Bernadette asked her aunt Bernarde and uncle Basile to take her to the grotto early in the morning to avoid the onlookers. Their plans were thwarted by the hundred or so people awaiting her. This too was a “confidential” meeting, and nowhere, not even in her written reports, would she ever provide the details of the event.
This sixth apparition took place on the first Sunday of Lent. Bernadette attended Mass; later, the Vesper service. On leaving the church, Bernadette was stopped by a policeman who brought her before Commissioner Jacomet for questioning. Jacomet, worried about the threat to law and order, and what his superiors would say, wanted to stop these “rallies”.
The meeting was held in the commissioner’s home before which a gathering crowd was calling loudly for Bernadette’s release. Bernadette later recounted what had transpired and an official transcription still exists.
Jacomet tried to make Bernadette admit embarassing things which she steadfastly refused to do. He made comments that completely twisted the sense of her answers. Thus, she would not sign the statement. In her words, “after having taken down a couple of lines as I had dictated, he would add things I hadn’t said”.
“Then he told me he would read it aloud so I could see if he had made any mistakes. I listened carefully. As soon as he read a few lines, there were mistakes so I said to him, ‘Sir, I never said that’. He got very angry and insisted I had, while I kept repeating I hadn’t.” Jacomet emphasized her not going to Massabielle any more.
All the townspeople were excited. Athough some believed and some didn’t, this thing had to be stopped. But Bernadette had already given her word, and nothing would make her change. Even the threat of prison.
Nevertheless, the promise Jacomet failed to extract from Bernadette was made by her father -- it must not have been very hard to cajole poor M. Soubirous. Then, fearing the excited crowd, Jacomet let Bernadette go.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p7
Jesus asleep
One evening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let us go to the other side” (Mk 4:35). And when they were sailing, he slept. Soon a great storm arose in the sea and the boat was in danger of sinking.
The disciples, despite their experience, came to him, saying: “Lord, save us; we perish. ... does it not concern you that we perish?” (Mk 4:38) Jesus answered, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” (Mk 4:39) He did not fault them for awaking him, but for having doubted his care and thought him powerless to help.
Jesus had permitted this storm to arise that he might show his divine power and strengthen his disciples’ confidence. He quelled the storm and rebuked the wind with: “Peace!” (Mk 4:39) The wind ceased; a great calm ensued. The disciples exceedingly afraid, said to each other, “Who is this that both wind and sea obey him?” (Mk 4:40)
This episode, recorded in detail by three evangelists teaches: 1) the tempest threatened shipwreck despite our Lord’s presence; and 2) Jesus calmly slept during the storm.
These facts lead us to draw practical conclusions -- 1) that it is a great mistake to suppose ourselves abandoned by God because we are exposed to violent temptations or frightful persecutions; and 2) that it is equally wrong to give way to fear, as though our Lord were absent and not protecting us.
Let us immediately go to Jesus in every danger. His majesty and almighty power here manifested in a most striking manner make us feel proud and happy to belong to him, to be allowed to fight under his standard. We should thank him for this great privilege, and courageously renew our resolve -- ‘Serviam!’ (I will serve!)
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations”, by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp393-5
God’s love is gratuitous
Sacred Scripture records in a multitude of different ways God’s infinite love for every human being. Truly “the God of our faith is not a distant being who contemplates with indifference the fate of men -- their desires, their struggles, their sufferings. He is a Father who loves his children” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Christ is passing by”, 84) with a love very different from ours.
Even when purified from its dregs, our love “is always attracted by the good, real or apparent, in things ... Divine love, however, is a love that creates and infuses goodness into creatures” (St Thomas, “Summa Theologiae”, I, 20, 2) with total disinterest. His love for us is real since whatever created things can give him, He already possesses in absolute degree.
God’s infinite goodness and the desire to share it is the reason for his love. He did not merely create us. His love is such that he raised us to the supernatural order, making us sharers in his own life and happiness, which far exceeds the capabilities of created beings.
God’s love for us is gratuitous. We in no way deserved it. “In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us.” (1 Jn 4:10) It is Christ who revealed to us, in all its depth, God’s love for men.
Friendship with Jesus, love for our mother Mary, our life as good Christians, will enable us to serenely look forward to our definitive meeting with God. St Joseph, the patron of a happy death, had by his death-bed the welcoming company of Jesus and Mary. He can teach us to prepare, daily, for this wonderful encounter with our Father God.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:406-7,418
THE SEVEN SUNDAYS DEVOTION TO ST. JOSEPH -- Honors the seven joys and seven sorrows of St Joseph. (Ref: “Handbook of Prayers”, Fr Charles Belmonte and Fr James Socias [Eds], 1988, pp321-3)
“What must Joseph have been, how grace must have worked through him, that he should be able to fulfill this task of the human upbringing of the Son of God.
“For Jesus must have resembled Joseph: in his way of working, in the features of his character, in his way of speaking. Jesus’ realism, his eye for detail, the way he sat at table and broke bread, his preference for using everyday situations to give doctrine -- all this reflects his childhood and the influence of Joseph.
“It’s not possible to ignore this sublime mystery: Jesus who is man, who speaks with the accent of a particular district of Israel, who resembles a carpenter called Joseph, is the Son of God.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivà, “In Joseph’s Workshop” in “Christ is passing by”, 40
The fourth sorrow and joy of St Joseph -- His sorrow when he heard the prophecy of Simeon; his joy when he learned that many will be saved through the sufferings of Jesus.
“As the child’s father and mother stood there wondering at the things that were being said about him, Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, ‘You see, this child: he is destined for the fall and the rising of many in Israel, destined to be a sign that is rejected -- and a sword will pierce your own soul too -- so that the secret thoughts of many may be laid bare’.” (Lk 2:34)
“Joseph is surprised and astonished. God gradually reveals his plans to him and he tries to understand them. As with everyone who wishes to follow Jesus closely, he soon discovers that here is no laggard’s pace, no room for the half-hearted.
"God always asks more: his ways are not the ways of men. St Joseph, more than anyone else before or since, learned from Jesus to be alert to recognize God’s wonders, to have his mind and heart awake.”
Ref: St Josemaria Escrivà, “In Joseph’s Workshop”, 54
Prayer in Honor of One’s Patron Saint
“O HEAVENLY one, whose name I am privileged to bear, ever intercede for me before the throne of God that He fortify me in faith, strengthen me in virtue, and protect me in conflict, so that, victorious over the wicked enemy, I may attain to everlasting glory. Amen.” (Very Rev Charles J Callan, OP, STM and Very Rev John A McHugh, OP, STM, “Blessed Be God”, 1925, p456)
Our Lady of ‘Bon Port’ (Good Haven), Dol, France (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm) Favorably inclined to mariners.
(http://www.starharbor.com/santiago/m feasts.html)
Our Lady of Bon Port, at Dol, affording succor to mariners. — Triple Couronne, n. 51. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Friday, February 19, 2010
20 February 2010: Lourdes-- The fifth apparition
‘Saturday.’ News of the visions had begun to spread. That morning thirty-odd people were present to greet Bernadette on arriving at Massabielle. The Virgin appeared after a quarter of an hour of prayer although, at the end of the meeting, Bernadette’s face was very sad.
She would neither answer questions about the encounter nor reveal anything that was said during the apparition. On the basis of numerous reports, it is believed that the Virgin taught her a personal prayer.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p6
The detachment Jesus requires of us
“A certain Scribe came and said to Jesus, ‘Master, I will follow you wherever you shall go’.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air, nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Mt 8:19-20). The Scribe expected to gain riches and honor by following one already very famous; but convinced of our Lord’s profession of poverty, he withdrew.
After his withdrawal, Jesus lovingly looks on one of those left and called him to apostleship of which the Scribe deemed unworthy. Jesus said, “Follow me”. He was ready to give up everything for the sake of his vocation-- he only asked for a short delay. Lord, he said, “allow me first to go and bury my father” (Lk 9:59).
The man wished to take care of his father till old age and leave him only when he dies. Jesus refused saying, “Let the dead bury their dead; but go and preach the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:60).
Another responded: “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first take leave of everybody at home” (Lk 9:61). Jesus said to him, “No man putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62).
Our Lord teaches that whoever chooses the way of perfection must not bother with temporal interests but focus only on advancing daily towards their goal.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp391-3
Earthly things bring us to God
“To be with Christ and have nothing, is far better than having all the treasures of the world but to be without him. The Church knows well that God alone can satisfy the deepest cravings of the human heart for the world and what it has to offer can never fully content it.” (cf Second Vatican Council, “Gaudium et spes”, 41)
All earthly things are simply means to bring us to God. Unless they serve that purpose they are worse than useless. Jesus is worth more than life itself; even far more than the most lucrative and important business transaction. Would we be capable, if necessary, of surrendering our honour or of sacrificing our fortune in exchange for remaining with God?
Following Jesus is not compatible with just everything else. We must make a choice, and give up every single thing that is an obstacle to our being with him. Thus, a clear horror for sin must be deeply rooted in our soul. Our Lord passes close to us every day.
If our heart is bent on acquiring material things we will not recognize him. There are many very subtle ways of asking him to leave our lives. “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Mt 6:24)
We must ask Our Lord and his Mother: “free us, your children, each one of us, from any stain, from anything that separates us from God, even though we may have to suffer, even though it may cost us our life.” (Alvaro del Portillo, “Letter”, 31 May 1987, 5) The whole world would be useless to us if we were to lose Jesus.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:181-3
Christ is the Liberator
‘He will liberate you ... You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High.’ At the moment when he was tempting Christ, the tempter made reference to the words of a psalm, with its praise for the merciful providence of God.
As he sought to persuade the Messiah, to throw himself down from the highest pinnacle of the Temple of Jerusalem, he reminded Him: “He will bid His angels take care of you; with their hands they will support you that you will not stumble on a stone.” (Mt 4:6)
Then, as we know, Christ rebuked the tempter, saying, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Mt 4:7). He rebuked him for misusing the divine words, for interpreting them perversely and falsifying the truth contained in them. ‘He will liberate you.’
The Church reminds us every day during Lent of the proper meaning of liberation of man, that which God accomplished and goes on accomplishing in Christ: liberation from sin; from desires of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes, the pride of life (cf 1 Jn 2:16); liberation from what coerces man most, even though it may permit him to preserve the appearance of autonomy.
Man saves these appearances at the cost of possession and use of things, at the price of a service which he does not understand as service but as making others serve him, often by using force, at his neighbor’s expense. True liberation of man, that which is brought to him by Christ, is also liberation from the semblance of liberation, from appearance of liberty which is not true liberty. ‘He will liberate you.’
During Lent, the Church calls upon us to bow our heads to God. On raising our heads, we see Christ, Redeemer of Man. He teaches us, through His whole life, then definitively through His suffering and death, what ‘being free’ means.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp123-4
Interior Life
“Do you not greet warmly all the people you love, and speak to them cordially? Well, you and I are going to greet Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and our Guardian Angels, many times a day.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 690)
“Develop a lively devotion for Our Mother. She knows how to respond in a most sensitive way to the presents we give her.
“What is more, if you say the Holy Rosary every day, with a spirit of faith and love, Our Lady will make sure she leads you very far along her Son’s path.”
Ref: Ibid, Op cit, 691
Our Lady of ‘Bolougne-sur-Mer’ (France, 633) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of Boulogne-sur-Mer. A statue is seen here which is said to have been brought in a ship by the ministry of angels, in the year 633. Louis XI gave to this church a heart of solid gold, weighing two thousand crowns, in the year 1479, and he decreed that all the kings of France, his successors, should make the same present on their attaining the crown. — Triple Couronne, n. 53. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
She would neither answer questions about the encounter nor reveal anything that was said during the apparition. On the basis of numerous reports, it is believed that the Virgin taught her a personal prayer.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p6
The detachment Jesus requires of us
“A certain Scribe came and said to Jesus, ‘Master, I will follow you wherever you shall go’.” Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air, nests; but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head" (Mt 8:19-20). The Scribe expected to gain riches and honor by following one already very famous; but convinced of our Lord’s profession of poverty, he withdrew.
After his withdrawal, Jesus lovingly looks on one of those left and called him to apostleship of which the Scribe deemed unworthy. Jesus said, “Follow me”. He was ready to give up everything for the sake of his vocation-- he only asked for a short delay. Lord, he said, “allow me first to go and bury my father” (Lk 9:59).
The man wished to take care of his father till old age and leave him only when he dies. Jesus refused saying, “Let the dead bury their dead; but go and preach the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:60).
Another responded: “I will follow you, Lord; but let me first take leave of everybody at home” (Lk 9:61). Jesus said to him, “No man putting his hand to the plough, and looking back, is for the kingdom of God” (Lk 9:62).
Our Lord teaches that whoever chooses the way of perfection must not bother with temporal interests but focus only on advancing daily towards their goal.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp391-3
Earthly things bring us to God
“To be with Christ and have nothing, is far better than having all the treasures of the world but to be without him. The Church knows well that God alone can satisfy the deepest cravings of the human heart for the world and what it has to offer can never fully content it.” (cf Second Vatican Council, “Gaudium et spes”, 41)
All earthly things are simply means to bring us to God. Unless they serve that purpose they are worse than useless. Jesus is worth more than life itself; even far more than the most lucrative and important business transaction. Would we be capable, if necessary, of surrendering our honour or of sacrificing our fortune in exchange for remaining with God?
Following Jesus is not compatible with just everything else. We must make a choice, and give up every single thing that is an obstacle to our being with him. Thus, a clear horror for sin must be deeply rooted in our soul. Our Lord passes close to us every day.
If our heart is bent on acquiring material things we will not recognize him. There are many very subtle ways of asking him to leave our lives. “No man can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” (Mt 6:24)
We must ask Our Lord and his Mother: “free us, your children, each one of us, from any stain, from anything that separates us from God, even though we may have to suffer, even though it may cost us our life.” (Alvaro del Portillo, “Letter”, 31 May 1987, 5) The whole world would be useless to us if we were to lose Jesus.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:181-3
Christ is the Liberator
‘He will liberate you ... You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High.’ At the moment when he was tempting Christ, the tempter made reference to the words of a psalm, with its praise for the merciful providence of God.
As he sought to persuade the Messiah, to throw himself down from the highest pinnacle of the Temple of Jerusalem, he reminded Him: “He will bid His angels take care of you; with their hands they will support you that you will not stumble on a stone.” (Mt 4:6)
Then, as we know, Christ rebuked the tempter, saying, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test” (Mt 4:7). He rebuked him for misusing the divine words, for interpreting them perversely and falsifying the truth contained in them. ‘He will liberate you.’
The Church reminds us every day during Lent of the proper meaning of liberation of man, that which God accomplished and goes on accomplishing in Christ: liberation from sin; from desires of the flesh, the concupiscence of the eyes, the pride of life (cf 1 Jn 2:16); liberation from what coerces man most, even though it may permit him to preserve the appearance of autonomy.
Man saves these appearances at the cost of possession and use of things, at the price of a service which he does not understand as service but as making others serve him, often by using force, at his neighbor’s expense. True liberation of man, that which is brought to him by Christ, is also liberation from the semblance of liberation, from appearance of liberty which is not true liberty. ‘He will liberate you.’
During Lent, the Church calls upon us to bow our heads to God. On raising our heads, we see Christ, Redeemer of Man. He teaches us, through His whole life, then definitively through His suffering and death, what ‘being free’ means.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp123-4
Interior Life
“Do you not greet warmly all the people you love, and speak to them cordially? Well, you and I are going to greet Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and our Guardian Angels, many times a day.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 690)
“Develop a lively devotion for Our Mother. She knows how to respond in a most sensitive way to the presents we give her.
“What is more, if you say the Holy Rosary every day, with a spirit of faith and love, Our Lady will make sure she leads you very far along her Son’s path.”
Ref: Ibid, Op cit, 691
Our Lady of ‘Bolougne-sur-Mer’ (France, 633) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of Boulogne-sur-Mer. A statue is seen here which is said to have been brought in a ship by the ministry of angels, in the year 633. Louis XI gave to this church a heart of solid gold, weighing two thousand crowns, in the year 1479, and he decreed that all the kings of France, his successors, should make the same present on their attaining the crown. — Triple Couronne, n. 53. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Thursday, February 18, 2010
19 February 2010: Lourdes-- The fourth apparition
‘Friday.’ At 6:00 o’clock A.M. a dozen people including Bernadette’s mother and aunt Bernarde, were present at Bernadette’s meeting with the Lady who appeared after only three ‘Ave, Maria’s’.
Eyewitnesses observed that Bernadette’s physical appearance profoundly changes when she was in ecstasy: extremely pale, “waxlike”, and smiles with such tenderness “it was a joy to behold her.”
Bernadette never revealed anything about this encounter with the Lady whom she called “Aquero”. This name, in a dialect, which has been widely discussed by scholars is generally taken to mean “that one”.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p6
Mother of mercy
We must have frequent recourse to the divine mercy. Our salvation and safety lie in God’s compassion for us. The way to win God’s favor more promptly is to have mercy on others. This is the way to win God’s favour more promptly. Our Mother Mary constantly procures for us the compassion of her Son. She teaches us how to respond to the needs of others.
“Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy” ... we keep on saying to her. “Mary has the deepest knowledge of the mystery of God’s mercy. She knows its price, how great it is. In this sense we call her ‘Mother of mercy, Virgin most merciful’ each one of these titles having a profound theological meaning.
“Each of them expresses the special preparation of her soul, of her whole personality, so that she would be able to perceive through the complexity of events, first of all directed to Israel, then to every individual and ultimately to the whole of humanity, the need for that abounding mercy of hers in which ‘from generation to generation’ people become sharers according to the eternal design of the Most Holy Trinity.” (cf John Paul II, Encyclical, “Dives in misericordia”, 30 Nov 1980, 8)
St Augustine teaches that mercy originates from the heart. It has pity on the misery of others, whether physical or spiritual; and is moved and saddened by it as if the suffering were its own. Thus, seeks its remedy. (cf St Augustine, “The City of God”, 9)
Mary shares in this divine perfection to the highest degree. In her, mercy is united to a mother’s piety and always leads us to the throne of grace. The title, ‘Mother of mercy’, won by her ‘fiat’ in Nazareth and on Calvary, is among the greatest and most beautiful of the lovely names of Mary. She is our comfort and our safeguard.
“By her maternal charity, she cares for the brethren of her Son, who still journey onwards on earth beset by dangers and difficulties, until they are led to their heavenly home. Therefore, the Blessed Virgin is invoked throughout the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress and Mediatrix.” Daily she comes to our assistance, protecting, interceding. (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 62)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:274-6
Mary, Mother of Mercy
Mary also is she who, in a particular and exceptional way, unlike any other -- experienced mercy, and at the same time, always in an exceptional way, made her participation in revelation of divine mercy possible with sacrifice of heart. Such sacrifice is closely bound up with the Cross of Her Son, at the foot of which she was to stand on Calvary.
That sacrifice of hers was a singular participation in revelation of mercy, that is, of God’s absolute fidelity to His own love, to the alliance which He had willed to make from all eternity and which He concluded in time with man, with the people, with mankind. It was participation in that revelation which was definitively accomplished through the cross.
No one has experienced the mystery of the cross as did the Mother of the Crucified -- the astounding encounter between transcendent divine justice and love, that ‘kiss’ which mercy gave to justice (cf Ps 85:24).
No one on the same level as you, Mary, has taken that mystery into the heart, that truly divine dimension of the redemption, which was actuated on Calvary through the death of the Son, together with sacrifice of your motherly heart, with your definitive ‘fiat -- let it be done ...’
Ref: Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp199-200
Jesus prays
“... after sunset, they brought to him all that were ill, and were possessed with devils. All the city was gathered together at the door ... laying his hands on every one of them, healed them.” (Lk 4:40; Mk 1:33)
Observe the extreme goodness of Jesus. He let all approach him without difficulty; never even a hint of annoyance or impatience. The hour was late, the crowd immense; he was obviously very tired. Could he have cured them all at once and be done with the crowd? Yes! But he preferred laying his hands on each one separately with a few consoling words besides.
“... rising very early, he went into a desert place, and there he prayed.” (Mk 1:35) Jesus teaches by example -- 1) to avoid public acclamation after having performed any good action, to avoid the danger of vainglory;
2) to recollect ourselves in solitude after our works of charity, to avoid distractions; and
3) to support work with prayer toward day’s end in order to invite God’s blessing on our labors.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp389-90
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Her Desolation
“Hail, Mary, full of sorrows, the Crucified is with thee; tearful art thou amongst women, and tearful is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of the Crucified, give tears to us, crucifiers of thy Son, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” (Very Rev Charles J Callan, OP, STM and Very Rev John A McHugh, OP, STM, “Blessed Be God”, 1925, p287)
Frivolity -- “It would be bad if you were to waste your time, which is not yours but God’s and is meant for his glory. But if on top of that you make others waste it, you both diminish your own standing and defraud God of more of the glory you owe him.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 552)
Our Lady of Good Tidings (Lempdes, France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of Good Tidings, near Rouen, where a great number of people are seen, particularly on Saturdays. — Triple Couronne, n. 52. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Eyewitnesses observed that Bernadette’s physical appearance profoundly changes when she was in ecstasy: extremely pale, “waxlike”, and smiles with such tenderness “it was a joy to behold her.”
Bernadette never revealed anything about this encounter with the Lady whom she called “Aquero”. This name, in a dialect, which has been widely discussed by scholars is generally taken to mean “that one”.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p6
Mother of mercy
We must have frequent recourse to the divine mercy. Our salvation and safety lie in God’s compassion for us. The way to win God’s favor more promptly is to have mercy on others. This is the way to win God’s favour more promptly. Our Mother Mary constantly procures for us the compassion of her Son. She teaches us how to respond to the needs of others.
“Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy” ... we keep on saying to her. “Mary has the deepest knowledge of the mystery of God’s mercy. She knows its price, how great it is. In this sense we call her ‘Mother of mercy, Virgin most merciful’ each one of these titles having a profound theological meaning.
“Each of them expresses the special preparation of her soul, of her whole personality, so that she would be able to perceive through the complexity of events, first of all directed to Israel, then to every individual and ultimately to the whole of humanity, the need for that abounding mercy of hers in which ‘from generation to generation’ people become sharers according to the eternal design of the Most Holy Trinity.” (cf John Paul II, Encyclical, “Dives in misericordia”, 30 Nov 1980, 8)
St Augustine teaches that mercy originates from the heart. It has pity on the misery of others, whether physical or spiritual; and is moved and saddened by it as if the suffering were its own. Thus, seeks its remedy. (cf St Augustine, “The City of God”, 9)
Mary shares in this divine perfection to the highest degree. In her, mercy is united to a mother’s piety and always leads us to the throne of grace. The title, ‘Mother of mercy’, won by her ‘fiat’ in Nazareth and on Calvary, is among the greatest and most beautiful of the lovely names of Mary. She is our comfort and our safeguard.
“By her maternal charity, she cares for the brethren of her Son, who still journey onwards on earth beset by dangers and difficulties, until they are led to their heavenly home. Therefore, the Blessed Virgin is invoked throughout the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress and Mediatrix.” Daily she comes to our assistance, protecting, interceding. (Second Vatican Council, “Lumen Gentium”, 62)
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:274-6
Mary, Mother of Mercy
Mary also is she who, in a particular and exceptional way, unlike any other -- experienced mercy, and at the same time, always in an exceptional way, made her participation in revelation of divine mercy possible with sacrifice of heart. Such sacrifice is closely bound up with the Cross of Her Son, at the foot of which she was to stand on Calvary.
That sacrifice of hers was a singular participation in revelation of mercy, that is, of God’s absolute fidelity to His own love, to the alliance which He had willed to make from all eternity and which He concluded in time with man, with the people, with mankind. It was participation in that revelation which was definitively accomplished through the cross.
No one has experienced the mystery of the cross as did the Mother of the Crucified -- the astounding encounter between transcendent divine justice and love, that ‘kiss’ which mercy gave to justice (cf Ps 85:24).
No one on the same level as you, Mary, has taken that mystery into the heart, that truly divine dimension of the redemption, which was actuated on Calvary through the death of the Son, together with sacrifice of your motherly heart, with your definitive ‘fiat -- let it be done ...’
Ref: Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp199-200
Jesus prays
“... after sunset, they brought to him all that were ill, and were possessed with devils. All the city was gathered together at the door ... laying his hands on every one of them, healed them.” (Lk 4:40; Mk 1:33)
Observe the extreme goodness of Jesus. He let all approach him without difficulty; never even a hint of annoyance or impatience. The hour was late, the crowd immense; he was obviously very tired. Could he have cured them all at once and be done with the crowd? Yes! But he preferred laying his hands on each one separately with a few consoling words besides.
“... rising very early, he went into a desert place, and there he prayed.” (Mk 1:35) Jesus teaches by example -- 1) to avoid public acclamation after having performed any good action, to avoid the danger of vainglory;
2) to recollect ourselves in solitude after our works of charity, to avoid distractions; and
3) to support work with prayer toward day’s end in order to invite God’s blessing on our labors.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp389-90
Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary in Her Desolation
“Hail, Mary, full of sorrows, the Crucified is with thee; tearful art thou amongst women, and tearful is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of the Crucified, give tears to us, crucifiers of thy Son, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.” (Very Rev Charles J Callan, OP, STM and Very Rev John A McHugh, OP, STM, “Blessed Be God”, 1925, p287)
Frivolity -- “It would be bad if you were to waste your time, which is not yours but God’s and is meant for his glory. But if on top of that you make others waste it, you both diminish your own standing and defraud God of more of the glory you owe him.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 552)
Our Lady of Good Tidings (Lempdes, France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of Good Tidings, near Rouen, where a great number of people are seen, particularly on Saturdays. — Triple Couronne, n. 52. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
18 February 2010: Lourdes: The third apparition
‘Thursday.’ Bernadette resumed her normal life. Nonetheless, word had spread. The Sisters of Nevers, whose “free classes” she attended at the Hospice bombarded her with questions. They reacted with mocking, rebukes, and commiseration; but she didn’t react at all. Sorry about having spoken, she decided to remain silent.
Among those who talked about these events was Mme. Milhet. Bernadette’s description of the Lady’s attire resembled the habit worn by the Daughters of Mary of Lourdes. Greatly curious that the figure is the ghost of a pious member who had recently died prematurely, she persuaded Louise Soubirous, once her employee, to allow Bernadette’s return to the grotto.
Mme. Milhet, Mme. Peyret (her seamstress) and Bernadette left at dawn because Mme. Soubirous wanted no publicity. Mme. Milhet had intended to find out who the lady is and what she wanted, from the mysterious figure herself. So she had brought pen, paper, and ink which Bernadette would hand over on her cue.
For the first time, a candle was brought along. Soon after starting their rosary, the Lady appeared to Bernadette who, while in ecstasy, kept on reciting her prayers. Pushed by the women, Bernadette got up and went inside the grotto.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p6
The beautiful Lady of Massabielle
Bernadette then said: ‘If you come from God, please tell me what you want; else, go away. The Lady smiled kindly, but with the last words, her face clouded over and she shook her head.’ From the Lady’s gesture, Bernadette thought she was to move back, and began to do so; but it was the others who had to and they did.
She then continued, ‘Please have the goodness to put your name and what you want in writing’. Then for the first time the Lady spoke, using the Lourdes patois, ‘There is no need to write what I have to say’. Bernadette relayed it to her companions and that the Lady had laughed. They said: ‘Ask her if we can come back’.
Bernadette returned to the Vision, who made her understand that ‘nothing need prevent their return’; then added, ‘Will you do me the kindness of coming here for a fortnight?’ Bernadette answered that she would -- she would ask leave. The Lady further added: ‘I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the other’. Then she disappeared.
From then on, Bernadette was besieged by questions. “The Lady spoke ... was her voice girlish?” ‘Her voice was very gentle.' “Could you hear it distinctly?” 'It seems to me that I hear it here’, and she pressed her hands on her heart. When Bernadette spoke and answered in her ecstasy, her words were inaudible. Surprised when people told her so, she said, ‘I was speaking quite loud, like now’.
On arriving home, Bernadette told her mother she had promised to go to the grotto each day for a fortnight. The family was convened; and agreed that Bernadette should be taken to the grotto very early.
Ref: C C Martindale, “St Bernadette, Peasant of Lourdes”, pp22-3
The Sick and the Holy Father
We have gathered to honor and celebrate Mary Most Holy through remembrance of her apparition to the humble Bernadette, at the grotto of Massabielle, to entrust her with a special message of mercy and grace. Who could deny that her message keeps its full value ‘in our days’ as well?
By making use of that unknown girl, Mary intended to call sinners above all to conversion, by asking for the common commitment of all Christian faithful for them and for their salvation. It is a fact that the appeal aroused a fervent movement of prayer and charity in the Church, in service to the infirm and the poor above all. ...
Please, accompany me with your thoughts and affection; but above all with the charity of a special entreaty, so the Lord, who alone can give it, will give me the indispensable aid, for God gives the increase (cf 1 Cor 3:6-7).
You especially who are tried by sickness, please unite the oblation of your sufferings and follow me closely in that way during my journeys. You can do much for me, of communicating to me that strength which I spoke of on the day after my appointment to the See of Rome, and the interior power which I experienced also during the days of my illness.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p89
Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law
The striking miracle at the synagogue could have encouraged the richest and noblest families of Capharnaum to invite Jesus to their homes.
But he “immediately left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John” (Mk 1:29). He voluntarily chose a poor and humble dwelling. Furthermore, he was moved by an act of charity for “Simon’s wife’s mother lay in bed with a fever” (Mk 1:30). On entering Simon’s house, “Jesus went to her, held her ... hand; and immediately the fever left her” (Mk 1:31).
This Gospel passage teaches that true charity always ‘takes the initiative’. The disciples did not wait for the sick woman to ask them. On their own they sought the help of Jesus as soon as he entered the house.
We also learn that intercession for the sick and suffering is very pleasing to God. Jesus at once granted their prayer; the sick woman was instantly cured. Let us, then, strive to anticipate the needs of our suffering brethren. Our charity will always be rewarded.
Cured, “immediately rising, ... ministered to them” (Mk 1:31). With what care and diligence she expressed her gratitude through this hospitality. Her eagerness to reciprocate seems only right and natural. She owed him her life, health, the use of her limbs. What could be more natural than to employ them to serve her benefactor?
We are also bound, in justice and gratitude, to use our life, health, all bodily and mental powers for God’s greater glory; and with utmost fervor and diligence.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp387-9
Our Lady of Laon (Rheims, France, 500) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of Laon, erected, into a cathedral and founded by St Remigius, Archbishop of Rheims, about the year 500, where he consecrated, as its first bishop, St Genebaud, his nephew. Miracles are wrought there; and, among others, we read that in the year 1395, there was seen on the steeple, the picture of a crucifix, the wounds of which bled. — Thomas Walsingham, Hist. of England, under King Richard I. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Among those who talked about these events was Mme. Milhet. Bernadette’s description of the Lady’s attire resembled the habit worn by the Daughters of Mary of Lourdes. Greatly curious that the figure is the ghost of a pious member who had recently died prematurely, she persuaded Louise Soubirous, once her employee, to allow Bernadette’s return to the grotto.
Mme. Milhet, Mme. Peyret (her seamstress) and Bernadette left at dawn because Mme. Soubirous wanted no publicity. Mme. Milhet had intended to find out who the lady is and what she wanted, from the mysterious figure herself. So she had brought pen, paper, and ink which Bernadette would hand over on her cue.
For the first time, a candle was brought along. Soon after starting their rosary, the Lady appeared to Bernadette who, while in ecstasy, kept on reciting her prayers. Pushed by the women, Bernadette got up and went inside the grotto.
Ref: G Menotti, “Lourdes”, p6
The beautiful Lady of Massabielle
Bernadette then said: ‘If you come from God, please tell me what you want; else, go away. The Lady smiled kindly, but with the last words, her face clouded over and she shook her head.’ From the Lady’s gesture, Bernadette thought she was to move back, and began to do so; but it was the others who had to and they did.
She then continued, ‘Please have the goodness to put your name and what you want in writing’. Then for the first time the Lady spoke, using the Lourdes patois, ‘There is no need to write what I have to say’. Bernadette relayed it to her companions and that the Lady had laughed. They said: ‘Ask her if we can come back’.
Bernadette returned to the Vision, who made her understand that ‘nothing need prevent their return’; then added, ‘Will you do me the kindness of coming here for a fortnight?’ Bernadette answered that she would -- she would ask leave. The Lady further added: ‘I do not promise to make you happy in this world, but in the other’. Then she disappeared.
From then on, Bernadette was besieged by questions. “The Lady spoke ... was her voice girlish?” ‘Her voice was very gentle.' “Could you hear it distinctly?” 'It seems to me that I hear it here’, and she pressed her hands on her heart. When Bernadette spoke and answered in her ecstasy, her words were inaudible. Surprised when people told her so, she said, ‘I was speaking quite loud, like now’.
On arriving home, Bernadette told her mother she had promised to go to the grotto each day for a fortnight. The family was convened; and agreed that Bernadette should be taken to the grotto very early.
Ref: C C Martindale, “St Bernadette, Peasant of Lourdes”, pp22-3
The Sick and the Holy Father
We have gathered to honor and celebrate Mary Most Holy through remembrance of her apparition to the humble Bernadette, at the grotto of Massabielle, to entrust her with a special message of mercy and grace. Who could deny that her message keeps its full value ‘in our days’ as well?
By making use of that unknown girl, Mary intended to call sinners above all to conversion, by asking for the common commitment of all Christian faithful for them and for their salvation. It is a fact that the appeal aroused a fervent movement of prayer and charity in the Church, in service to the infirm and the poor above all. ...
Please, accompany me with your thoughts and affection; but above all with the charity of a special entreaty, so the Lord, who alone can give it, will give me the indispensable aid, for God gives the increase (cf 1 Cor 3:6-7).
You especially who are tried by sickness, please unite the oblation of your sufferings and follow me closely in that way during my journeys. You can do much for me, of communicating to me that strength which I spoke of on the day after my appointment to the See of Rome, and the interior power which I experienced also during the days of my illness.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, p89
Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law
The striking miracle at the synagogue could have encouraged the richest and noblest families of Capharnaum to invite Jesus to their homes.
But he “immediately left the synagogue and went into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John” (Mk 1:29). He voluntarily chose a poor and humble dwelling. Furthermore, he was moved by an act of charity for “Simon’s wife’s mother lay in bed with a fever” (Mk 1:30). On entering Simon’s house, “Jesus went to her, held her ... hand; and immediately the fever left her” (Mk 1:31).
This Gospel passage teaches that true charity always ‘takes the initiative’. The disciples did not wait for the sick woman to ask them. On their own they sought the help of Jesus as soon as he entered the house.
We also learn that intercession for the sick and suffering is very pleasing to God. Jesus at once granted their prayer; the sick woman was instantly cured. Let us, then, strive to anticipate the needs of our suffering brethren. Our charity will always be rewarded.
Cured, “immediately rising, ... ministered to them” (Mk 1:31). With what care and diligence she expressed her gratitude through this hospitality. Her eagerness to reciprocate seems only right and natural. She owed him her life, health, the use of her limbs. What could be more natural than to employ them to serve her benefactor?
We are also bound, in justice and gratitude, to use our life, health, all bodily and mental powers for God’s greater glory; and with utmost fervor and diligence.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp387-9
Our Lady of Laon (Rheims, France, 500) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of Laon, erected, into a cathedral and founded by St Remigius, Archbishop of Rheims, about the year 500, where he consecrated, as its first bishop, St Genebaud, his nephew. Miracles are wrought there; and, among others, we read that in the year 1395, there was seen on the steeple, the picture of a crucifix, the wounds of which bled. — Thomas Walsingham, Hist. of England, under King Richard I. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
17 February 2010: Ash Wednesday
On the requisite dispositions for Lent
First disposition: “Humility. Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (cf Gen 3:19) Who uttered these words? God himself, some seven-thousand years ago. To whom did he address them? To Adam, our first parent, as soon as the sentence of death had been pronounced on him and his posterity in punishment for his sin--
“Because you have eaten of the tree which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the earth in your work,’ said the Lord. ‘In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread, till you return to the earth from which you were taken; for dust you are, and unto dust you shall return.” (Gen 3:19)
Why did God add these last words, which do not increase in any way the punishment already given? Doubtless, it was to subdue and annihilate the pride of Adam; and inspire him with such deep humility as would dispose his heart to admirable penance.
Thus we see that Adam, who had begun to excuse himself, remained silent, but accepted the penance imposed; and persevered in it, humble, penitent, and resigned for nine-hundred years. This penance pleased God, and our first parent was saved by it through the merits of the future Redeemer.
We have sinned in Adam, we have sinned also; we are very guilty. We have great need of doing penance, of imploring pardon. God is ready to pardon us; but humility is the first feeling God seeks in the heart of a sinner and a conviction of his own unworthiness.
The first disposition then which we ought to achieve and in which to persevere during Lent -- a time of universal penance -- is a profound humility, arising from the knowledge of our nothingness and our sins. This must be the principal merit of our works of penance.
Second disposition: ‘Compunction.’ Who repeats the same words God pronounced in the Garden of Eden? Our holy Mother Church through her ministers. And to whom does she address them? To each one of us, to all the faithful who assemble in the house of God.
When? At the moment our foreheads are marked with ashes, the emblem of death and penance: as if saying, “O man, whoever you may be, remember you must die and become like this dust, because of sin. ... if you do not do penance for your sins, you will only rise again from the dust of the tomb to pass, in body and soul, into a place of eternal torments.”
The Church obliges us to listen to those grave and terrific truths only to inspire us, from the first day of Lent, with holy and deep compunction of heart. If our works of mortification and penance are accompanied by sentiments of true contrition and humility, they will be pleasing before God, for “a contrite and humbled heart, O God, you will not despise” (Ps 51:17).
Lacking these attitudes, we ought to fear that all Lenten practices, even the most painful, will be useless.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp80-82
Lent, a time for coming closer to God
We are at the beginning of Lent, a time of penance and interior renewal to enable us to prepare for Easter. (cf Second Vatican Council, “Sacrosanctum Concilium”, 109) The Church’s liturgy unceasingly invites us to purify our souls and to begin again.
“Yet even now”, says the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” (Joel 2:12-3)
As the priest places ashes on our forehead, he reminds us of the words, after original sin. ‘Memento homo, quia pulvis es’ “... remember man that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen 3:19)
Remember! Despite this reminder we sometimes forget that without God we are nothing. “... all that remains of man’s greatness is that little pile of dust, in a dish, at one side of the altar, on Ash Wednesday. It is what the Church marks us with ... as though with our own substance.” (J Leclerq, “A Year with the Liturgy”)
God wants us to be detached from things of the earth and return to him. He wants us to abandon sin, which makes us grow old and die, and return to the fount of life and joy. “Jesus Christ himself is the most sublime grace of the whole of Lent. It is he who presents himself to us in all the wonderful simplicity of the Gospel.” (John Paul II, “Ash Wednesday Homily”, 28 Feb 1979)
To turn our hearts to God (conversion) is to be prepared to use all the means to live as he expects us to live: absolutely sincere with ourselves and try not “to serve two masters” (cf Mt 6:24). We must love God with our whole heart and soul; flee from any deliberate sin.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:1-2
Praying for supernatural graces
Whatever and however serious our material limitations, we usually need greater spiritual benefits: the grace to serve God and fidelity, to grow in personal holiness, help in the fight against our defects, to make a good confession, to prepare for Holy Communion.
We ask for temporal goods provided they are useful for our salvation and are rightly considered secondary to the graces and gifts of the spirit that we need first and foremost. “... we should bear in mind the command of our Redeemer. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (St Gregory the Great, “Homilies on the Gospels”, 27)
God is pleased when we ask him for grace and help for others, and also when we ask others to pray for us and for our apostolate.
Our prayer should be filled with a spirit of abandonment in God and a deep supernatural sense, since it is a question of ‘doing the work of God’ and not our own. We have to respond to ‘his inspiration’ and not to our own feeelings. (cf John Paul II, “Address to the French Bishops during their ‘ad limina’ visit”)
Our Lady will rectify for us intentions which are not upright, so that we obtain what is best.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:264-6
Mankind needs Mary!
In her we find, truly, access to the heart of her Son, the only place where our restlessness can find peace, where our sorrows find comfort, where our intentions to live a life consistent with the values of the Gospel find strength and constancy.
Pray fervently to Most Holy Mary! Be aware of her at your side and consecrate yourselves to her, renewing throughout the day your affection and your trust, so that she may accompany you in your daily affairs.
Her memory is alive in families, especially in the daily recitation of the Rosary. It’s a daily encounter that she and I never miss: if you wish to be close to the heart of the Pope for some moments, I suggest to you the Rosary hour, when I remember all of you to the Virgin Mary, and I would be pleased if you would remember me to her in the same way.
Ref: cf “The Private Prayers of Pope John Paul II”, 2002, p5
Prayer -- “For those who use their intelligence and their study as a weapon, the Rosary is most effective. Because that apparently monotonous way of beseeching Our Lady as children do their Mother, can destroy every seed of vainglory and pride.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 474)
Our Lady of Constantinople, Bari, Turkey (566) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of Constantinople, formerly a chapel, which was converted into a church of the Blessed Virgin by the Emperor Justin the Younger, in the year 506. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Seven Founders of the Order of Servites: Members of this religious Order venerate the Blessed Virgin as ‘Our Lady of Sorrows’. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1483)
First disposition: “Humility. Remember, you are dust and to dust you shall return.” (cf Gen 3:19) Who uttered these words? God himself, some seven-thousand years ago. To whom did he address them? To Adam, our first parent, as soon as the sentence of death had been pronounced on him and his posterity in punishment for his sin--
“Because you have eaten of the tree which I commanded you not to eat, cursed is the earth in your work,’ said the Lord. ‘In the sweat of your face shall you eat bread, till you return to the earth from which you were taken; for dust you are, and unto dust you shall return.” (Gen 3:19)
Why did God add these last words, which do not increase in any way the punishment already given? Doubtless, it was to subdue and annihilate the pride of Adam; and inspire him with such deep humility as would dispose his heart to admirable penance.
Thus we see that Adam, who had begun to excuse himself, remained silent, but accepted the penance imposed; and persevered in it, humble, penitent, and resigned for nine-hundred years. This penance pleased God, and our first parent was saved by it through the merits of the future Redeemer.
We have sinned in Adam, we have sinned also; we are very guilty. We have great need of doing penance, of imploring pardon. God is ready to pardon us; but humility is the first feeling God seeks in the heart of a sinner and a conviction of his own unworthiness.
The first disposition then which we ought to achieve and in which to persevere during Lent -- a time of universal penance -- is a profound humility, arising from the knowledge of our nothingness and our sins. This must be the principal merit of our works of penance.
Second disposition: ‘Compunction.’ Who repeats the same words God pronounced in the Garden of Eden? Our holy Mother Church through her ministers. And to whom does she address them? To each one of us, to all the faithful who assemble in the house of God.
When? At the moment our foreheads are marked with ashes, the emblem of death and penance: as if saying, “O man, whoever you may be, remember you must die and become like this dust, because of sin. ... if you do not do penance for your sins, you will only rise again from the dust of the tomb to pass, in body and soul, into a place of eternal torments.”
The Church obliges us to listen to those grave and terrific truths only to inspire us, from the first day of Lent, with holy and deep compunction of heart. If our works of mortification and penance are accompanied by sentiments of true contrition and humility, they will be pleasing before God, for “a contrite and humbled heart, O God, you will not despise” (Ps 51:17).
Lacking these attitudes, we ought to fear that all Lenten practices, even the most painful, will be useless.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp80-82
Lent, a time for coming closer to God
We are at the beginning of Lent, a time of penance and interior renewal to enable us to prepare for Easter. (cf Second Vatican Council, “Sacrosanctum Concilium”, 109) The Church’s liturgy unceasingly invites us to purify our souls and to begin again.
“Yet even now”, says the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing.” (Joel 2:12-3)
As the priest places ashes on our forehead, he reminds us of the words, after original sin. ‘Memento homo, quia pulvis es’ “... remember man that you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” (Gen 3:19)
Remember! Despite this reminder we sometimes forget that without God we are nothing. “... all that remains of man’s greatness is that little pile of dust, in a dish, at one side of the altar, on Ash Wednesday. It is what the Church marks us with ... as though with our own substance.” (J Leclerq, “A Year with the Liturgy”)
God wants us to be detached from things of the earth and return to him. He wants us to abandon sin, which makes us grow old and die, and return to the fount of life and joy. “Jesus Christ himself is the most sublime grace of the whole of Lent. It is he who presents himself to us in all the wonderful simplicity of the Gospel.” (John Paul II, “Ash Wednesday Homily”, 28 Feb 1979)
To turn our hearts to God (conversion) is to be prepared to use all the means to live as he expects us to live: absolutely sincere with ourselves and try not “to serve two masters” (cf Mt 6:24). We must love God with our whole heart and soul; flee from any deliberate sin.
Ref: cf F Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 2:1-2
Praying for supernatural graces
Whatever and however serious our material limitations, we usually need greater spiritual benefits: the grace to serve God and fidelity, to grow in personal holiness, help in the fight against our defects, to make a good confession, to prepare for Holy Communion.
We ask for temporal goods provided they are useful for our salvation and are rightly considered secondary to the graces and gifts of the spirit that we need first and foremost. “... we should bear in mind the command of our Redeemer. Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” (St Gregory the Great, “Homilies on the Gospels”, 27)
God is pleased when we ask him for grace and help for others, and also when we ask others to pray for us and for our apostolate.
Our prayer should be filled with a spirit of abandonment in God and a deep supernatural sense, since it is a question of ‘doing the work of God’ and not our own. We have to respond to ‘his inspiration’ and not to our own feeelings. (cf John Paul II, “Address to the French Bishops during their ‘ad limina’ visit”)
Our Lady will rectify for us intentions which are not upright, so that we obtain what is best.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:264-6
Mankind needs Mary!
In her we find, truly, access to the heart of her Son, the only place where our restlessness can find peace, where our sorrows find comfort, where our intentions to live a life consistent with the values of the Gospel find strength and constancy.
Pray fervently to Most Holy Mary! Be aware of her at your side and consecrate yourselves to her, renewing throughout the day your affection and your trust, so that she may accompany you in your daily affairs.
Her memory is alive in families, especially in the daily recitation of the Rosary. It’s a daily encounter that she and I never miss: if you wish to be close to the heart of the Pope for some moments, I suggest to you the Rosary hour, when I remember all of you to the Virgin Mary, and I would be pleased if you would remember me to her in the same way.
Ref: cf “The Private Prayers of Pope John Paul II”, 2002, p5
Prayer -- “For those who use their intelligence and their study as a weapon, the Rosary is most effective. Because that apparently monotonous way of beseeching Our Lady as children do their Mother, can destroy every seed of vainglory and pride.” (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 474)
Our Lady of Constantinople, Bari, Turkey (566) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Our Lady of Constantinople, formerly a chapel, which was converted into a church of the Blessed Virgin by the Emperor Justin the Younger, in the year 506. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Seven Founders of the Order of Servites: Members of this religious Order venerate the Blessed Virgin as ‘Our Lady of Sorrows’. (Fr James Socias, et al [Eds], “Daily Roman Missal”, 1989, p1483)
Monday, February 15, 2010
16 February 2010: The mysterious food of Jesus
The Samaritan woman told the people: “Come and see a man who has told all things I have done.” (Jn 4:29) The disciples, back from buying food, bid him, “Rabbi, eat”. But he replied, “I have food to eat you know not. My food is to do the will of him who sent me, that I may perfect his work” (Jn 4:31-4) [ie, redemption and sanctification of mankind].
Jesus eagerly desires our sanctification more than a famished man seeks food. Soon after hearing Jesus, the people desired him that he would tarry there. Jesus obliged and stayed two days. Many more told the woman, “We now believe; for we have heard him, and know this is indeed the Saviour of the world” (cf Jn 4:41-2).
What an honor for these Samaritans to have been the first to recognize Jesus as the Saviour of the world. Privileged to have believed in him; and found the treasures of faith and sanctifying grace. The fruit of a short visit and a few instructions. To know Jesus is enough. We could never offend him.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp381-2
To work is a blessing
After God had created the earth and enriched it with many good things, He “took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till and keep it” (Gen 2:15) ie, to work in it. God created man “in his own image and likeness” (Gen 1:27) and also wanted him to share in his creative activity; to transform matter into works of his hands.
Work is not a punishment; but “dignity of life ... a duty imposed by the Creator for man was created that he might work. ... shares in the task of creation, therefore, whatever it may consist of, it is not only something that dignifies man, but is an instrument by which he attains human as well as supernatural perfection.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Letter”, 31 May 1954)
God’s command to work preceded original sin; but sin caused it to be “accompanied by hardship, suffering; by fruitlessness ... weariness. It is still a gift God gives although also a task to be accomplished under difficult circumstances and conditions, in just the same way as the world continues to be God’s, although we are unable to perceive clearly God’s voice.” (cf M Schmaus, “Dogmatic Theology”, II)
Christ, in his years of hidden life in Nazareth and in his public ministry, gave work a redemptive value. Thus, the difficulties of work assume a sanctifying value for all mankind. Sweat and toil offered for love of God become treasures of holiness, the opportune means to share in the work of Creation and work of Redemption.
We can offer to God the tiredness and stress all work brings in expiation for our offences and for those of others. Humbly accepting that inevitable exertion means we can do our part in purifying our intellect, will and senses. (cf Cardinal Wyszynsky, “Work”) Do we consider in God’s presence these noble ends?
For a Christian, work done well is the means of coming into a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. So that “man can be more of a man” (cf John Paul II, “Laborem exercens”, I, 9 ) through work, the means and opportunity to love Christ and help others to know him, a spectrum of human conditions must be fulfilled: diligence, constancy, punctuality ... professional prestige, competence.
Work is a talent which bears witness to the dignity of man, to his dominion over creation. It provides an opportunity to develop one’s personality. ... a bond of solidarity with other men, the way to support one’s family, a means of contributing to the improvement of society and in aiding the progress of all humanity. (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, "Christ is passing by", 47)
Laziness is the great enemy of work and has many manifestations. The lazy person is not only one who wastes time by doing nothing, but also the person who does many things as if very busy but refuses to bring a specific task to completion. The lazy worker is a friend of ‘beginning’, but is put off by the sacrifice of constancy and perseverance.
“The Christian who shirks his temporal duties, shirks his duties towards his neighbor, neglects God himself, and endangers his eternal salvation.” (Second Vatican Council, “Gaudium et spes”, 43) Such a person overlooks a matter of fundamental importance. Unless he changes, it will be impossible for him to find God. Are we like Jesus toiling in Joseph’s workshop?
‘Professional prestige’ is earned daily by dint of hard work, normally silent, completed to the last detail. Done conscientiously in God’s presence whether people notice it or not. Our example of competent work will help others improve in theirs. Our profession will then become a pedestal for Christ who is seen even from afar.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:254-8
Christ Fulfills and Teaches the Gospel of Work
In his parables on the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ continually refers to human labor. This truth, whereby through his labor man shares in the work of God himself, his Creator, was brought out in a special way by Jesus Christ. Jesus not only proclaimed the word of the eternal wisdom, he also fulfilled it, first of all, through the work of the Gospel.
Therefore, this is the ‘Gospel of Work’, too, because he who proclaimed it was a workman dedicated to a craft, as was Joseph of Nazareth. He said, ‘My Father is the vinegrower ...’ Did he not transfer the fundamental truth on work into his teaching in various ways*, the truth already expressed in the whole of the Old Testament tradition, beginning from the Book of Genesis?
*(The work of the shepherd, farmer, physician, sower, householder, servant; of the administrator, fisherman, merchant, laborer. And he speaks of various kinds of women’s work. He presents the apostolate in the likeness of the manual labor of the reaper and of the fisherman. He refers to the work of scholars.)
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp391-2
Truthfulness -- ‘Sancta Maria, Sedes Sapientiae’ -- Holy Mary, Seat of Wisdom. Invoke Our Mother often in that way, so that she may fill her children, in their study, work and social relations, with the Truth that Christ has brought to us. (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 607)
Our Lady of the Thorn, near Ghalons, in Champagne, so-named because this image was found under a white-thorn. — Triple Couronne, n. 54. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of the Thorns (‘Chalons-sur-Marne’, France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Jesus eagerly desires our sanctification more than a famished man seeks food. Soon after hearing Jesus, the people desired him that he would tarry there. Jesus obliged and stayed two days. Many more told the woman, “We now believe; for we have heard him, and know this is indeed the Saviour of the world” (cf Jn 4:41-2).
What an honor for these Samaritans to have been the first to recognize Jesus as the Saviour of the world. Privileged to have believed in him; and found the treasures of faith and sanctifying grace. The fruit of a short visit and a few instructions. To know Jesus is enough. We could never offend him.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp381-2
To work is a blessing
After God had created the earth and enriched it with many good things, He “took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till and keep it” (Gen 2:15) ie, to work in it. God created man “in his own image and likeness” (Gen 1:27) and also wanted him to share in his creative activity; to transform matter into works of his hands.
Work is not a punishment; but “dignity of life ... a duty imposed by the Creator for man was created that he might work. ... shares in the task of creation, therefore, whatever it may consist of, it is not only something that dignifies man, but is an instrument by which he attains human as well as supernatural perfection.” (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, “Letter”, 31 May 1954)
God’s command to work preceded original sin; but sin caused it to be “accompanied by hardship, suffering; by fruitlessness ... weariness. It is still a gift God gives although also a task to be accomplished under difficult circumstances and conditions, in just the same way as the world continues to be God’s, although we are unable to perceive clearly God’s voice.” (cf M Schmaus, “Dogmatic Theology”, II)
Christ, in his years of hidden life in Nazareth and in his public ministry, gave work a redemptive value. Thus, the difficulties of work assume a sanctifying value for all mankind. Sweat and toil offered for love of God become treasures of holiness, the opportune means to share in the work of Creation and work of Redemption.
We can offer to God the tiredness and stress all work brings in expiation for our offences and for those of others. Humbly accepting that inevitable exertion means we can do our part in purifying our intellect, will and senses. (cf Cardinal Wyszynsky, “Work”) Do we consider in God’s presence these noble ends?
For a Christian, work done well is the means of coming into a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. So that “man can be more of a man” (cf John Paul II, “Laborem exercens”, I, 9 ) through work, the means and opportunity to love Christ and help others to know him, a spectrum of human conditions must be fulfilled: diligence, constancy, punctuality ... professional prestige, competence.
Work is a talent which bears witness to the dignity of man, to his dominion over creation. It provides an opportunity to develop one’s personality. ... a bond of solidarity with other men, the way to support one’s family, a means of contributing to the improvement of society and in aiding the progress of all humanity. (cf St Josemaria Escrivá, "Christ is passing by", 47)
Laziness is the great enemy of work and has many manifestations. The lazy person is not only one who wastes time by doing nothing, but also the person who does many things as if very busy but refuses to bring a specific task to completion. The lazy worker is a friend of ‘beginning’, but is put off by the sacrifice of constancy and perseverance.
“The Christian who shirks his temporal duties, shirks his duties towards his neighbor, neglects God himself, and endangers his eternal salvation.” (Second Vatican Council, “Gaudium et spes”, 43) Such a person overlooks a matter of fundamental importance. Unless he changes, it will be impossible for him to find God. Are we like Jesus toiling in Joseph’s workshop?
‘Professional prestige’ is earned daily by dint of hard work, normally silent, completed to the last detail. Done conscientiously in God’s presence whether people notice it or not. Our example of competent work will help others improve in theirs. Our profession will then become a pedestal for Christ who is seen even from afar.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:254-8
Christ Fulfills and Teaches the Gospel of Work
In his parables on the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ continually refers to human labor. This truth, whereby through his labor man shares in the work of God himself, his Creator, was brought out in a special way by Jesus Christ. Jesus not only proclaimed the word of the eternal wisdom, he also fulfilled it, first of all, through the work of the Gospel.
Therefore, this is the ‘Gospel of Work’, too, because he who proclaimed it was a workman dedicated to a craft, as was Joseph of Nazareth. He said, ‘My Father is the vinegrower ...’ Did he not transfer the fundamental truth on work into his teaching in various ways*, the truth already expressed in the whole of the Old Testament tradition, beginning from the Book of Genesis?
*(The work of the shepherd, farmer, physician, sower, householder, servant; of the administrator, fisherman, merchant, laborer. And he speaks of various kinds of women’s work. He presents the apostolate in the likeness of the manual labor of the reaper and of the fisherman. He refers to the work of scholars.)
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp391-2
Truthfulness -- ‘Sancta Maria, Sedes Sapientiae’ -- Holy Mary, Seat of Wisdom. Invoke Our Mother often in that way, so that she may fill her children, in their study, work and social relations, with the Truth that Christ has brought to us. (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 607)
Our Lady of the Thorn, near Ghalons, in Champagne, so-named because this image was found under a white-thorn. — Triple Couronne, n. 54. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com)
Our Lady of the Thorns (‘Chalons-sur-Marne’, France) (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Sunday, February 14, 2010
15 February 2010: The Virginal Conception
St Thomas argued the propriety of the virginal conception: 1) It is appropriate that He Who is the natural Son of God should have no father on earth, but only in heaven; 2) The Word, conceived eternally in the most complete purity, should be conceived virginally when being made flesh; 3) That the human nature of the Saviour be exempt from original sin, it was appropriate that it should not be formed by the ordinary process of human generation, but virginally; 4) By being born of a virgin, Christ showed that His members should be born by the Spirit of His virginal and spiritual spouse, the Church.
Ref: In R Garrigou LaGrange, “The Mother of the Saviour and of our Interior Life”, 1948, p108
Love for one’s children
The first duty of parents: a real love which comes from within-- generous, ordered, and independent of the physical, intellectual or moral qualities of children. Such a love will enable parents to love their children despite all their defects; and because they are also children of God.
Here arises the primary duty of parents to love and respect God’s Will specially when their children receive a vocation to give themselves completely to him. Good parents should often pray for such a vocation for their children, because “giving up one’s children to the service of God is not a sacrifice: it is an honour and a joy”. (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 22)
Parents must form a family where Christ is present. This living reality will encourage parents to give good example always, in family life, professional duties, sobriety, order. In doing so, their children will find in them the way that leads to God.
“In every mother’s face we can glimpse a reflection of Mary’s sweetness, intuition and generosity. If you honour your mother, you will also honour her, who as Christ’s mother, is likewise the Mother of each one of us.” (cf John Paul II, “Address”, 10 Jan 1979)
Let us place our family under the protection of the Most Blessed Virgin and of the Guardian Angels.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:252-3
Bringing up children
The task of education has its roots in the parents’ primary vocation to share in God’s creative work. By begetting in love and for love, a new person with a vocation to growth and development in him, the parents take on the task of effectively helping that new person to live a fully human life:
“Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it. For it devolves on parents to create a family atmosphere so animated with love and reverence for God and man, that personal and social development will be fostered among the children. Hence, the family is the first of those social virtues which every society needs.” (Second Vatican Council)
The parents’ right and duty is described as ‘essential’, connected as it is with transmission of human life; as ‘original and primary’, as regards other educational functions, because of the uniqueness of the love relationship which exists between parents and children; as ‘irreplaceable and unalienable’, therefore as not being able to be totally delegated to others, not usurped by others.
Away and beyond these characteristics, the most radical element -- that which characterizes the parents’ educational duty -- is paternal and maternal love. This finds the accomplishment of the task of education making its service to life full and perfect.
The parents’ love turns from being ‘source’ into ‘soul', thence into ‘norm’, inspiring and guiding the whole of the concrete work of education, and enriching it with those values of gentleness, constance, goodness, service, disinterestedness, spirit of sacrifice, which are the most precious fruit of love.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp368-9
The weariness of Jesus
Being persecuted in Judaea, Jesus returned to Galilee, a long and tiresome journey by way of Samaria. At Sichar, a city of Samaria, “Jesus, wearied with his journey, sat at the well. It was about the sixth hour.” (cf Jn 4:6-7)
Like us in all things except for sin, Jesus was really fatigued when he desired to rest at Jacob’s well. But he made good use of this rest. Engaging into conversation a poor sinful Samaritan woman of Sichar, he caused her conversion and that of many of her fellow citizens.
Jesus patiently and discreetly leads the woman to realize and repent for her sin. First, from the water which she draws, to suggest a desire for the living waters of grace. Then he asks her to call her husband, to make her realize her licentious life. By reminding her of all she had done, he makes her exclaim: “Sir, I perceive you are a prophet.” (Jn 4:19)
In answer to her questions, he reveals himself as the promised Messiah. She recognizes her Saviour. A sinner, she becomes an apostle who hastens to town, and brings the crowds to the feet of Jesus. Even more significant is that Jews do not interact with Samaritans.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp378-80
Prayers during the day
‘Before Work’ -- “Look upon Thy servants, O Lord, and upon Thy works, and direct their children. And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and direct Thou the works of our hands over us; yes, the work of our hands do Thou direct.”
‘Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and forever. Amen.’
‘Before Study or Reading’ -- “Grant me grace, O merciful God, to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee, to examine it prudently, to acknowledge it truthfully, and to accomplish it perfectly, for the praise and glory of Thy name. Amen.”
‘Aspiration’ -- ‘Our Lady of good studies, pray for us.’
Ref: Very Rev Charles J Callan, OP, STM and Very Rev John A McHugh, OP, STM, “Blessed Be God”, 1925, p9
Our Lady of Paris church, first built by King Childebert, in the year 522; about the year 1257, King St. Louis erected a larger one in the same place, on the foundation which king Philip Augustus had laid in the year 1191. — Du Preil, Theatre des; antiquites de Paris, lib. i. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
Ref: In R Garrigou LaGrange, “The Mother of the Saviour and of our Interior Life”, 1948, p108
Love for one’s children
The first duty of parents: a real love which comes from within-- generous, ordered, and independent of the physical, intellectual or moral qualities of children. Such a love will enable parents to love their children despite all their defects; and because they are also children of God.
Here arises the primary duty of parents to love and respect God’s Will specially when their children receive a vocation to give themselves completely to him. Good parents should often pray for such a vocation for their children, because “giving up one’s children to the service of God is not a sacrifice: it is an honour and a joy”. (St Josemaria Escrivá, “Furrow”, 22)
Parents must form a family where Christ is present. This living reality will encourage parents to give good example always, in family life, professional duties, sobriety, order. In doing so, their children will find in them the way that leads to God.
“In every mother’s face we can glimpse a reflection of Mary’s sweetness, intuition and generosity. If you honour your mother, you will also honour her, who as Christ’s mother, is likewise the Mother of each one of us.” (cf John Paul II, “Address”, 10 Jan 1979)
Let us place our family under the protection of the Most Blessed Virgin and of the Guardian Angels.
Ref: cf Francis Fernandez, “In Conversation with God”, 3:252-3
Bringing up children
The task of education has its roots in the parents’ primary vocation to share in God’s creative work. By begetting in love and for love, a new person with a vocation to growth and development in him, the parents take on the task of effectively helping that new person to live a fully human life:
“Since parents have conferred life on their children, they have a most solemn obligation to educate their offspring. Hence parents must be acknowledged as the first and foremost educators of their children. Their role as educators is so decisive that scarcely anything can compensate for their failure in it. For it devolves on parents to create a family atmosphere so animated with love and reverence for God and man, that personal and social development will be fostered among the children. Hence, the family is the first of those social virtues which every society needs.” (Second Vatican Council)
The parents’ right and duty is described as ‘essential’, connected as it is with transmission of human life; as ‘original and primary’, as regards other educational functions, because of the uniqueness of the love relationship which exists between parents and children; as ‘irreplaceable and unalienable’, therefore as not being able to be totally delegated to others, not usurped by others.
Away and beyond these characteristics, the most radical element -- that which characterizes the parents’ educational duty -- is paternal and maternal love. This finds the accomplishment of the task of education making its service to life full and perfect.
The parents’ love turns from being ‘source’ into ‘soul', thence into ‘norm’, inspiring and guiding the whole of the concrete work of education, and enriching it with those values of gentleness, constance, goodness, service, disinterestedness, spirit of sacrifice, which are the most precious fruit of love.
Ref: cf Pope John Paul II, “Prayers and Devotions”, 1994, pp368-9
The weariness of Jesus
Being persecuted in Judaea, Jesus returned to Galilee, a long and tiresome journey by way of Samaria. At Sichar, a city of Samaria, “Jesus, wearied with his journey, sat at the well. It was about the sixth hour.” (cf Jn 4:6-7)
Like us in all things except for sin, Jesus was really fatigued when he desired to rest at Jacob’s well. But he made good use of this rest. Engaging into conversation a poor sinful Samaritan woman of Sichar, he caused her conversion and that of many of her fellow citizens.
Jesus patiently and discreetly leads the woman to realize and repent for her sin. First, from the water which she draws, to suggest a desire for the living waters of grace. Then he asks her to call her husband, to make her realize her licentious life. By reminding her of all she had done, he makes her exclaim: “Sir, I perceive you are a prophet.” (Jn 4:19)
In answer to her questions, he reveals himself as the promised Messiah. She recognizes her Saviour. A sinner, she becomes an apostle who hastens to town, and brings the crowds to the feet of Jesus. Even more significant is that Jews do not interact with Samaritans.
Ref: cf “Practical Meditations” by a Father of the Society of Jesus, 1964, pp378-80
Prayers during the day
‘Before Work’ -- “Look upon Thy servants, O Lord, and upon Thy works, and direct their children. And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us, and direct Thou the works of our hands over us; yes, the work of our hands do Thou direct.”
‘Glory be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and forever. Amen.’
‘Before Study or Reading’ -- “Grant me grace, O merciful God, to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee, to examine it prudently, to acknowledge it truthfully, and to accomplish it perfectly, for the praise and glory of Thy name. Amen.”
‘Aspiration’ -- ‘Our Lady of good studies, pray for us.’
Ref: Very Rev Charles J Callan, OP, STM and Very Rev John A McHugh, OP, STM, “Blessed Be God”, 1925, p9
Our Lady of Paris church, first built by King Childebert, in the year 522; about the year 1257, King St. Louis erected a larger one in the same place, on the foundation which king Philip Augustus had laid in the year 1191. — Du Preil, Theatre des; antiquites de Paris, lib. i. (“Catholic Gems or Treasures of the Church” Historical Calendar; http://www.bethlehemobserver.com); (http://www.divine will.org/feastofourlady.htm)
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