In the footsteps of Palau

Fourth Day November 1 

Footprints of Peace 

We let these words of Father Palau echo within us:

“Let nothing disturb you, be it good or bad. Give up everything else except your peace of heart.” Letter 38,8

All your perfection consists in wanting what God wants and doing what he wills. The will of God is revealed to you through those who direct and govern you. God will enlighten them and strengthen you to fight against yourselves, since you are the most formidable enemy that God and the Church have: your moods, your own judgments and wishes, your love for yourself and your self-will, your own thoughts, appetites, desires and whims. These are the enemies of peace and order. Prayer, devotions and every other weapon have to be directed to hold them. The will of God revealed, not only through us priests, but also through the sister constituted in authority, is the supreme law to which you must submit; and when you have won in this battle, when the law of God triumphs in you, you will have peace and you will rejoice in triumph, and wherever you go, you will bring order and peace, and with peace, glory.” Letter 99,2

Scripture Texts: 

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid. [Jn 14:27]

For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. [Rom 14:17]

Reflection: 

On this fourth day of prayer, we are called to live in peace, during times that are complicated and in many places where it seems that peace is not found. Peace must be a way of life linked strongly both to prayer, and to our pastoral praxis, in the places where we give witness. How joyful it is when peace is promoted and we can reflect peace amidst the many brothers and sisters who suffer and cry out for this long-awaited gift from God! Francisco Palau moves us to be Peace, he demands of us that we lose everything rather than the peace in our hearts. For further reflection: How am I a promoter of peace among the People of God?

We pray together: 

  • For peace in the world and especially in Ukraine. We ask for the end of all armed conflicts and especially that of Ukraine, so that the peace processes achieve their objectives, the rights of citizens and national integrity are respected and all those who have had to flee their country can return and rebuild their lives. We pray to the Lord.
  • May the Lord grant us inner peace in order to respond to the Spirit of the Gospel to the challenges of each day. We pray to the Lord.
  • For the families displaced by the war in different places, especially the families of our sisters and brothers in Africa and Europe. We pray to the Lord.
  • For all government leaders and legislators, that they may work for the good of all people. We pray to the Lord.

Taking a step further, on this fourth day of our novena we pray especially for the following communities and works of the Saint Therese of the Child Jesus Province of Africa, Nairobi Kenya Community Sainte Thérèse de L`Enfant Jésus, Yaundé Cdad. Blessed Francois Palau, community. St Joseph, Lyon France Cdad. Ste Thérèse de L`Enfant Jésus 

We bring to our mind and hearts: Peace 

Música: 4. Piérdelo todo ante la Paz del Corazón. 

During this day of the novena, let us ask for the intercession of Francisco Palau so that we may be women and men who walk in synodality, that having experienced Peace in our lives, we may proclaim that same peace day by day.

Father Palau Prayer 

Almighty and merciful God and Father: we thank and bless you for instilling in the heart of Blessed Francisco Palau a singular love for the Church, the Mystical Body of Christ, be revealed to him her beauty illustrated in Mary, and inspiring him to serve her through prayer and apostolic activity. Grant us his prompt canonization in the Church and the special grace we are asking through his intercession. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.