whirlwind,
dashing back and forth
with petitions and graces.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\u00a0<\/h5>
Sparkie really thought it was great
when Maria first started talking about being a nun, and he made myself hoarse by whispering inspirations in her ear. That was fine.
Then the day Maria actually set out for Acuto,
Sparkie was ecstatic with JOY!<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
At first he didn\u2019t realize
Maria was going to do more
than just enter a cloister.
When it dawned on him
that Maria was going to start a Congregation
of Adorers of the Most\u00a0 Precious Blood,
you should have heard him sing\u2026.
and parade around\u2026
and tell everyone in Heaven about HIS MARIA!you would have thought he
\u00a0was going to be the Founder!<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Sparkie really had my hands full now.
He wanted to protect Marie
from everything on earth,
and below, (you know where)
from anything distasteful.
You should have seen him
\u00a0fight the Demon of Discouragement.
And You know who won!
The other fellow hit the ground
so fast he didn\u2019t know what happened.\u00a0
He was persistent though..
Sparkie had to put him in his place
almost every day for over 30 years.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
I just witnessed a beautiful scene
and I want to share it.
Sparkie \u00a0looked up, Ottavia De Mattias,
Maria\u2019s mother who
came to heaven in 1830.
Sparkie had heard Maria praying for her,
and remembered to tell her about it.\u00a0
(Interesting how increasingly thoughtful
this angel is becoming)
Mother Ottavia was happy to know
with what love Maria thinks of her.
Maria knows that her mom\u2019s
one-time-severity
was for her own good\u2026
instilling in her a sense of responsibility
and a certain control of
her natural impetuosity.
Mother Ottavia is glad her daughter
feels gratitude now.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
Hey, what\u2019s going on here????
Surely there is no fire in Heaven\u2026
(that\u2019s meant for the other place).
But there is sure a lot of smoke.
OH, it\u2019s just, Sparkie
swinging an enormous censor!
He says incense is symbolic
of Maria\u2019s beautiful prayer.
Maria really does love God so very much.
She praises Him in all she does and
she teaches other about His love.<\/h5>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

It\u2019s nice to see Sparkie
sitting so quietly,
listening to Maria talk
to the ladies during their retreat.
Those ladies love to listen to Maria
tell about God\u2019s love,
expressed undeniably
in the BLOOD of Jesus<\/h4>

She talks to them about the dignity of women,
about ways of helping their husbands
and their families center on God,
about the joy of giving oneself
totally to God and the service of others.<\/h4>

Some of these retreats last only one day,
while others stretch out for a week
or even two!<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Oh, Oh, something is going wrong\u2026
Look at the expression on Sparkie\u2019s face!
Maria is conducting May devotions
and it should be a quiet time,
I\u2019d better see\u2026.
Oh no, looks like the archpriest is trying to stop Maria
from leading the prayers.
He should be glad the women are praying
maybe even for his conversion.
If I know Sparkie,
he won\u2019t stop until that priest repents,
even if it take going to the Bishop
or maybe even the Pope.
He has really stirred up those women.
To tell you the truth,
I think he\u2019s right.
Maria is a holy woman,
and she has good influence on all of Acuto\u2026
even on the men.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

I wonder where Sparkie found such a Large Chalice.
Every day he brings a bigger one.
If the Congregation continues to increase
and the sisters grow in their confidence
in the power of Jesus\u2019 blood..
there won\u2019t be a chalice big enough
to contain all their intercessions.\u00a0
Besides that,
there are all those people that are learning
about Jesus\u2019 Blood
as the extreme expression
and pledge of God\u2019s love.\u00a0
Maybe I\u2019d better suggest a procession of Chalices.
The Adorers already up here in heaven
would be glad to help Sparkie carry them,
filled as they are with petitions and
acts of love to the Heavenly Father<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Sometimes Angel Gabriel,
our Choir director,
gets a bit upset when Sparkie insert
Neopolitan songs right in the middle
of a Panis Angelicus
or some other beautiful hymn.
He\u2019s learned lots of Italian fold songs
from Maria and her companions
Gabriel insists there are time
for these songs
and time for Heavenly Praise.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Sparkie sure comes up with odd question!
\u201cWhy God didn\u2019t make people
like angels,\u201d
is his most frequently repeated demand.
Now he\u2019s concerned with movement
and wonders
\u201cWhy Maria\u2019s speed has to depend
on the agility of feet:
hers
or that of a horse or donkey.\u201d
I think Maria would also appreciate
moving more quickly to her sisters
in those many local communities;
especially when someone is sick
or fearful in these revolutionary times.
I the sisters would like it too.\u00a0
Her visits make such a difference.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

You can imagine how surprised I was to see
Sparkie with bow and arrows today.
He \u00a0was practicing on a whoe series of targets.
When I called him, he yelled:
\u00a0\u201cDon\u2019t judge by appearances\u201d\u2026
and then he presented we
with a dozen arrows to examine.\u00a0
Each arrow was marked with a virtue:
LOVE, FORGIVENESS, PATIENCE,
PEACE, JUSTICE.
Then he showed me the labels on His targets:
BRIGANDS, MASONS, ANTICLERICALS,
NAPOLION, GARIBALDI.
He plans to wage a spiritual war on
the causes of revolution in Italy..
and those who use it to their advantage:
Not a bad Idea!<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Sparkie is making all kind of discoveries.
Today, he came carrying something very carefully.
It is something very dear to Maria
and to all the sisters, he told me.
And then he showed me a ROSARY.\u00a0
It must be a powerful help, he said,
because the sisters always use it in their needs.
Today, for example,
In a coach with Maria and her companions,
there were some French soldiers.
Sparkie was ready to reach to come for his arrows,
when he saw Maria take these beads into her hands\u2026
and just like that,
her fears were gone.\u00a0
I send Sparkie to Our Lady
to learn more about the ROSARY.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

There is Sparkie out in the duck pen again.
He must be getting Maria another
feather for her letter writing.
Sparkie says sometimes she writes
as many as 15 letters a day.\u00a0
I saw Sparkie writing in a big book today,
and it should be good.
At the first sitting,
he consumed a whole quill.
He says he\u2019s writing Maria\u2019s life.
(I think he means he\u2019s writing
his guardian angel report to the Father.)
But who knows, maybe this is different
He sure thinks Maria is special.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Maria is always talking about the cross, Sparkie says.
She loves her Crucified Jesus so much.
When she talks to the people about Jesus,
most of them weep.
She tells the sisters to be ready
to give their lives for souls.
Maria herself suffers a lot—
she isn\u2019t well, you know,
and then she has lots of other crosses,
like ingratitude,\u00a0 criticism
opposition and misunderstanding.\u00a0
Sparkie says,
Maria is getting more like Jesus every day,
consumed as she is by love.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Whatever could Sparkie be doing with
that checker board?
If it\u2019s for Maria De Mattias\u2026
she\u2019ll never find time for that\u2014
or maybe she will.
but this board is different.
There are names of the sisters on each checker
and names of towns on the board.
Sparkie noticed my curiosity so
he offered his explanation:
Maria spends hours at he desk making the yearly assignments.
She\u2019s concerned for the happiness and health
of each sister, as well as community unity
and apostolic fruitfulness.
Sparkie thinks she ought to just
close her eyes and place the checkers on the board
and in whatever town the name lands,
well, that\u2019s it.
It would save time\u2014
but oh, what confusion.<\/h4>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Now I\u2019ve seen everything.
Last night I found Sparkie trying to direct the rays
of a whole constellation
to a very dark road near Morino.
Stars aren\u2019t that easy to manage,
besides,
Sparkie shouldn\u2019t be tampering with them.
He could upset the whole solar system.
When I heard
Maria De Mattias and her companions
were lost on a dangerous road.\u00a0<\/h4>

I told Sparkie to go down himself and guide them.
Well, he didn\u2019t even wait to thank me.
He took the form
of a small boy.\u00a0
I led the sister through the woods
and on to the city.\u00a0
The sisters were so grateful to their guardian angel\u2026
Sparkie was so proud and happy.<\/h4>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Today I felt like a referee:
settling a dispute,
Yes, a dispute- among the
guardian angels of the Sisters in Italy.
Sparkie is so upset with some of their attitudes
toward Maria De Mattias.
He thinks the angels
should be able to do something about it.
The others say they are doing all they can
but there are such things as rejected inspirations.
They remind him that angels
must respect \u201cfree will\u201d
which is God\u2019s gift to people.
I called Sparkie and reminded him
that his love and concern for Maria
has to include loving and concern for all the sisters too,
as well as for priests, bishops
and people with whom she works
That is a big order,
even for and angel!<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

There\u2019s one priest that Sparkie
has no problem loving:
and that\u2019s John Merlini.
He sees how much this missionary
helps Maria,
and how nice he is about it:
making suggestions-not just telling he;
asking her opinion
and her prayers.
Sparkie always smiles when
Merlini does this.
and there\u2019s something else
that melts his \u201cangel\u201d heart:
it\u2019s Merlini\u2019s concern for Maria\u2019s health.
He tells her to get others
to help her with correspondence and
with visitation trips.
He asks her to get more sleep
and better food.
You should see Sparkie second all these suggestions.
He\u2019s so loyal.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The other day I heard this conversation
between Sparkie and another angel:
-Sparkie, what are you doing?
-I want to warm this letter a bit before I deliver it.
-Whose letter- to whom?
-Merlini\u2019s to Maria.\u00a0 She says his letter are cold.
-Holding it to that candle will burn it.
-Then maybe I could erase some of it.
Maria says he\u2019s always repeating.
-I don\u2019t think you had better tamper
with these letters.
They\u2019re important!
Now run along.
All I can say is,
Thank you, God
for letting that angel arrive
just in time!<\/h4>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Today Sparkie came home with a mysterious case.
He seemed quite overwhelmed
with the beauty of it all.
When I asked him what he had,
he said, \u201cA TEAR\u201d
He presented it to the most High
who was very pleased with the gift\u2026
and then God bewildered Sparkie
by saying that
TEARS are His special Gift
toMaria De Mattias.
And to think I always associated tears
with a hurt,
a weakness,
self-pity, or
something like that!
Now I know they can be a gift\u2026
a beautiful precious gift!<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

I wonder how many times Sparkie
has been here these days,
looking very determined,\u00a0
carrying urgent messages!
Everyone of them stamped
\u201cTRUCCHI\u201d.
With such persistent intercession
from such a holy lady
and her companions,
that bishop is bound to see the truth.
He will become a loyal friend
and defender of the Congregation.
If any of you have doubts
about persistent intercessions,
take it from me\u2014and from Sparkie
IT WORKS.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Sparkie really keeps me on my toes.
It\u2019s hard to anticipate the trouble
some of his ideas could create.
Converting that old dilapidated Hospital
into a Motherhouse
is taking a long time
and is costing a heap!
Today I heard Sparkie asking
St. Albert the Great
and a few other saints that delve into science-
about DYNAMITE!
I wonder if he is thinking of setting off
a blast in the hills,
that will send all the stones Maria needs,
right into her back yard.
(it would be like him!)
I think I\u2019ll suggest the
\u201cfaith that moves mountains\u201d
as an alternative.
Sounds better,
coming from and angel.<\/h4>

\u00a0<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

I\u2019ve been hearing a certain melody
very often lately.
It has a lullaby rhythm
and really makes me sleepy.
I followed my ear,
and found Sparkie
practicing with a bunch of angels.
He says Maria is extra worried
these days and nights-
about criticisms made against
the postulants she welcomes.
Then too, Merlini is encouraging her
to send some sister home,
who obviously are not called by God
and Maria really doesn\u2019t have the heart.
All this keeps her from sleeping will
so the little choir of angels
is going to lull her with this
sleepy tune
Clever.
Hope it works.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

What\u2019s Sparkie packing that suitcase for?
Angels do not have anything to pack.
Let\u2019s see what he has stuffed in so far\u2026.
a lot of black cloth for habits\u2026
some chestnuts\u2026
some wine from the Acuto vineyard\u2026
some tomato sauce!
What of earth is going on?
He saw me watching so explained
that he is being sent to the Sister of Orte
in place of Maria.
The sisters want her to come\u2026
but Merlini thinks
she should consider her health,
so he suggested she send her guardian angel.
Sparkie wants to take a few surprises
to the sisters,
and I\u2019d say,
he has collected some good ones.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

First Maria prayed for the wall to fall
and cover a place of sin\u2026
and now she is praying earnestly
for help to rebuild
the wall for protection.
Poor Sparkie,
he gets so involved\u2026
and come up with the strangest solutions.
If the Pearly gates were a bit lighter,
it would be like him to carry them
right down to Acuto.
(I saw him testing their weight the other day.)
No, Sparkie
Maria doesn\u2019t want these gates.
She just want you to ask
the Father for help.
And He will move people to donate,
including the Pope himself.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

What book is Sparkie paging through
so rapidly now?
\u2026the Rule that Maria and Merlini
are writing for the Sister Adorers?!
I\u2019ll bet he\u2019s checking to see if the sisters
are to pray to their
guardian angel and if
they are to teach the children
to have this same confidence.
He shouldn\u2019t fear being left out.
Both Maria and Merlini love their angel,
and remind the sister in their
letters to count on him.
Maria and Merlini have worked hard
on this RULE\u2026
and want it to be
\u201cSecond only to the Bible\u201d
in the lives of the Sisters.\u00a0<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

I just found Sparkie shouting
with all his might:
\u201cIt\u2019s her absolute confidence
in the Provident care of the Father.\u201d
\u201cIt\u2019s her trust in the power
the Blood of Jesus.\u201d
\u201cIt\u2019s her openness
to the action
of the Spirit in and around her\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0When I asked why,
he told me to listen to that group
of Sisters who were asking:
\u201cHow can Mother Maria build without money
and provide for our growing community?\u201d
\u201cHow did Sister Tecla recover so quickly
after Mother bandaged her leg?\u201d
\u201cHow did she heal Carolina Longo
for her fever just by touching her?\u201d
\u201cHow can she continue to open housed
during these troubled times?\u201d
Yes, I agree with Sparkie,
but he could be equally right\u2014
without shouting.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Sparkie is showing a sudden
interest in Geography.
Look at him studying that map.
I can tell you why:
He\u2019s been hearing Maria tell the sisters
about some Adorers
who started out in Steinerberg\u2026
moved to Ottmarsheim\u2026
and now are in Gurtweil.
What\u2019s best about this story
is that now they are
united to \u201chis\u201d Italian Sisters.
I fear Sparkie\u2019s imagination is running from him\u2026
as I see him trace routes for
\u201chis\u201d adorers to Africa
to Americas and
to the Orient
to win souls redeemed by the Blood of JESUS.
But then, who know????<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Two came in 1850.
Four more in 1855.
Sr. Oliva Longo in 1856
and 2 others in 1857.
If you\u2019re wondering what Sparkie
is counting,
it\u2019s the Adorers who are
coming to Heaven.
They usually come in pairs\u2026
but there are exceptions.
For example,
during 1863, 65, and 66,
there were more frequent homecomings.
21 sisters came in these 3 years alone.
Sparkie should feel relieved\u2026
He should divide up his responsibility
with these saints\u2026
letting Adorers here
help Adorers out there.
But NOT Sparkie!
Since he\u2019s the guardian angel
of the foundress,
he\u2019s taken on the whole Congregation.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Look at Sparkie,
rolling out that Red Carpet!
That can only mean one thing:
MARIA DE MATTIAS
MUST BE COMING TO HEAVEN TODAY!
He\u2019ll make sure she gets a royal reception.
He has his little angels trained,
and I do believe they
all have their halos shined.
Yes, there\u2019s the Adorers too,
all excited and eager
to give the welcome kiss.
O dear, I\u2019d better remind him
that Maria\u2019s supreme Joy will be
the BLESSED TRINITY.
Oh now I understand.
The angels and Adorer-saints
are to be the royal escort
to the
\u00a0MOST HIGH.<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Well folks,
I see Sparkie\u2019s waving
good-bye to you,
so I guess he isn\u2019t
planning to tell you
anything about Maria\u2019s
activities up here.
Too bad\u2026
there is lots to tell.
Besides, I had sort of hoped
he would share his book with you.
Well,\u00a0 bye for now.
You never know\u2026
we may be back some day.\u00a0<\/h4>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Sparkie St. Maria DeMattias Foundress of The Adorers of the Blood of Christ \u00a0 \u00a0Well, folks,I have a most unusual story to tell youabout and unusual angel\u2014a guardian angel, no less.He is commonly referred to \u201cup here\u201d asSparkie You may think being a guardian angel is no big deal,and most of us handle the jobwithout […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1986","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1986","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1986"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1986\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2115,"href":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1986\/revisions\/2115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/saintjosephsvilla.org\/website_f669cee5\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1986"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}