– Brought to you by Fr. Bernardino Andrade
Before the final blessing of the English Mass at the Chapel Penha de França, in Funchal, we always have a special blessing for the people who are celebrating their birthdays, wedding anniversaries or any special event during that month.
One day we had a couple who was celebrating their 57th Anniversary. After blessing two or three more couples I blessed a very young couple. After the blessing I asked them: «How long ago have you been married?» The young man answered: «One week. But we want to talk with that couple who has been married for 57 years. We want to know the secret».
After Mass they talked. The secret was very simple: «Be good to one another».
St. Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa) was speaking to people who had come to meet her from all over the world. Among those to whom she spoke was a group of religious sisters from many North American orders. After her talk she asked if there were any questions.
– «Yes, I have one», a Sister sitting near the front said.
«As you know, most of the orders represented here have been losing members. It seems that more and more women are leaving all the time. And yet your order is attracting thousands upon thousands. What do you do?».
Without hesitating Mother Teresa answered: «I give them Jesus.»
– «Yes I know,» said the woman, «but take habits, for example. Do your women object to wearing habits? And the rules of the order, how do you do it?»
– «I give them Jesus.» Mother Teresa replied.
– «Yes, I know Mother,» said the woman, «but can you be more specific?»
– «I give them Jesus.» Mother Teresa repeated again.
– «Mother,» said the woman, «we are all of us aware of your fine work. I want to know about something else.»
Mother Teresa said quietly: «I give them Jesus. There is nothing else.»
This is the secret. And this secret is available 24 hours a day.
To fall in love with Jesus is to fall in love with his project.
Love and Peace,
Fr. Bernardino Andrade
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