St. Aloysius Gonzaga, Confessor, A.D. 1591.
by VP
Posted on Saturday June 21, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"THIS saint was born of noble and pious parents. From the instructions and example of his devout mother, the deepest sentiments of religion and the fear of God were impressed upon his soul from his childhood, In the seventh year of his age, he began to conceive greater sentiments of piety, and recited every day the office of our Blessed Lady, the seven penitential psalms, and other prayers, which he never omitted even in sickness. He had a great esteem for the angelic virtue of chastity; and cultivated this by assiduous prayer, universal mortification, and careful avoidance of all dangerous occasions. But humility was in him the guardian of purity. When he was nine years old he made a vow of perpetual virginity before an altar of the Blessed Virgin at Florence. He had so tender a devotion to the B. Eucharist, that when hearing Mass, after the consecration, he often melted into tears, in profound sentiments of love and adoration. He frequently approached to the Holy Communion, and this great Sacrament became his greatest joy and consolation.
St Aloysius at length determined to enter into the Society of Jesus, in order to devote himself to the instructing and conducting souls to God. He renounced his right of succession to his father's title of Marquis, in favour of his younger brother; and entered his noviceship at Rome, in his eighteenth year. Here he strove to surpass all his companions in every religious duty. He was exact in the observance of every rule; possessed a thorough contempt of the world, and a most ardent love of God. Such was the general mortification of his senses, that he seemed wholly inattentive to exterior things. He never listened to reports or discourse about worldly matters; spoke very little, and never about himself. His whole life seemed a continual prayer. To appear poor, little, and contemptible was his delight, and he rejoiced to see the last and worst portion of any thing fall to his share.
In 1591 St. Aloysius obtained leave to serve the sick, when a pestilential distemper swept off great multitudes in Rome. He catechised and exhorted the poor patients, washed their feet, made their beds, and performed the most loathsome and painful offices of the hospital. He soon fell sick, and though he recovered of this attack, he was reduced three months after to the last extremity, and died the death of the just, on the 21st of June, it being that year the octave day of Corpus Christi.
When we see a young prince sacrifice nobility, sovereignty, riches, and pleasures, the more easily to secure the treasure of divine love, and eternal happiness, how much ought we to condemn our own sloth, who live as if heaven were to cost us nothing? Let us imitate his diligence, if we wish to secure his reward." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Prayer to Saint ALoysius Gonzaga to Obtain the Virtue of Purity:
Amiable Saint, whose life was more angelical than human! I, thy most unworthy servant come to confide, in a special manner, to thy pure hands, and to thy watchful solicitude, the purity of my soul and body. Angel of purity, I earnestly beseech thee to intercede for me with Jesus Christ, the immaculate Lamb, and with his holy Mother, the Virgin of virgins, that I may be preserved from every grievous sin, and from the least stain of impurity.
When thou seest me
tempted, and in danger of sinning against that virtue which was so dear
to thee, remove far from my mind and heart every unchaste thought and
desire; bring to my mind the thought of eternity, and of Jesus
crucified; fill my heart with the fear of God; kindle within it the fire
of divine love, and obtain, that after having imitated thy virtues here
below, I may enjoy with thee, in heaven, the happiness to possess God,
and to possess him for ever. Our Father and Hail Mary. (St. Vincent's Manual)
THE DEVOUT CLIENT'S ADDRESS TO SAINT ALOYSIUS:
ANGELICAL Youth, Aloysius, by the particular appointment of God's vicar upon earth, patron of those who apply to studies: thou who hast illustrated the Church by a holy contempt of an earthly principality, but more by the innocence of thy manners, sanctity of thy life, and glory of thy miracles, allow me, from this day, to choose and adopt thee, patron and protector of my life and studies, firmly resolved to follow the example and pattern, as well of piety as of industry, thou hast put before me. For the love thou hadst for Christ crucified, and his most blessed Mother, receive me as thy client and obedient servant; aid and assist me in the pursuit of virtue and learn. ing; nourish and increase in me a purity of body and mind; turn off the snares laid against my chastity; ward and defend me against the dangers of the world; inspire my heart with a true and filial confidence in the ever-blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of good counsel; govern and direct me in my choice of a state of life, and let the grace of God be my perpetual defence against all mortal sin: that as thou always livedst in a purity and integrity truly angelical, so assisted by thy patronage, and aided by the grace of God, I may live chastely and holily in this world, and deserve to De associated with thee and joined to the company of the angels in heaven. Amen. Recite six Paters and Aves, with the Gloria Patri.
LITANY OF ST. ALOYSIUS.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, hear us.
Christ, Graciously hear us.
God, the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God, the Holy Ghost, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, have mercy on us.
Holy Mother of God, have mercy on us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, have mercy on us.
St. Aloysius, Most beloved of Christ, have mercy on us.
The delight of the blessed Virgin, have mercy on us.
Most chaste youth, have mercy on us.
Angelic youth, have mercy on us.
Most humble youth, have mercy on us.
Model of young students, have mercy on us.
Despiser of riches, have mercy on us.
Enemy of vanities, have mercy on us.
Scorner of honors, have mercy on us.
Honor of princes, have mercy on us.
Jewel of the nobility, have mercy on us.
Flower of innocence, have mercy on us.
Ornament of a religious state, have mercy on us.
Mirror of mortification, have mercy on us.
Mirror of perfect obedience, have mercy on us.
Lover of evangelical poverty, have mercy on us.
Most affectionately devout, have mercy on us.
Most zealous observer of rules, have mercy on us.
Most desirous of the salvation of souls, pray for us.
Perpetual adorer of the holy Eucharist, pray for us.
Particular client of St. Ignatius, pray for us
Be merciful, spare us, O Lord.
Be merciful, hear us, O Lord.
From the concupiscence of the eyes, O Lord, deliver
us.
From the concupiscence of the flesh, O Lord, deliver us.
From the pride of life, O Lord, deliver us.
Through the merits and intercession of St. Aloysius, O Lord, deliver us.
Through his angelical purity, O Lord, deliver us.
Through his sanctity and glory, O Lord, deliver us.
We sinners, beseech thee to hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
Y. Pray for us, St. Aloysius,
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
LET US PRAY.
O GOD! the distributor of heavenly gifts; who didst unite in the angelic youth Aloysius, wonderful inno. cence of life, with an equal severity of penance; grant through his merits and prayers that we, who have not fol lowed the example of his innocence, may imitate his practice of penance; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
St. Silverius, Pope and Martyr, A.D. 538.
by VP
Posted on Friday June 20, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was bishop of Rome; and for refusing to restore an heretical bishop who had been deposed by his predecessor, was persecuted by the Empress Theodora. He was stripped of his pontifical ornaments, and clothed with the habit of a monk. After this it was proclaimed that the pope was deposed, and become a monk. He was then led into banishment to Patara in Lycia. The emperor Justinian appeared startled at the atrocity of the proceedings against the holy pope, and gave orders that St. Silverius should be restored to his see. His enemies, however, contrived to seize him, and conveyed him into a small inhospitable island, where he died in a short time of hard usage; and it appears most probable that he was murdered at the instigation of his persecutors. His death happened in 538.
Pray for all that are oppressed for justice. They want help from above who are under these trials: beg it in their behalf. And for yourself, resolve to make the eternal truth and justice your constant rule, in letting these be the measure of whatever you do. It is not always agreeable to your convenience and interest to do so: but a Christian has no remedy. He must lay down the cause of temporal advantage, when God forbids such proceedings. Therefore, let neither the desire of quiet, gain, or preferment, persuade you to any weak compliance, nor temporal concerns prevail on you to transgress against your eternal interest. Be constant to your duty; and let God and His law be your guide. Pray for all those, who, being sensible of their duty, have not courage to perform it. It is but too common for Christians to hazard the displeasure of God, to gain the favour of men, and to enrich and raise themselves by ways contrary to justice and truth. Let all these partake of your prayers. They are certainly miserable, and deserve your compassion: let therefore your charity be extended to them." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Prayer for Persecuted Priests:
All Powerful and Eternal God, through
the merits of Your Son Jesus, and Through Your love for Him, I implore
You, have pity on the priests of the Holy Church. In spite of their
sublime dignity, they are fearful and weak, like all created beings. In
your infinite mercy, inflame their hearts with the fire of Divine Love.
For the sake of Jesus, Your Son, bestow grace on the priests and uphold
them. Do not let them fall into temptation and tarnish their noble
vocation.
O Jesus, we implore you. Look with pity on the priests of the Holy
Church: those who are serving You faithfully and proclaiming Your glory;
those who are persecuted for tending your flock; those who are
abandoned, weary and sorrowful: those who are lukewarm, confused and who
have denied their faith; those who are sick, dying, or in Purgatory.
Lord Jesus, we entreat You. Listen to our supplication, have pity and
console them.
O Jesus, we entrust to You the priests of the whole world: the priests
who baptized me, absolved my sins, offered Holy Mass and consecrated the
Eucharist to nourish my soul. We entrust to You the priests that
instructed me when I was ignorant, gave me strength in my weakness,
showed me the Way and the Truth and comforted me in my sorrow and
affliction. For all the blessings they obtained for me, I implore You to
support them in Your Loving Kindness.
O Jesus, shelter our priests in Your Sacred Heart. Let them take refuge
in Your mercy and love, in this life, and to the hour of death. Amen.
By his Eminence the late Ignatius Cardinal Kung, Bishop of Shanghai. Published 7/16/1953 during the early years of persecution of the Roman
Catholic Church in China by its communist government. He was imprisoned
from 1955 to 1988
St. Juliana Falconieri, VIRGIN, A.D. 1340.
by VP
Posted on Thursday June 19, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"This saint in her infancy seemed almost to anticipate the use of reason by her early piety; and the first words she learned to pronounce were the sacred names of Jesus and Mary. Fervent prayer and mortification chiefly took up her attention, at an age which usually seems incapable of any thing serious. Such was her angelical purity, that she never durst look any man in the face: and so great was her horror of sin, that the very name of it made her almost swoon away. In her sixteenth year, she bid adieu to the world, and consecrated her virginity to God, receiving the religious veil from the hands of St. Philip Beniti. She entered an order instituted for the service of the sick, and other offices of charity. The reputation of her prudence and sanctity drawing to her many devout ladies, who desired to follow the same institute, she was obliged to accept the charge of prioress. Though she was the spiritual mother of the rest, she made it her delight to serve every one. She often spent whole days in prayer, and frequently received great heavenly favours. She seized every opportunity of performing offices of charity, especially of reconciling enemies, reclaiming sinners, and serving the sick. She practiced incredible austerities. In her old age she bore various painful distempers with inexpressible joy and cheerfulness. In her last sickness, she was much afflicted at not being able to receive the Blessed Sacrament on account of her stomach not being able to retain any food. The sacred host, however, was brought into her cell, and there suddenly disappeared out of the hands of the priest. After her death, the figure of the sacred host was found imprinted on the left side of her breast; by which it was judged that our Blessed Saviour had miraculously satisfied her holy desire. She died in 1340, at the age of seventy.
Pray for her spirit of charity and self-denial. If you are eagerly bent on your own ways and will, indulge your inclinations, gratify your passions, love niceness and softness, study your palate and appetite, your faith may be right, but your practice is not. This is not the spirit of the Gospel, but of corruption; and must be reformed." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
Prayer to St. Juliana Falconieri: O Faithful spouse of Jesus
Christ and most humble servant of the Virgin Mary, Mother of sorrows, glorious St. Juliana; at the end of a
life entirely spent in the exercise of heroic virtues thou
didst undergo one last trial, in that thou couldst not be united in holy Viaticum to thy Beloved by reason of bodily
infirmity. But this trial was so acceptable to thy heavenly spouse, Jesus that He deigned Himself to the reward it
with an extraordinary miracle; for at thy request Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament was placed on thy virginal
breast, and He instantly entered within, leaving outwardly im
pressed the image of Him self crucified, while with a sweet smile thou didst breathe forth thy soul in his holy
embrace. O great saint and my special patroness obtain from God, I beseech thee, that like
thee I may live a good life and die a holy death; and that being so
prepared for the last passage, fortified with the holy sacraments, and
invigorated by divine grace, I may finish my days in holiness and be preserved from eternal death.
Blessed Sacrament Book by Fr. Lasance
The Victories of the Saints: Saints Gervaise and Protase
by VP
Posted on Thursday June 19, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
Gervasius and Protasius, by Philippe de Champaigne
"The Victories of the Saints: To be ready to confront death rather than renounce one's faith, is to achieve a great victory over one's self; but this victory gained by the saints is not their final triumph, for their power does not perish with their death, it then really commences. SS. Gervaise and Protase, who were brothers, suffered martyrdom together at Milan during the persecution of Domitian. The mighty events subsequently occurring, caused their memory to slumber. St. Ambrose, archbishop of Milan, finding himself exposed to the persecution of the empress Justina, who sought to drive him from his see, so as to be able to allow Arianism to get the upper hand in his diocese, had a revelation indicating the spot where the bodies of the martyrs lay buried. He had them exhumed, and caused them to be exposed to the veneration of the faithful; the concourse of reverent votaries was immense, and so many and such striking miracles were manifested that it became impossible for the Arians to deny either the existence of the miracles, or to give a wrong interpretation thereto. They no longer ventured to raise further opposition to the Holy Archbishop, or attempt anything in favor of their own doctrine. Thus did these holy martyrs obtain a fresh triumph.
Moral reflection: "The Lord is my helper, I will not fear what man shall do to me. Remember the prelates who have spoken the word of God, whose faith follow, considering the end." (Heb. 13. 7) Pictorial half hours with the saints. By Abbe Auguste François Lecanu
#21 Acts of Adoration Jesus Christ in the Blessed Sacrament in reparation for all the offenses committed against Him by mankind [Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament]
by VP
Posted on Thursday June 19, 2025 at 12:00AM in Thursday Reparation
21. We adore Thee, O God of all purity! And to make reparation for all the sins which have hitherto been committed against the virtue of purity, we offer up to Thee the modesty and penance of all holy religious men and women. Eternal praise and thanksgiving be to the Most Holy and Most Divine Sacrament.
O Queen of heaven and earth, hope of mankind, who adores thy Divine Son incessantly! We entreat thee, that, since we have the honor to be of the number of thy children, thou would interest thyself in our behalf and make satisfaction for us, and in our name, to our Eternal Judge, by rendering to Him the duties which we ourselves are incapable of performing. Amen.
CAPGCorpus Christi
by VP
Posted on Thursday June 19, 2025 at 12:00AM in Articles
The Feast of Corpus Christi by Rev. John W. Sullivan
"The most splendid part of the office of Corpus Christi, that which most distinguishes it from other festivals, is the solemn procession. Unlike the procession for the Forty Hours, it has no penitential element; unlike that of Holy Hours, it has no shadow of the Cross. Today the Church gives full freedom to the transports of love which fill her heart for her divine Spouse, who resides with her in the Sacrament of love. Enthroned in the glittering Ostensorium, borne in the veiled hands of His servant beneath the silken canopy, accompanied by lighted tapers, hymned with canticles of joy and exaltation, adored and worshiped by the faithful, Jesus is borne along triumphantly with all the pomp and magnificence possible, borne among His loved ones to bless them and to receive the homage of their hearts. Does not His presence speak to the heart and ask its gratitude? Do not the flowers scattered along the way tell us of the beauty and brightness and abundance of His gifts and prompt us to a spirit of sacrifice? Do not the clouds of incense rising to the sky invite us to a return of love? Do not the holy hymns that resound through the church tell us of the great mystery we celebrate, of the stupendous gift we have received, of the stupendous truth, that God is with us? and shall our heart be cold, our lips dumb, our soul unmoved? Is it not our virtues that He would see carpeting His way? Is it not our prayers that He would have ascending like clouds of incense and myrrh and filling the heavens? He is not replaced in the tabernacle after the procession, but high and exalted upon His throne, that for eight days the faithful may keep devout and adoring watch.", A Pulpit Commentary on Catholic Teaching 1910
Prayer to the Sacred Heart for Priests:
Remember, O most loving Heart of Jesus,
that they for whom I pray are those for whom You prayed so earnestly the
night before Your death. These are they to whom You look to continue
with You in Your sorrows when others forsake You, who share Your griefs
and have inherited your persecutions, according to Your word: That the
servant is not greater than his Lord.
Remember, O Heart of
Jesus, that they are the objects of the worldʼs hatred and Satanʼs
deadliest snares. Keep them then, O Jesus, in the safe citadel of Your
Sacred Heart and there let them be sanctified in truth. May they
be one with you and one among themselves, and grant that multitudes may
be brought through their word to believe in You and love You. Amen.
St. Calogerus the Anchorite
by VP
Posted on Wednesday June 18, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
VICTORY OVER THE DEMON.- During the reign of Theodosius the Younger, that is, in the first part of the fifth century, a holy hermit, whose real name has not reached us, but who is known under the designation of "Calogerius," meaning "the good old man," came from Constantinople to seek an asylum in Sicily. This island and the Lipari isles were still involved in paganism, and, just as with every country into which the Gospel has not penetrated, there existed numerous cases of persons possessed by the Devil. Calogerius had been promoted to the order of "Exorcist," and had moreover been invested, at his own prayer, by the successor of St. Peter, with full authority to act. Armed with these powers, in conjunction with austere fasting and earnest prayer, he undertook to vanquish the demon, and succeeded in achieving a complete victory. At a word, he cured the demoniacs, and laid bare the trickery of the oracles and vain power of the idols. Sicily and the neighbouring isles were won over to the faith. The holy hermit fasted every day, excepting Sundays, and all the time which was not spent by him in apostolic labours was devoted to prayer. Holiness of life was the groundwork of his eloquence.
MORAL REFLECTION. - Jesus Christ told His disciples:
"There are demons that can go out by nothing, save by prayer and
fasting.". (Mark ix. 28.)" Pictorial half Hours with the Saints by Fr. LeCanu
PRAYER: All you legions and choirs of Angels, please make haste to come to the aid and defense of our One Holy Roman Catholic Church. Led by St. Michael, may She be protected from destruction within by all modernistic attempts that try to diminish the true presence of God and take away His proper and due respect! In particular, come to the aid of my parish (name your parish) that it may remain or be remade to be a place of reverence and a stronghold from which the One True Triune God may continue to lead and strengthen us. Amen.
St. Avitus, Abbot, A.D. about 530.
by VP
Posted on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"He was a native of Orleans, and retiring into Auvergne, took the monastic habit in the abbey of Menat, which was at that time very small. His obedience was so universal, so without all exception or reserve, that instead of edifying the rest, he was despised by them, and looked upon as a fool. His superior, who best knew his spirit, gave him a charge in the house upon which his companions were so uneasy to him, that he quitted the place in silence, and retired into the forest of Orleans. There he lived in such sanctity, that after some time, the same religious, by their importunity, and the command of the bishop, obliged him to return, and be their abbot. He submitted; and having laboured to bring the spirit of his religious to the truth of what they professed, but with little effect, he judged himself useless, and departed from them. He hid himself in the thickest of the forest, where he enjoyed the comfort of his retirement. He was discovered by miracle, and others joining him, King Clotaire built a church and monastery for him and his companions. St. Avitus was soon after called to the company of the blessed, about the year 530. His body was carried to Orleans, and buried with great pomp in that city; and a church was built over his tomb, which still subsists.
The conduct of this
saint was in obedience to particular directions, which by some may be
seasonably followed; since those labours, which prove fruitless to
others, and are a dissipation to ourselves, may in some circumstances be
changed into a more profitable retirement. The strict tie of many states, however, will not allow of this; but is attended with a necessity of using endeavours perseveringly to the end. And then the Christian's
art must be to make his advance towards heaven in patience, humility,
and perseverance, in such labours as belong to his state; with hopes
that God will have regard to them, and not measure them by the fruit, but by the charity with which they are undertaken, and the fidelity with which they are performed. This may be a hinderance to a more desired recollection; but cannot fail at length of an eternal recompense." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
To St. John Francis Regis (June 16.)
by VP
Posted on Monday June 16, 2025 at 12:00AM in Poetry
Wikipedia
"Everything good that I have done, I owe to him" St. John Baptiste Vianney Catholic Encyclopedia p 465
"A
sudden inspiration one day entered his mind, which, after consulting
his director, he carried into effect. He made a vow to go on foot,
asking alms as he went, to the tomb of St. John Francis Regis; to ask,
through his intercession, the gift of sufficient learning to enable him
to become a good and faithful labourer in the vineyard of the Lord. His
prayer was heard. St. John Francis Regis, to who he ever afterwards bore
a special devotion, obtained for him the grace he had asked in a
measure which astonished his master and those who had felt most hopeless
of his success." Life of Saint John-Baptist Vianney, Curé d'Ars by
Monnin, Alfred, p22.
To St. John Francis Regis (June 16.)
[A.D. 1507-1640]
Few know thy name, St. Francis Regis! Few
Beyond thy native hills pay homage due,
Save those thy brothers and dear friends, who share
That slandered name it was thy pride to bear.
Nay, some who know thee need to ask thy claim
To shining aureole and saintly fame.
What wast thou? what hast suffered? what hast done,
That 'mid his heroes God hath ranked thee one?
No novice-prince who, yet a boy hath given
Honour, and wealth, and prouder hopes for heaven -
No hermit hoar, who long, long years hath passed
In lonely watching and in cruel fast;
No fiery martyr, who hath meek defied
The tyrant at the stake, and smiling died.
Thy story reads not like a wild romance,-
It never strays from polished modern France,
Where, 'mid the rudest of her southern steeps,
Its stream unseen, but fertilizing, creeps.
Yet in that homely sphere of some score miles,
What restless, tranquil zeal - what saintly wiles
For luring souls to God! Ah, wherefore roam?
The hero finds a hero's work at home.
Oh, thou hard-toiling missionary-saint!
Not thine in such dull martyrdom to faint.
The winter's ice, men's freezing doubts and sneers,
Chilled not thy glow, but thawed beneath thy tears.
Dauntless in labour, patient to endure,
The firm, the mild apostle of the poor.
Francis and Lewis here in one behold -
Xavier at home, Gonzaga twice as old.
Oh, gray-haired Aloysius! Yes, that name
When thou wast young, thy virtues well might claim,
Hadst thou, like him, been early snatched away,
Not left to bear the "burden of the day."
But thou liv'dst on, God spared thee to his earth,
Keeping thee innocent as at thy birth,
That first true birth when o'er thy baby-brow
The waters flowed, and left thee pure as snow-
Pure none the less when, after many a year
Of earnest faith, of humble, loving fear,
After great things for his sake done and borne,
God bade the peasant of the Velais mourn,
Mourn for thy loss.
Oh, great St. Regis, pray
That we, thy brothers, in our meaner way
God's work may do: from many a soul to burst
The glittering fetters of the king accursed.
Teach us to share thy burning, melting love
For Him who on the right-hand reigns above,
Yet hides upon our altars. Oh, great heart!
In thy rich treasures gain for us a part: -
The meekness of thy strength, so gay, so sure -
Thy wistful fondness for God's outcast poor -
Thy yearning for the sinner, hate of sin -
Thy filial pride in her whose breast within
Thy boyhood and thy manhood calmly sped.
Ah! may she lead us on as thou wast led.
She is the same great Mother still; but we,
St. Francis Regis! are not like to thee.
source: Madonna: Verses on Our Lady and the Saints, by the Rev. Matthew Russell, S.J. 1880
St. Lutgarde, VIRGIN, A.D. 1246.
by VP
Posted on Monday June 16, 2025 at 12:00AM in Saints
"In her youth she was of a vain and worldly spirit, and thought of nothing but, as her father had promised, of being honourably married. But he, being disabled by great losses, could not accomplish what he designed; and she being disappointed, by her mother's importunity, entered into a monastery. There, not at all changed, she still found the same inclinations, as formerly to the world. But God at length giving her a true sense of her follies, she changed so truly to the other extreme, that she became an example of all virtue; which being found solid by the proof of twelve years' practice, she was chosen superior. This charge, however, not agreeing with her humble spirit, she removed to another house of the Bernardins. She made it her grand object to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ, and conform herself to it, as much as possible. Wholly occupied on eternity, she gave herself up to mortification, fasting, and the closest retreat. She lived in so perfect disengagement of spirit, that she had no care for her body; so that she was an example of every virtue of a true religious. Pouring forth floods of tears for the conversion of sinners, she lost her sight, and continued blind eleven years. On the day of her death, she opened her eyes to look towards heaven, to which she was then called, in the year 1246.
If that which Lutgarde esteemed her misfortune, was the first
step to her becoming a saint, ought not you to be moderate under all
that which seems your unhappiness; hoping that God has a design of hidden
blessings, and that this is a preparation for them? Adore Providence,
and peaceably submit to all its appointments, without any curiosity to
discover its counsels. Thus will you be prepared for its greatest
favours. Her first step out of the world was very imperfect, and yet how good was the effect!
Be not then too severe in your reflections upon those, whose beginnings
are yet weak. But if it be your case, that you were not sincere in what
you have undertaken, make now amends for all such weaknesses, by a true
conversion of yourself to God." The Catholic Year by Fr. John Gother
