CARMELINA

SCRUTATIO SCRIPTURAE

CARMELINA

A Scrutatio for the 4th Sunday of the CHRISTIAN SEASON OF ADVENT

Readings from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer

Isaiah 7:10-17 / Psalm 24 / Romans 1:1-7 / Matthew 1:18-25

Readings for the Pauline/Vatican II Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Isaiah 7:10-14 / Psalm 24:1-2, 3-4, 5-6. / Romans 1:1-7 / Matthew 1:18-24

Readings for the Tridentine Rite of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass

Introit: Isaiah 45:8 and Psalm (18:2) 19:1

Epistle: I Corinthians 4:1-5

Gradual:Psalm 144 (145):18, 21

Alleluia, alleluia.

V. Come, O Lord, and tarry not: forgive the sins of Thy people Israel. Alleluia.

Gospel

Luke 3:1-6

Offertory:

Luke 1:28, 42

Communion Antiphon: Isaiah 7:14

For this day let us MEDITATE on the LIFE AND WITNESS of a CONSECRATED SISTER of the SISTERS OF THE CROSS AND THE PASSION, who, despite of being bedridden, has given her WHOLE LIFE TO JESUS CHRIST...

Let us meet SISTER CARMELINA TARANTINO OF THE CROSS C.P.

Born: February 7, 1937 – Livery Naples Italy

Baptized: February 19, 1937 – Church of St. George Martyr
Emigrated: July 4, 1964 arrives at Toronto with Dr. Nicola Sbarra from Liveri
Deceased: March 21, 1992
Burial: Holy Cross Cemetery, Thornhill, Ontario

Carmelina Tarantino was born in Italy in 1937 and arrived in Toronto in 1964, searching for answers to an unexplained illness that baffled doctors in her homeland. Canadian doctors suspected a rare form of cancer but it was never confirmed. Sr. Carmelina suffered through painful treatments, including the amputation of her leg and a masectomy. Through it all, she maintained a devout life of prayer.

With Vatican approval, she became a nun in 1977, though she remained in her hospital bed at Riverdale Hospital (now known as Bridgepoint Health) for 24 years. Word spread of her condition and soon, the lineup of visitors extended well outside her door, both to visit and seek spiritual direction. Thousands of people, mostly of Italian heritage, came to visit Sr. Carmelina while others sought counselling over the phone. She impacted the lives of thousands before her death at the age of 55 in 1992.

The official inquiry into her cause for sainthood has begun. For more information on the process, refer to the Archdiocese of Toronto backgrounder on saints.

If you have information that would be helpful in moving forward Sr. Carmelina’s case for sainthood, please contact the following individuals:

·         Deacon Joe DiGrado (905) 876-9486 jocadigrado@yahoo.ca (English inquiries)

·         Sr. Valiriana (416) 243-1722 (Italian inquiries)

For all those inspired and touched by the life of Sr. Carmelina Tarantino, we give thanks to God for her shining example of courage, care and faith

LET US PRAY

O Most Holy Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
in your providential love you chose that
Sr. Carmelina Tarantino of the Cross may be intimately united
to the suffering of your beloved Son of the Cross,
and that, filled with apostolic zeal, she might offer with joy her life,
as a holocaust for your glory and the salvation of souls.

We humbly ask you to glorify her in your Church on earth.
We implore you through her intercession to grant us the grace we ask in faith.

May we follow the POWERFUL EXAMPLE OF THE LIFE OF THIS WONDERFUL CONSECRATED PERSON!

May we, whether we may be physically fit and healthy or even in our sickness and are bedridden, BE A WITNESS TO THE LIFE OF JESUS IN US!