Message from Saint Francis de Sales

Dear Philothea!

As we grow closer to Christ and His Father, we certainly desire to be “perfect” to be free from the many imperfections and failings that still trouble us daily. What does our father Saint Francis de Sales tell us on this?

“You recognise thousands of imperfections and failings in yourself, contrary to your desire for purity and perfect love of God. In reply I say that it is not possible to avoid all of these. While we live on this earth, we have to put up with ourselves, until the day that God takes us to Heaven. Meanwhile, we can do no more than to keep a close watch on ourselves, and be patient. How can we correct in one day defects that we have contracted by our prolonged lack of diligence? Sometimes God has healed a person in an instant, without leaving a trace of his previous spiritual sickness. But in so many others He has left the scars of their conversation, for the greater benefit of their souls” (Letters 277).

When we learnt to “put up with ourselves” while acknowledging our many weaknesses we shall be well, “for He will not reject a humble and contrite heart” (Psalm 51: 17). Let us be very patient with our own selves.

Peace!

Fr. George

Spiritual Director

Message of the Week from Saint Francis de Sales

Dear Philothea!

This week (Monday 19^th March) we celebrate the solemnity of Saint Joseph. Our father Francis de Sales loved Saint Joseph and asked his spiritual sons and daughters to be devoted to him. This is one of his favourite teachings:

“Thinking about the grandeur of Saint Joseph, consider the words, ‘Lord look with favourable eyes on the good and upright of heart’ (cf. Psalms 36:11). I would like to say a few words about this saint whom we love so much because he has cultivated love in every heart. My God, how good and upright this great saint must have been if the Lord God gave him the lofty privilege of being entrusted with His Son and the Virgin-Mother Mary! With these two responsibilities, he could have been envied by the angels. Could anyone in all heaven possess any grater privilege than this? Who is there among the angels who could be compared with the queen of angels? And who can compare with the Son of God Himself? Yet Saint Joseph was closer to them than anyone else” (Letters 671).

As we celebrate his feast with love and joy, let us remember that he is always there to assist us in our needs. And we pray, “Saint Joseph Master of interior life, teach me to pray, to suffer and to be silent.”

Message of the Week from Saint Francis de Sales

Dear Philothea!

Lent is a time we not only sharpen our “love for God” but our “love for our neighbour” as well. Certainly we love some, and we are called to love everyone. Does it mean to be on friendly terms with everyone equally? Our father Saint Francis de Sales counsels:

“There is no need to get upset if we find that we are not on equally friendly terms with everyone, provided we love our neighbour cordially, with real affection, as the Lord has commanded us, preferring the other person always and in everything above ourselves, according to the order of holy charity, and never refusing to do anything we can for him or her. We must be prepared to do everything for our neighbour except damn ourselves!” (Spiritual Treatises IV)

Wish you a very friendly and loving week.

Peace!

Fr. George

Spiritual Director

May the Holy Virgin Mary Intercede for Us.

Message of the week - Set aside an hour every day...

“Just as little children learn to speak by listening to their mothers and lisping words after them, so also by keeping close to our Saviour and meditating on and observing His words, actions and affections, we learn by His grace to speak, act and will like Him. I assure you that we cannot go to God the Father except through this gate... Set aside an hour every day before dinner, or early in the morning when your mind is less distracted and fresher after the night’s rest” (Introduction to the Devout Life, Part II, Chapter 1)

Lenten Recollection at the Centre
This time our reflection is on the Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation:
Africa's Commitment to Reconciliation, Justice and Peace
Every Saturday of Lent

Saint Rita Ministry (Hannah & Alice) donating the new Sunday Lectionary
to the Philothea Centre

Missionaries in Action:
Promoting the "You, Joseph" Book at the Karen Parish

Promoting the "Wellspring of Love" at the Karen Parish

Philothea Jesus Youth - Young People at the Centre for Recollection

Message of the Week

“Take for yourself the maxim of the apostle, “May I never boast of anything but the cross of Our Lord Jesus Christ!” (Gal 6:14). Put Jesus crucified in your heart, and all the crosses of this world will seem to be roses. Those who have felt the puncture (stabs) of the crown of thorns of the Saviour who is our head will in no way feel any other wounds” (Letters 1420).

Word of Life Bible Study Programme

"Let the word of Christ in all its richness dwell in your hearts" (Col 3:16)

“Listen to him” (Mt 17: 5)

“Grant that as they meditate constantly on your word, 

they may grow in its wisdom and faithfully proclaim it to your people”

(Blessing of the Lectors, Ritual).

“Believe what you read, teach what you believe
and preach what you teach”

Message for the Season of Lent

“Lent is the autumn of the spiritual life during which we gather fruits to keep us going for the rest of the year. Enrich yourselves with these treasures, which nobody can take away from you and which cannot be destroyed. I am accustomed to say that we will not spend Lent well unless we are determined to make the most of it. Let us, therefore, spend this Lent as if it was our last, and we will make it well. Listen to the Sermons, because holy words are pearls; they are ships of infinite mercy – the true ocean of the East” (Letters 329).