“We don’t desire to stand in the forefront and be applauded for achievements which people in the world look up to. We wish only to be conspicuous by our simplicity and sincerity. Cardinal Gasquete once said about the Carmelites that they were distinguished for their natural and sincere appearance: they are ‘simple and sincere,’ unsophisticated …
Today, November 19, is the memorial of Saint Raphael Kalinowski. Carmelite friar. He was born Jozef Kalinowski to a noble Polish family in Vilnius, Lithuania in 1835. When he turned 18, he joined the Imperial Russian Army and got promoted to Captain years later. He later resigned from the Army and became minister of war …
As Jesus drew near Jerusalem,he saw the city and wept over it, saying,“If this day you only knew what makes for peace–but now it is hidden from your eyes.For the days are coming upon youwhen your enemies will raise a palisade against you;they will encircle you and hem you in on all sides.They will smash …
“We have not been called, on our public appearances, to do magnificent and much talked about things. That would go against simplicity as we should practice it. But it is our duty to do the ordinary things with greatness, that is, with a pure intention and the application of our whole personality.” Bl. Titus Brandsma …
Today, November 18, is the memorial of Saint Philippine Duchesne. Rose Philippine was born to a French family known for its wealth and political connections. She was educated by the nuns from the Order of the Visitation. Realizing she had a religious vocation, she told her family her desire to become a nun. Her family …
While people were listening to Jesus speak,he proceeded to tell a parable because he was near Jerusalemand they thought that the Kingdom of Godwould appear there immediately.So he said,“A nobleman went off to a distant countryto obtain the kingship for himself and then to return.He called ten of his servants and gave them ten gold …
“Let us not enslave the Spirit and harness him with our formulas.” Bl. Titus Brandsma What do you think of this quote? Write it on the comment section. Photo by Br. Ritche T. Salgado, O.Carm.
Today, November 17, is the memorial of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. Born in present-day Bratislava, Slovakia in 1207, Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and Queen Gertrude of Merania. She was the great-aunt of Saint Elizabeth of Portugal. She married Prince Louis of Thuringia at age 13 (other accounts say 14). …
At that time Jesus came to Jericho and intended to pass through the town.Now a man there named Zacchaeus,who was a chief tax collector and also a wealthy man,was seeking to see who Jesus was;but he could not see him because of the crowd,for he was short in stature.So he ran ahead and climbed a …
“God’s Spirit must have his own way with us, to blow through us, that he fill us as broadly and abundantly as our hearts, created for the infinite, permit… the fresh breeze is directed at the doors and windows of the study dwelling of our soul, we suffocate in the choking atmosphere of our worldly …