Page 19 - FLIPBOOK - Life of Saint Gerard Majella - Vassall-Phillips

LIFE OF SAINT GERARD MAJELLA

remains much gross materialism to be combated all around us, and it
is now even more necessary than was ever before the case to
distinguish the false from the true, the dross from the gold, the
diabolic from the Divine. This can only effectually be done by the
study of mystical theology, and of the lives of the Saints in a Catholic
spirit, and with that fear of the Lord which we know to be the
beginning of wisdom. The contemplation of the miraculous will
surely be most profitable to our souls if it deepens our faith in God,
and our confidence in the powerful intercession of His glorious
Servants.
The Life of Saint Gerard was not merely full of marvel, but is also
rich in practical lessons. If anyone wishes to be convinced of this, he
need only turn to his resolutions (pp. 83, 87), or again to his letter to
the Superior of a convent (pp. 99, 101), to see how far Brother
Gerard was from being aught of an empty dreamer. His steps were
ever upon the earth, although he walked in the presence of God, and
his heart was where his Treasure was — in Heaven. He knew well
that there is only one royal road to sanctity — conformity to the Will
of God, by the faithful discharge of the duties of one's state — be
they small or be they great — out of love for Jesus Christ our Blessed
Lord.
“Some,” he would often say, “place sanctity in this; some in that.
For my part, I place it only in doing the Will of God.”
Those who may wish to learn more of Saint Gerard than it has
been possible to tell them in the compass of this little book are
advised to procure his life, written by Fr. Tannoia, and published in
the Oratorian Series of the Lives of the Saints, in the volume entitled,
“The First Companions of St. Alphonsus.”
In everything that he has here written, the writer need hardly say
that he submits himself to the Holy Roman See, of which it is his
supreme joy and consolation to profess himself to be always, and in
all things, a most obedient, loyal son.

O. R. VASSALL-PHILLIPS, C.SS.R.

ST. JOSEPH'S, KINGSWOOD, BRISTOL.

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