Only a "very ordinary" Catholic?

[MariaChristi]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I read something this morning that I want to share:

Like many of the saints it is hard to penetrate the depth of his spiritual life and not too much can be said about it. However Alfie had this deep active devotion to Mary.

He was never known to have anything but a smile and good humour in spite of the fact of travel and conditions that would have exhausted his frail body. He would renew his Legion Promise to the Holy Spirit very frequently and his bedside companions were the gospels, and St. Louis Marie’s True Devotion to Jesus through Mary. He made a point of keeping in contact with a huge number of people and aimed at writing at least 3 letters each day.

These letters, like the spiritual advice he gave, were treasured by those who received them. A few days before his death a nurse commented on the fact that he said many rosaries.

She said to him; “You are an extraordinary catholic”. His reply was;” Oh no, I am only a very ordinary catholic”. (Underlining is mine)

( – from Noel Lynch, former Legion Envoy to South America)

If you would like to read more about Servant of God Alphonsus Lambe, whose cause for canonization has been introduced, see HERE

 

[Casilda]

Thank you for sharing!

 

[MariaChristi]

Thank you for sharing!

Dear Casilda,

And thank you for your reply. I must tell you I have been so blessed by this young Servant of God, in reading more about him. I purchased a small biography of his life Alfie Lambe, Legion Envoy by Hilde Firtel,, and as the expression goes: “I was blown away!” What loving zeal in such a young man, and such simple and genuine love for Jesus through Mary.

There is a copy for sale on Amazon but it is way overpriced HERE I would advise anyone interested to inquire at Maria Legionis Supplies, where I purchased my copy:
marialegionis@verizon.net

Since his cause for canonization was begun in Buenos Aires, Argentina, I hope Pope Francis is aware of him, and will eventually canonize him, along with the founder of the Legion of Mary, servant of God Frank Duff, see HERE, and Venerable Edel Quinn, Legion envoy to Africa, see HERE

We need the witness of lay persons to underline the fact: God calls ALL to holiness. The Catholic Church has need of saints among the laity to serve in the world while not being “of the world”. Mary, Queen of ALL Saints, pray for us. Come Holy Spirit, fill us with Jesus as you filled Mary and enable us to give Jesus again to our world!

 

[Casilda]

It was a reminder to me to resume seeking a local chapter to be a part of. When I was searching for a parish home to get me back into communion and that would assist in my husband’s conversion I kind of lost track of that amongst other things. I have a special place in my heart for Irish saints, too.

 

[MariaChristi]

It was a reminder to me to resume seeking a local chapter to be a part of. When I was searching for a parish home to get me back into communion and that would assist in my husband’s conversion I kind of lost track of that amongst other things. I have a special place in my heart for Irish saints, too.

Yes! Do continue your search! Did you know, by the way, that St. Louis De Montfort, the “tutor” of the Legion of Mary, although born in France, had “Celtic” influence? Apparently the area in which he was born was greatly influenced by the “Celts”, as were the countries of Ireland and Scotland. I’ve always felt the Irish had a very deep spirituality. I’ve never been there but my Maternal and Paternal Grandparents were born there. Thanks again for your reply.

PS If you can’t find a local chapter, let me know. You can always join our group as an “Auxiliary Member”. Our Praesidium, “Queen of Peace” has Auxiliaries in England, Canada, Philippines as well as the USA. Pray about it and let me know.

 

[Googler]

A free online book of Sacred Irish poems/hymns from 1928 HERE.
:shamrock2:

 

[MariaChristi]

A free online book of Sacred Irish poems/hymns from 1928 HERE.
:shamrock2:

Thanks brother,

I skimmed through some of the hymns and recalled that Servant of God Alphonsus Lambe though born in Ireland, died in Latin America where he was sent as a Legion of Mary Envoy by Servant of God Frank Duff. Ireland certainly has its share of great Saints who praised God, the Holy Trinity, the Sacred Heart of Jeus, Mary and all the saints. The Irish also love to sing!

When Alphonsus Lambe died, the Legion of Mary asked his Mother in Ireland if she wanted her son buried in Ireland but she declined saying that her son would rather be buried among those he served. Since Alphonsus had entered the Christian Brothers but had to leave due to frail health, he was buried in the vault of the Irish Christian Brothers, in the Recoleta Cemetery, Buenos Aires.

He was far from being (as Alphonsus said of himself ): “a very ordinary Christian” unless we add to that description Alphie lived in Extraordinary Love!