If people only realized the joy of praying

[Rob2]

St Gerard of Brogne​

Celebrated on October 3rd

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A Benedictine abbot , this gentle saint was born to a wealthy family in 895 near Fosse, in France. From his youth, he had a reputation for being very friendly and kind. For a time he was a soldier and courtier of the Count of Namur. One day after a hunting trip with friends the group returned to his family estate tired and hungry. After he had invited everyone in to rest and eat Gerard slipped away to a little chapel that on his property and prayed for a long time.

He found that his tired body seemed rested and he forgot all about his hunger. The idea occurred to Gerard that if people only realized the joy of praying, they would want to pray all the time. He soon gave up life at court and joined the monastery of Saint-Denis. He loved the life there and eventually became a priest.

Gerard remained at St Denis for 11 years, when he was given permission to start a monastery on his own property at Brogne. His community flourished, but, longing for more peace and solititude, Gerard built himself a little hermitage next to the church.

He was not allowed to stay there for very long. His superiors asked him to visit the monasteries in Flanders and Normandy to assist them in their organisation and prayer life. For the next 20 years Gerard travelled around the country visiting monasteries in Flanders and Normandy, including Mont Saint-Michel.

When he realised his life on earth was nearly over, Gerard asked for permission to return to his hermitage back in Brogne. He died there peacefully on this day in 959.

(from ICN)

 

[Seagull]

I’d love to realize ze the joy of praying -
to know - that I’m actually being heard from someone.

That’s one of the great mysteries of faith.

 

[MarthaSo]

Me too. Right now I’m in my 4th month of expecting and I work full time, I can’t describe the zombie exhaustion I feel at 5pm when I have to start dinner. I can’t finish a rosary, too tired. I also have other issues that have not gone away (mental) after a decade of praying and novenas, begging etc… I honestly don’t have joy but if the Lord removes His peace I’m in big danger of falling into despair. As of right now although joyless, I am graced enough to see my blessings.
It is sad though when you know there are people who are so naturally joyful in the Lord and others who have traveled the desert for what seems like 100 years in prayer asking for this very fruit.
As that person sometimes the only thing that brings me consolation is knowing that this painful life is only temporary and God knows I’ve tried my darndest.

 

[Seagull]

Me too. Right now I’m in my 4th month of expecting
and I work full time,
I can’t describe the zombie exhaustion I feel at 5 pm when I have to start dinner.
I can’t finish a rosary, too tired.
I also have other issues -
after a decade of praying and novenas, begging etc…

I’m so happy you posted this, Martha.
Some days - I’m zombie exhausted too - saying - out loud - " this is thankless " - etc
You’re expecting ?
You def. have it tougher than me - lol
I type this with a smile - I’ll try to remember you through the day today -
and say a prayer or two your way -
as a guy - I know that I’m tougher and stronger and more resilient and gutsy -
so I can certainly respect your honesty - and sense your nobility !

 

[MarthaSo]

Thanks for your kind words and prayer. May God bless you!

 

[Diaconia]

Say a prayer to St. Gerard of Majella, he takes care of exhausted, pregnant ladies.

The effort is what God is after – your very desire to pray, even when you fall asleep, pleases the LORD.

I will all pray to St Gerard for you,
Deacon Christopher

 

[MarthaSo]

Thank you for your prayers and the introduction to this Saint!