Message from the Prelate (1 November 2017)

"All Saints Day is the feast of that quiet and simple sanctity—sanctity without any human splendor—which seems to leave no trace in history, but shines forth before God."

All Saints Day is the feast of that quiet and simple sanctity—sanctity without any human splendor—which seems to leave no trace in history, but shines forth before God. It leaves behind in the world a sowing of Love from which nothing is lost. In thinking about so many men and women who have already traveled this path and now are enjoying God, I recalled some words from Saint Josemaria’s prayer: “I ask myself many times each day: what will it be like when all the beauty, all the goodness, all the infinite marvel of God is poured into this poor vessel of clay that I am, that we all are? . . . And then I understand what the Apostle said: ‘eye has not seen, nor ear heard…’ (1 Cor 2:9). It is worthwhile my children, it is worthwhile.”

We are poor vessels of clay: fragile, easily broken. But God has created us to fill us with his happiness, forever. And now here on earth, He gives us his joy so that we may spread it to everyone. Yes, it is possible to be happy amid uncertainty, problems, worries. Mother Teresa of Calcutta said, “True love is a love that causes us pain, that hurts, and yet brings us joy.” With our life and our prayer let us also accompany the deceased who, although they are suffering because their “vessel of clay” is not yet prepared for all of God’s beauty, already have the joy of knowing that He is waiting for them in heaven.

Rome, 1 November 2017