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This page is
devoted to a presentation of some of the writings on spiritual subjects which
have inspired the members of the Order over the years. I hope that those who read
these extracts are inspired to understand our common aspiration towards holiness
in Christ and see another aspect of the charism of the Founder.
Lessons from
Jesus - This was originally a Retreat at our
Community of the Holy Ghost in Queensland. Our Lord teaches His children how
to practice virtue in the context of Community life.
The
Apostolate - of Holy Motherhood (and Fatherhood).
This is a new addition soon to be incorporated into the next revision of the
Rule and Constitutions of the Order. More on this later.
Special
Devotions - of the Order of Saint Charbel in all
Communities. Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; True Devotion to the
Immaculate Heart of Mary; the Holy Angels; the Holy Souls in Purgatory.
The Mother of God - True
Devotion to Mary as expressed in the writings of Saint Louis Marie de
Montfort best typify the spirituality of the Order. The significance of the
Apparitions of the Mother of God in the last 200 years is a singular sign of
these times. This page offers various items on these subjects including
letters, articles, and other writings of interest.
The
Saints - and Holy Men and Women. This page offers
some of the writings which have so influenced the members of the Order in
their personal piety and devotion. Notably, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Maria
Valtorta, and Padre Pio. More to be added ...
Rules
for Distinguishing Between Different Spiritual Influences - from
The Spiritual Exercises
of Saint Ignatius of Loyola. This extract is the classic treatise on the
discernment of spirits. This is a very important document. It is necessary
for anyone wanting to understand the role of consolations and tribulation in
their life. Seers and Privileged Souls
will find much encouragement in this teaching.
The Catholic spirituality lived in the
Communities of the Order of Saint Charbel rests upon the rich patrimony of
ascetical-mystical theology which was exemplified in the lives of the Saints and
taught by the Magisterium. The holy men and women whose lives of heroic virtue
have always been the inspiration for the faithful and especially for the many
Religious Orders in the world today. The same is true for the Order of
Saint Charbel.
For instance, the charism of the Founder's of new and
old Religious Institutes have always been centred upon the lived experience of
holiness -- the intense love and union with Christ, the
Saviour. A wonderful example is Saint Francis of Assisi and his charism to found
the Franciscan Order. What began in such simple fashion was the inspiration for
many vocations -- many wanted to follow the example of Saint Francis. His
followers were just ordinary people, yet like him, they too had a common
aspiration -- to love God with all their heart, mind and soul. Saint Francis was
the "magnet" which attracted them to his particular charism.
Sacrament of Baptism
But what is the fundamental principle of
the spiritual life which inspires all forms of consecrated life? It is our incorporation into Christ through Baptism.
Sanctifying Grace is the seed of Glory which introduces us into the "Way,
and Truth and Life" of Christ. Padre Pio explained so well, the
reality of our Baptism in a wonderful letter to his spiritual child Raffaelina
Cerase (see letter 33): "Baptism brings
about a real transformation in us. We die to sin and are grafted onto Jesus
Christ in such a way as to live by His very Life" (Padre Pio, Vol. 2,
Letters, 33). Religious life is built upon the
foundation of the Sacrament of Baptism. The way of perfection, for all Religious
Orders then is the growth in the virtues of Christian living as revealed by
Christ in the Holy Gospels.
The Order of Saint Charbel is no
different in this respect. Saint Charbel Makhlouf is the patron of the
Order named after him. Saint Benedict, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Therese of
Lisieux also figure prominently in the spirituality of the Order.
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