Thursday, February 5 : Venerable Francis Libermann

To live the apostolic life you need to have truly great self-denial… What is needed is to possess one’s soul in peace, in cheerfulness, in the midst of continual and powerfully felt privations, not just bodily privations which are easy enough to bear, but spiritual or moral privations. These latter are far more painful and sadden, disturb and discourage a weak and self-interested soul. To a strong soul they give a courage, a serenity and wholly new energy by firm self-denial and perfect attachment to God alone… If you only knew what value patience holds among the apostolic virtues you would employ all the strength of your soul to acquire it. If you know now how to wait then you are sure of success and a firm and stable success… Plants that grow up quickly do not develop far and promptly perish. Trees whose growth is slow become tall and strong and last for centuries. If you should ever happen to have quick and easy success in a mission, tremble for that mission; but when, to the contrary, it takes time and creates difficulties, anticipate good things from it if you feel within yourselves the strength and perseverance of a holy patience… If you have patience then you are sure to gain prudence and godly wisdom in your conduct and undertakings.

Roman Catholic Ordinary Calendar – rosary,team