Lenten Watchfires – Meditating on Purity of Heart and Being a Peacemaker
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Lenten Watchfires is a Lenten series based on the Beatitudes and the lives of the saints following the delightful picture book Rejoice and Be Glad! If you missed the previous installments you can find them here:
Saint Francis of Assisi,Saint Peter, Saint Juan Diego, Saint Benedict, Saint Faustina.
This week we have two little known saints to discover: Saint Frances of Rome and Saint Dulce Lopes Pontes. I knew a little about Saint Frances due to her famous quote: “A married woman must, when called upon, leave her devotions to God at the altar to find Him in her household affairs.”. But I knew nothing of Saint Dulce and it has been a delightful encounter. Come with me and discover these two holy women who have done so much for so many.
Saint Frances of Rome
Born to the Roman nobility, much was expected of Frances, first and foremost a good marriage, meaning a rich marriage with another powerful family. Frances wanted to devote herself to God but under obedience she did get married and had a holy marriage. Frances devoted herself to serving her family and the poor. After her husband died, she became a religious in order to serve even more. Learn more about Saint Frances:
- Check out page 21 of Rejoice and Be Glad! for a short biography
- Around the Year Once upon a Time Saints, Ethel Pochocki
- Saint Frances of Rome, audio story
- Saint Frances of Rome, short (2:05)
Blessed are the Pure of Hear, for they shall see God
Rejoice and Be Glad! Gives us a beautiful definition of a pure heart! An undivided love for the Lord. Saint Frances was afraid that getting married would divide her attention away from the Lord but instead she discovered that the more she loved others and served others, the more she loved the Lord. Her heart was therefore undivided as it was solely focused on love. Love was simply flowing from her and neither her home life nor her spiritual life were neglected as she followed Our Lord’s command in Matthew 22:37-39.
Following in Saint Frances’ footsteps
In our kitchen we have a sign that says: Love God, Love Others; Serve God, Serve Others. We created this sign many years ago to remind us that these were the two most important things for each of us to do daily. So this week, pay special attention to how each family member receives love and endeavor to love that person especially in the way they receive love. This might take quite a bit of practice, but practice makes perfect! When you struggle to love others, go to the source of love itself: Our Lord and ask him to help you.
Saint Dulce Lopes Pontes
Saint Dulce is a brand new saint, relatively speaking, of course. She died in 1992 and was canonized in 2019. She is called the Mother Teresa of Brazil and when you get to know her and her life you will quickly understand why! A contemporary of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, Dulce grew up in Brazil, entered a religious teaching order and then one day, convinced that the Lord was calling her to do more, started taking care of the poor. She soon started a hospital in a chicken coop, with 70 patients. And from there her work grew, and grew to become one of the best free medical care you can find in Brazil today. She brought peace through healing to so many!
Discover this new saint:
- Check out page 22 of Rejoice and Be Glad! for a short biography
- Saint Dulce biography article
- Very short Saint Dulce biography article, but with pictures
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God
The definition of peace seems to be the culmination, or reward, of all the other Beatitudes applied in our life. This Beatitude seems to embody the results of the virtuous living initiated by the other Beatitudes. But at the same time, you need peace to progress in the other Beatitudes. Isn’t it amazing how co-dependent and intertwined they all are? It makes me think of the celtic infinity knot design, where there is no beginning and no end, but if you take anything out it does not work anymore. We need each of the Beatitudes and the virtues they instill in us to grow in holiness.
How to be peace in our home
I am sure that we all already know the many ways we can bring peace into our homes. We know what mom is always asking us: “change your tone of voice”, “share with your sister”, “please help with this, that or the other”. So maybe this week instead of waiting for Mom to ask we think ahead and do what brings peace in the home of our own accord. We can ask Saint Dulce to help us see the needs of others and anticipate where we can be peace.
Saint Francis of Assisi wrote a beautiful prayer, let me be an instrument of your peace, for that exact request. But the simplest way to be peace in our own home is to love others, follow what we have discovered through the Beatitudes the last few weeks and pay attention to the needs of others around us.
I am praying for you!
Love,
Mattie
