Apostoli_Viae

Bl. Baptist Spagnoli – April 17 – Carmelite Saints

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Summary:

Born in Mantua on April 17, 1447, as a youth, Baptist joined the Carmelites of the Congregation of Mantua at Ferrara. He made his religious profession in 1464 and served in many positions of responsibility in the community; he was vicar general of his congregation six times, and in 1513 was elected prior general of the whole Order. In his own time, he was a renowned humanist who brought his richly varied poetry into the service of Christ. He used his friendships with scholars as an opportunity to encourage them to live a Christian life. He died in Mantua on March 20, 1516.

History:

Baptist Spagnoli was born on April 17, 1447, to a Spanish family that had settled in Mantua. As the eldest son of Peter Spagnoli, a nobleman at the Gonzaga court, Baptist excelled in grammar under Gregorio Tifernate and philosophy at Padua under Paolo Bagelardi. His sharp intelligence led to academic success, but the bad example of his peers steered him toward trouble. He fell into debt with usurers and, after returning home, was expelled by his father due to calumny.

At fifteen, he chose the cloister to serve God with greater perfection, guided by a mystical calling that drew him to the reformed Carmelite order in Ferrara. Before the Reformation, many religious orders had fallen into lethargy and abuse. In response, the Congregation of Mantua—a group of Carmelites in northern Italy—chose a stricter, more demanding spirituality. They rigorously observed poverty, simplicity, prayer, and reflection. Though not hostile to the parent order, the Mantuans maintained semi-independence with their own vicar general and held firmly to higher standards of holiness.

Baptist professed his religious vows in 1464. He studied theology at the monastery of San Martino in Bologna, completing his Doctorate by 1475. At San Martino, he was given the assignment to teach, and his eloquence and example inspired his students to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and pursue the sciences. Even the Duke of Mantua entrusted him with the education of his children.

It was during this vigorous period of study that he developed his love for poetry in the style of classical Latin antiquity. Although most of his long life was occupied with promoting religious fervor and addressing the war and peace issues of his time, he never abandoned his interest in composing beautiful works of poetry and prose. The late 15th century was the apex of the age of Christian Humanism in literature, and Baptist threw himself into that circle with characteristic enthusiasm. Erasmus of Rotterdam gave Baptist his nickname, the “Christian Vergil.”  Even Shakespeare refers to him in Act IV of Love’s Labour's Lost.

Baptist's notable prose includes De vita beata, a dialogue on religious life written soon after joining the Carmelites. Another influential work was Adulescentia, a collection of ten Latin eclogues. In it, he combined Virgilian pastoral characters and themes with religious allegory rooted in Carmelite spirituality and rustic realism from personal observation and medieval pastoral art. He wrote over 55,000 lines of verse and became famous and influential in early modern Europe largely through his poetry.

He never forgot his calling as a reformed friar, as he wrote encouragement to his fellow Carmelites to treasure their interior life of prayer, solitude, and recollection. Some of his most beautiful prayers and poems honored Mary and other saints. His fervor of devotion towards the Blessed Virgin led him to glorify her in word or writing on every possible occasion.

But as good as his writings were, his most effective lesson came from his personal holiness. He sought the welfare of others and his Brethren. Crowds of the suffering flocked to him for counsel or help, and for Christ's sake, he became all things to them. Through public sermons, private conversations, and other aids to piety, he served with wonderful charity.

In 1483, Baptist was honored by his brothers in the Mantuan Congregation when they chose him as Vicar General of the reformed Carmelites of Mantua. He fulfilled his duties so well that he was reappointed five more times by unanimous consent. During his tenure, he acquired the monastery of San Crisogono, pleaded for Carmelite reforms before Pope Sixtus IV, and, in 1489, preached before Pope Innocent VIII. In this sermon, he was noted for denouncing widespread corruption and expressing his desire for reform through elegant literary appeals and moving discourse. As Vicar General, he also secured the Marian shrine of Loreto for the Mantuan friars in 1489. Later, in 1493, he became director of studies at the reformed Carmelite monastery in Mantua.

In 1513, Sigismondo Gonzaga, Mantuan's former student and now Cardinal Protector of the Carmelites, oversaw an election in which Baptist was chosen as general of the whole order. Baptist protested that he was not healthy enough for such an important office, but Cardinal Gonzaga insisted his former tutor was best for the job. When the election took place, Baptist was absent and was reluctant to assume the role, but a papal brief compelled him to accept.

After becoming general, Baptist was invited to the Fifth Lateran Council, which aimed for serious reform. In 1515, Pope Leo X tasked him with mediating peace between the king of France and the duke of Milan. But by then, at over 65, age and illness limited Baptist from vigorous actions he could have taken earlier.

Exhausted by constant labor, Baptist foresaw his last day approaching by divine permission. He went to Mantua, endured his last illness patiently, and died there on March 20, 1516. The whole city poured out to visit his tomb and pay homage. The sacred body was exposed for veneration, as several favors had been received from God through the Saint’s intercession. His incorrupt body is preserved in Saint Peter's Cathedral in Mantua.

The blessed cultus began immediately after his death. On December 17, 1885, Pope Leo XIII confirmed his cult ab immemorabili. With the reform following Vatican II, the celebration of the blessed remained in the O.Carm proper calendar as a memorial, on April 17, and is an optional memorial in the Discalced Carmelites’ liturgical calendar.

Prayer:

Lord God,
You made Our Lady’s faithful servant,
Blessed Baptist Spagnoli,
a preacher of Your Gospel by word and example.
Through His prayers
may we ponder Your word in Mary’s company
and praise You with her by the way we live.

We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son,
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever.

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13
Bl Angel Maria Prat and Lucas Tristany Pujol – May 4 – Carmelite Saints
Summary: In a single celebration, both Orders of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel commemorate their martyrs who, in different places in Spain, bore witness to the faith before and during the long and bloody religious persecution for hatred of the faith (1936-1939). Father Angel Mary Prat Hostench, O. Carm., was murdered with his confreres in Tárrega in 1936; Father Lucas of St. Joseph Tristany Pujol, O.C.D., was slain with his confreres in Barcelona the same year. This memorial also includes the groups from Lleida, Tarragona, Toledo, Terrassa, Olot, and others. This multitude of bishops, diocesan priests, religious of various orders, and lay people were beatified, in part by Pope Benedict XVI on October 28, 2007 (498 martyrs), and in part by Pope Francis on October 13, 2013 (522 martyrs). History: Fr. Lucas of St. Joseph (Jose Tristany Pujol) was born on December 14, 1872. He was only six months old when his father died. The family suffered hardships due to his death, leading Jose’s mother, Rosa, to ask her older sons and daughter to live on their own. She took her two younger sons with her to the town of Cardona. There, Rosa died shortly after.   Jose was taken in by his Uncle Antonio and Aunt Margarita in Tarragona. Meanwhile, his older brother, Meliton, entered the Discalced Carmelite Order and took the name Ludovico of the Sacred Hearts. Jose spent his adolescent years with his relatives, who, as he grew up, expected him to marry. However, he felt called to the priesthood, and at 15, began studying Humanities at the seminary. At 18, Jose and his relatives visited the Carmelite Desert Monastery of Las Palmas, where his brother lived. There, he began his novitiate in 1890 and made his first profession of vows the next year. In 1894, he made his solemn vows at the hands of his brother, Fr. Ludovico. After being ordained on May 27, 1899, Fr. Lucas became the superior and professor of Philosophy. He became well known for his preaching and spiritual writings. He coupled his intellectual capacity with a warm, generous spirit, dedicating himself to God, the Order, and those he served. His conviction as a Carmelite friar inspired him to write these prophetic words in an article: “As long as God preserves my vocation, I will not lower my head in shame for anybody because I am a religious ... If we die for the truth, we will have triumphed.” Fr. Lucas was sent to Mexico in 1902, where his apostolic work began in Mazatlán and Durango. His personality attracted many people, which helped build the Carmelites' good name. As a result, the bishop of Mazatlán requested more friars for ministry and entrusted a parish in the city to them, appointing Fr. Lucas as its first pastor. In contrast, the experience in Durango was not as smooth, and both Frs. Pedro of St. Elijah and Lucas had difficulty establishing a Carmelite community there. Religious persecution in Mexico brought the Discalced Carmelites to Tucson, United States, in 1912. There, the Carmelites served twenty-two mission churches in the nearby mining towns and camps. Recognizing their dedication, Bishop Henry Granjon assigned the newly built Holy Family Church in Tucson to them. In 1915, Fr. Lucas became its first pastor. He left the United States and returned to Barcelona upon being elected provincial of the Catalonian Province in 1924. The following year, he transferred to Rome to serve as general definitor. After completing his tenure there in 1933, he returned to Barcelona and served as prior. In 1936, he became provincial and was stationed at the Carmelite monastery in Barcelona. Before his arrival, Spain had shifted from a monarchy to a republic. This transition followed the 1931 elections on April 12, which led to the proclamation of the Republic. As a consequence, King Alfonso XIII of the House of Bourbon left Spain to prevent a civil war, and Niceto Alcalá-Zamora assumed the presidency. This dramatic change in government led to a wave of anti-clerical violence rooted in laicism, which aimed to secularize the country. On May 10, monarchists opened a political center in Madrid called the Independent Monarchist Circle, which was soon attacked by riots. As a result, from May 11 to 13, many churches were burned. The violence began in Madrid and spread to Seville, Cordoba, Murcia, and Malaga. The Communist Party organized many acts of arson, which the provisional government did nothing to stop. Summing up the government’s views, the Minister of War, Manuel Azaña, declared, “All the convents of Spain are not worth the life of one Republican.” In October, the Socialist Party won the legislative elections. Manuel Azaña became the head of State. Two months later, the Parliament passed a constitution introducing strict secular policies. These included the banning of religious orders, Catholic education, and religious cemeteries. The Popular Front, a coalition of left-wing parties, took power in 1936. It included the Socialist Party, Esquerra Republicana, and the Communist Party. This began a period of lawlessness, marked by unauthorized demonstrations, disregard for private property, and increased political violence. Police delegates, who were former socialist activists, conducted arbitrary arrests of right-wing politicians, dissolved rightist and monarchist groups, and heightened political unrest. This culminated in a military uprising on July 18, 1936, led by Franco and General Emilio Mola. During that time, areas still under Republican control saw dramatic religious persecution. Republican partisans desecrated, burned, and looted churches and shrines across Spain. Furthermore, relics and statues were paraded through the streets in mock celebrations, and bodies of saints and clergy were dug up and abused. In addition, priests and religious were hunted and massacred. Notably, around 6,800 religious were murdered between 1936 and 1939, including 13 bishops. Moreover, as many as 20,000 churches were destroyed, many of them before the war started. People, especially women, were murdered for attending Mass, and anyone associated with the opposition was killed. It was against this backdrop of violence that Bl. Lucas of St. Joseph Tristany Pujol, O.C.D., was slain with his confreres in Barcelona. Bl. Lucas was executed on July 20, 1936. Angel Maria Prat Hostench, renowned for his spirituality and Marian piety, held the office of superior in numerous houses of the province. On July 28, 1936, Bl. Angel Prat and other religious were discovered while trying to escape persecution at the Tarrega railway station, taken to Cervera, where they were shot at dawn on July 29 for being priests and religious. With Prat were the priests Eliseo M. Maneus Besalduch, Anastasio M. Dorca Coraminas, and Eduardo M. Serrano Buf; the students Pedro M. Ferrer Martin, Andrés M. Solé Rovina, Miguel M. Soler Sala, Juan M. Puigmitjà Rubiò, and Pedro-Tomás M. Prat Colledecarrara; the lay brother Eliseo M. Fontdecaba Quiroga, recently professed; and novices José M. Escoto Ruíz and Elías M. Garre Egea. In August, after escaping her burning monastery, Carmelite nun Sister Maria del Patrocinio was shot by militia. In October and November, more Carmelites were killed following inhumane interrogations and treatment. They were Brothers Ludovico M. Ayet Canós and Angel M. Presta Batlle, Father Fernando M. Llobera Puigsech, and Eufrosino M. Raga Nadal, a sub-deacon. Throughout this period, anti-Christian terror and persecution accompanied the socialist or Communist domination of any region until the Spanish Civil War ended in 1939 with Franco’s dictatorship. This joint memorial for both Orders of the Brothers of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Mount Carmel commemorates their martyrs who were killed during the Spanish Civil War. This memorial includes eight groups of Carmelites, as well as a multitude of bishops, diocesan priests, religious of various orders, and lay people, who were beatified in part by Pope Benedict XVI on October 28, 2007, and in part by Pope Francis on October 13, 2013. Prayer: Almighty and merciful God, who granted the priests Blesseds Angelus Mary, Luke of Saint Joseph, and their companions the grace of reaching the summit of Mount Carmel through martyrdom, grant, we pray, through their intercession, that we may always live with wisdom and zeal, by bearing witness to the kingly majesty of Christ. Who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. List of Carmelite Martyrs: Bl. Angel Maria (Angel Prat Hostench, April 30, 1896-July 29, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Eliseo Maria (Eliseo Maneus Besalduch, December 15, 1896-July 29, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Anastasi Maria (Pere Dorca Coromina, December 30, 1907-July 29, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Eduardo Maria (Manuel Serrano Buj, December 21, 1912-July 29, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Pere Maria (Pere Ferrer Marin, June 1, 1909-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Andreu Corsino Maria (Josep Sole Rovira, January 23, 1919-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Miquel Maria (Miquel Soler Sala, March 15, 1919-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Joan Maria Puigmitja Rubio (April 16, 1919-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Pere Tomas Maria (Joan Prat Colldecarrera, August 4, 1919-July 29, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Eliseu Maria (Lluis Fontdecava Quiroga, May 12, 1891-July 29, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Jose Maria (Gabriel Escoto Ruiz, August 10, 1878-July 29, 1936) (novice, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Elias Maria (Gines Garre Egea, October 9, 1910-July 29, 1936) (novice, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Maria de Patocini de Sant Josep (Maria de Puiggracios Badia Flaquer, August 28, 1903-August 13, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Nuns of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Eufrosi Maria (Josep Lluis Raga Nadal, December 28, 1913- October 6, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Ludovico Maria (Antonio Ayet Canos, July 25, 1886-October 13, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Angel Maria (Angel Presta Batlle, February 17, 1915-October 13, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Ferran Maria Ferran Llovera Pulgesch, March 19, 1902-November 22, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Lluc of Saint Joseph (Josep Tristany Pujol, December 14, 1872-July 20, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Jordi of Saint Joseph (Antoni Besch Verdura, September 6, 1889-July 20, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Joan Josep of Jesus Crucified (Joan Pafila Monllao, August 19, 1911- July 20, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Jaime of Saint Teresa (Jaime Gascon Bordas, July 25, 1886-July 24, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Romuald of Saint Catherine (Josep Guillami Rodo, February 3, 1866-July 24, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Eduard of the Child Jesus (Ricard Farre Masip, April 3, 1897-July 25, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Gabriel of the Annunciation (Jaume Balcells Grau, October 12, 1908-July 25, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Esperanza of the Cross (Teresa Subira Sanjuame, February 27, 1875- July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Missionaries) Bl. Maria Refugi of Saint Angelo (Maria Roqueta Serra, April 20, 1878- July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Missionaries) Bl. Daniela of Saint Barnabas (Vicenta Achurra Gogenola, April 4, 1890- July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Missionaries) Bl. Gabriela of Saint John of the Cross (Francisca Pons Sarda, July 18, 1880- July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Missionaries) Marcal of Saint Anne (Josep Maria Masip Tamarit, March 2, 1914- September ?, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Antoni Maria of Jesus (Antoni Bonet Sero, March 20, 1907- September 7, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Apolonia of the Blessed Sacrament (Apolonia Lizarraga Ochoa de Zabalegui, April 18, 1867- September 8, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Sisters of Charity Vedruna) Bl. Joaquim of Saint Joseph (Josep Casas Julia, December 23, 1915- September 28, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Pedro Tomas of the Virgin of the Pillar (Pedro de Alcantara de Forton de Cascajares, April 26, 1888- October 10, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Lius Maria of the Virgin of Mercy (Luis Minguel Ferrer, June 13, 1902- October 22, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Alfons of the Heart of Mary (Alfons Arimany Ferrer, May 19, 1905-October 25, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Jose Mariano of the Angels (Mariano Alarcon Ruiz, November 24, 1912-December 17, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Eufrasio of the Child Jesus (Eufrasio Barredo Fernandez, February 8, 1897-October 12, 1934) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Eusebio of the Child Jesus (Ovidio Fernandez Arenillas, February 21, 1888-July 22, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Clemente of the Sacred Heart (Clemente Lopez Yague, November 25, 1911-July 22, 1936) (novice, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Hermilo of Saint Eliseus (Pedro Romon Rodriguez, April 14, 1913-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Eliseo of Jesus Crucified (Esteban Cuevas Casquero, December 26, 1913-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Perfecto of the Virgin of Carmel (Perfecto Dominguez Monge, April 18, 1914-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Jose Agustin of the Blessed Sacrament (Tomas Mateos Sanchez, September 17, 1912-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Jose Maria of the Sorrowful Mother (Vicente Alamo Jimenez, August 3, 1901-July 30, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Constancio of Saint Joseph (Jose Mata Luis, August 23, 1914-July 30, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Nazario of the Sacred Heart (Nazario del Valle Gonzalez, July 28, 1901-July 31, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Pedro Jose of the Sacred Hearts (Pedro Jimenez Vallejo, February 22, 1861-July 31, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Ramon of the Virgin of Carmel (Jose Grijalvo Medel, March 29, 1896-July 31, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Daniel of the Passion (Daniel Mora Nine, February 17, 1908-July 31, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Felix of the Virgin of Carmel (Luis Gomez de Pablo, January 9, 1912-July 31, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Placido of the Child Jesus (Jose Luis Collado Oliver, January 25, 1912-July 31, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Melchor of the Child Jesus (Melchor Martin Monge, July 18, 1914-July 31, 1936) (professed cleric, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Tirso of Jesus Mary (Gregoria Sanchez Sancho, April 19, 1899-September 7, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Jose Maria Mateos Carballido (March 19, 1902-July 22, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Eliseo Maria (Juan Duran Cintas, November 25, 1906-July 22, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Ramon Maria Perez Sousa (August 1, 1903-July 22, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Jaime Maria Carretero Rojas (April 27, 1911-July 22, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Jose Maria Gonzalez Delgado (February 26, 1908-July 27, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Pedro Valasco Narbona (October 12, 1892-July ?, 1936) (postulant, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Antonio Maria Martin Povea (November 27, 1887-August 14, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Eliseo Maria Camargo Montes (June 4, 1887-August 18, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Jose Maria Ruiz Cardenosa (July 26, 1902-August 18, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Carmelo Maria (Crispulo Moyano Linares, June 10, 1891-September 23, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Daniel Maria (Daniel Garcia Anton, December 11, 1913-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Silvano Maria (Silvano Villaneuva Gonzalez, February 6, 1916-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Adalberto Maria (Adalberto Vicente, April 23, 1916-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Aurelio Maria (Aurelio Garcia Anton, August 14, 1916-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Francisco Maria (Francisco Perez, January 30, 1917-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Angelo Maria (Angelo Reguilon Lobato, June 1, 1917-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Bartolome Fanti Maria (Nicomedes Andres Vecilla, August 26, 1917-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Angel Maria (Jose Sanchez Rodriguez, August 2, 1918-August 18, 1936) (professed cleric, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Alberto Maria (Francisco Marco Aleman, May 23, 1894-November 18, 1936) (professed priest, Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) Bl. Joan of Jesus (Joan Vilaregut Farre, August 19, 1907-July 24, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Bartomeu of the Passion (Josep Olive Vivo, September 14, 1894-July 24, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Silveri of Saint Aloysius Gonzaga (Jaume Perucho Fontarro, March 12, 1864-August 20, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Francesc of the Assumption (Francesc Segala Sole, May 25, 1912-August 20, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Angel of Saint Joseph (Joan Fort Rius, October 10, 1896-July 25, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Vicente of the Cross (Vicente Gellen Ybanez, September 29, 1908-July 25, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Carles of Jesus Mary (Carles Barrufet Tost, April 9, 1888-August 12, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Julio Alameda Camarero (May 28, 1911-November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Tertiaries of Education) Bl. Jose Cecilio of Jesus Mary (Jose Alberich Lluch, February 7, 1865--November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Elipio of Saint Rose (Felipe Arce Fernandez, October 16, 1878--November 11, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Lluis Domino Oliva (January 11, 1892--November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Tertiaries of Education) Bl. Pedro of Saint Elijah (Pedro de Eriz Eguiluz, February 22, 1877-November 11, 1936) (professed priest, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Damian of the Holy Trinity (Damian Rodriguez Pablo, May 18, 1896-November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Discalced Carmelites) Bl. Isidre Tarsa Giribets (February 3, 1866-November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Tertiaries of Education) Bl. Bonaventura Toldra Rodon (March 31, 1896-November 11, 1936) (professed religious, Carmelite Tertiaries of Education)
21
Bl. Marie-Eugène of the Child Jesus Grialou – February 4 – Carmelite Saints
Summary: Henri Grialou was born in Aubin, in Aveyron (France), on December 2, 1894. After his priestly ordination on February 4, 1922, he was captivated by the doctrine of St. Therese of the Child Jesus and St. John of the Cross and decided to join the Discalced Carmelites. After serving as superior in France, he was elected to serve as a General Definitor of the Order in Rome in 1937. In 1948, he was appointed Apostolic Visitor of the Discalced Carmelite nuns in France and religious assistant to their federations. From 1955, he was able to devote himself full-time to the secular institute Notre Dame de Vie, which he started in 1932. He died in Venasque on March 27th, 1967, the feast day of the institute. He was beatified in 2016 by Pope Francis. History: Henri Grialou was born on December 2, 1894, in Le Gua, southern France, the third of five children to Auguste Grialou, a miner, and Marie Miral, who came from a farming family. The family led a hard life, suffering the social deprivations of the mining region. Growing up, his sole desire was to become a priest, which became more concrete towards the end of his childhood. His father died when he was only 10 years of age, though this allowed him to go to a Catholic boarding school, the Fathers of the Holy Spirit, for free. The education he received helped nurture a vocation to the priesthood. His mother supported his decision and worked hard to send him to the minor seminary in Graves for his studies. Grialou entered the major seminary in Rodez in October 1911, where he discovered the life and works of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, who, at that time, was beginning the process to become a saint. Drawn to her works, he learned of her little way of spiritual childhood. His formation and studies were interrupted by the outbreak of World War I, and Henri volunteered for the army in 1913. He served on the front lines as an officer, and for five years, Henri took part in the major campaigns at Argonne, Verdun, and Chemin des Dames. Upon his discharge at the end of the war in 1919, he held the rank of Lieutenant and was decorated as a Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor with the Military Cross. During the war, both he and his men felt the powerful protection of St. Thérèse of Lisieux and took solace in knowing he had a powerful intercessor. In the 1920s, he wrote of her: "It seems to me that the mission of the little Blessed is to spread the divine love in souls in the form which God wills for our times." After distinguishing himself on the front lines, he reentered seminary in 1919 at Rodez, where he said, “I made a definitive choice to become a priest.” As he was on his retreat to prepare to be ordained a sub-deacon, he took along a little book about St John of the Cross that a Carmelite nun had just given him. During his reading on the evening of December 13, 1920, he received a sudden, overwhelming revelation that God wanted him to become a Discalced Carmelite. Though he had never met a Carmelite friar and was unsure whether there were any in France, he knew God had made him a Carmelite. However, numerous difficulties would arise in pursuing this call. He first approached his seminary spiritual director, who told Henri, ‘absolutely not’ and forbade him from speaking about this again. Obediently, Henri said nothing and sat alone with his thoughts of entering Carmel. Time passed, and after his ordination as a subdeacon, he prayed to the Lord, saying, "My spiritual director must bring this up before Easter of this year, or I will know this is not really from you." Lent arrived, followed by Holy Week and the Triduum, yet still no word. On Good Friday, however, his spiritual director approached him in the chapel to ask about his thoughts on entering Carmel. Henri explained how his experience had matured over several months. At the end of their meeting, his director said, "If you were not resolved to go to Carmel, I myself would force you to go!" As the weeks pass, Henri is ordained a deacon and is set to be ordained a priest in only a couple of months. He now must speak to the bishop about this. The bishop, who saw that Henri was a gifted man with great strength of personality, intellect, and heart, as well as an incredible leader, had a plan for Henri to head up a missionary band of priests to go throughout the diocese to bring back the many fallen-away Catholics. As such, upon Henri's request to depart for Carmel, the bishop said, “Absolutely not, you will report to your new assignment after ordination, and that is all.” Henri left the meeting deeply saddened but confident that God would find a way. Several weeks later, the bishop asked the seminary spiritual director how Henri was doing. To which he answered that he submits to the bishop. The bishop then recounted that, since their meeting, he has not had a good night's sleep, cannot get Henri’s request off his mind, and is convinced that God will not let him rest until he lets him go. The bishop then tells the rector that Henri may enter Carmel. The last obstacle was also the greatest and most heart-wrenching: his mother. His mother was a widow who spent the last 10 years working various jobs to pay for Henri’s seminary education. They were very close and shared a deep love for each other. Her one dream was to retire from her arduous daily labor and live with her son at his rectory as a housekeeper and companion, which was not uncommon for a widowed mother or a single sister to do in those days. When Henri told his mom about his desire to enter Carmel, she went into a panic. She believed he was going to hide away in a cloister and never see her again. Henri tried to explain to her that this was a misunderstanding, but she would not listen. She cursed his path to Carmel and even threatened to take her own life if he left. These encounters completely broke Henri. He did not know what to do. He was about to be ordained a priest, and his mother said she would have no part in his ordination or his first Mass. Henri knew his mother never went back on her word. He asked God for a miracle; if she comes to the ordination, this will be the last confirmation that this call to Carmel is from God. The days pass, and she will not talk to him. When his ordination arrived, and she was not in the pew. Then, right as the Mass began, Henri spotted her in a corner! The miracle has happened! For two more years, Henri’s relationship with his mother would be strained. However, after much prayer and suffering, his mom became reconciled to her son’s vocation, and the affection they shared would grow stronger as a result of this trial. After ordination, Fr. Henri spent several days in his hometown visiting and celebrating his first Masses before departing for Carmel. Just three weeks after receiving Holy Orders, he boarded a train to Avon, France, where he began his novitiate in the Discalced Carmelites on February 24, 1922, taking the name Fr. Marie-Eugène of the Child Jesus in honor of his devotion to the Little Flower. Upon entry, he declared, "My vocation is certain." He received the Carmelite habit on March 10, 1922. Fr. Marie-Eugene’s life was driven by his devotion to the Carmelite charism and evangelical zeal. His motto was "traditus gratiae Dei" (surrendered to the grace of God). As a priest, he dedicated himself to sharing the teachings of the Carmelite saints. He actively participated in preaching after the beatification and canonization of St. Thérèse of Lisieux in 1923 and 1925, and after the proclamation of St. John of the Cross as a Doctor of the Church in 1926. Bl. Marie-Eugène was also a master of the spiritual life and a renowned spiritual director in his time. He preached that the paths to contemplation and personal holiness were open to all the Christian faithful. He gave himself fully to this apostolate, thereby contributing to the renewal of the Church in France between the two world wars. His two major works - I Want to See God, and I am a Daughter of the Church - are filled with rich and detailed explications of Carmelite thought. They offer a synthesis based on the teachings of St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and other notable Carmelites. From these saints, Bl. Marie-Eugène learned of the grace found in silent prayer. In 1928, he became Prior of the Petit Castelet Monastery in Tarascon. The next year, on Pentecost, three women who ran a private school in Marseille sought Fr. Marie-Eugène's advice; one of them was Marie Pila. From that meeting, he and Pila founded the Secular Institute of Notre-Dame de Vie in Venasque in 1932. This lay institute, which is similar to a Third Order, still exists. He opened its first branch in the Philippines and celebrated the inaugural Mass there on December 25, 1954. The institute's aim was the Carmelite ideal, realized by the prophet Elijah: “To closely join a contemplative and apostolic life in the world, by permeating every apostolate with mental prayer, so as to be the witness through word and life to the living God.” From 1932 to 1936, he was the Prior at Agen, and in 1936, he was appointed Prior in Monaco, which he served for a year. He also sought to revitalize Carmelite monasteries and convents, and, in 1948, Pope Pius XII appointed him an Apostolic Visitor to this end, as a member of the General Council of the Order in Rome, where he remained until 1955, apart from the war years of 1939-1945. More specifically, he was given the responsibility for all the French-speaking Carmelite monasteries. He paid special attention to the persecuted communities. In the order itself, he was the General Definitor from 1937 to 1954 and the Vicar-General from 1954 to 1955; in the latter post, he travelled to various Carmelite monasteries. On returning to France in 1955, he was elected Provincial from 1957 to 1960 and again from 1963 to 1967. He closely observed the upheavals of the 1950s and new apostolic initiatives in the Church. From 1965 onwards, Fr Marie-Eugene's health gradually deteriorated. He focused on the essentials: teaching the fundamentals of the spiritual life and supporting the growing number of people seeking his advice. Devoted to the Holy Spirit and our Blessed Mother, after many months of severe suffering, Fr. Marie-Eugène died on Easter Monday, March 27, 1967, the day on which he enjoyed celebrating the joy of Mary, Mother of Life (Notre-Dame de Vie), the feast day he had previously established for the institute. His final words to those gathered at his bedside were: "As for me, I am on my way to perfect union with the Holy Spirit". On September 27, 1985, Pope St. John Paul II granted him the title Servant of God. On December 19, 2011, he was proclaimed to be Venerable after Pope Benedict XVI acknowledged that Henri had lived a model Christian life of heroic virtue - both cardinal and theological - which the pope deemed Grialou exercised to a favorable degree. He was later beatified in 2016 by Pope Francis. Prayer: God, rich in mercy, you gave Blessed Marie-Eugène of the Child Jesus the grace and light to guide your people along the paths of contemplative prayer and missionary witness toward the fullness of Christ. Grant us through his intercession to grow in submission to the Holy Spirit and to work, in faith, for the coming of your Kingdom. Through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Apostoli_Viae
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