photo: Lolín Menéndez rscj  |
When contemplating you, Mother Most Admirable, our souls are filled with an ardent desire to penetrate the world of love and grace that was the habitual home of your soul.
Who better than you can teach us the secret of this interior life? Who better than you can open to us this life of Jesus, and reproduce in us the divine likeness? 0 Mother let us contemplate you; the child at length will resemble its mother through gazing steadily upon her face.
You are the silent Virgin! . . .
You are the Virgin most humble! . . .
You are the faithful Virgin! . . .
Silent Virgin, you teach us that recollection creates the atmosphere suitable for the soul, expecting God—and are we not at every moment awaiting Him? Silence is the guardian of His presence; this silence is at once love and a protection for love. 0 Mother, guard for Him my soul where each day He deigns to come.
Virgin most humble, you teach us that there is no progress in love apart from a loyal and generous striving after humility. The gifts of God are secure only in those who have recognized their poverty. Teach us the truth of our unpretentious littleness: that is docile, that loves to serve, and willingly effaces itself. Your humility rose like a melody, which delighted the Heart of God; may ours draw Him to us.
Faithful Virgin, you have always been attentive to God. You alone have never allowed the shadow of a hesitation between the appeal of His grace and its realisation. Give us that love that is eager and full of faith. May sacri-fice never stop us, but in the fullness of joy may we respond to every grace: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord."
Marie-Thérèse de Lescure, rscj
Superior General of the Society of the Sacred Heart 1946 - 1957
