Thought for the Day – 16 November – The Memorial of St Gertrude the Great (1256-1302)
The characteristic of St Gertrude’s piety is her devotion to the Sacred Heart, the symbol of that immense charity which urged the Word to take flesh, to institute the Holy Eucharist, to take on Himself our sins and, dying on the Cross, to offer Himself as a victim and a sacrifice to the Eternal Father.
Faithful to the mission entrusted to them, the superiors of Helfta appointed renowned theologians, chosen from the Dominican and Franciscan friars, to examine the works of the saint. These approved and commented them throughout. In the sixteenth century Lanspergius and Blosius propagated her writings. The former, who with his confrere Loher spared no pains in editing her works, also wrote a preface to them. The writings were warmly received especially in Spain and among the long list of holy and learned authorities who used and recommended her works may be mentioned :
—St. Teresa, who chose her as her model and guide,—Yepez—the illustrious Suare,—the Discalced Carmelite Friars of France—St Francis de Sales—M. Oliver—Fr Faber—Dom Gueranger.
The Church has inserted the name of Gertrude in the Roman Martyrology with this eulogy: “On the 17th of November, in Germany (the Feast) of St Gertrude Virgin, of the Order of St. Benedict, who was illustrious for the gift of revelations.”
Let us run to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, O Come let us Adore Him!
St Gertrude the Great, Pray for us!
AnaStpaul 