We know how precious children and young people are to Our Lord, as we are commanded by Jesus to become like them. We also know how the youth and their innocence is being attacked on all sides. As World Youth Day approaches, let us especially pray to the following three holy exemplars who have been chosen from our order for these momentous event to help strengthen our children and bring them closer to Our Lord as they "Go and make disciples of all nations" (Mt 28: 19).
The three are as follows:
Blessed Isidore Bakanja
Martyr of the scapular!
Biography
Isidore was born approximately in 1890, in Bokendela, Congo. He has had a very poor life and he worked as a farmer in the field. His baptism in 1986, was from his meeting with Carmelite missionaries who gave him a Rosary and the scapular of Our Lady of Carmelo. Very devoted of the Virgin Mary, he merrily prayed and sang while working. Once, unable to do so, he decides to leave his post, but without accepting the order to leave the visible signs of his faith. He was wounded on his back with whips and died, because he didn't resist to the wounds. We invoke him as a martyr of the scapular.
Isidore was born approximately in 1890, in Bokendela, Congo. He has had a very poor life and he worked as a farmer in the field. His baptism in 1986, was from his meeting with Carmelite missionaries who gave him a Rosary and the scapular of Our Lady of Carmelo. Very devoted of the Virgin Mary, he merrily prayed and sang while working. Once, unable to do so, he decides to leave his post, but without accepting the order to leave the visible signs of his faith. He was wounded on his back with whips and died, because he didn't resist to the wounds. We invoke him as a martyr of the scapular.
Prayer
That with the example of your faith we will be strengthened against the adversities of life and be protected by Mary, our Mother. Amen.
That with the example of your faith we will be strengthened against the adversities of life and be protected by Mary, our Mother. Amen.
Saint Therese of Lisieux
Patroness of the Missions!
Biography
St Therese of Jesus was born in France in 1873. At 15 she went into a Carmelite monastery, where she lived with humility and simplicity her total trust in God. She was proclaimed Patroness of the Missions in 1927, by her deep desire to be a missionay and by her willingness to give everything for the good of others. The WDY invokes her as the Missions Patroness!
St Therese of Jesus was born in France in 1873. At 15 she went into a Carmelite monastery, where she lived with humility and simplicity her total trust in God. She was proclaimed Patroness of the Missions in 1927, by her deep desire to be a missionay and by her willingness to give everything for the good of others. The WDY invokes her as the Missions Patroness!
Prayer
Grant me your missionary spirit to bring Jesus to all the villages! Amen.
Grant me your missionary spirit to bring Jesus to all the villages! Amen.
Saint Teresa of the Andes
Contemplative Christ!
Biography
Born in Chile in 1900. Since the age of 6 she participated almost daily at the Holy Mass. Her constancy in the Eucharist reveals her inner thirst to meet Christ. Many people say that before entering to the Carmel, at 17, she lived a holy life, which attracted souls to God. She was always aware that her prayer and sacrifice were able to improve and purify the world. Currently on her tomb we see her words: "Love is stronger." We pray for her intercession for us to learn to be contemplatives of Christ!
Born in Chile in 1900. Since the age of 6 she participated almost daily at the Holy Mass. Her constancy in the Eucharist reveals her inner thirst to meet Christ. Many people say that before entering to the Carmel, at 17, she lived a holy life, which attracted souls to God. She was always aware that her prayer and sacrifice were able to improve and purify the world. Currently on her tomb we see her words: "Love is stronger." We pray for her intercession for us to learn to be contemplatives of Christ!
Prayer
May I find in my soul, with your intercession, the desire to worship and glorify Jesus without pause. Amen!
May I find in my soul, with your intercession, the desire to worship and glorify Jesus without pause. Amen!
