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Time for Sales

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St Francis de Sales is one of the great spiritual writers among the saints. He was born in French Savoy in 1567. Educated in Paris, he was ordained priest in 1593. He became Bishop of Geneva, a very difficult appointment in the time of the Reformation, as it was the centre of Calvinism. During his years as bishop, he acquired a reputation as a spellbinding preacher and something of an ascetic. His motto was, “He who preaches with love, preaches effectively.” His goodness, patience and mildness became proverbial. He died in 1622.

He is remembered especially for his writings, being patron writers and journalists. His most famous work was the “Introduction to the Devout Life”. Here are some pieces of wisdom from this great saint:

Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset.

Half an hour’s meditation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed. Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and try to be that perfectly.

We must never undervalue any person. The workman loves not that his work should be despised in his presence. Now God is present everywhere, and every person is His work.

There was never an angry man that thought his anger unjust.

There are no galley-slaves in the royal vessel of divine love – every man works his oar voluntarily!

And lastly, one of my favourites:

Those who love to be feared fear to be loved.

Fr Matthew

On Baptism and beyond – Catechists for our 3 churches

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Today is the feast of the Baptism of the Lord. We celebrate that extraordinary moment at the river Jordan when Jesus went down into the water. Three years later he would send out his apostles – and the Church – to teach all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

The celebration of the Sacraments are central to our Catholic life – grace-filled moments that are truly gifts from God. To celebrate them as worthily as possible should be a joy for the community, but this is also a challenge to all of us.

A beautiful development in the period after Vatican II is the role of catechists in preparation for the Sacraments. They accompany those who are preparing, or their parents, for Baptism or Reception, for Holy Communion and Reconciliation or for Confirmation. They share the journey of faith from their own experience of it. We are extremely grateful to all those who are or have been catechists in our 3 Churches.

This Monday all catechists – including those interested in becoming one – are invited to spend a couple of hours together. We will reflect on our role, especially in the light of the Church’s teaching on evangelization, so important to Pope Francis, and then have the opportunity to review our individual programmes and methods. We will conclude with a time of prayer and blessing.

Some questions to ponder in preparation – How do I see my role? What part does my own faith play in that role? What is the purpose of our particular programme – one day’s celebration or for life? How can we develop our ministry and what help could we seek?

St Brigid’s centre this Monday 12 January 7-9pm

Fr Matthew