Today we have the option of celebrating St. Peter Chanel or St. Louis de Montfort – both born in France – both priests who had a special devotion to Mary – both giving all they had to the preaching of the Gospel in season and out, in spite of all opposition.
Peter Chanel lived in the early part of the 19th century. He was a very bright young man with the help of his parish priest entered the newly formed order of the Society of Mary (the Marists – we know who they are!). He was even instrumental in helping the founder, Fr. Jean Colin present the Rule of the order in Rome for approval. It was approved and the missionary society was launched. Peter wanted to do missionary work – but he was assigned first parish work, then work as teacher and vice rector of the local seminary. But then, he had his chance to go to the newly formed South Sea Island mission territory. Life was not easy there – and the natives had very barbaric inclinations. After a valiant attempt to bring about conversion to the Catholic faith among the natives, Peter at last was given the crown of martyrdom for his efforts. Because of his efforts though, it did not take long for the Catholic faith to take root throughout the South Sea Islands and beyond.
Louis Grignion of Montfort, France lived two centuries earlier. He had great concern and cared for the poor and the sick. In his earlier years as a priest, he organized a group of women called the Congregation of the Daughters of Divine Wisdom. Pope Clement XI appointed him missionary apostolic and sent him to Brittany. He was a very powerful preacher, with great devotion to the Blessed Mother. He wrote a popular book called: Devotion to the Blessed Virgin. In 1715 he organized several priests and formed the Missionaries of the Company of Mary (commonly known as the Montfort Fathers). Even in France there was great opposition to the things of the faith at this time in Church history. Both Louis and companions had their work cut out for them. He died the following year and was canonized in 1947 by Pope Pius XII.
We too, have our work cut out for us today. We too must preach Christ Crucified to a world that could basically care less. We too must use the very Wisdom of God to overcome errant worldly wisdom and foolishness. We too must be willing to give our all for the cause, no matter what that might mean, always remembering that the foolishness of God (if there could be such a thing) is wiser than any human wisdom, and the weakness of God (if there could be such a thing) is stronger than any human strength; and always remembering that God IS in charge and he will always have HIS WAY, eventually!
In our world, in our country, in our families we must constantly recall Jesus' words that THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS AT HAND. It is right HERE. It is right NOW! IT IS ME! And just as Jesus called Simon, Andrew, James and John; and Louis de Montfort and Peter Chanel to proclaim and live life in this kingdom here and now – so he is calling each of us – to do the same, in our own unique and planned for way!
Just so long as we commit ourselves to giving our all each day; just so long as we accept all the help that God will give us – especially strengthened by the Eucharistic and powerful food of his Body and Blood given at Mass; just so long as we go out of ourselves to help others as much as possible: so will we be pleasing to God the Father, a true Friend of Jesus, an instrument of the Holy Spirit and a very special child of the Blessed Virgin Mary, who will look down on us and smile because we are living like a true child of hers in humility, truth, joy and love! Go out to all the world and tell the Good News! Praise the Lord, all you nations; glorify him, all you peoples!
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