#st-therese-of-lisieux — Public Fediverse posts
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St. Joseph Novena 2025, Day 7: Happiness
SCRIPTURE READING
Sirach 26:3–4A good wife is a great blessing;
she will be granted among the blessings of the man who fears the Lord.
Whether rich or poor, his heart is content,
and at all times his face is cheerful.READING
RP6 6rIt is not poverty that we flee. Happiness does not consist in having wealth, but in humbly submitting your will to that of God, who gives each person what He knows to be necessary for the salvation of his soul.
NOVENA PRAYER
Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
my great protector, Saint Joseph,
that no one ever had recourse to your protection,
or implored your aid without obtaining relief.
Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you.
Do not turn down my petitions, foster father of the Redeemer,
but graciously receive them.(Mention your prayer requests)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
V./ Pray for us, holy Father St. Joseph
R./ That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.Father,
you entrusted our Savior and his holy Mother
to the care of St. Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.All scripture references in this novena are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America as accessed from the Bible Gateway website.
of Lisieux, T 2008, The Plays of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: “Pious Recreations”, translated from the French by Conroy S and Dwyer D J, ICS Publications, Washington, DC.
Don’t become discouraged and give up prayer, says St. John of the Cross. We offer varying novenas to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, as well as novenas to St. Joseph, St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, and St. Edith Stein.
#GodSWill #inspiration #novena #PiousRecreation #poverty #prayer #refugees #salvation #StJoseph #StThereseOfLisieux #wealth
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St. Joseph Novena 2025: Introduction
To the land of Egypt you must quickly go.
Joseph, this very night, depart in silence.Saint Thérèse of Lisieux
Like Mary, Joseph too received an annunciation. In fact, at every pivotal moment of his life, it is God who speaks. Usually, God’s word initiates a dialogue; for Joseph, it is indeed a dialogue with his God, but his response is silent—he speaks through his actions. The word of God sets the rhythm of his life; he is accustomed to it, and he always begins by listening. This is his way of worshiping the Lord and belonging to Him. In this way, he instinctively assumes the posture of a servant, expressing his submission in advance, without a word.
Yet he knows from experience that the word of God draws him ever more deeply into mystery. He is astonished by what happens to him, but he immediately hides in silence every event whose significance escapes him. Mystery enters his life, just as it enters ours, but he welcomes it without trying to deny, diminish, or eliminate it—waiting only for God to give it meaning through a new word. Without letting any part of the mystery be lost, he gives his yes in advance to the liberating word that will inevitably come.
And when that word does come, it demands even greater faith: “Do not be afraid,” says the Lord. Yet, from a human perspective, there was so much to fear—such as Herod’s threat! “Get up, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt!” (Mt 2:13). Flee, Joseph!—But for how long, Lord?—“Until I tell you…” Until another word comes!—But then, it won’t be final? I won’t be able to plan the future for Mary or the child?—“Stay in Egypt until I tell you.”—So I won’t be able to settle there?—“Joseph, your true place is wherever Jesus lives, wherever you accompany Mary…”
And Joseph rises, because the word of God, despite the night of faith, is stronger than all opposing evidence. He takes the child and his mother by night—the child who sleeps and the mother who shivers—and he sets out.
As for us, we are willing to take Jesus and Mary, but not if it means entering the night, not if it means walking into exile, not if it means continuing our exodus—from Nazareth to Bethlehem, from Bethlehem to Egypt, and from Egypt to God knows where—because we have our own ideas about the life that suits us.
Everything rests in the hand of God, and all initiative belongs to Him. At the same time, Joseph remains completely free, yet his listening already signals his consent. “Here I am,” say the men of the Bible. Joseph, for his part, places himself before God; he listens, and that is enough. His yes is not only immediate but already contained within his listening. The word of God gives rhythm to his entire existence and enables him to pass through dangers and dead ends with serenity. He is open to receiving everything from the hand of his God.
This is the attitude we need!
Father Jean Lévêque, o.c.d.
2017 Carmelite Online Retreat (excerpt)
PRAY EACH DAY WITH ST JOSEPH
Day One — Service
Day Two — He looks
Day Three — Workman
Day Four — God’s heart
Day Five — He knows
Day Six — If you knew
Day Seven — Happiness
Day Eight — Pleasing to God
Day Nine — Mercy
NOVENA PRAYER
Remember, O most pure spouse of the Blessed Virgin Mary,
my great protector, Saint Joseph,
that no one ever had recourse to your protection,
or implored your aid without obtaining relief.
Confiding therefore in your goodness, I come before you.
Do not turn down my petitions, foster father of the Redeemer,
but graciously receive them.(Mention your prayer requests)
Our Father… Hail Mary… Glory Be…
V./ Pray for us, holy Father St. Joseph
R./ That we may become worthy of the promises of Christ.Father,
you entrusted our Savior and his holy Mother
to the care of St. Joseph.
By the help of his prayers
may your Church continue to serve its Lord, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.Tribute to Frère Jean Lévêque, OCD (1930–2024)
Frère Jean Lévêque, a distinguished Discalced Carmelite friar of the Paris Province, passed away on June 11, 2024, at the age of 93. Born on August 30, 1930, he entered the Carmelite Order in 1955, dedicating nearly seven decades to a life of contemplative prayer, scholarly pursuit, pastoral care, and musical composition.
Renowned for his profound biblical scholarship, Frère Jean held degrees in Oriental studies and theology, including a doctorate focusing on the Book of Job. He taught Old Testament exegesis and Oriental languages, primarily at the Institut Catholique de Paris from 1974 to 1990.
In addition to his academic and pastoral contributions, Frère Jean was an accomplished musician. His musical sensibility led him to compose hymns and liturgical offices, enriching the celebration of the liturgy within the Carmelite community and beyond.
All scripture references in this novena are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America as accessed from the Bible Gateway website.
of Lisieux, T 2008, The Plays of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux: “Pious Recreations”, translated from the French by Conroy S and Dwyer D J, ICS Publications, Washington, DC.
Translation from the French text is the blogger’s own work product and may not be reproduced without permission.
Featured image: Detail from Saint Joseph’s second dream, stained glass window in the Basilica of Saint Clotilde, Paris, France. The photographer, Zvonimir Atletić, is the renowned Croatian photojournalist who first met St. Teresa of Calcutta in 1977, capturing images of her work in Calcutta. Over the years, he accompanied her on several occasions, documenting her mission in Croatia and India. Atletić is considered one of the photographers who had the most opportunities to capture Mother Teresa’s dedication to the poor and abandoned. His black-and-white images, described by the Croatian Photography Center as enveloped in a “sacred silence,” open a space for dialogue with the Creator.
Don’t become discouraged and give up prayer, says St. John of the Cross. We offer varying novenas to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, as well as novenas to St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Edith Stein and St. Joseph.
#inspiration #intercession #novena #PiousRecreation #prayer #StJoseph #StThereseOfLisieux
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@Aslanmane @EnricoilLeone
I got a similar sob story when I asked #chatgpt to tell me more about St Therese. What a sad excuse! 😂
#stthereseoflisieux #ai #catholic #carmelite -
@aprilfiet
Here's a Carmelite quote that speaks to me when that anxiety hits: "when I start thinking about tomorrow, I'm afraid of my fickle nature; I feel sadness and worry take hold in my heart... but I really want to be faithful to you, God, in the midst of suffering and trials like this. I've only got today."Take what you like and leave the rest. I'll go light a candle for you now.
#StThereseOfLisieux #Carmelite #quote -
"Jesus, you are the Lamb I love.
You are all I need, O supreme good!
In you I have everything, the earth and even Heaven.
The Flower that I pick, O my King,
Is You!…"ST. THÉRÈSE OF LISIEUX
THE CANTICLE OF CÉLINE, VS 36#StThereseOfLisieux #StainedGlass #ginger #StainedGlassSunday #Jesus #ChristTheKing #poetry #poem #Catholic #Carmelite
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@jolz
We could call her the Doctor of Simplicity! #StJohnPaulII decided that #MercifulLove was her thing, though... he could have copied #StThereseOfLisieux and said something like "I choose all." What a great reflection, Jolz. Thank you so much for sharing this!
:ablobcatheartsqueeze: -
St. Thérèse, our newest Carmelite Doctor of the Church has great insight for us as we commemorate All Carmelite Souls Day. She calls all those clothed in the holy scapular of the Virgin of Carmel to move beyond superstitious belief; she urges us on, to make Love Alone our only goal.
#StThereseOfLisieux #Carmelites #AllSoulsDay #love -
St. John of the Cross Novena, Day 1: Self-trust
Reading
Those who trust in themselves are worse than the devil.
Sayings of Light and Love, 166
Scripture
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, ‘God, I thank thee that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.’ But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for every one who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Meditation
“Jesus told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous,” the Gospel tells us. And let’s notice that the conclusion of the parable is a mirror image of the song that Jesus’ own Mother sang in the home of her cousin Elizabeth: Deposuit potentes de sede, et exaltavit humiles (“He has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate,” Lk 1:52).
Another interesting item to note in the parable is the conscience of the tax collector, who was painfully aware of his sinfulness. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states that a “well-formed conscience is upright and truthful”, thus the “education of conscience is indispensable for human beings who are subjected to negative influences and tempted by sin to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings.” (CCC 1783) This education is “a lifelong task.” (CCC 1784)
So how is the conscience formed?
In the formation of conscience the Word of God is the light for our path, we must assimilate it in faith and prayer and put it into practice. We must also examine our conscience before the Lord’s Cross. We are assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, aided by the witness or advice of others and guided by the authoritative teaching of the Church. (CCC 1785)
If self-trust is worse than the devil, i.e. “Satan, the Evil One, the angel who opposes God…. the one who ‘throws himself across’ God’s plan and his work of salvation accomplished in Christ” (CCC 2851) then the virtue to conquer that vice would be to trust in God.
When we say ‘God’ we confess a constant, unchangeable being, always the same, faithful and just, without any evil. It follows that we must necessarily accept his words and have complete faith in him and acknowledge his authority. He is almighty, merciful, and infinitely beneficent. Who could not place all hope in him? Who could not love him when contemplating the treasures of goodness and love he has poured out on us? (CCC 2086)
St. Thérèse of Lisieux, one of St. John of the Cross’ foremost disciples responds to these rhetorical questions in these, her last written words:
It is not in the first place, but in the last place that I start out; instead of getting ahead with the Pharisee, I repeat, full of trust, the humble prayer of the tax collector; but especially I imitate Magdalene’s attitude, her amazing or rather her daring love that charms the Heart of Jesus, captivates my very own heart. Yes, I feel it, even if I had on my conscience all the sins that can be committed, I would go, heartbroken with repentance, and throw myself into Jesus’ arms, because I know just how much He cherishes the prodigal child who has returned to Him. It is not because God, in His gracious, prevenient mercy, has preserved my soul from mortal sin that I stand up and go to Him in trust and love… (Ms C 36v-37r).
Prayer
O St. John of the Cross
You were endowed by our Lord with the spirit of self-denial
and a love of the cross.
Obtain for us the grace to follow your example
that we may come to the eternal vision of the glory of God.O Saint of Christ’s redeeming cross
the road of life is dark and long.
Teach us always to be resigned to God’s holy will
in all the circumstances of our lives
and grant us the special favor
which we now ask of you.Mention your request
Above all, obtain for us the grace of final perseverance,
a holy and happy death and everlasting life with you
and all the saints in heaven.
Amen.Let’s continue in prayer
Day 1 — Self-trust
Day 2 — Self-giving
Day 3 — Cleansing
Day 4 — Walking in love
Day 5 — Trust
Day 6 — Prayer
Day 7 — Humility
Day 8 — Eternal Silence
Day 9 — Silent love
Image of St. John of the Cross painted by Sr. Genevieve of the Holy Face, OCD (Céline Martin) | Photo credit: Discalced CarmelitesThe novena prayer was composed from approved sources by Professor Michael Ogunu, a member of the Discalced Carmelite Secular Order in Nigeria.
All scripture references in this novena are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Catholic Edition, copyright © 1989, 1993 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America as accessed from the Bible Gateway website.
Don’t become discouraged and give up prayer, says St. John of the Cross. We offer varying novenas to Our Lady of Mount Carmel, as well as novenas to St. Teresa of Avila, St. John of the Cross, St. Thérèse of Lisieux, Sts. Louis and Zélie Martin, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, and St. Joseph.
#conscience #devil #examinationOfConscience #humble #johnOfTheCross #littleTherese #manuscript #novena #pharisee #prevenientMercy #pride #sanJuanDeLaCruz #satan #selfRighteous #stJohnOfTheCross #stTherese #stThereseOfLisieux #stThereseOfTheChildJesus #taxCollector #trust