Mazzuchelli: Called for Great & Difficult Work
Patchwork Heart Ministry has partnered with the Diocese of Madison (Wisconsin) and Different Heart Productions to produce a new documentary film about the life of Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli, a Dominican missionary priest who ministered, evangelized, and built the Church in the Midwest. The film is available to watch for FREE on YouTube.
If you would like to learn more about educational or group showings and resources email mazzuchelli@patchworkheart.org
Each year, the Diocese of Madison hosts a pilgrimage exploring the southwestern part of Wisconsin where Venerable Fr. Samuel Mazzuchelli was so influential. You can hike and camp for the three-day pilgrimage from Dubuque, IA to Father Mazzuchelli’s gravesite in Benton, WI. Click here for more information.
Reflection/Discussion Guide
+ Father Mazzuchelli came to America as a seminarian to become an “apostolic missionary” and proclaim the Gospel to a people that he had never met, to a people who may have never heard of Jesus or the Catholic Faith. What do you think compelled him to respond so generously to the Holy Spirit’s invitation to leave family and familiar surroundings to serve the Lord in a strange, new land? What does this say to us as believers who at times find it difficult to live and witness to the Faith at times?
+Arriving to the United States alone, knowing no English and with no clue how he was going to report to Bishop Fenwick to finish his studies and prepare for the priesthood, Samuel Mazzuchelli manifested a deep faith in God and in the generosity of others. How might his life of complete trust in Divine Providence serve as an inspiration for us, especially as we struggle to boldly follow God’s will in our lives?
+As a young Dominican priest, Father Mazzuchelli was not afraid of sharing the truths of the Catholic Faith, but he first listened to effectively respond to objections and clarify any misconceptions. How might we learn from his example of preaching and teaching when we encounter people opposed to our Catholic beliefs, practices and morals? How can we use education as our primary means of evangelization.
+Father Mazzuchelli built up the Body of Christ by literally constructing churches and establishing local faith communities. In doing so, he endured much fatigue, anxiety, and expense in erecting church buildings as he zealously shared the Faith with all he met, especially those who had never heard about Jesus and His infinite love for humanity. How can his apostolic zeal inspire us to selfless give of ourselves for the sake of the salvation of others, especially our loved ones and whoever the Lord puts on our path in the journey of life?
+In his memoirs, Diary of a Frontier Missionary Priest, Venerable Samuel always refers to himself as “the missionary” in order not to draw attention to himself but instead focus on the work that was entrusted to him. How does this example of humility and selflessness stand in stark contrast to our current culture that tends to want to direct attention to ourselves and to our accomplishments?
+While Father Mazzuchelli often ministered alone, he consciously committed to involve others in his evangelical efforts, inviting them to live out their faith as missionary disciples according to their specific calling in life. He also founded the Congregation of the Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa to encourage women to offer up their gifts and talents to witness in both word and deed, especially by educating and forming young people. How might his rich legacy help heal our broken and wounded world that desperately needs once again to hear the Good News? How might Father Mazzuchelli life and ministry be presented to young people as they seek to discern their vocation and mission in life?
+Pope Francis often reminds Catholics of the urgent need to “wake up the world” by boldly witnessing to Christ in society and not to be afraid of reaching out to those in the margins. How might Venerable Samuel Mazzuchelli’s example inspire us to live our call to missionary discipleship and to lead those who may be lost, forgotten and on the fringes to the find healing, hope and happiness?
Lord Jesus, You called Your servant, Samuel, even in early youth, to leave home and all for a Dominican life of charity in preaching Your holy gospel. You gave him abundant graces of Eucharistic love, devotion to Your holy Mother of Sorrows, and a consuming zeal for souls. Grant, we beseech You, that his fervent love and labors for You may become more widely known, to a fruitful increase of Your Mystical Body, to his exaltation, and to our own constant growth in devoted love of You who with the Father and the Holy Spirit live and reign one God, world without end. Amen.