One Minute Reflection – 23 January – The Memorial of St Marianne Cope T.O.S.F. (1838-1918) Virgin, Professed Sister of St Francis, missionary to leprosy patients
“And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, ‘Whom shall I sen, and who will go for us?’ Then I said, ‘Here am I! Send me.’”…Isaiah 6:8
REFLECTION – “She left everything and abandoned herself completely to the will of God, to the call of the Church and to the demands of her new brothers and sisters. She put her own health and life at risk. For 35 years she lived, to the full, the command to love God and neighbour. She willingly worked with Blessed Damian de Veuster, who was at the end of his extraordinary apostolate. Blessed Marianne loved those suffering from leprosy more than she loved her very self. She served them, educated them and guided them with wisdom, love and strength. She saw in them the suffering face of Jesus.
Like the Good Samaritan, she became their mother. She drew strength from her faith, the Eucharist, her devotion to our Blessed Mother and from prayer. She did not seek earthly honours or approval. She wrote: “I do not expect a high place in heaven. I will be very grateful to have a little corner where I can love God for all eternity”.” …Homily of Cardinal Jose Saraiva Martins on the Beatification of St Marianne Cope 14 May 2005
PRAYER – Loving Father, grant me to have a true fervour in Your service. Help me to become a zealous worker for Your honour and glory, in imitation of your Son and of your holy saints. St Marianne Cope, intercede for us all, that we may go forth unafraid to serve the most needy of our Father’s children. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, in unity with the Holy Spirit, one God forever. Please pray for us, amen!
AnaStpaul 