Friday, August 22, 2008

St. Francis de Sales

St. Francis de Sales suffered of a terrible depression/obsession while he was in college. Because of the theological discussions that he attended he became convinced and obsessed with the thought that he was condemned and going to hell. He ate and slept very little and lived in constant terror. His spiritual director was deeply concerned. Francis feared he was losing his mind.

Finally one day he dragged himself into a church and made an act of Trust. He told God that no matter what He had planned for Him he knew it was good because God loved Him. After that he prayed the Memorae which is an act of trust to Our Lady.

He trusted. And that opened the floodgates of Grace. In an instant he found himself free from that obsession.

We might not receive an immediate healing like Francis but we will surely immediately receive the Grace to carry our Crown of Thorns every time we choose to Trust God. Let us pray the Memorae, specially today in the feast of the Queenship of Mary!

Remember Oh Most Gracious, Virgin Mary! that never was it known that anyone who fled to Thy protection, implored thy help or sought Thy intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence I fly unto Thee, Oh Virgin of Virgins, my Mother! To the do I come, before you I cry, sinful and sorrowful. Oh Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions but in Thy Mercy hear and answer me!Amen.

7 comments:

Ginkgo100 said...

It's very interesting to contrast that with the response of Martin Luther to a similar obsession. Instead of trusting God and using his pain to grow closer to Him, he rejected the elements of the faith he disliked, declared them "abuses" which he lumped together with bona fide abuses, apostasized, and led countless others away from the fullness of truth found in the Catholic Church.

Mark D. said...

Wow. What a fantastic blog. Great work here.

Mark D. said...

I'm going to add you to my blogroll.

Jackie Parkes MJ said...

Great reminder of a powerful prayer..

Adrienne said...

Some people (like me) never think to ask. Healing is available but we need to ask and have faith. If the good Lord decides that's what we need - well, we get it. So simple.

Margaret Mayer said...

Rosario, your story is beautiful and you are an amazing person. I went through a bout with depression after I miscarried my third child in 1999 and I remember I had thoughts that God was not with me. It was a very tough time in my life. I hope you reach many folks also with these same issues. Christ IS our faithful friend and we are so blessed. I found your site because you left a nice comment for me on the Catholic Ill. Blog about one of my paintings. God Bless you.
-Maggie Mayer

Trina said...

Great post - I like what ginkgo100 said too. Interesting