Calendar

December 1900

01 Dec - 01 Dec

Cf. Commentary of Saint John, 119, 1940.

We only have to follow the example of Our Lord, to be faithful in doing everything that depends on us, and to help the divine Providence as it provides the…

December 1, 1900

01 Dec - 01 Dec

Libermann to the Community of Dakar, 19.11.1847. NDIX, p.325

God has built his work on his all-powerful will and his divine mercy. He gives it life through his grace and love, a foundation that I have no doubt will…

November 19, 1847

02 Dec - 02 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, I, 27, 1837.

If we really love God, we seek for him with much more ardour after we have made some mistakes. The bigger the fault, the more our love for him has…

December 2, 1900

02 Dec - 02 Dec

Libermann to the community at Cap des Palmes, January 1844. NDVI, p.3

An apostle of Jesus Christ can never be put off by obstacles. Accept them patiently but always persevere with projects that are clearly conducive to the glory of God and…

January 1, 1844

03 Dec - 03 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, IV, 313, 1846.

We must not hope for results right from the beginning, but after some time. There are countries where the fruits will be more abundant, whereas in others the fruits will…

December 3, 1900

03 Dec - 03 Dec

Libermann to the community of Dakar, November 1847. NDIX, p.330-331

Don't jump to conclusions and don't judge according to what you are used to in Europe. Forget about Europe, its customs, its ways of thinking; you have to make yourselves…

November 1, 1847

04 Dec - 04 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, IV, 182, 1844.

It is a general rule that we should not be too much in a hurry. We know that we can do nothing. Rely on God alone and do not hurry.…

December 4, 1900

04 Dec - 04 Dec

P. Joaquim Alves Pereira: "A Largueza do Reino de Deus"

Tolerance is not a new virtue that is suspect and infected with liberalism; it is one of the fundamental virtues of Christianity. It is essentially made up of loving patience.…

January 1, 1931

05 Dec - 05 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, IV, 458, 1847.

Be full of affection, gentleness and openness with Superiors to make their burden easy to carry. Live together in union and in the most perfect peace.

December 5, 1900

05 Dec - 05 Dec

Joseph Shanahan to Sister Columba, 20.02.1933. II, p.205

Strange to say I thought our Lord Himself nearer to me in Nigeria. The continued miracle of the visible effects of his Divine Grace in ourselves and in all those…

February 20, 1933

06 Dec - 06 Dec

Cf. Notes and Documents, IV, 295-6, 1843.

Always remember that gentleness and persuasion penetrate souls, and that firmness and rigour obtain only external change.

December 6, 1900

06 Dec - 06 Dec

Conflict, racialism and the cult of the individual are all too prevalent in the world of today. By coming together from so many different places and cultures, we are saying…

07 Dec - 07 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, IV, 458, 1847.

Lose your judgement in the general opinion. Tenacity to one’s own ideas is one of the greatest evil for people who ought to live together in the peace and charity…

December 7, 1900

07 Dec - 07 Dec

Second Vatican Council, "Ad Gentes", no.1

Having been divinely sent to the nations that she might be "the universal sacrament of salvation", the Church, in obedience to the command of her founder (Mt 16:15) and because…

December 7, 1900

08 Dec - 08 Dec

Cf. Notes and Documents, I, 143, 1830.

Well, go, run, and throw yourself into the arms of this beloved and Holy Mother. Go and tell her with confidence, simplicity, tenderness and love “O my good Mother you…

December 8, 1900

08 Dec - 08 Dec

Rule of 1734, repeating the Règlements of Poullart des Places

This Congregation is consecrated to the Holy Spirit under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, conceived without sin. Therefore, the feasts of Pentecost and the Immaculate Conception will be…

January 1, 1734

09 Dec - 09 Dec

Cf. Notes and Documents, IV, 295-6, 1843.

We must bend and be very flexible to lead souls, following the different states, directing them continuously, taking all forms and all ways that suit them, in order to support…

December 9, 1900

09 Dec - 09 Dec

In every facet of our lives, but particularly in our prayer, Mary is our model of willing obedience and faithfulness. We offer her veneration and prayer so that we may,…

December 9, 1900

10 Dec - 10 Dec

Cf. Glose 124-5.

The union that should reign between us must be a union of spirit and a union of heart. The union of mind must not consist of wishing to subjugate others…

December 10, 1900

10 Dec - 10 Dec

Libermann to Collin, 29.01.1845. NDVII, p.37

Self-love, self-centredness and pride in one's achievements are enemies which can only be overcome by despising them. The more you take notice of these movements, the more they will dominate…

January 29, 1845

11 Dec - 11 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, I, 67, 1837.

Consider you all as only one body animated by our divine Jesus. Rejoice fully with all the graces and good that you see in one another.

December 11, 1900

11 Dec - 11 Dec

Common Declaration of Paul VI & Athenagoras, 07.12.1965

In accomplishing this act of reconciliation, the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church see it as the expression of a sincere desire for reconciliation and an invitation to pursue…

December 7, 1965

12 Dec - 12 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, III, 27, 1842.

Do not aim at attracting the world to our holy work. It is the work of Our Lord and of the Holy Heart of Mary, we do not interfere too…

December 12, 1900

12 Dec - 12 Dec

Libermann to I. Schwindenhammer, 04.08.1842. NDIII, p.247

It is part of the spirit of priesthood to sacrifice oneself with the victim. Jesus has to be the victim offered by all, and the same Jesus must also be…

13 Dec - 13 Dec

Cf. Notes and Documents, XIII, 352, 1851.

It is essential that we attain to such an abnegation of ourselves that we remain imperturbable with regards to everything that happens. We must expect all the privations, sufferings, all…

December 13, 1900

13 Dec - 13 Dec

Spiritan Confreres in Australia

Here in Australia we are literally at the "ends of the earth", but in the spirit of François Libermann, we have faith in what the Lord is asking of us…

December 13, 1900

14 Dec - 14 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Writings, 475.

The divine Saviour has promised a hundredfold to him who abandons creatures for his sake. All those who have given it a trial have seen the fulfilment of the promise…

December 14, 1900

14 Dec - 14 Dec

Spiritans in Mexico: 1971-1996

It is interesting to observe the approach of these first Spiritan missionaries towards the people. They welcomed the people, listened to them with respect, walked with them and, on occasions,…

December 14, 1900

15 Dec - 15 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, I, 27, 1837.

If we feel that we are miserable, it is the joy of our heart because we see that God alone is great, God alone is beautiful, kind, filled with all…

December 15, 1900

15 Dec - 15 Dec

Our preaching of the Gospel has different styles, determined by the times and places in which we are living. We announce the Gospel to people and groups who have not…

December 15, 1900

16 Dec - 16 Dec

Cf. Notes and Documents, X, 540-1, 1849.

One does not love his confrere in order to be loved, or for the pleasure that one finds in this affection. Loving thus one’s confrere, all in God and for…

December 16, 1900

16 Dec - 16 Dec

Libermann to Collin: 29.01.1845. NDVII, p.37-39

Your prayer should be a simple, humble and peaceful repose, full of confidence in the presence of Jesus- that's all! There is no need for a lot of reflections or…

January 29, 1845

17 Dec - 17 Dec

Cf. Notes and Documents, XI, 48, 1849.

To continue this work for the poor workers], we need some resources. Come to our aid. Already, they have all received the medal of the Blessed Virgin Mary and are…

December 17, 1900

17 Dec - 17 Dec

Libermann to Luquet, NDAnnex, p.62

From 1840, when I sent the first version of the Rules for our little Society to Rome, I felt it was essential to work for the creation of a native…

December 17, 1900

18 Dec - 18 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, III, 159, 1842.

Allow yourself to be guided by God’s hand. Do not hurry in divine things. Be before Our Lord as clay is before the potter.

December 18, 1900

18 Dec - 18 Dec

Libermann to Blanpin, 01.01.1845. NDVII, p.148

A ship has sails and a rudder. The wind blows into the sails and makes the vessel advance in the desired direction. But this would be too vague and would…

January 1, 1845

19 Dec - 19 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, III, 377, 1844.

So remain simply attached to God. You have God and God alone. He must be sufficient for you.

December 19, 1900

19 Dec - 19 Dec

Libermann to Lossedat, 13.04.1846. NDVIII, p.109-115

It is difficult to appreciate how important this tolerance is. There is no way in which people will always agree. If we don't have this tolerance, we prevent good things…

20 Dec - 20 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, III, 377, 1844 842.

Give yourself body and soul to God, and no longer seek to rely on creature. It is no longer time to be a child, mature age of perfection must begin…

December 20, 1900

20 Dec - 20 Dec

Libermann to Lossedat, 13.04.1846. NDVIII, 109-115

It is a very important principle for action (and for many other things) to be on one's guard against a sort of 'ideal' perfection. It is good that we know…

21 Dec - 21 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Writings, Supplement, 5.

Take the firm and powerful resolution to give yourself to God, completely without reserve, with promptness and joy. This generosity in the gift of oneself is indispensable and always turns…

December 21, 1900

21 Dec - 21 Dec

Libermann to Lairé, 08.05.1851. NDXIII, p.142-145

Your most important preaching is done through the example of a holy life which will attract the grace of God to these poor people. The people of Africa neither need…

22 Dec - 22 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, II, 153, 1839.

Study because it is necessary to do so but do not put your trust in books. Jesus is the only light of our minds. Be trustfully confident in our adorable…

December 22, 1900

22 Dec - 22 Dec

Libermann to Collin, 21.09.1851. NDXIII, p.293-297

Even though they throw themselves into their work with great dedication, the missionary, the superior and the one in charge of the mission become completely absorbed in the area for…

September 21, 1851

23 Dec - 23 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, IV, 313, 1846.

Always go about peacefully and gently, according to your strength at the moment. Do not go ahead of your guide, lest you go astray and away from the path which…

December 23, 1900

23 Dec - 23 Dec

Règle Provisoire, no.89

They will be the advocates, the supporters and the defenders of the weak and the little ones against those who oppress them. It is in circumstances like these that the…

December 23, 1900

24 Dec - 24 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, I, 208, 1839.

Never allow yourself to be discouraged by your weaknesses, and whenever you think you have committed some fault, reflect back gently on yourself, then present yourself before Our Lord in…

December 24, 1900

24 Dec - 24 Dec

Libermann talking of his baptism. ND I, p.90

I am still amazed at the wonderful change that happened in me as the baptismal water flowed over my forehead. All my doubts and fears suddenly fell away. The clerical…

December 24, 1900

25 Dec - 25 Dec

Cf. Notes and Documents, X, 537, 1849.

The missionary rapports between them will be those of the children of the same family, which is that of Jesus and Mary. They must treat themselves as brothers animated by…

December 25, 1900

25 Dec - 25 Dec

Libermann, to Carron, Rennes, 03.02.1838, L.S.I p.409-412

May the divine Child preserve in your soul his life of love and self-giving. He alone is our all; let us be lost and absorbed in him. He is hidden…

February 3, 1838

26 Dec - 26 Dec

Cf. Commentary of Saint John, 699, 1940.

The men of God must pay attention to these observations. How many are there not who misunderstood the mission of their divine Master, and therefore theirs. They want an external…

December 26, 1900

26 Dec - 26 Dec

Règle Provisoire, no.86

They will have a special care and love for the poorest people and those whom the world considers the most unfortunate. They will treat them with great kindness and concern.…

December 26, 1900

27 Dec - 27 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, I, 27, 1837.

So take courage, be strong and robust in the love of Our Lord Jesus Christ. If you are slightly dissipated during this holidays, even if you had made mistakes, do…

December 27, 1900

27 Dec - 27 Dec

Libermann to Le Vavasseur, 14.10.1847. NDIX, p.288-289

Our works in Europe will concentrate on the poorest classes in France who are in need of help, such as sailors, soldiers, workers in general (still the most neglected), prisoners,…

October 14, 1847

28 Dec - 28 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, III, 279, 1843.

You do not have to be discouraged when you happen to have fallen again. You must get up, ask for forgiveness from Our Lord and the Blessed Virgin and make…

December 28, 1900

28 Dec - 28 Dec

Libermann to Le Berre, 09.08.1847. NDIX, p.248-249

The uncomfortable feeling we can have when we are with people who think and judge differently to ourselves, who despise us and have no time for us, can easily make…

29 Dec - 29 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, I, 668, 1834.

Do not be troubled or embarrassed by anything. If it pleases our Lord Jesus Christ to put you in Rennes, stay there, if He wants you in Paris, come to…

December 29, 1900

29 Dec - 29 Dec

Libermann to M. Percin, 02.11.1846. NDVIII, p.333-341

If we had have been able to start a mission in Haiti, we would have destroyed the ridiculous prejudices which have fed the ambitions and interests of a handful of…

November 2, 1846

30 Dec - 30 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, I, 67, 1837.

My beloved brothers, love one another as Jesus loves you. Be united together as Jesus is united to your souls. I am certain that if you act in this way,…

December 30, 1900

30 Dec - 30 Dec

Libermann to Bessieux, 30.08.1850. NDXII, p.349-350

In your missionary work, you need courage, peace, interior humility and trust in God alone; this must be complemented by a Christian mistrust of your own strength and ideas. You…

August 30, 1850

31 Dec - 31 Dec

Cf. Spiritual Letters, I, 126, 1835.

Enter most deeply into your innermost self and never come out. If you do this, your joy will be full and the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ will flood…

December 31, 1900

31 Dec - 31 Dec

Libermann to the Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of Castres, 19.11.1847

Making people feel there is a great distance between them and us, in conduct, dress, ways of acting and speaking, is a very bad system and contrary to the spirit…

November 19, 1847