Happy Feast of Saint Maria De Mattias. When I think of Maria De Mattias, I wonder how she would act today in the face of wars, conflicts, injustice, poverty, and exploitation. Even in her day, there was no shortage of similar situations. Maria chose to take action, starting with those closest to her—first in her hometown of Vallecorsa, and then in Acuto, where she founded our Congregation. She began to look around her, to discern the signs of the times, and to recognize the shortcomings and needs. She looked closely at the faces of those she met every day and was able to recognize in each one the Crucified Love of Jesus. To her, they were not merely fellow villagers. For Mary, every person was the “dear neighbor” who is worth the Blood of Christ. So, as we celebrate this feast, we invite you to lift your gaze to look upon the face of your “dear neighbor,” to be a spark of hope and to receive that hope in turn; and perhaps, in our own small way, we can lay down our weapons to arm ourselves with instruments of peace. May peace reign. Blessed be the Blood of Christ! May He be blessed forever! Blessed be the Blood of Christ!