27th December 1720

During his forty day retreat in the Church of St. Charles in Castellazzo (Italy) St. Paul of the Cross writes:

Friday, 27th December, 1720 – Feast of Saint John, Apostle and Evangelist

Through the infinite goodness of God, I enjoyed great repose and tenderness, especially at Holy Communion. Through infused understanding and deepest consolation of the Spirit, I enjoyed a certain spiritual rest, mingled with the sufferings of the Redeemer, in which my soul takes delight. There was a mingling of love and sorrow. On this point I cannot give a clearer explanation because it is impossible to explain. During the time I was serving Mass and while I beheld Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament, I kept asking him to send the seraph to pierce me through with darts of love. This comes from the loving impulses which the Infinite Mercy imparts to the heart. I also asked him to allow me to quench my thirst for his love by allowing me to drink from the infinite font of his most Sacred Heart, but this last happened to me at Holy Communion.

A thurible to end all thuribles ..

A Happy and Holy Christmas

“What good is it if Mary gave birth to the son of God centuries ago if I do not also give birth to God’s son in my time and culture?” – Meister Eckhart

[St. Nicholas visiting one of the Passionist Communities in the Vice Province of the Five Wounds. Some future Bishops holding the crozier perhaps ????]

A crucifix

This drawing, released by Chester Johnson, of Taunton, shows a sketch of Jesus on the cross created by his son as part of school work, in Taunton, Mass. on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009.
The 8-year-old boy was sent home from school and ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation after he was asked to make a Christmas drawing and came up with what appeared to be a stick figure of Jesus on a cross, the child’s father said Tuesday.

Maybe the teacher has never seen a crucifix before.

[Source – American Papist]

A word from Mary MacKillop

Will each of you go in spirit to the crib of our Infant Spouse and meditate for one half hour on the lesson He teaches there – His poverty, His helplessness. Think of Who He is and who and what you are. Ask if you are trying to be like Him, and if not, find out what hinders you, and with all your heart ask Him to remove the obstacle.

A word from Mary MacKillop – December 14, 1890