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Novena in Honor of Saint Paul of the Cross – Day 3
A novena, a nine day prayer, is a way of praying with perseverance, modeled after the nine days period the apostles prayed after Pentecost. We suggest that to make the novena, you reflect on the readings of the day and the daily reflection, then pray the novena prayers linked below.
One has only to stroll the property of the Retreat of the Presentation on Monte Argentario, the first foundation of the Passionist Congregation, to appreciate St. Paul’s sense of beauty. In fact, today, thanks to the former Superior General, Fr. Jose-Augustin Orbegozzo, who is fond of working amid vegetation, the campus of the Passionists there, which includes two monasteries, looks very much like an English garden. However, the geography plays a greater part; the vista over Port ‘Ercole takes one’s breath away. The blue of the sea, the freshness of the air, the clarity of the sky with its peculiar kind of color, the majesty of surrounding mountains, and the smell of fresh oranges immediately puts one in touch with Paul’s sensitivity to splendor. There are two seasons of orange blossoms per year, which exude an overwhelming fragrance. Many Religious, from his day to the present, have commented that while St. Paul of the Cross is frequently associated with the mystery of suffering, he must also be associated with the phenomena of beauty. It must never be forgotten that Tuscany is the cradle of the Congregation of the Passion. Even today, tourists and connoisseurs find that region of the Medici to be spectacular. He chose this locale.
Beside the sense of wonder, which is convoked by external beauty, stimulation from nature, Paul was also enhanced by the charm of family-like relationships. He loved festival blessings in which the Religious and lay benefactors gathered to exchange best wishes and warm conversation. Filial affection, expressed both to God and to one another, he pronounced to be the greatest consolation. The comfort of companionship he found to be the most beautiful of all human experience. While the Religious did not have much to offer by way of refreshment and libation, they did have a warm fire. The chairs were, and still are, uncomfortable. But people did not mind and found his company and that of the Passionist brethren to be endearing. Paul possessed an adaptable skill for social outreach and was equally at home in the parlor of a cardinal as well as with the homeless along the Tiber River. He was especially grateful for the generosity shown him for he found the donations given to him, as a type of mendicant, to be his great comfort. He said regarding permissions, i.e., land, food and condiments, these are among the greatest gifts that one can materially receive.
One of St. Paul’s most peculiar characteristics was his love of fresh fruit over confectionary products. It was the normal dessert for every meal except for meals of penance. On those occasions, puddings, cake, and sweet bread were served. He much preferred the taste of fructose over glucose. Paul of the Cross found that to be his greatest culinary joy. It was rooted in his propensity for simplicity.
Simplicity is the peculiar characteristic of a child-like spirit, along with a sense of wonder and transparency. Simplicity is the gateway to the heart of God who loves to indulge His children. Years ago, I provided an expensive Christmas present of a toy train to a four-year old relative who had recently lost his father. The package was brilliantly wrapped. On Christmas morning, when he came to this gift and found red ribbon on red satin, he carefully unwrapped the package and exclaimed “Oh, a train.” Just as carefully, he removed the train and placed it aside and began to play with the box. This perhaps best explains St. Paul of the Cross’ sense of beauty.
St. Paul of the Cross was seemingly indifferent to the architecture and artifacts as well as the precious paintings, which he found in each new retreat which he acquired. This is especially true of the Monastery of SS. John and Paul in Rome, the basilica given to him by Pope Clement XIV in the final years of his life. In the refectory of that edifice, paintings from its former Dominican era still hang. Well executed and of considerable value, we have not a word from him about them.
There is no question but to repeat that St. Paul of the Cross was uniquely and intensely endowed with a childlike charism so highly underscored in the synoptic gospels. It is the key to understanding his appreciation of beauty.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You have taught us through the life of your servant, St. Paul of the Cross, that beauty awakens hope. He has written: “Hope expands the heart, increases courage and lovingly places us in the hands of God. “ By searching to find one simple beauty every day, may we rejoice in the truth that we are your children and that we may rest in Your embrace, as if we were in the arms of a loving mother. We ask this through our Lord, Jesus Christ Crucified, who lives, and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen
- Fr. Jerome Vereb, C.P.
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