Consequently

"Consequently, if, during dryness and powerlessness, the soul perseveringly makes acts of faith and of love, it can be assured that its prayer is good." Blessed Marie-Eugene of the Child Jesus

 I have been helping with the RCIA at a neighbouring parish. They have quite a few candidates and I do not mind taking some time to sit through the meetings. I know many people there. Many questions come up in discussions and the curiosity is amazing. Being a cradle Catholic, I sometimes take things for granted. However, when I asked one candidate why they want to become a Catholic, the answer was beautiful. I got to thinking how much searching must have been done and how each one of them arrived at this point. Recently, I was speaking to someone who indicated that they wanted to be different. They were searching for something more – something else. I cannot begin to suggest what that might entail but I was impressed at the thought. I asked that person what they wanted, and the answer was they did not know. Keep looking!!

"We have to be saints, just to be saved. Mediocrity is no longer an option." Blessed Marie-Eugene

I was at mass recently, and I read in the Magnificat app about Blessed Marie-Eugene. I knew nothing of him, and I quickly contacted my friends in the Carmel about him. They told me to do some research, so I did. Another amazing saint. His real name, Henri Grialou, was someone from the 20th century. Not all saints are from centuries ago. Someone alive might have met him. He entered the seminary feeling called to priesthood, but his studies were interrupted by World War I. Upon return to the seminary, a Carmelite gave him works by St. John of the Cross. His eyes opened and he wanted to be a Carmelite. His spiritual director dissuaded him and his bishop said no. However, as time passed, his bishop inquired about him in the seminary and learned that he had not been able to sleep well since his NO. He told Blessed Eugene that he could go, but opposition was still there. His mother threatened to harm herself if he went to Carmel and she insisted she would not go to his ordination. She was likely a stubborn woman who would not back down, so he prayed for a miracle, and low and behold, she came to his ordination. In the first few weeks of his priesthood, local people heaped scorn on him for turning his back on his family. He continued on the road to Carmel.

He helped publish the unedited manuscript of St. Thérèse of Lisieux's Story of a Soul, ensuring that her "Little Way" of spiritual childhood was understood accurately. He taught the idea that intense, contemplative prayer is accessible to everyone, not just cloistered monks. It is for everyone and he brought to the world Carmelite spirituality. There are many rooms in Church and there is room for everyone. Blessed Marie-Eugene found his space. He died in 1967.

“Holiness consists of doing God’s will and being just what God wants us to be.” St. Therese of Lisieux

What is our road? Each one of us has a place in the world. Some take longer than others and some think they never find it. Maybe we are looking and asking the wrong questions. Maybe we are not praying. It could be a combination of factors. I remember once in university, at mass, the homily was about the end of the academic year or close to it. We were reminded as students that not everyone is going to get in to the grad school, professional faculty or job that we would like to have. But, one road closing asks for a detour, and maybe that is the road we need to be on. We were not looking carefully. I am always impressed with someone who has found their vocation – whatever and wherever it is. It is a sign of grace. I can see the contentment in that person. Are we ready for what great things might be waiting for us?

“The greatest kindness one can render to any man consists in leading him to the truth.” St. Thomas Aquinas