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James Martin, S.J.February 15, 2011

Happy Feast of St. Claude la Colombière (1641-1682) the spiritual director of St. Margaret Mary Alocoque, who had received the visions of the Sacred Heart in the Visitation convent at Paray-le-Monial, in France. When few in her convent trusted her experiences, and she was reaching a point of despair over ever being believed, she heard Jesus say to her in prayer, "I will send you my faithful servant and perfect friend." Claude, a young Jesuit completing his formation, was soon afterwards assigned as spiritual director to the convent.  It was to him that St. Margaret Mary confided her visions, and Claude who later was responsible for spreading the devotion.  In the notiviate, I read a marvelous book that cemented my love for (then Blessed) Claude, called “Perfect Friend.”  Being Jesus's "perfect friend" is a good goal for all of us.  St. Claude, pray for us.

Here is a video from the Apostleship of Prayer on St. Claude:

 

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Juan Lino
13 years 9 months ago
Being Jesus's "perfect friend" is a good goal for all of us. 

AMEN!
13 years 9 months ago
Yes, it is, Juan...Thank you Father.When I think of all the wounds that the Church has suffered, and continues to suffer, as the result of the abuse of children by priests, I can't think of a message more fitting than that of the Devotion to the Sacred Heart: mercy, love and reparation. Wouldn't it be wonderful if we could offer whatever suffering we have in our lives and offer it to Jesus in reparation?Thank you Fr. Martin. Thank you Fr. Kubicki. If you haven't checked out Offer It Up, I highly reommend that you do.
13 years 9 months ago
Great suggestion, Maria.  I'm with you. 

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