In an exemplary way, Teresa Mary lived the exhortations of St. Paul, which we read in the liturgy: “from childhood” she allowed herself to be convinced by the truth of God’s word; built on it, she “stood firm” in it. And as the years went by, she strengthened that inner “steadfastness” and robustness and knew how to “teach” it, convincing and correcting her own spiritual daughters, and training them in righteousness and every good work. Right up to today. And also into the future. The particularly striking characteristic of Teresa Mary was joy. A woman of exceptional maternal tenderness and po ..read more

April 23 BLESSED TERESA MARY OF THE CROSS MANETTI Virgin Optional Memorial She was born at Campi Bisenzio, Florence, where in 1874 she founded the Congregation of Carmelite Sisters of St. Teresa, who she also sent to Lebanon and the Holy Land. She lived joyfully, body and soul, the mystery of the Cross in full conformity to the will of God and she was outstanding for her love for the Eucharist and her maternal care for children and for the poor. She died at Campi Bisenzio on April 23, 1910. From the Common of Virgins or the Common of Holy Women (Religious) Office of Readings Second Reading F ..read more

Let us devote ourselves entirely to knowing God. The more we know him, the more we want to know him. Since love is generally measured by knowledge, the deeper and more extensive the knowledge, the greater will be the love. And if our love is great, we will love him equally in pain and consolation. Let us not settle for seeking or loving God only for the graces he has given or can give us, no matter how great they may be. These favors, impressive as they are, never bring us as close to him as does a simple act of faith; let us seek him often through this virtue. He is in our midst [cf. Lk 17:21 ..read more

Since Wednesday, there’s a noticeable improvement. Marie is no longer delirious. However, she still has a fever. She’s still eating nothing but broth. She’s very weak and sleeps a lot. We hope that soon her convalescence will start. I’m waiting for it very impatiently. The wet nurse brought our little Thérèse today, who’s in good health and very strong. I thought I wouldn’t have time to write you. I’m taking advantage of a moment of rest. I hope to hear from you soon, and I’ll write to you again as soon as Marie is a little better. Saint Zélie Martin Letter CF 94 to her sister-in-law Céline Fo ..read more

Some years before our departure for France, M. de Bretigny made a journey to Spain. He begged most earnestly of the Superiors of the Order permission to take some Spanish Carmelites to France; but he could not then succeed in his design. Not having been able to get the Carmelites, he took home the writings of the Saint and had them translated into French. As in these works there is so much said in favor of France, the French servants of God who had devotion to our holy Foundress loved her more and more, and took new courage. In several cities they gathered together some very virtuous high-born ..read more

Love deceives the senses, blinds the eye, steals away the mind’s freedom, and bewitches us with his wondrous art. I am convinced that some demon, stealing into our hearts, stirs up a flame there and unhinges our ravished thoughts. Nor is love a god (as men say) but bitterness and error! Whoever falls in love is frivolous: not women alone but even those who people say are wise and surpass other mortals, men cloaked in a broad stripe of gleaming purple, proud men whom I have seen walk with a regal step. He who loves also serves: he follows his lover as a captive, endures the yoke on his con ..read more

April 18 BLESSED MARY OF THE INCARNATION AVRILLOT Religious Optional Memorial In the houses in France:  Memorial Barbe Avrillot was born in Paris in 1566. At the age of sixteen, she married Pierre Acarie, by whom she had seven children. In spite of her household duties and many hardships, she attained the heights of the mystical life. Under the influence of St. Teresa’s writings, and after mystical contact with the Saint herself, she spared no effort in introducing the Discalced Carmelite nuns into France. After her husband’s death, she asked to be admitted among them as a lay sist ..read more

A ..read more

A ..read more

A ..read more