It’s the Feast of St. Andrew Corsini, 3rd Class, with the color of White. In this episode: the meditation: “Work as a Remedy”, today’s news from the Church: “I will do whatever I am told is the most perfect thing to do…””, a preview of the Sermon: “Fr. Pagliarani Sermon Announcing New Bishops for the SSPX”, and today’s thought from the Archbishop.
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Sources Used Today:
- “Work as a Remedy” – From Epiphany to Lent
- “I will do whatever I am told is the most perfect thing to do…”” (FSSPX.news)
- “Fr. Pagliarani Sermon Announcing New Bishops for the SSPX” (SSPX Sermons)
- The Spiritual Life – Archbishop Lefebvre (Angelus Press)
Saint Andrew Corsini is a striking example of how God reshapes a restless heart into a shepherd after His own mind. Born in Florence in 1302 into a wealthy and politically connected family, Andrew’s early life was marked by rebellion and excess. He resisted religious expectations, preferring the freedom of pleasure and ambition. His parents, distressed by his choices, prayed earnestly for his conversion, and God answered those prayers in a way Andrew could not ignore. After a vivid interior awakening that confronted him with the emptiness of his life, he abandoned his former ways and entered the Carmelite Order, seeking penance and silence.
Religious life was not an escape for Andrew, but a school of humility. He embraced fasting, obedience, and study with intensity, determined to repair what he had wasted. His sincerity was unmistakable, and he was ordained a priest despite his desire to remain hidden. Andrew became known as a powerful preacher, not because of rhetoric, but because of authenticity. He spoke from repentance lived deeply, and his words carried weight with both common people and civic leaders. Yet he longed for solitude and often withdrew to pray, convinced that action without contemplation would hollow his soul.
Against his will, Andrew was appointed Bishop of Fiesole in 1349. The appointment terrified him. He fled the city and had to be found and compelled to accept the office. As bishop, Andrew governed during a time of political turmoil, factional violence, and lingering plague. He proved to be exactly the pastor his diocese needed. He mediated disputes between rival families, cared personally for the poor, and reformed clergy with firmness tempered by mercy. Those who met him noted his gentleness and accessibility. He lived simply, gave generously, and spent long hours in prayer before making decisions. His authority came not from force, but from integrity.
Andrew’s life was also marked by quiet mysticism. He experienced deep interior prayer and moments of spiritual illumination, always submitting them to discernment and obedience. His devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary was central, and he credited her intercession with protecting his diocese from violence and disaster. Near the end of his life, weakened by illness, he continued to serve faithfully until his death in 1374.
Devotion to Saint Andrew Corsini spread quickly in Florence and Tuscany. He became known as a peacemaker and protector during civic unrest. His feast on February 4 was associated with prayers for conversion, reconciliation, and faithful leadership. The Church honors him as a reminder that holiness is not denied to those who begin badly, and that repentance embraced fully can become a source of healing for many.
Saint Andrew Corsini, humble penitent and wise shepherd, pray for us.
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What is the SSPX Podcast?
The SSPX Podcast is produced by Angelus Press, which has as its mission the fortification of traditional Catholics so that they can defend the Faith, and reaching out to those who have not yet found Tradition.
What is the SSPX?
The main goal of the Society of Saint Pius X is to preserve the Catholic Faith in its fullness and purity, to teach its truths, and to diffuse its virtues, especially through the Roman Catholic priesthood.
Authentic spiritual life, the sacraments, and the traditional liturgy are its primary means of bringing this life of grace to souls.
Although the traditional Latin Mass is the most visible and public expression of the work of the Society, we are committed to defending Catholic Tradition in its entirety: all of Catholic doctrine and morals as the Church has always defended them. What people need is the Catholic Faith, without compromise, with all the truth and beauty which accompanies it.
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