In the footsteps of Palau

Sixth Day November 3

Footprints of Solidarity

We let these words of Father Palau echo within us:

“Whatever you do to my sick members you do to me and I am grateful to you for it; and because you seek for me and serve me in the sinner, in the sick and the afflicted, because you give me consolation in sorrow and affliction, on this mountain I will give you a thousand fold.” MR 9,5

“Look at him in this body which is the Church, wounded and crucified, needy, persecuted, despised and mocked. Offer yourself to take care of him and render him the services that are within your power.” Letter 42,2

Scripture Text: Matt 25: 31-40

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will put the sheep at his right hand and the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me”

Reflection:

Solidarity is often taken to mean giving something so that another is satisfied, and that is fine in many cases. Today we want to go a little deeper, to where solidarity, which we have read about in the writings of Palau and in the Holy Gospel, is not just another action, but a way of life: it means being sensitive to human suffering, in the face of hunger, poverty, the temptation of unbridled consumerism, etc. When we manage to give a smile, to give ourselves to others in service, to care for our common home, and live solidarity in many other forms, then we can say “I am living in solidarity with you.” For further reflection: Explain in your own words to the person beside you how you are living solidarity today.

We pray together:

“Only through the power and inspiration of the Holy Spirit do we pray properly and attain all we ask for.” Struggle 17

  • We ask you to bless and strengthen all the people who do good by giving their lives for those who are least protected, the vulnerable, the abused and the discarded. We pray to the Lord.
  • For young people: may they embrace the hope of a more human world, where solidarity and fraternal love is possible, and may they commit themselves to the building of this world through involvement in the fields of knowledge, business and public service. We pray to the Lord.
  • For those who suffer – refugees, prisoners, street children, orphans: for all of these brothers and sisters of ours, may we be able to extend solidarity and brotherly love. We pray to the Lord.

Today we pray especially for the following communities and works of the St Therese of the Child Jesus Province of Africa: Kinshasa Community. Saint Elisabeth de la Trinité, Complexe Scolaire Francois Palau, Matanda Community Saint Joseph, Rwanda Butare Community. Mater Carmeli, Gikore Cdad. Notre Dame des Vertus, Senegal Diamaguene Community. Sta Teresa de Jesús, Health Centre Nôtre Dame de la Paix à Diamaguène, Kaolack Community Sta Teresa Benedicta de la Cruz, Health Centre, Mater Carmeli, Thies Community Nostre Dame des Vertus, Mwanza Community. Our Lady of Carmel.

Let us bring to our mind and heart: Government leaders, for youth.

Música: 6. Que no se me olvide a ser más Solidario

On this day of the novena, let us ask for the intercession of Francisco Palau, that we may be women and men who walk in synodality, and having experienced Solidarity with others in our lives, may we proclaim that same Solidarity every 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 as 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.