Meditations on Finding of Meditations on Finding of JesusJesus Recommendation: Please read the contents of one Recommendation: Please read the contents of one

of the 20 mysteries meditations before you start of the 20 mysteries meditations before you start your prayer. Some of these presentations (e.g. The your prayer. Some of these presentations (e.g. The Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion) contains Fifth Sorrowful Mystery: The Crucifixion) contains over 60 slides. With so much spiritual food that it over 60 slides. With so much spiritual food that it is best to is best to read and contemplate on a few of the read and contemplate on a few of the slides each timeslides each time..

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The Fifth Joyful MysteryThe Fifth Joyful MysteryThe Holy Family and the FindingThe Holy Family and the Finding

of Jesus in the Templeof Jesus in the Temple

A critical contemporary issue: the family, the primary cell A critical contemporary issue: the family, the primary cell of the society, is increasingly menaced by forces of of the society, is increasingly menaced by forces of disintegration on both the ideological and practical planes. disintegration on both the ideological and practical planes. The revival of the Rosary in Christian families will be an The revival of the Rosary in Christian families will be an effective aid to countering the devastating effects of this effective aid to countering the devastating effects of this crisis of our age.crisis of our age. ----- -----Pope John PaulPope John Paul II.II.

They came upon him in the temple sitting in the midst of the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. All who heard him were amazed. Fruit of the mystery: Joy in Finding Jesus Piety____________________________________________________

Leonardo da Vinci, The virgin and Child, St. Anne & St. John. 1500 London National Gallery

Remarkable resemblance between Mary and Anne to emphasized the strong ties between mother and daughter.

1. Infancy of Jesus

Quebec.

The Blessed Virgin said to Venerable The Blessed Virgin said to Venerable Mother Mary of AgredaMother Mary of Agreda::

““At the sight of the Highest Good, my heart was At the sight of the Highest Good, my heart was wounded with love, and I gave myself entirely to wounded with love, and I gave myself entirely to Him.Him.

I underwent the hardships of infancy like other I underwent the hardships of infancy like other children. I felt hunger, thirst, sleepiness and other children. I felt hunger, thirst, sleepiness and other infirmities of the body. In all the difficulties which infirmities of the body. In all the difficulties which I endured after I was born into the world, I was I endured after I was born into the world, I was resigned and contented, since I had merited none resigned and contented, since I had merited none of God’s gifts.of God’s gifts.

Be very Be very devout toward my most sweet name.” toward my most sweet name.”

The flight to EgyptThe flight to EgyptWords of the Queen Words of the Queen on:on:

Fulfill the will of God with equanimityFulfill the will of God with equanimity Danger of passion and lustDanger of passion and lust Practicing virtue; seek after povertyPracticing virtue; seek after poverty

Words of Jesus onWords of Jesus on The infirmity of my humanityThe infirmity of my humanity Doctrine to love povertyDoctrine to love poverty

Fra Bartolommeo, The Rest During the Flight to Egypt with St. John, 1509, Paul Getty Museum. Los Angeles.

2.**The Flight to Egypt ““My daughter, while My daughter, while journeying at the command journeying at the command of the Lord from one country of the Lord from one country to anotherto another, my heart was , my heart was never troubled nor my spirit never troubled nor my spirit cast down; for I always held cast down; for I always held myself prepared to fulfill myself prepared to fulfill entirely the will of God.entirely the will of God. For in obeying the Lord no For in obeying the Lord no further reason is necessary further reason is necessary than that the Lord Creator so than that the Lord Creator so commands and disposescommands and disposes.”.” (Mary of Agreda)(Mary of Agreda)

Fra Bartolommeo, The Rest During the Flight to Egypt with St. John, 1509,. Paul Getty Museum. Los Angeles.

2A.The Flight to Egypt Any other faith and virtue might Any other faith and virtue might have been disturbed to see the have been disturbed to see the powerful God flying from a powerful God flying from a miserable earthly being, and miserable earthly being, and that He should do so in order to that He should do so in order to save his lifesave his life, as if He, being , as if He, being both God and man, could be both God and man, could be affected by the fear of death. affected by the fear of death. She was not in the least She was not in the least disturbed or moved by this disturbed or moved by this unlooked for order. Answering, unlooked for order. Answering, She said: "She said: "My Lord and Master, My Lord and Master, behold thy servant with a heart behold thy servant with a heart prepared to die for thy love if prepared to die for thy love if necessary. Dispose of me necessary. Dispose of me according to thy will.”according to thy will.”(Mary of Agreda)(Mary of Agreda)

Fra Bartolommeo, The Rest During the Flight to Egypt with St. John, 1509, Paul Getty Museum. Los Angeles.

2B.The Flight to Egypt

“My husband and master, if we have received from God such great blessings and graces, it is fitting that we should joyfully accept temporal suffering. Wherever we go, we carry Our Lord with us, and He is our comfort. So let us proceed to fulfill His holy Will.” ( Mary of Agreda)

Fra Bartolommeo, The Rest During the Flight to Egypt with St. John, 1509, Paul Getty Museum. Los Angeles.

2E.The Flight to Egypt

“---after returning from the exile in Egypt, in the serene years of his childhood, I watched Him open Himself up each day, like a flower, to the sun of beauty, of grace and of divine wisdom.” (Gobbi)

Remarkable description of what happened during the Remarkable description of what happened during the flight to Egypt.flight to Egypt. (by Mary of Agreda in Mystical City (by Mary of Agreda in Mystical City of God)of God)

Any other faith and virtue might have been Any other faith and virtue might have been disturbed (as the incredulous really have been) to disturbed (as the incredulous really have been) to see the powerful God flying from a miserable see the powerful God flying from a miserable earthly being, and that He should do so in order to earthly being, and that He should do so in order to save his life, as if He, being both God and man, save his life, as if He, being both God and man, could be affected by the fear of death. But the could be affected by the fear of death. But the most prudent and obedient Mother advanced no most prudent and obedient Mother advanced no objection or doubt: She was not in the least objection or doubt: She was not in the least disturbed or moved by this unlooked for order. disturbed or moved by this unlooked for order. Answering, She saidAnswering, She said: : ""My Lord and Master, behold My Lord and Master, behold thy servant with a heart prepared to die for thy love if thy servant with a heart prepared to die for thy love if necessary. Dispose of me according to thy will.necessary. Dispose of me according to thy will. This only This only do I ask of thy immense goodness, that, overlooking my do I ask of thy immense goodness, that, overlooking my want of merit and gratitude, want of merit and gratitude, Thou permit not my Son and Thou permit not my Son and Lord to suffer, and that Thou turn all pains and labor Lord to suffer, and that Thou turn all pains and labor upon me, who am obliged to suffer them.”----upon me, who am obliged to suffer them.”----Mystical Mystical city of Godcity of God

It must be remembered that the Almighty It must be remembered that the Almighty permitted his Only begotten, with his most holy permitted his Only begotten, with his most holy Mother and saint Joseph, to suffer the Mother and saint Joseph, to suffer the inconveniences and hardships naturally inconveniences and hardships naturally connected with travel through this desert.connected with travel through this desert. And And although the heavenly Lady made no complaints, although the heavenly Lady made no complaints, yet She was much afflicted, which was also true of yet She was much afflicted, which was also true of her most faithful husband. her most faithful husband. For both of them For both of them suffered many personal inconveniences and suffered many personal inconveniences and discomforts, while the Mother, in addition thereto, discomforts, while the Mother, in addition thereto, was afflicted still more on account of the was afflicted still more on account of the sufferings of her Sonsufferings of her Son and of saint Joseph; and the and of saint Joseph; and the latter was deeply grieved not to be able by his latter was deeply grieved not to be able by his diligence and care to ease the hardships of the diligence and care to ease the hardships of the Child and his Spouse.Child and his Spouse.

During all this journey of sixty leagues through desert they During all this journey of sixty leagues through desert they had no other night-shelter than the sky and open air; had no other night-shelter than the sky and open air; moreover, it was in the time of winter, for journey took moreover, it was in the time of winter, for journey took place in the month of February, only six days after the place in the month of February, only six days after the PurificationPurification, as was indicated in the last chapter. In the first , as was indicated in the last chapter. In the first night on these sandy plains they rested at the foot of a night on these sandy plains they rested at the foot of a small hill, this being the only protection they could find. small hill, this being the only protection they could find. The Queen of heaven with the Child in her arms seated The Queen of heaven with the Child in her arms seated Herself on the earth, and with her husband She ate of the Herself on the earth, and with her husband She ate of the victuals brought with them from Gaza. The Empress of victuals brought with them from Gaza. The Empress of heaven also nursed the Infant Jesus at her breast and He heaven also nursed the Infant Jesus at her breast and He on his part rejoiced his Mother and her husband by his on his part rejoiced his Mother and her husband by his contentment. In order to furnish them with some kind of contentment. In order to furnish them with some kind of shelter against the open air; however narrow and humble it shelter against the open air; however narrow and humble it might be, saint Joseph formed a sort of tent for the divinemight be, saint Joseph formed a sort of tent for the divine Word and most holy Mary by means of his cloak and some Word and most holy Mary by means of his cloak and some sticks. During that night the sticks. During that night the ten thousand angels who, full ten thousand angels who, full of marvel, assisted these earthly Pilgrims in visible human of marvel, assisted these earthly Pilgrims in visible human shapes, formed a guard aroundshapes, formed a guard around their King and Queen.their King and Queen.

Saint Joseph slept upon the ground, resting his Saint Joseph slept upon the ground, resting his head upon the chest, which contained the clothing head upon the chest, which contained the clothing and other articles of their baggage.and other articles of their baggage.

On the next day they pursued their journey and On the next day they pursued their journey and their little store of fruit and bread was soon their little store of fruit and bread was soon exhausted, that they began to suffer great want exhausted, that they began to suffer great want and to feel the hunger. Although Joseph was more and to feel the hunger. Although Joseph was more deeply concerned, yet both of them felt this deeply concerned, yet both of them felt this privation very much. On one of the first days of privation very much. On one of the first days of their journey they partook of no sustenance until their journey they partook of no sustenance until nine o'clock at night, not having any more even of nine o'clock at night, not having any more even of the coarse and poor foodthe coarse and poor food..

The Most High permitted the elements to afflict them more The Most High permitted the elements to afflict them more than at other times and in addition to the sufferings caused than at other times and in addition to the sufferings caused by their fatigue, destitution and hunger. For there arose a by their fatigue, destitution and hunger. For there arose a storm of wind and rain, which harassed and blinded them storm of wind and rain, which harassed and blinded them by its fury. Although She tried to cover and protect Him as by its fury. Although She tried to cover and protect Him as much as possible, yet She could not prevent Him from much as possible, yet She could not prevent Him from feeling the inclemency of the weather, so that He shed feeling the inclemency of the weather, so that He shed tears and shivered from the coldtears and shivered from the cold in the same manner as in the same manner as other children are wont to do.other children are wont to do.

Then the anxious Mother, making use of her power as Then the anxious Mother, making use of her power as Queen and Mistress of creatures, commanded the Queen and Mistress of creatures, commanded the elements not to afflict their Creator, but to afford Him elements not to afflict their Creator, but to afford Him shelter and refreshment, and wreak their vengeance upon shelter and refreshment, and wreak their vengeance upon Her alone. The wind immediately moderated and the storm Her alone. The wind immediately moderated and the storm abated, not daring to approach Mother and Child. In return abated, not daring to approach Mother and Child. In return for this loving forethought, for this loving forethought, the Infant Jesus commanded the Infant Jesus commanded his angels to assist his kindest Mother and to serve Her as his angels to assist his kindest Mother and to serve Her as a shield against the inclemency of the weather. They a shield against the inclemency of the weather. They immediately complied and constructed a resplendent and immediately complied and constructed a resplendent and beautiful globe round about and over their incarnate God, beautiful globe round about and over their incarnate God, his Mother and her spouse.his Mother and her spouse.

Nevertheless, they were in want of food, and they were Nevertheless, they were in want of food, and they were destitute of other things unprovidable by their own mere destitute of other things unprovidable by their own mere human effort. But the Lord allowed them to fall into this human effort. But the Lord allowed them to fall into this need in order that, listening to the acceptable prayers of need in order that, listening to the acceptable prayers of his Spouse, He might make provision also for this by the his Spouse, He might make provision also for this by the hands of the angels. They brought them delicious bread hands of the angels. They brought them delicious bread and well-seasoned fruits, and moreover a most delicious and well-seasoned fruits, and moreover a most delicious drinkdrink; all of which they administered and served with their ; all of which they administered and served with their own hands. Then all of them together sang hymns of own hands. Then all of them together sang hymns of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, who gives food to all praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, who gives food to all creatures at opportune times, in order that the poor may creatures at opportune times, in order that the poor may eat and be filled (Ps. 135, 25) whose eyes and hopes are eat and be filled (Ps. 135, 25) whose eyes and hopes are fixed upon his kingly Providence and bounty. Of such a fixed upon his kingly Providence and bounty. Of such a kind was the delicate feast, with which the Lord regaled his kind was the delicate feast, with which the Lord regaled his three exiled Wanderers in the desert of Bersabe (III Ivings three exiled Wanderers in the desert of Bersabe (III Ivings 19, 3), for it was the same desert in which Elias, fleeing 19, 3), for it was the same desert in which Elias, fleeing from Jezabel, was comforted by the hearth cake, brought from Jezabel, was comforted by the hearth cake, brought to him by the angel in order that he might travel to Horeb to him by the angel in order that he might travel to Horeb mount.mount.

So then the Infant Jesus, with his Mother and saint So then the Infant Jesus, with his Mother and saint Joseph, reached the inhabited country of Egypt. Joseph, reached the inhabited country of Egypt. On entering the towns the divine Infant, in the On entering the towns the divine Infant, in the arms of his Mother, raised his eyes and his hands arms of his Mother, raised his eyes and his hands to the Father asking for the salvation of these to the Father asking for the salvation of these inhabitants held captive by Satan. And inhabitants held captive by Satan. And immediately He made use of his sovereign and immediately He made use of his sovereign and divine power and drove the demons from the idols divine power and drove the demons from the idols and hurled them to the infernal abyss. Like and hurled them to the infernal abyss. Like lightning flashed from the clouds they darted forth lightning flashed from the clouds they darted forth and descended to the lowermost caverns of hell and descended to the lowermost caverns of hell and darkness (Luke 10, 4). At the same instant the and darkness (Luke 10, 4). At the same instant the idols crashed to the ground, the altars fell to idols crashed to the ground, the altars fell to pieces, and the temples crumbled to ruins.pieces, and the temples crumbled to ruins.

The Egyptian people were astounded at these The Egyptian people were astounded at these inexplicable happenings.inexplicable happenings.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph pursued their way through many towns of Jesus, Mary and Joseph pursued their way through many towns of Egypt, performing these and many other miracles driving out the Egypt, performing these and many other miracles driving out the demons not only from the idols, but out of many bodies possessed by demons not only from the idols, but out of many bodies possessed by them, curing many that were grievously and dangerously ill, them, curing many that were grievously and dangerously ill, enlightening the hearts by the doctrines of truth and eternal life. enlightening the hearts by the doctrines of truth and eternal life.

The traditions, which in many parts of Egypt kept alive the The traditions, which in many parts of Egypt kept alive the remembrance of wonders wrought by the incarnate Word, gave rise to remembrance of wonders wrought by the incarnate Word, gave rise to differences of opinion among the sacred writers in regard to the city, in differences of opinion among the sacred writers in regard to the city, in which our Exiles lived, of the which our Exiles lived, of the sojourn of our Pilgrims in Memphis, or sojourn of our Pilgrims in Memphis, or Babylon of Egypt, or in Matarieh; for they visited not only these cities, Babylon of Egypt, or in Matarieh; for they visited not only these cities, but many others. They passed through these and then reached but many others. They passed through these and then reached Heliopolis, where they took up their abode. Heliopolis, where they took up their abode. Their holy guardian angels Their holy guardian angels instructed the heavenly Queen and saint Joseph, that They were to instructed the heavenly Queen and saint Joseph, that They were to settle in this city. The Lord had resolved to perform still other miracles settle in this city. The Lord had resolved to perform still other miracles for his glory and for the rescue of souls; and the inhabitants of this for his glory and for the rescue of souls; and the inhabitants of this city, (according to the good fortune already prognosticated in its name city, (according to the good fortune already prognosticated in its name as "City of the Sun"), were to see the Sun of justice and grace arise as "City of the Sun"), were to see the Sun of justice and grace arise over them and shine upon them. Following these orders, saint Joseph over them and shine upon them. Following these orders, saint Joseph sought to purchase for a suitable price some dwelling in the sought to purchase for a suitable price some dwelling in the neighborhood; and the Lord ordained that he should find a poor and neighborhood; and the Lord ordained that he should find a poor and humble, yet serviceable house, at small distance from the city, just humble, yet serviceable house, at small distance from the city, just such as the Queen of heaven desired.such as the Queen of heaven desired.

The most prudent Lady and her spouse, forsaken and The most prudent Lady and her spouse, forsaken and destitute of all temporal help, accommodated themselves destitute of all temporal help, accommodated themselves joyfully to the poverty of their little dwelling. Of the three joyfully to the poverty of their little dwelling. Of the three rooms, which it contained, they assigned one to be the rooms, which it contained, they assigned one to be the sanctuary or temple of the Infant Jesus under the tender sanctuary or temple of the Infant Jesus under the tender care of the most pure Mother; there they placed the cradle care of the most pure Mother; there they placed the cradle and her bare couch, until, after some days, by the labor of and her bare couch, until, after some days, by the labor of the holy spouse, and through the kindness of some pious the holy spouse, and through the kindness of some pious women, they could obtain wherewith to cover it. Another women, they could obtain wherewith to cover it. Another room was set aside for the sleeping place and oratory of room was set aside for the sleeping place and oratory of saint Joseph. The third served as a workshop for plying saint Joseph. The third served as a workshop for plying his trade. In view of their great poverty, and of the great his trade. In view of their great poverty, and of the great difficulty of sufficient employment as a carpenter, the great difficulty of sufficient employment as a carpenter, the great Lady resolved to assist him by the work of her hands to Lady resolved to assist him by the work of her hands to earn a livelihood.earn a livelihood. She immediately executed her resolve by She immediately executed her resolve by seeking to obtain needlework through the intervention of seeking to obtain needlework through the intervention of the pious women, who, attracted by her modesty and the pious women, who, attracted by her modesty and sweetness, were beginning to have interactions with Her. sweetness, were beginning to have interactions with Her. As all that She attended to or busied Herself with was so As all that She attended to or busied Herself with was so perfect, the reputation of her skill soon spread about, so perfect, the reputation of her skill soon spread about, so that She never was in want of employment whereby to eke that She never was in want of employment whereby to eke out the slender means of livelihood for her Son, the true out the slender means of livelihood for her Son, the true God and manGod and man..

In order to obtain the indispensable victuals and clothing, In order to obtain the indispensable victuals and clothing, furnish the house ever so moderately, and pay the furnish the house ever so moderately, and pay the necessary expensesnecessary expenses, it seemed to our Queen that She , it seemed to our Queen that She must employ all day in work and consume the night in must employ all day in work and consume the night in attending to her spiritual exercisesattending to her spiritual exercises. This She resolved . This She resolved upon, not for any motives of gain, or because She did not upon, not for any motives of gain, or because She did not continue in her contemplations during the day; for this was continue in her contemplations during the day; for this was her incessant occupation in the presence of the infant God, her incessant occupation in the presence of the infant God, as I have so often said and shall repeat hereafter. as I have so often said and shall repeat hereafter. But some But some of the hours, which She was wont to spend in special of the hours, which She was wont to spend in special exercises, She wished to transfer to the night-time in order exercises, She wished to transfer to the night-time in order to be able to extend the hours of manual labor,to be able to extend the hours of manual labor, not being not being minded to ask or expect God's miraculous assistance for minded to ask or expect God's miraculous assistance for anything which She could attain by greater diligence and anything which She could attain by greater diligence and additional labor on her own part. In all such cases we ask additional labor on her own part. In all such cases we ask for miraculous help more for our own convenience than on for miraculous help more for our own convenience than on account of necessity. account of necessity. The most prudent Queen asked the The most prudent Queen asked the eternal Father to provide sustenance for her divine Son; eternal Father to provide sustenance for her divine Son; but at the same time She continued to labor. Like one who but at the same time She continued to labor. Like one who does not trust in herself, or in her own efforts, She united does not trust in herself, or in her own efforts, She united prayer with her laborsprayer with her labors, in order to obtain the necessities of , in order to obtain the necessities of life like other men.life like other men.

During the years of the stay of the Infant Jesus and his most holy During the years of the stay of the Infant Jesus and his most holy Mother, pestilence devastated Heliopolis and other places. Multitudes Mother, pestilence devastated Heliopolis and other places. Multitudes of people came to them from all parts of the country and returned of people came to them from all parts of the country and returned home cured in body and soul. God ordained saint Joseph as her helper home cured in body and soul. God ordained saint Joseph as her helper in the teaching and healing of the infirm. For this purpose He was in the teaching and healing of the infirm. For this purpose He was endowed with new light and power of healing.endowed with new light and power of healing. The holy Mary began to The holy Mary began to make use of his assistance in the third year of their stay in Egypt; so make use of his assistance in the third year of their stay in Egypt; so that now he ordinarily taught and cured the men, while the blessed that now he ordinarily taught and cured the men, while the blessed Lady attended to the women. Incredible was the fruit resulting from Lady attended to the women. Incredible was the fruit resulting from their labors in the souls of men for her uninterrupted beneficence and their labors in the souls of men for her uninterrupted beneficence and the gracious efficacy of her words drew all toward our Queen, and her the gracious efficacy of her words drew all toward our Queen, and her modesty and holiness filled them with devoted love. They offered her modesty and holiness filled them with devoted love. They offered her many presents and large possessions, anxious to see Her make use of many presents and large possessions, anxious to see Her make use of them: them: but never did She receive anything for Herself, or reserve it for but never did She receive anything for Herself, or reserve it for her own use; for they continued to provide for their wants by the labor her own use; for they continued to provide for their wants by the labor of her hands and the earnings of saint Josephof her hands and the earnings of saint Joseph. When at time the . When at time the blessed Lady was offered some gift that seemed serviceable and blessed Lady was offered some gift that seemed serviceable and proper for helping the needy and the poor, She would accept it for that proper for helping the needy and the poor, She would accept it for that purpose. Even then She often made them a present in return of things purpose. Even then She often made them a present in return of things made by her own hands. From what I have related we can form some made by her own hands. From what I have related we can form some idea how great and how numerous were the miracles wrought by the idea how great and how numerous were the miracles wrought by the holy Family during their seven yearsholy Family during their seven years''

So much value does the Almighty set on the So much value does the Almighty set on the proper order in created things, that, though Jesus proper order in created things, that, though Jesus was the true God and his Mother so highly exalted was the true God and his Mother so highly exalted above saint Joseph in sanctity, He did not permit above saint Joseph in sanctity, He did not permit the arrangements of this journey to proceed from the arrangements of this journey to proceed from his Son nor from his Mother, but from saint his Son nor from his Mother, but from saint Joseph, who was the head of this Family. Joseph, who was the head of this Family.

God intended to teach all mortals, that He wishes God intended to teach all mortals, that He wishes all things to be governed by the natural order set all things to be governed by the natural order set up by his Providence; and that the inferiors and up by his Providence; and that the inferiors and subjects of the mystical body of the Church, even subjects of the mystical body of the Church, even though they may excel in virtue and in certain though they may excel in virtue and in certain other respects, must obey and submit to their other respects, must obey and submit to their superiors and prelates in the visible order.superiors and prelates in the visible order.

Words of the Queen: Words of the Queen: fulfill the will of God with equanimityfulfill the will of God with equanimity ““My daughter, while journeying at the command of the My daughter, while journeying at the command of the

Lord from one country to another and during the works Lord from one country to another and during the works enjoined upon me, my heart was never troubled nor my enjoined upon me, my heart was never troubled nor my spirit cast down; for I always held myself prepared to spirit cast down; for I always held myself prepared to fulfill entirely the will of God.fulfill entirely the will of God. Although the Lord made Although the Lord made known to Me his high ends, yet this was not always done known to Me his high ends, yet this was not always done at the beginning, thus permitting me to endure so much at the beginning, thus permitting me to endure so much the greater sufferings; the greater sufferings; for in obeying the Lord no further for in obeying the Lord no further reason is necessary than that the Lord Creator so reason is necessary than that the Lord Creator so commands and disposes. The souls must accustom commands and disposes. The souls must accustom themselves to look for this motive alone and to learn solely themselves to look for this motive alone and to learn solely to please the Lord, without distinguishing between to please the Lord, without distinguishing between fortunate or unfortunate events and without looking to fortunate or unfortunate events and without looking to their own inclinations.their own inclinations. In this kind of wisdom I wish that In this kind of wisdom I wish that thou advance. In imitation of me and to satisfy thy thou advance. In imitation of me and to satisfy thy obligations toward my most holy Son, obligations toward my most holy Son, do thou receive do thou receive prosperity or adversity in this mortal life with unmoved prosperity or adversity in this mortal life with unmoved countenance and with equanimity and peace or mindcountenance and with equanimity and peace or mind.”.”

““Human life is interwoven thus variously with both kinds Human life is interwoven thus variously with both kinds of events. As the human heart is limited and narrow it of events. As the human heart is limited and narrow it immoderately inclines to extremes, boundlessly desiring immoderately inclines to extremes, boundlessly desiring what it loves and likes, and, on the other hand, grieving what it loves and likes, and, on the other hand, grieving and sorrowing at what it abhors and dislikes.and sorrowing at what it abhors and dislikes. These These changeful moods and fluctuations create danger for all or changeful moods and fluctuations create danger for all or many virtues. The disorderly love for one creature which it many virtues. The disorderly love for one creature which it cannot attain, moves the soul presently to desire another, cannot attain, moves the soul presently to desire another, expecting a balm for its disappointment in the former. And expecting a balm for its disappointment in the former. And if it is successful, the soul becomes involved and flurried if it is successful, the soul becomes involved and flurried in the desire of retaining what it possesses, thus casting in the desire of retaining what it possesses, thus casting itself by these velleities into still greater disorders and itself by these velleities into still greater disorders and passions. passions.

Attend, therefore, dearest, to this danger and attack it at Attend, therefore, dearest, to this danger and attack it at the root by the root by preserving thy heart independent and riveted preserving thy heart independent and riveted only on the divine Providence, without ever allowing it to only on the divine Providence, without ever allowing it to incline toward what it desires or longs for, or to abhor incline toward what it desires or longs for, or to abhor what is painful to it. Let the will of the Lord be thy only what is painful to it. Let the will of the Lord be thy only delight and joy.”delight and joy.”

Words of the Queen on Words of the Queen on the Danger of passions and lustthe Danger of passions and lust Well-founded is thy sorrow to see how such a noble Well-founded is thy sorrow to see how such a noble

creature as man, made according to the likeness and creature as man, made according to the likeness and image of the Lord, endowed with such divine qualities, image of the Lord, endowed with such divine qualities, and gifted with the power of knowing, loving, seeing, and and gifted with the power of knowing, loving, seeing, and enjoying God eternally, should allow himself to be enjoying God eternally, should allow himself to be degraded and defiled by such brutal and abominable degraded and defiled by such brutal and abominable passions as to shed the innocent blood of those who can do passions as to shed the innocent blood of those who can do no harm to any one. This should induce thee to weep over no harm to any one. This should induce thee to weep over the ruin of so many souls.the ruin of so many souls.

Ponder the effects of passions admitted into the heart; for Ponder the effects of passions admitted into the heart; for if once they have mastered the heart, they will either if once they have mastered the heart, they will either smother it in lust when it finds success, or consume it with smother it in lust when it finds success, or consume it with wrath at meeting any opposition. Be very careful not to wrath at meeting any opposition. Be very careful not to allow thyself to be mastered by anything, be it ever so allow thyself to be mastered by anything, be it ever so small; for in order to start a great conflagration the small; for in order to start a great conflagration the smallest spark is sufficient.”smallest spark is sufficient.”

Words of the Queen on Words of the Queen on Practicing virtuePracticing virtue ““For the greatest difficulty in practicing virtue consists in For the greatest difficulty in practicing virtue consists in

dying to all that is pleasurable to the senses.dying to all that is pleasurable to the senses. Thou canst Thou canst not be a fit instrument in the hands of the Lord, such as not be a fit instrument in the hands of the Lord, such as He desires thee to be, if thou dost not cleanse thy faculties He desires thee to be, if thou dost not cleanse thy faculties even of the images of all creatures, so that they do not find even of the images of all creatures, so that they do not find entrance into thy desires.entrance into thy desires.

I wish it to be to thee an inexorable law that all things, I wish it to be to thee an inexorable law that all things, except God, his angels and saints, be to thee as if they did except God, his angels and saints, be to thee as if they did not exist. These should be thy sole possession;not exist. These should be thy sole possession; on this on this account the Lord has opened to thee his secrets, honors account the Lord has opened to thee his secrets, honors thee with his familiarity and intimacy,thee with his familiarity and intimacy, and for this purpose and for this purpose also do I honor thee with mine, that thou neither live nor also do I honor thee with mine, that thou neither live nor wish to live without the Lord.”wish to live without the Lord.” (Mystical city of (Mystical city of God)God)

The Blessed Virgin on The Blessed Virgin on Seek after PovertySeek after Poverty to Venerable Mary of Agreda:to Venerable Mary of Agreda:““My daughter, I came to Egypt, where I knew no relations or My daughter, I came to Egypt, where I knew no relations or

friends, in a land of foreign religion, where I could offer friends, in a land of foreign religion, where I could offer no home or protection or assistance to my Son, whom I no home or protection or assistance to my Son, whom I loved so much. It can easily be understood, then what loved so much. It can easily be understood, then what tribulations and hardships we suffered. Thou canst not tribulations and hardships we suffered. Thou canst not understand with what patience and resignation we understand with what patience and resignation we accepted them.accepted them. It is true, I grieved much to see my It is true, I grieved much to see my husband in such necessity and want, but at the same time I husband in such necessity and want, but at the same time I blessed the Lord to be able to suffer them. blessed the Lord to be able to suffer them. In this noble In this noble patience and joy of spirit I wish thee to imitate me patience and joy of spirit I wish thee to imitate me whenever the Lord offers thee an opportunity. My most whenever the Lord offers thee an opportunity. My most holy Son chose poverty and taught it by word and by holy Son chose poverty and taught it by word and by example. This same doctrine I taught and practiced during example. This same doctrine I taught and practiced during all my life, I wish thee to love and diligently to seek after all my life, I wish thee to love and diligently to seek after this poverty.”this poverty.”

Fra Bartolommeo, Flight to Egypt 1509, Paul Getty Museum. Los Angeles.

2D.The Flight to Egypt Our Lord said to St. Bridget of Sweden:“By My flight to Egypt I showed the infirmities of My Humanity and fulfilled the prophecies. I gave too an example to My disciples that sometimes persecution is to be avoided for the greater future glory of God. That I was not found by My pursuers, the counsel of My Divinity prevailed over the counsel of man, for it is not easy to fight against God.”

The Holy Family in Egypt: The Child Jesus said:The Holy Family in Egypt: The Child Jesus said:

“ “I wish to posses only one garment during all My life, for I I wish to posses only one garment during all My life, for I seek nothing more than what is sufficient to cover Me.seek nothing more than what is sufficient to cover Me. Clothe Me, My Mother , in a tunic of a lowly and ordinary Clothe Me, My Mother , in a tunic of a lowly and ordinary color. This along will I wear, and it shall grow with Me. color. This along will I wear, and it shall grow with Me. Over this garment they shall cast lots at My death. Over this garment they shall cast lots at My death. Men Men shall see that I was born and wish to live poor and shall see that I was born and wish to live poor and destitute of visible things which, being earthly, oppress destitute of visible things which, being earthly, oppress and darken the heart of man. I shall not have anything to and darken the heart of man. I shall not have anything to do with visible things except to offer them up to the do with visible things except to offer them up to the Eternal Father, renouncing them for His love, and Eternal Father, renouncing them for His love, and making use of only so much as is sufficient to sustain My making use of only so much as is sufficient to sustain My natural life,natural life, which I will afterward yield up for man’s which I will afterward yield up for man’s sake. sake. By this example I wish to impress upon the world the By this example I wish to impress upon the world the doctrine that it must love poverty and not despise it.”doctrine that it must love poverty and not despise it.”

The childhood The childhood of Jesusof Jesus

Murillo, The two trinities, 1675. National Gallery, London

3. The Holy Family

“Seeing the household of Nazareth, we learn the original truth of the family according to God’s plan.”(Pope John Paul II)

“Pray for the unity andstrengthening of Christian families, that they will truly bring the kingdom of God to this earth.”

Jacques Stella, The Holy Family with St. John, 1651. Dijon, Musee des arts

Jesus holds asmall olive branchastride a lamb----Foreshadow Jesus’entry into Jerusalem.

3A

Charles Lebrun, The Holy Family, 1655. Paris, Musee du Louvre

His parents’ astonished and pleased expressions echo the amazement thatthe gospel describe as the feeling of everyone who met Jesus.

3B. The Holy Family “----the long years of his adolescence.during which I saw his body grow, that body reflected the synthesis of every human perfection, intent on daily labour marked by perspiration and fatigue. I would bend over Him with the tenderness of a mother.”

“I see your littleness. I stooped over you with the tenderness of a mother.” (Gobbi)

Mary and Joseph in NazarethMary and Joseph in Nazareth

““My master and husband, the Lord is coming to My master and husband, the Lord is coming to redeem the world and to guide men on the path to redeem the world and to guide men on the path to life eternal, and this is to be done by means of life eternal, and this is to be done by means of humility and poverty. humility and poverty. In humility and poverty He In humility and poverty He wishes to be born, to live, and to die, in order to wishes to be born, to live, and to die, in order to break the chains of greed and pride in the hearts break the chains of greed and pride in the hearts of menof men. That is why He chose our poor and . That is why He chose our poor and humble home and humble home and did not want us to be rich in did not want us to be rich in passing goods, which are but vanitypassing goods, which are but vanity and which and which darken the understanding.” darken the understanding.” (Mary of Agreda)(Mary of Agreda)

Then as they knelt in prayer, each Then as they knelt in prayer, each heard a Voice saying:heard a Voice saying:

““I have come from Heaven to earth in order to I have come from Heaven to earth in order to exalt humility and discredit pride, to honor poverty exalt humility and discredit pride, to honor poverty and scorn riches, to destroy vanity and establish and scorn riches, to destroy vanity and establish truth, and to enhance the value of labor.” truth, and to enhance the value of labor.”

((Mary of Agreda.)Mary of Agreda.)

Words of the Words of the queenqueen on on

St. Joseph and his St. Joseph and his privilegeprivilege

Gerrit van Honthorst, The Childhood of Christ, 1620. St. Petersburg, Hermitage

4. He deserves to be known and extolled by all the generations of men He deserves to be known and extolled by all the generations of men and all nations since the Lord has wrought such things with no other and all nations since the Lord has wrought such things with no other man and to none has He shown such loveman and to none has He shown such love.. (Mary of Agreda)(Mary of Agreda)

St. Joseph Oratory. Montreal.St. Joseph Oratory. Montreal.

St. Andre BessetteSt. Andre Bessette

Gerrit van Honthorst, The Childhood of Christ, 1620. St. Petersburg, Hermitage

4A.*** “Like St. Joseph, exert yourselves earnestly to open up the souls and hearts of men to receive Jesus in his Second Coming. Do not allow yourselves to be taken up with vain and useless preoccupations.” (Gobbi).

St. Joseph Oratory. Montreal.St. Joseph Oratory. Montreal.

St. Andre BessetteSt. Andre Bessette

WORDS OF THE QUEENWORDS OF THE QUEEN on on ST. JOSEPHST. JOSEPHThe Virgin Mary speaks to Sister Mary of The Virgin Mary speaks to Sister Mary of

Agreda, Spain. Agreda, Spain. “My daughter, although thou hast “My daughter, although thou hast described my spouse, saint Joseph, as the most noble described my spouse, saint Joseph, as the most noble among the princes and saints of the heavenly Jerusalem; among the princes and saints of the heavenly Jerusalem; yet neither canst thou properly manifest his eminent yet neither canst thou properly manifest his eminent sanctitysanctity, nor can any of the mortals know it fully before , nor can any of the mortals know it fully before they arrive at the vision of the Divinity. Then all of them they arrive at the vision of the Divinity. Then all of them will be filled with wonder and praise as the Lord will make will be filled with wonder and praise as the Lord will make them capable of understanding this sacrament. them capable of understanding this sacrament.

The whole human race has much undervalued the The whole human race has much undervalued the privileges and prerogatives conceded to my blessed spouse privileges and prerogatives conceded to my blessed spouse and they know not what his intercession with God is able and they know not what his intercession with God is able to do. I assure thee, my dearest, that he is one of the to do. I assure thee, my dearest, that he is one of the greatly favored personages in the divine presence and has greatly favored personages in the divine presence and has immense power to stay the arms of divine vengeance.”immense power to stay the arms of divine vengeance.”

““From now on, during the rest of thy mortal life, see that From now on, during the rest of thy mortal life, see that thou advance in devotion and in hearty love toward my thou advance in devotion and in hearty love toward my spousespouse, and that thou bless the Lord for thus having , and that thou bless the Lord for thus having favored him with such high privileges and for having favored him with such high privileges and for having rejoiced me so much in the knowledge of all his rejoiced me so much in the knowledge of all his excellences. excellences.

In all thy necessities thou must avail thyself of his In all thy necessities thou must avail thyself of his intercession. Thou shouldst induce many to venerate himintercession. Thou shouldst induce many to venerate him and see that thy own religious distinguish themselves in and see that thy own religious distinguish themselves in their devotion. their devotion. That which my spouse asks of the Lord in That which my spouse asks of the Lord in heaven is granted upon the earth and on his intercession heaven is granted upon the earth and on his intercession depend many and extraordinary favors for men,depend many and extraordinary favors for men, if they do if they do not make themselves unworthy of receiving them. not make themselves unworthy of receiving them. All these All these privileges were to be a reward for the amiable perfection privileges were to be a reward for the amiable perfection of this wonderful saint and for his great virtues; for divine of this wonderful saint and for his great virtues; for divine clemency is favorably drawn forth by them and looks upon clemency is favorably drawn forth by them and looks upon saint Joseph with generous liberality, ready to shower saint Joseph with generous liberality, ready to shower down its marvelous mercies upon all those who avail down its marvelous mercies upon all those who avail themselves of his intercession.”themselves of his intercession.”

Concerning certain other privileges conferred upon Concerning certain other privileges conferred upon saint Joseph by the Most High on account of his great saint Joseph by the Most High on account of his great holiness, which are especially important to those who holiness, which are especially important to those who ask his intercession in a proper manner. ask his intercession in a proper manner. In virtue of In virtue of these special privileges the intercession of saint these special privileges the intercession of saint Joseph is most powerful:Joseph is most powerful:

first, for attaining the virtue of purity and overcoming first, for attaining the virtue of purity and overcoming the sensual inclinations of the flesh;the sensual inclinations of the flesh;

secondly, for procuring secondly, for procuring powerful help to escape sinpowerful help to escape sin and return to the friendship of Godand return to the friendship of God;;

thirdly, thirdly, for increasing the love and devotion to most for increasing the love and devotion to most holy Maryholy Mary; fourthly, for securing ; fourthly, for securing the grace of a happy the grace of a happy deathdeath and protection against the demons in that and protection against the demons in that hour;hour;

fifthly, for fifthly, for inspiring the demons with terrorinspiring the demons with terror at the at the mere mention of his name by his clients; mere mention of his name by his clients;

sixthly, sixthly, for gaining health of body and assistance in for gaining health of body and assistance in all kinds of difficultiesall kinds of difficulties; ;

seventhly, for seventhly, for securing issue of children in familiessecuring issue of children in families. . I beseech all the faithful children of the Church to be I beseech all the faithful children of the Church to be

very devout to him and they will experience these very devout to him and they will experience these favors in reality, if they dispose themselves as they favors in reality, if they dispose themselves as they should in order to receive and merit them.-----------should in order to receive and merit them.-----------Mystical City of God. Mary of Agreda.Mystical City of God. Mary of Agreda.

Georges de la Tour, St. Joseph the carpenter. 1640. Louvre Museum.

Joseph is drilling through a beamwith a huge drill. This alludes to the nail holes made in the crosswhen Jesus was crucified

4B. Saint Joseph

“During the month of May, bring me little flowers of mortification.Give me garlands of your Rosaries, recited more frequently and with greater intensity.(Gobbi)

5. Imitate Saint Joseph

““Let the Let the humble care and humble care and watchfulnesswatchfulness of my spouse of my spouse saint Joseph, his saint Joseph, his submission to divine submission to divine direction and his esteem for direction and his esteem for heavenly enlightenmentheavenly enlightenment, , serve thee as an example. serve thee as an example. Let the consciousness of thy Let the consciousness of thy faults serve thee as a motive faults serve thee as a motive to submit in all humility to to submit in all humility to the work of God.” the work of God.” (Mary of (Mary of Agreda)Agreda)

5. Imitate Saint Joseph“Imitate my most loving spouse, Joseph, in his humble and trusting prayer, his heavy labours, his patience, and great goodness.May you imitate his silence and self-effacement. May his virginal purity be in you-----In detachment from yourselves, from human affairs, so that you will be able to fulfill whatever the Lord asks of you.”(Gobbi)

Words of the Words of the queenqueen on on

HumilityHumilityLack of forgivenessLack of forgiveness

WORDS OF THE QUEEN on WORDS OF THE QUEEN on HumilityHumility (The Virgin Mary speaks to Sister Mary of (The Virgin Mary speaks to Sister Mary of Agreda, Spain.)Agreda, Spain.)

“ “My daughter, in the school of humility, which my My daughter, in the school of humility, which my whole life affords thee, I wish that thou be studious whole life affords thee, I wish that thou be studious and diligent; and this should be thy first and and diligent; and this should be thy first and principal careprincipal care, if thou wishes to enjoy the sweet , if thou wishes to enjoy the sweet embraces of the Lord, assure thyself of his favor embraces of the Lord, assure thyself of his favor and possess the treasures of light, which are and possess the treasures of light, which are hidden to the proud (Matth. 11, 23). For without hidden to the proud (Matth. 11, 23). For without the trusty foundation of humility such treasures the trusty foundation of humility such treasures cannot be confided to any man. cannot be confided to any man. Let all thy Let all thy ambition be to humble thyself in thy own ambition be to humble thyself in thy own estimation and thoughtestimation and thought, so that in thy exterior , so that in thy exterior actions thou may truly exhibit this humility of thy actions thou may truly exhibit this humility of thy interior.interior.””

“……“……see that the presumption and pride of worldly see that the presumption and pride of worldly wisdom is more powerful in its devotees, than humility and wisdom is more powerful in its devotees, than humility and true self-knowledge is in the children of lighttrue self-knowledge is in the children of light. Consider . Consider the watchfulness, the untiring study and care of ambitious the watchfulness, the untiring study and care of ambitious and aspiring men. Look upon their struggle to be esteemed and aspiring men. Look upon their struggle to be esteemed in the world, their strivings never at rest, though so vain in the world, their strivings never at rest, though so vain and worthless; how they conduct themselves outwardly and worthless; how they conduct themselves outwardly according to the false notions which they have of according to the false notions which they have of themselves; how they pretend to be what they are not, and themselves; how they pretend to be what they are not, and how they exert themselves to obtain through these false how they exert themselves to obtain through these false pretenses the treasures, which, though only earthly, they pretenses the treasures, which, though only earthly, they do not deserve. Hence it should be a cause of confusion do not deserve. Hence it should be a cause of confusion and shame to the good, and shame to the good, that deceit should urge on the sons that deceit should urge on the sons of perdition with greater force than truth urges the elect; of perdition with greater force than truth urges the elect; that the number of those, who in the world are anxious to that the number of those, who in the world are anxious to strive in the service of their God and Creator, should be so strive in the service of their God and Creator, should be so small in comparison with the number of those who serve small in comparison with the number of those who serve vanity; that there should be so few of the elect, though all vanity; that there should be so few of the elect, though all are calledare called (Matth. 22, 16). (Matth. 22, 16).

““Be ready to obey and fulfill all commands as a Be ready to obey and fulfill all commands as a willing and careful pupil; willing and careful pupil; let the humble care and let the humble care and watchfulness or my spouse saint Joseph, his watchfulness or my spouse saint Joseph, his submission to divine direction and his esteem for submission to divine direction and his esteem for heavenly enlightenment, serve thee as an exampleheavenly enlightenment, serve thee as an example. . For only because his heart had been well disposed For only because his heart had been well disposed and prepared for the execution of the divine will, and prepared for the execution of the divine will, was he entirely changed and remodeled by the was he entirely changed and remodeled by the plenitude of grace for the ministry assigned to him plenitude of grace for the ministry assigned to him by the Most High. by the Most High. Let therefore the consciousness Let therefore the consciousness of thy faults serve thee as a motive to submit in all of thy faults serve thee as a motive to submit in all humility to the work of Godhumility to the work of God, not as a pretext to , not as a pretext to withdraw from the performance of that which the withdraw from the performance of that which the Lord desires of thee.” Lord desires of thee.”

Words of the Queen on Words of the Queen on Trivia and lack of forgivenessTrivia and lack of forgiveness.. (The Virgin Mary speaks to Sister Mary of Agreda, (The Virgin Mary speaks to Sister Mary of Agreda, Spain.)Spain.)

““I wish on this occasion to reveal to thee the just reproach and I wish on this occasion to reveal to thee the just reproach and indignation of the Most High against mortals;indignation of the Most High against mortals;

The cause of this reproach, which the Lord and I have to make The cause of this reproach, which the Lord and I have to make against men, is against men, is the inhuman perversity of men in persisting to treat the inhuman perversity of men in persisting to treat each other with so much want of humility and loveeach other with so much want of humility and love. In this they . In this they commit three faults, which displease the Most High very much and commit three faults, which displease the Most High very much and which cause the Almighty and me to withhold many mercies. which cause the Almighty and me to withhold many mercies. The The first is, that men, knowing that they are all children of the same first is, that men, knowing that they are all children of the same Father in heavenFather in heaven (Is. 64, 8), works of his hands, formed of the same (Is. 64, 8), works of his hands, formed of the same nature, graciously nourished and kept alive by his Providence, nature, graciously nourished and kept alive by his Providence, reared at the same table of divine mysteries and Sacraments, reared at the same table of divine mysteries and Sacraments, especially of his own body and blood, especially of his own body and blood, nevertheless forget and nevertheless forget and despise all these advantages, concentrating all their interest upon despise all these advantages, concentrating all their interest upon earthly and trivial affairs,earthly and trivial affairs, exciting themselves without reason, exciting themselves without reason, swelling with indignation, creating discords, quarrels, indulging in swelling with indignation, creating discords, quarrels, indulging in detractions and harsh words, sometimes rising up to most wicked detractions and harsh words, sometimes rising up to most wicked and inhuman vengeance or mortal hate of one another.”and inhuman vengeance or mortal hate of one another.”

““The second is, that, when through human frailty The second is, that, when through human frailty and want of mortification, incited by the and want of mortification, incited by the temptation of the devil, temptation of the devil, they happen to fall into one they happen to fall into one of these faults, they do not at once seek to rid of these faults, they do not at once seek to rid themselves of it nor strive to be again reconciled,themselves of it nor strive to be again reconciled, as should be done by brothers in the presence of a as should be done by brothers in the presence of a just judge. Thus they deny Him as their merciful just judge. Thus they deny Him as their merciful Father and force Him to become the severe and Father and force Him to become the severe and rigid Judge of their sins; for no faults excite Him rigid Judge of their sins; for no faults excite Him sooner to exercise his severity than the sins of sooner to exercise his severity than the sins of revenge and hate. revenge and hate. The third offense, which causes The third offense, which causes his great indignation, is, that sometimes, when a his great indignation, is, that sometimes, when a brother comes in order to be reconciled, he that brother comes in order to be reconciled, he that deems himself offended will not receive him.”deems himself offended will not receive him.”

““This thou wilt readily understand by the divine This thou wilt readily understand by the divine light and in the vigor of light and in the vigor of God's law, which God's law, which commands men to pardon their brethren, although commands men to pardon their brethren, although they may have offended seventy times seventhey may have offended seventy times seven. And if . And if a brother offend many times every day, as soon as a brother offend many times every day, as soon as he says that he is sorry for it, the Lord commands he says that he is sorry for it, the Lord commands us to forgive the offending brother as many times us to forgive the offending brother as many times without counting the number. without counting the number. And those that are And those that are not willing to forgive, He threatens with severest not willing to forgive, He threatens with severest punishment on account of the scandalpunishment on account of the scandal, which they , which they cause. This can be gathered from the threatening cause. This can be gathered from the threatening words of God himself: Woe to him from whom words of God himself: Woe to him from whom scandal comes and through whom scandal is scandal comes and through whom scandal is causedcaused.”.”

Finding of Jesus in the TempleFinding of Jesus in the Temple

Words of the Words of the queenqueen on on

Seeking HimSeeking HimTrue wisdomTrue wisdomWords to St. Bridget of Words to St. Bridget of SwedenSweden

Pinturicchio, The Dispute in the Temple, 1510, Spello, Church of Santa Maria,

Our Lord did not spare even his holy Mother all kinds of sorrows and troubles. The cross is God’s precious treasure given to his Elect.

Let us ask for the grace to never lose Jesus. Let us make Jesus the center of our lives. Whoever has God has everything.

.

6.** The Search for Jesus

Jesus is at the center of the picture.

Pinturicchio, The Dispute in the Temple, 1510, Spello, Church of Santa Maria,

Mary’s angels said to her:“Soon thou shalt see Him whom thy soul desires! In order to console His beloved, He afflicts them. In order to be sought after, He withdraws.”

.

6.** The Search for Jesus

Jesus is at the center of the picture.

7. Finding Jesus in the temple

Christ, You were always attuned to Your Father’s will, and You knew whenthe time was right for You to go to YourFather’s house and begin preaching. Help us to discern God’s will for us, and help us to follow it.

7A. Finding Jesus in the temple““The Lord absented Himself The Lord absented Himself from me in order that, from me in order that, seeking Him in sorrow and seeking Him in sorrow and tears, I might find Him tears, I might find Him again in joy and with again in joy and with abundant fruits for my soul. abundant fruits for my soul. I desire that thou imitate me I desire that thou imitate me in this mystery and seek in this mystery and seek Him with such earnestness, Him with such earnestness, as to be consumed with a as to be consumed with a continual longingcontinual longing without without ever in thy whole life ever in thy whole life coming to any rest until coming to any rest until thou holdst him and canst thou holdst him and canst lose Him no more.”lose Him no more.”(Mary of Agreda)(Mary of Agreda)

Words of the Queen on Words of the Queen on Seeking Him.Seeking Him. ((To venerable mother Mary of Agreda)To venerable mother Mary of Agreda)

““The Lord absented Himself from me in order that by seeking HimThe Lord absented Himself from me in order that by seeking Himin sorrow and tears I might find Him again in joyin sorrow and tears I might find Him again in joy and with and with abundant fruits for my soul. In my great love, the uncertainty as abundant fruits for my soul. In my great love, the uncertainty as to the cause of His withdrawal gave me no rest until I found Him.to the cause of His withdrawal gave me no rest until I found Him.In this I wish that thou imitate me, whether thou lose HimIn this I wish that thou imitate me, whether thou lose Himthrough thy own fault or by the disposition of His will. For tothrough thy own fault or by the disposition of His will. For tolose sight of God for the purpose of being tried in virtue and love is not lose sight of God for the purpose of being tried in virtue and love is not

the same as to lose sight of Him in punishmentthe same as to lose sight of Him in punishment for sins committed. Sofor sins committed. So

strong are the bonds of His love that no one can burst them, except thystrong are the bonds of His love that no one can burst them, except thyown free will.”own free will.”I desire that thou imitate me in this mystery and seek Him with suchI desire that thou imitate me in this mystery and seek Him with suchearnestness, as to be consumed with a continual longingearnestness, as to be consumed with a continual longing without ever without everin thy whole life coming to any rest until thou holdst him and canstin thy whole life coming to any rest until thou holdst him and canstlose Him no more.”lose Him no more.” (Can. 5, 4 (Can. 5, 4 ) )

Albrecht Durer, Christ among the Doctors, 1506. Madrid.

8.* Here Jesus appears in his divine wisdom as he listens and raises questions, already in effect one who “teaches.”

8A. Lord, give us the gift of true wisdom.““The height of perversity opposed to the order of the Creator, is that The height of perversity opposed to the order of the Creator, is that mortals in this transitory and short life rejoice in visible things as if mortals in this transitory and short life rejoice in visible things as if they were their last end, while they ought, on the contrary, to make use they were their last end, while they ought, on the contrary, to make use of creatures to gain, not to lose, the highest Goodof creatures to gain, not to lose, the highest Good. Do thou, therefore, . Do thou, therefore, my dearest, be mindful of this dangerous human folly. my dearest, be mindful of this dangerous human folly. (Mary of Agreda)(Mary of Agreda)

Words of the Queen Words of the Queen onon True Wisdom.True Wisdom. (Mary of Agreda)(Mary of Agreda)

““The height of perversity opposed to the order of the The height of perversity opposed to the order of the Creator, is that mortals in this transitory and short life Creator, is that mortals in this transitory and short life rejoice in visible things as if they were their last end, while rejoice in visible things as if they were their last end, while they ought, on the contrary, to make use of creatures to they ought, on the contrary, to make use of creatures to gain, not to lose, the highest Goodgain, not to lose, the highest Good. Do thou, therefore, my . Do thou, therefore, my dearest, be mindful of this dangerous human folly. dearest, be mindful of this dangerous human folly.

Consider all delights and joys of the world as insanity,Consider all delights and joys of the world as insanity, its its laughing as sorrow, sensible enjoyment as self deceit, as laughing as sorrow, sensible enjoyment as self deceit, as the source of foolishness, which intoxicates the heart and the source of foolishness, which intoxicates the heart and hinders and destroys all true wisdom. Live in constant and hinders and destroys all true wisdom. Live in constant and holy fear of losing eternal life and holy fear of losing eternal life and rejoice in nothing rejoice in nothing except in the Lord until thou obtainest full possession of except in the Lord until thou obtainest full possession of Him.”Him.”

Holman Hunt, Finding of Jesus in the Temple. 1854.

9. “My son, why hast thou treat us so? Think what anguish of mind Thy father and I have endured, searching for thee?”

“Your Mother wants you whole and entire at every moment with her. At every momentyou must be just as I would have you be; you must do just what I would have you do.”(Gobbi)

10. My Father’s House

The Children’s Bible. Hermes House.

The Blessed Virgin said to St. Bridget of Sweden:The Blessed Virgin said to St. Bridget of Sweden:““As the Gospel says, my Son was subject to His parents and As the Gospel says, my Son was subject to His parents and

He acted like other children until He grew up. Nothing He acted like other children until He grew up. Nothing unclean ever touched Him nor was the least disorder ever unclean ever touched Him nor was the least disorder ever seen in His hair. When He grew older, He was constantly seen in His hair. When He grew older, He was constantly in prayer. His features and His word were so wonderful in prayer. His features and His word were so wonderful and so pleasing that many persons when in trouble used to and so pleasing that many persons when in trouble used to say: ‘Let us go the Mary’s Son----He will console us!’ As say: ‘Let us go the Mary’s Son----He will console us!’ As He grew in age, He worked with His hands, and He talked He grew in age, He worked with His hands, and He talked with us so inspiringly about God that we were continually with us so inspiringly about God that we were continually filled with indescribable joy. filled with indescribable joy. When we were in fear, in When we were in fear, in poverty, and in trouble, He did not produce gold and silver poverty, and in trouble, He did not produce gold and silver for us, but urged us to be patientfor us, but urged us to be patient, and were marvelously , and were marvelously protected. What we need was sometimes given to usprotected. What we need was sometimes given to us

by compassionate and devout persons, and sometimes by compassionate and devout persons, and sometimes came from our work, so that came from our work, so that we had what we needed to we had what we needed to live on, but nothing superfluouslive on, but nothing superfluous, for we sought only to , for we sought only to serve God. At home with friends who visited us, He talked serve God. At home with friends who visited us, He talked familiarly about the Law of God and its meanings and familiarly about the Law of God and its meanings and types. He also openly disputed with learned men, so that types. He also openly disputed with learned men, so that they were astonished and used to say, ‘Joseph’s Son they were astonished and used to say, ‘Joseph’s Son instructs the Scribes---there is a great spirit in Him!’instructs the Scribes---there is a great spirit in Him!’

““He was also so obedient that when Joseph said to Him: He was also so obedient that when Joseph said to Him: “Do this’ or “Do that’, He did it at once“Do this’ or “Do that’, He did it at once, for He concealed , for He concealed the power of his Divinity in such a way that it could only the power of his Divinity in such a way that it could only be perceived by myself and at time by Joseph. Very often be perceived by myself and at time by Joseph. Very often we saw Him surrounded by a wonderful light and heard we saw Him surrounded by a wonderful light and heard angels’ voices singing over Him.”angels’ voices singing over Him.”

We also observed that unclean spirits, which could We also observed that unclean spirits, which could not be cast out by official exorcists, fled at the sight not be cast out by official exorcists, fled at the sight of my Son’s presence. Keep this always in hear of my Son’s presence. Keep this always in hear memory, my daughter, and offer sincere thanks to memory, my daughter, and offer sincere thanks to God that He chose to reveal His childhood to God that He chose to reveal His childhood to others through you.” others through you.”

“I withdrew as much as possible from the conversation and presence of others. All that I could have, I gave to the poor, reserving to myself only scanty food and clothing. Nothing pleased me but God.”

The Blessed Virgins speaks to St. Bridget of Sweden.

The ( National ) RosaryThe ( National ) Rosary For the Evangelization of For the Evangelization of (Nations)(Nations)

1.1. Fatima Prayer:Fatima Prayer: To Eucharistic Jesus, source of all To Eucharistic Jesus, source of all evangelization.evangelization.

““O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, lead all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of thy all souls to heaven, especially those who are in most need of thy mercy.”mercy.”

2.2. Invocation of the Holy Spirit:Invocation of the Holy Spirit: Principal agent of Principal agent of evangelization.evangelization.

““Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of the (National) people and Come, Holy Spirit! Fill the hearts of the (National) people and enkindle in them the fire of your love! Come by means of the enkindle in them the fire of your love! Come by means of the powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well-powerful intercession of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, your well-beloved Spouse.”beloved Spouse.”

3. 3. Prayer to Our Lady of ( Nation ):Prayer to Our Lady of ( Nation ): Star of the new Star of the new evangelization.evangelization.

““Hail Holy Queen, Mother of (Nation), come and present the Hail Holy Queen, Mother of (Nation), come and present the (National) people to Jesus, the fruit of thy womb.(National) people to Jesus, the fruit of thy womb.

Look upon them continually with mercy and through your Look upon them continually with mercy and through your intercession with the divine Redeemer, heal themintercession with the divine Redeemer, heal them of their sufferings, of their sufferings, deliver them from all evil, and fill them with your love.”deliver them from all evil, and fill them with your love.”

We pray in Communion with all the Angels and Saints in We pray in Communion with all the Angels and Saints in Heaven !Heaven !

Consecration to the Immaculate HeartConsecration to the Immaculate Heart (Short version)(Short version)

““Virgin of Fatima, Mother of Mercy, we who belong to the MarianVirgin of Fatima, Mother of Mercy, we who belong to the MarianMovement, Movement, consecrate ourselvesconsecrate ourselves in a special way to your in a special way to yourImmaculate Heart. Immaculate Heart. We also consecrate our motherlandWe also consecrate our motherland (Nation) to (Nation) toyour Immaculate Heart. We intend to your Immaculate Heart. We intend to live with you, through you live with you, through you

andandfor you,for you, all the obligations assumed by our Baptismal all the obligations assumed by our Baptismal

consecration consecration to bring about in ourselves that to bring about in ourselves that interior conversioninterior conversion so urgently so urgentlydemanded by the Gospel, that we may be available only to dodemanded by the Gospel, that we may be available only to doalways the will of the Father.always the will of the Father.

Allow us to Allow us to dwell in the garden of your Immaculate Heartdwell in the garden of your Immaculate Heart. Lead us. Lead usto to a a spiritual renewal with prayer and penance, with the dailyspiritual renewal with prayer and penance, with the dailyrecitation of the Holy Rosary, the fervent celebration and recitation of the Holy Rosary, the fervent celebration and

adorationadorationof the Holy Eucharist, the practice of Christian virtues, and in theof the Holy Eucharist, the practice of Christian virtues, and in theworks of the apostolateworks of the apostolate.. Help us to be the Help us to be the disciples of thedisciples of theMarian Movement to multiply everywhere Cenacles of prayerMarian Movement to multiply everywhere Cenacles of prayer

mademadewith you for the evangelization of the world, and the with you for the evangelization of the world, and the Divine MercyDivine Mercyprayerprayer,, for the salvation of the world. for the salvation of the world. Help us to do everything Help us to do everything

withwithyou in a spirit of humility, prayer and penance.”you in a spirit of humility, prayer and penance.”

Finally pray one Our Finally pray one Our Father, one Hail Mary, Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory be, to and one Glory be, to the Holy Father’s the Holy Father’s intention.intention.

End of the End of the CenacleCenacle