THE ODOR OF SANCTITY

THE ODOR OF SANCTITY
Yet another proof…

[The Odor of Sanctity]“One of the phenomena most frequently mentioned in the lives of the Saints is that of a perfume in which the Saints, by the grace of God, emitted a sweet fragrance from their bodies either during their lifetime or after death”. It is reported by his biographer, for example, that the tunic of St. Benedict (d. 543), just like his skin, gives forth a sweeter fragrance than all the perfumes of India. Another example, proving his purity, it is told that there emanated from St. Joseph of Cupertino (d.1663) a most pleasant perfume, which clung for a long time to all the things he used, even the rooms through which he passed. It is also reported that during the last ten days of Ven. Marie Celine of the Presentation's life (d. 1897) the scent of roses was often noticed in her room and in the corridor, although there were no flowers anywhere near the area.

[The Stench of Sin]. Now in contrast; some Saints had the ability to detect sin. They could tell the difference between a person in the state of grace and one in the state of sin. For example, in her visit to Rome, St. Catherine of Siena (d. 1380) complained to Pope Gregory XI that in the Vatican--a place which should have been ‘a paradise of heavenly virtues'--there was instead a ‘stench of all the vices of Hell’ “The Pope is reported to have been bewildered…. St. Catherine responded, ‘To the honor of Almighty God I dare to say that I could smell the sins being committed in the Roman Court…’” (as reported by Bl Raymond of Capua). St. Gemma Galgani (d.1903) was another Saint who could tell the state of a person's soul. It is reported that the stench given off by a person in the state of sin would make her shudder and become physically ill.

Aren't these phenomena powerful proofs of the reality of divine presence in our soul through grace (SANCTIFYING GRACE) or the lack thereof? Not only does this prove the reality of the soul but also the substantial union of the soul with the body. “The soul imparts life, motion, and sensation to the body, while the body EXPRESSES the soul” (from ‘CREDO’ by Bishop Athanasius Schneider). Aside from the odor of sanctity or sin, there may even be instances of a person's state of soul manifesting in his or her outer countenance. Indeed, sin creates a darkness and stupidity in us, while grace produces light and wisdom in us. Incidentally also, there is now abundant scientific proof of the connection of prayer (and therefore of the state of the soul) with physical health.

And so may we be always mindful that when we commit sin, even if it be venial, be it in thought, word, or action, that such a rebellion against our loving God can cumulatively result in a foul odor emanating from our bodies, though not detectable. And if we commit a mortal sin, which kills God's life in us (SANCTIFYING GRACE), we become spiritual zombies (walking dead). Anything that's dead will eventually stink. No amount of expensive perfume can cover the stench of sin.

In contrast the littlest acts of goodness that we do in the state of grace, our efforts at a more intense and deep prayer life, our acts of charity, also cumulatively result in a sweet odor our bodies may exude, though not detectable. Still it will somehow inspire and give light to the people around us.

In any case these phenomena leave no room for doubt about the reality of divine life in us through grace (SANCTIFYING GRACE), or the absence thereof.

May we sanctify ourselves and our families. For the sweet odor of Sanctity emanating from many families will surely spread and positively impact this crazy world we live in today.

***[examples taken (quoted or paraphrased) from "MYSTERIES, MARVELS, MIRACLES in the Lives of the Saints" by Joan Carroll Cruz (Tan Books)].

In any case these phenomena leave no room for doubt about the reality of divine life in us
through grace (SANCTIFYING GRACE), or the absence thereof.
May we sanctify ourselves and our families. For the sweet odor of Sanctity emanating from
many families will surely spread and positively impact this crazy world we live in today.
***[examples taken (quoted or paraphrased) from “MYSTERIES, MARVELS, MIRACLES in the
Lives of the Saints” by Joan Carroll Cruz (Tan Books)]