St. Gabriel- Archetype of Mary’s devotees
Being God’s ambassador to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Gabriel reached the apex of devotion to Her, and from eternity he strives to lead souls to her maternal protection.
Being God’s ambassador to the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Gabriel reached the apex of devotion to Her, and from eternity he strives to lead souls to her maternal protection.
“We need our reputation in order to exercise the apostolate fruitfully; we cannot and must not remain under the weight of slander. It is necessary, therefore, that justice be done to us for the greater glory of God.”
When it seemed that the “wine” of virtue and grace had run out, and decadent Christendom was turning to paganism, a specially chosen figure arose, pointing to the One who can solve everything.
The glorious cradle of Teresa of Avila’s vocation remained oblivious to this Saint’s reform for four hundred years. The skilful intervention of one of her daughters obtained the long-awaited restoration, and was crowned by an exciting discovery.
In the time of St. Odile, the splendours of Christian Civilization were just beginning to emerge, but in the soul of this abbess of Carolingian calibre, they already dwelt in their fullness. Blind from birth, she became an eagle: her soul always soared to God!
Through Baptism, Christ sets for us a single goal: to radically follow Him. It is up to everyone, without exception, to respond to His invitation to holiness and perfection, each one discerning God’s plan for accomplishing this.
St. Michael, St. Gabriel and St. Raphael each have their own titles of primacy, which complement one another and favour their action among men.
A living example of genuine detachment and the purest unpretentiousness, St. Francis shone for his poverty of spirit. Convinced that the form of this world is passing away, his heart was free from any attachment.
Those who visit the Rue du Bac Chapel in Paris, where Our Lady appeared, feel enveloped by an intense feeling of peace, of calm and open skies, as if there were no obstacles between earth and blessed eternity.