Living in a Haunted House
29. In the Palazzo Delfini
The first companions began to attract new members and they soon outgrew their early homes in Rome. In 1539 they were offered the substantial Palazzo Delfini in the centre of Rome. It had been abandoned by its owner because of strange goings on – it was believed to be haunted by a poltergeist. Suitable prayers were said and the spirit left. The house proved a good base to reach out to the poor. During a very cold winter of 1538-9 literally hundreds of people who had been living on the streets of Rome were taken in to be warmed and fed.
Lyrics
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
Our Lord is here, he’s living today, he lives in us, he’s showing his way.
His heart is open, his hands are held high: Alleluia.
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
He plays his flute, he sings us his song, he lifts our hearts, he says ‘Come along..’
‘I am your freedom, … your hope,…your delight: alleluia.’
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia.
A thought to ponder
Faith in God isn’t a private affair. Just believing that God exists isn’t enough.
Faith is reaching out with God’s love to those in need – developing a compassionate heart.
Bring to mind compassionate people you know or know of – how do they strike you?
Do you think others would describe you as ‘compassionate’?
Scripture for the Day
As a way of praying today’s Scripture we suggest Imaginative Contemplation.
Acts 2: 43-47 NRSVACE
Awe came upon everyone, because many wonders and signs were being done by the apostles.
All who believed were together and had all things in common;
they would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need.
Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people.
And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.
Music for Today
The Lord Hears the Cry of the Poor sung by the choir of St. Francis de Sales Church, Ajax Ontario written by John Foley SJ
Purchase more of the music of the St Louis Jesuits